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Find the best of rugged and rustic Northern Spain
This 9-day tour is the perfect introduction to the diverse cultures, landscapes and culinary delights of Northern Spain. Travel from the buzz of Madrid through Burgos and the Picos de Europa, finishing in Porto after a brief pilgrimage in Santiago de Compostela. Crane your neck to witness exemplary Gothic architecture contained inside medieval walls, walk through lush fields and rub your hand over the worn pillar touched by millions at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
- Code
- PESP
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Spend a day exploring Segovia, where the towering Roman aqueduct is just one of the historic monuments that decorate the town.
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Discover the Gothic magic of Burgos Cathedral, first constructed in the 13 the century from the city’s signature white limestone and still impressive today.
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Sample regional delicacies like local ciders in Asturias, sweet carbayon pastries in Oviedo and, of course, Porto’s eponymous tipple.
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Hike beautiful paths under snow-capped mountains in Picos de Europa National Park, where deep green valleys are framed by rugged grey mountains.
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Walk the final stretch of the Camino alongside weary pilgrims and feel their joy as the spires of the Santiago de Compostella come into view.
Is this trip right for you?
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Travel on this trip takes place in a comfortable private vehicle, but please note that two days on this trip feature significant time spent driving (5 and 6 hours respectively). Breaks to use the bathroom, eat and sightsee are scheduled.
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There are two walks included in this itinerary – a hike in Picos de Europa and the final stretch of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The difficulty will be adjusted depending on group ability, but you will need a basic level of fitness in order to enjoy them.
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This tour is bookended by two incredible cities – Madrid and Porto. However, time in these cities is limited, so please allocate extra days if you would like to discover these destinations in depth.
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Picos de Europa is known for the diversity of the weather. It can be relatively cold even in the height of summer, so please pack appropriately with layers.
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Itinerary
Accommodation
- Hotel Emperador or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Markets of Madrid - Urban Adventure - EUR47
- Madrid Tapas Adventure - Urban Adventure - EUR82
- Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR12
- Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
- Royal Palace-Madrid - EUR11
Meals Included
- Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.As this trip spends very little time in Madrid, we recommend you spend a few extra days before your trip if you want to experience all the city has to offer.
Accommodation
- Hotel Emperador or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Alcazar of Segovia tour inc audioguide
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Sercotel Corona de Castilla or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Burgos leader led tour
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Los Lagos Nature or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Locally produced Cider tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Los Lagos Nature or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Picnic lunch including locally sourced cheese
- Covadonga Lake walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The walk will take 2—3 hours, but the difficulty will be adjusted depending on the overall ability of the group.Accommodation
- Hotel Monumento San Francisco - feature stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Carbayon tasting in Oviedo
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Hotel Monumento San Francisco - feature stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage guided walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Moon Sun or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Port Tasting - Porto
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Porto - City Tasting Tour - EUR160
- Bolhao Market - Porto - Free
- Lello Library - Porto - EUR6
- Clerigos Tower - Porto - EUR5
- Serralves Foundation - Porto - EUR5
- Tower of Clérigos - EUR3
- Porto Cathdral - Free
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinnersTransport
Train, Private vehicle, TaxiAccommodation
Comfortable hotel (6 nights), Feature stay in Santiago de Copmostela (2 nights)Included Activities
- Alcazar of Segovia tour inc audioguide
- Burgos leader led tour
- Locally produced Cider tasting
- Picnic lunch including locally sourced cheese
- Covadonga Lake walk
- Carbayon tasting in Oviedo
- Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage guided walk
- Port Tasting - Porto
Important notes
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.
ARRIVAL TRANSFER
An arrival transfer from the airport to the start point hotel is included in the price of the trip. Please advise your travel agent of your flights times at least 2 weeks before your departure date. If you are planning to reach the destination by train or bus, please enquire the possibility of re-scheduling the transfer with your travel agent at the time of booking.

Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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