Northern Spain Tour in private 8 – 15 days Spanish English

Exploring Northern Spain: A Deep Dive into a Private 8-15 Day Tour

Imagine a journey through some of Spain’s most captivating landscapes, historic towns, and cultural gems—all curated for you in a private, flexible itinerary. This Northern Spain tour offers a tailored experience that highlights Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Basque country, with a focus on authentic sights, local cuisine, and expert guidance. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, you’ll find plenty to love here.

One of the standout features of this experience is how it balances structured visits with flexibility. The guide is there not just to chauffeur but to enrich your understanding of each location, making every stop more meaningful. The tour’s price—$520.40 for a group of up to three—may seem modest for such a comprehensive adventure, especially considering that private transport and guiding are included. However, a potential consideration is that accommodation isn’t part of the package, so you’ll need to plan for lodging separately.

This tour is perfect for travelers who value personalized experiences, want to explore at their own pace, and appreciate a good mix of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and local flavor. If you’re open to a bit of planning on where to stay, this could be an ideal way to see Northern Spain without the stress of self-driving or rigid group tours.

Key Points

• Private and Flexible: The tour is tailored to your group, with a dedicated guide and chauffeur, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers major highlights from Galicia’s coast, Asturias’ mountains, to Basque country’s vibrant cities and coastal villages.
• Authentic Experiences: Visits to historic towns, ancient churches, scenic lakes, and famous beaches like Playa de las Catedrales.
• Cultural and Culinary Highlights: Includes wine tastings, visits to Gothic and Romanic sites, as well as local towns known for their charm.
• Value for Money: With transport, admissions, and some meals included, you get an immersive experience at a competitive price.
• Note on Accommodation: Not included, so you can choose lodgings that suit your style and budget.

Detailed Review of the Northern Spain Private Tour

The General Setup

This tour is designed for small groups—up to three people—making it a highly personalized way to explore Northern Spain. For $520.40, you’ll get a private driver and guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, fuel, and some meals, with admissions to certain sites included. It’s a good value considering the level of comfort, flexibility, and insider knowledge you gain.

Most trips are booked well in advance—about 236 days on average—highlighting how popular and well-structured this experience is. The tour spans approximately 10 days, but the flexible range allows for customization if you want to extend or shorten your adventure.

What You’ll Experience Day by Day

Day 1: Galicia’s Coastal Marvels

Your adventure kicks off at Cape Finisterre, historically called the “End of the World” by Romans. Standing at this dramatic cape, you’ll understand why this rugged coastline has captivated travelers for centuries. It’s a spot for photos that will stay with you long after the trip.

Next, a visit to the Tower of Hercules, an ancient lighthouse that’s over two thousand years old. While admission isn’t included, the tower’s history and panoramic views make it worth a quick visit. The tour then heads to Praza de Maria Pita—a lively downtown square where you can soak up the local vibe—and ends the day with a scenic stop at Monte de San Pedro, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Day 2: Wineries and Romanesque Churches

Day two pivots into Galicia’s wine country. The boat tour at Embarcadoiro de Santo Estevo takes you through Ribeiro Sacra, famous for its vineyards and scenic river landscapes. The inclusion of a boat ride adds a relaxing, immersive element to the day.

Following the waters, you’ll visit Algueira winery for a tasting and lunch—an excellent chance to sample local wines paired with regional dishes. Later, a quick stop at Balcones de Madrid for photos, and a visit to Santo Estevo’s Romanesque church, which offers a glimpse into Galicia’s religious architecture.

Day 3: Lugo and Coastal Beauties

Day three is packed with history and natural beauty. Walking the Lugo Roman walls is a highlight, offering a tangible connection to the city’s ancient past. The Lugo Cathedral enriches this experience with its impressive architecture.

Then, it’s onto Playa de las Catedrales—arguably Spain’s most spectacular beach, famous for its dramatic cliffs and arches. The beach’s natural formations are breathtaking, although access isn’t included in the tour, so check the schedule.

Additional stops at Luarca and Cabo Vidio provide scenic moments perfect for photos, while Cudillero, a colorful fishing village, offers a charming stroll through narrow streets lined with seafood restaurants and pastel-colored houses.

Day 4: Asturias’ Cultural Gems

This day immerses you in Oviedo’s cultural treasures, including the Cathedral of San Salvador, known for its stunning architecture and religious relics. The visit to Santa Maria del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo gives insight into pre-romanic church architecture—a rare find outside of Italy.

Later, exploration continues in Gijón, Asturias’ largest city, with a visit to Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, a modern cultural hub housed in a historic building. The day wraps up with some free time in Gijón, letting you soak in local life.

Day 5: Covadonga and Santander

The Lakes of Covadonga are the day’s highlight—two glacial lakes surrounded by mountain peaks, offering stunning vistas. The Basilica de Santa Maria la Real is a must-see religious site perched above the lakes, providing both spiritual and scenic value.

The day ends in Santander, where you can enjoy the seaside atmosphere and maybe some local seafood.

Days 6 & 7: Historic Towns and Bilbao’s Modern Art

Santillana del Mar, a town frozen in time, features beautifully preserved 18th-century buildings and cobblestone streets. Nearby, Comillas offers a brief look at Gothic architecture, with the El Capricho de Gaudí standing out as a must-see for architecture enthusiasts—though note, its entry isn’t included.

The Museo de Altamira displays prehistoric cave paintings dating back 30,000 years, blending history with natural artistry. The following day, the focus shifts to Bilbao, with the Guggenheim Museum showcasing contemporary art and the downtown area offering lively cafes and shops.

Days 8 & 9: Basque Country’s Coastal and Mountain Charm

Visit Gernika-Lumo, famous for its historic parliament, and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the iconic chapel perched on a rocky island from Game of Thrones. Both are breathtaking sites, perfect for photos and history buffs alike.

The last day in Basque country takes you to Durango and the Santuario de Aranzazu, set amidst mountain scenery, adding a spiritual vibe to your trip.

Day 10: Rioja Wine Region and Final Stops

Your journey concludes in the historic wine town of Laguardia, with its medieval walls and charming streets. The tour wraps up in Logroño, where the Calle del Laurel’s lively tapas scene beckons, and Santo Domingo de la Calzada offers a quiet, historic finish.

Authentic Tips and Insights

From reviews, we learn that guides like Ricardo are highly praised for timeliness, caution on the roads, and help with reservations—which makes a huge difference in a complex region like Northern Spain. Travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides who can share local stories and point out hidden gems.

The inclusion of admissions fees to sites like the cathedral and churches means less hassle and more time enjoying the sights. The scenic drives often include stopovers for breathtaking views, especially at lakes, beaches, and mountain overlooks.

Travelers also mention the tour’s value for money, especially considering the private transport, guided commentary, and select meals. The fact that it’s a private tour means you’ll avoid crowded bus groups and can customize your pace—perfect for those who want an intimate experience.

Practicalities and Considerations

While this tour offers a lot, it’s important to keep in mind that accommodation isn’t included. You’ll need to book hotels or guesthouses separately, which can be an opportunity to choose places that suit your style—be it cozy inns, boutique hotels, or even rural retreats.

The timing is generally 8:00 am start each day, with varied durations for each activity. You should be comfortable with a fair amount of walking and some early mornings, especially on days with long drives or multiple stops.

Since meals are included only at designated spots, you might want to explore local eateries known for regional specialties—like Galicia’s seafood, Asturias’ cider, or Basque pintxos.

The cancellation policy is flexible if you need to reschedule, as long as you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

The Sum Up

This Northern Spain private tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience that covers everything from historic towns and religious sites to stunning coastlines and mountain lakes. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or friends who want a customizable journey with expert guidance and private transport.

Travelers who crave authentic, off-the-beaten-path moments—like quaint villages and panoramic vistas—will find plenty to love, especially with the flexibility to spend more time in their favorite places. The inclusion of site admissions and some meals adds value, making it more than just a sightseeing trip but a curated cultural adventure.

While you’ll need to arrange your own accommodation, this allows you to tailor your stay to suit your budget and comfort needs. The knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics mean you can relax and truly enjoy the scenery without the stress of planning every detail.

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a personalized, value-packed way to uncover Northern Spain’s diverse landscape, history, and gastronomy—delivered with expert care and attention to detail.

FAQ

Is accommodation included in this tour?
No, accommodation is not included, so you will need to book your own hotels or guesthouses separately.

What is the price for the tour?
The tour costs $520.40 for a group of up to three people, covering private transport, guide, some meals, and admission fees.

How long does the tour last?
The typical duration is around 10 days, but there’s flexibility depending on your preferences.

What’s included in the tour?
Round-trip private transfer, driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by private vehicle, fuel, gratuities, and two included lunches.

Are there any site admissions included?
Yes, several admissions are included, such as churches, museums, and scenic viewpoints, but some site entries like Tower of Hercules and Casa Gaudí require separate tickets.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but some walking and outdoor activities are involved, so it’s best for those comfortable with moderate physical activity.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing (layers are recommended), and a camera for capturing scenic views.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, customization is possible—discuss your preferences with your guide beforehand.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

This private tour of Northern Spain presents a fantastic way to explore the region’s highlights with expert guidance and personalized service. It balances cultural discovery, natural beauty, and local flavors—making it ideal for curious travelers eager for an authentic and comfortably paced adventure.