Northern Spain Odyssey: A 13-Day Road Trip

Day By Day Itinerary

1. Day 1 Welcome to Barcelona

   

   Welcome to Barcelona! Start your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car and driving to your accommodation. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time to commence your exploration of Barcelona.

   Suggestion for the day:

   • We suggest you visit the unfinished La Sagrada Família then explore the Plaça de Catalunya and pay tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name. Ramble through El Born for delicious tapas or consider visiting a Catalan-style restaurant for a delicious dinner of local specialties.
2. Day 2 Barcelona

   

   Suggestion for the day: Barcelona's Artistic Heart (From Gothic Quarters to Modernist Wonders)

   • Before saying goodbye to Barcelona, explore centuries of history, contemporary culture, and exquisite art and architecture on your day at leisure. Stroll the elegant Passeig de Gràcia Avenue, ramble down the Ramblas, or consider visiting the monastery perched atop the mountain of Montserrat to see the mystical Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia.
3. Day 3 Drive to Pamplona

   

   Suggestion for the day: Pamplona’s Heritage (Tracing the Paths of Bulls and Hemingway)

   • Today you will drive to Pamplona, the former capital of Navarre. Drive from Barcelona to Pamplona will take you around 5 hours. Once there, check into your accommodation and follow in the footsteps of thousands of exhilarated runners and hot-blooded bulls. Explore Pamplona’s ancient city walls and Plaza del Castillo, the heart of the city, where markets, tournaments, and even bullfighting have taken place. 
4. Day 4 Drive to Santander

   

   Suggestion for the day: Coastal Elegance (San Sebastián’s Cuisine and Santander’s Grace)

   • On the 4th day of your road trip adventure continue your journey to the sophisticated city of San Sebastián. The drive will take you approximately 1 hour. Once there, see the beautiful Bahía de la Concha beach and take a walk along la calle 31 de Agosto in the Old Town.
   • There’s another stop you can incorporate into your itinerary on the way to Santander where you will spend the next two nights. Visit Bilbao, to visit the modern Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry. After Bilbao get back on the road for another hour and drive to Santander.  

    

5. Day 5 Santander

   

   Suggestion for the day: Santander and Beyond (Beaches, Gaudí, and Historic Caves)

   • Today Santander will take the central stage. Take the day to explore this elegant and leisurely city. Relax on the nearby beaches, and stroll through the charming old town. You can also explore the coastal town of Comillas. There you can explore Gaudí's El Capricho, built in the late 19th century as a summer villa, then carry on to Santillana del Mar to visit the museum dedicated to the impressive UNESCO-listed Altamira Caves. Spend another night in Santander.
6. Day 6 Drive to Oviedo

   

   Suggestion for the day: Oviedo’s Architectural Splendor and the Majestic Picos de Europa

   • On the morning of the 6th day, you will travel to Oviedo. You can make a little detour to “Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa". Picos de Europa National Park is in northern Spain’s Picos de Europa mountain range. It’s known for its dramatic scenery and rocky trails. A paradise for all nature lovers.
   • In the afternoon/ evening arrive in Oviedo and settle into your accommodation. Take a stroll around the city and treat yourself to a delicious local dinner. 
7. Day 7 Drive to Santiago de Compostela

   

   Suggestion for the day: Santiago de Compostela (Pilgrimages and Timeless Traditions)

   • Start your day early, as ahead of you is a 3-hour and 15-minute drive to Santiago de Compostela. On the way, you can make a stop in Luarca - a peaceful village with white houses that retains all the charm of its maritime tradition. The traditional character of Luarca is reflected in its chigres -ancient Asturian taverns, where visitors can learn the art of drinking cider. Soak up its seafaring atmosphere en route to the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela, renowned as the end of the 'Camino' pilgrimage route that has its origins dating as far back as the 9th century. 
8. Day 8 Santiago de Compostela

   

   Suggestion for the day: Exploring Santiago (A Journey Through Galicia's Spiritual Heart)

   • Today, venture through the city. You will learn why thousands of people attempt the life-changing pilgrimage annually. Visit the Cathedral, reputed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Great, and the Praza do Obradoiro, a square dominated by four architectural styles. Also, consider a visit to the Rías Baixas for soul-stirring views of the Galician coast. Spend another night in Santiago de Compostela.
9. Day 9 Drive to Salamanca

   

   Suggestion for the day: From Zamora’s Romanesque Art to Salamanca’s Golden Stones

   • Travel through the lush Galician landscape and Castile-Leon to Zamora, a veritable open-air museum of Romanesque art. The drive will take you roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes.
   • After exploring Zamora, continue to Salamanca, where its golden-hued façades will take your breath away. We're at your disposal to help you book a local sightseeing tour including Spain's oldest university and the Cathedral, as well as a walk through the imposing Plaza Mayor, built in the Spanish Baroque style
10. Day 10 Drive to Madrid

    

    Today you will travel east to the fiery Spanish capital, Madrid. The drive from Salamanca to Madrid will take you approximately 2 hours.

    Suggestion for the day: Madrid’s Vibrant Pulse (Parks, Palaces, and Gran Vía)

    • After checking into your hotel, relax in the lush surroundings of Buen Retiro Park, shop up a storm on Gran Vía, or treat yourself to some coffee and churros con chocolate in the Puerta del Sol. You can visit one of the many museums, The Cibeles Fountain, the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the Temple of Debod, and Warner Park to release some of your adventurous spirits. In the evening consider seeing one of the musicals. 
11. Day 11 Madrid

    

    Suggestion for the day: A Day in Madrid: Artistic Masterpieces and Local Life

    • Ahead of you is another day to explore Madrid. Start by visiting the Prado Museum. Arrive early to beat the crowds and spend a few hours exploring one of the world's most famous art museums. The Prado houses an impressive collection of European art, featuring works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. After, stroll through the Royal Botanical Garden, located next to the Prado, this historic garden is a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Enjoy the variety of plants, flowers, and themed gardens. Lunch in La Latina. Head to the La Latina neighborhood, known for its traditional tapas bars, and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy dishes like patatas bravas, calamari, and other local specialties. If it’s a Sunday, don’t miss El Rastro, Madrid’s famous flea market. It’s a wonderful place to shop for antiques, clothes, and unique souvenirs.
    • In the afternoon visit the Reina Sofía Museum: Dedicated to 20th-century art, this museum is home to Picasso's Guernica, along with works by Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. The museum’s modern and contemporary focus provides a contrast to the classical art seen at the Prado. Dinner at Mercado de San Miguel: This popular market offers a gourmet experience with a variety of quality foods and drinks. Try different Spanish wines and cheeses, or indulge in some fresh seafood. You may even consider catching a Flamenco Show to end your day with a passionate and colorful performance.
12. Day 12 Drive to Zaragoza

    

    Suggestion for the day: Zaragoza’s Rich Tapestry (From Ancient Romans to Moorish Splendor)

    • Start your journey back to Barcelona, by driving to Zaragoza (approximately a 4-hour drive). There are many places to visit in Zaragoza, but we recommend you put the following in your itinerary: 
      • Lonja de Zaragoza
      • Nuestra Señora del Pilar Basilica
      • The Seo, or Cathedral of San Salvador
      • La Seo Chapterhouse Tapestry Museum
      • Caesar Augusta Roman Remains Museum
      • Aljafería Palace
      • Third Millennium Bridge
      • Zaragoza aquarium
13. Day 13 Drive to Barcelona & Return Flight Home

    

    Farewell Spain: Last Impressions and Departure from Barcelona

    Travel back to Barcelona - the drive will take you approximately 3  hours. Depending on when your flight is, you can consider seeing/ visiting some of the spots you missed in the beginning of your trip.  Drop off your rental car and say “adíos” to Spain until the next time!