Journey Group trip through Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria

Journey Group invites you on a journey to one of the most unknown and impressive parts of Spain – its green north.

This is a Spain that has nothing to do with the image of noisy Mediterranean resorts.

Here the Atlantic Ocean meets green mountains, medieval towns, fishing villages, ancient pilgrimage routes and some of the country's most interesting culinary traditions.

During our 8-day trip to Northern Spain we will pass through three of the most impressive northern regions – Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria, as we will discover how the famous Camino de Santiago, and the dramatic shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

We will visit Santiago de Compostela, the final point of the thousand-year-old pilgrimage route, we will feel the maritime atmosphere of Vigo and A Coruña, we will immerse ourselves in the wine culture of Cambados, we will climb to the mountains of Covadonga, we will look at the medieval Santillana del Mar, we will go back thousands of years to Altamira and we will end with the historical Leon.

This is a trip for people who want to not just visit Spain, but see it from a different side.

Highlights of the trip

• Santiago de Compostela and the famous Camino de Santiago
• The Cathedral and Historic Center of Santiago
• The Atlantic coast of Galicia
• Vigo and the views of the Cies Islands
• The fishing village Combaro
• The wine capital Cambados and the Albariño region
• La Coruna and the ancient lighthouse Torre de Hercules
• The Roman walls of Lugo
• The historical Oviedo
• The sanctuary of Covadonga
• The mountains of Picos de Europa
• The medieval Santillana del Mar
• The Museum of Altamira
• The coastal Santander
• The historical Leon
• Leon Cathedral
• Antonio Gaudi's Casa Bottines
• Basilica of San Isidoro

DAY 1 | Sofia – Santander – Santiago de Compostela

Welcome to Northern Spain!

Our journey begins from Sofia with a flight to Santander.

After landing, we head to one of the most significant places in Spain – Santiago de Compostela.

The journey to Galicia itself is part of the experience.

Gradually, the landscape changes – the cities are left behind, and green hills, forests, small villages and the first views of the northern Spanish coast appear before us.

In the late afternoon we arrive in Santiago de Compostela.

The city is the end point of the famous Camino de Santiago – a pilgrimage route that people from all over the world have been following for centuries.

After checking in, we will have free time for our first walk.

The cobblestone streets, stone facades, ancient squares and street musicians create an atmosphere that can hardly be felt anywhere else.

The evening is free for dinner and a private walk.

This is your first encounter with Galicia.

Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

DAY 2 | Santiago de Compostela

The city on the Camino de Santiago

After breakfast we begin a detailed walking tour with Bulgarian language tour guide.

Our first stop is the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela – the spiritual center of the city and one of the most significant cathedrals in Europe.

The Camino de Santiago ends here.

For many of the pilgrims, this is the moment they have been waiting for for weeks or even months.

We will also take a walk Obradoiro Square, where arriving pilgrims traditionally celebrate the end of their journey.

Then we continue through the old town, included in the list of UNESCO.

Narrow stone streets, arches, squares and historic facades take us through the different periods of Santiago's history.

We will also experience the other side of the city – university life, small cafes, bookstores and lively squares.

Afternoon

We will visit Abastos Market – one of the most interesting places to encounter local culture.

Here we will see the wealth of Galicia – fresh seafood, fish from the Atlantic Ocean, cheeses, meat products and local specialties.

Of course, we will not miss the opportunity to get acquainted with one of the most famous dishes of the region - pulpo a la galega, traditional Galician octopus.

The afternoon is free for photos, coffee and independent exploration.

In the evening

The old town is especially beautiful after sunset.

The illuminated stone facades and quiet squares create a completely different atmosphere.

If you wish, you can join in culinary tour with a local guide, which includes traditional Galician tapas, drinks and live music.

Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 3 | Vigo - Combaro - Cambados

The Atlantic Coast and Albariño Wine

After breakfast we leave Santiago and head towards the coast of Galicia.

Our first stop is Combaro.

This small fishing village is one of the most authentic places in Galicia.

We will walk along the narrow cobblestone streets, past the stone houses and the old port.

Particularly impressive are the traditional Galician chorreos – stone barns raised on columns, which have become one of the symbols of the region.

Then we continue to Vigo – the largest city in Galicia and one of the most important port centers in Spain.

During our panoramic walk we will see the historic district Casco Vello, old streets and lively squares.

Vigo is a city that lives with the ocean.

From the panoramic points we will be able to enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Cies Islands.

After free time for lunch we continue to Cambados.

Cambados - wine, history and Galicia

Cambados is known as the capital of the wine region Albariño.

Beautiful squares, aristocratic stone houses and peaceful streets create an atmosphere different from that of large Spanish cities.

Here you can take time for a local tasting or visit the shops and wineries in town.

Tastings are optional and not included in the basic price.

In the late afternoon we return to Santiago.

In the evening you can enjoy a local dinner or, if you wish, join a tasting of Galician cheeses and wines.

Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 4 | A Coruña - Lugo

Roman Heritage and the Atlantic Ocean

After breakfast we head to La Coruna – one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Galicia.

The city is located on a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

Our first stop is Torre de Hercules – the ancient Roman lighthouse, which has become one of the symbols of the city.

The lighthouse has a history that begins more than two millennia ago, and today it continues to be an active navigational landmark.

The area around it offers impressive views of the ocean and coastal cliffs.

Then we continue along the coastal promenade of La Coruña.

We will have time for coffee, photos and a private walk.

Lugo

Our next stop is Lugo – a city with one of the most impressive Roman legacies in Spain.

Its Roman fortress walls are included in the list of UNESCO.

They surround the historic center and are preserved almost entirely along their length.

We will walk along the fortress walls themselves and see the city from above.

Then we will explore the historic center and Lugo Cathedral.

Here, Roman history, medieval architecture and Galician atmosphere meet in one place.

At the end of the day we return to Santiago de Compostela.

Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 5 | Oviedo – Covadonga – Santander

From Galicia to green Asturias

Today we leave Galicia and head east towards Asturias.

The landscape is gradually changing.

Green mountains, valleys and majestic natural landscapes appear before us.

Our first stop is Oviedo – the historical capital of Asturias.

We will walk through the old town, among beautiful squares and stone buildings, and visit the impressive Cathedral of Oviedo.

Then we continue to one of the most sacred places in Spain – Covadonga.

Covadonga and Picos de Europa

The Sanctuary of Covadonga is linked to the beginning of the Reconquista and has enormous importance for Spanish history.

We will see the magnificent basilica and the cave-sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin of Covadonga.

The area is surrounded by the mountains of Picos de Europa.

Under suitable conditions, we will also enjoy the views of the famous lakes of Covadonga.

This is one of those parts of the route where the nature is just as impressive as the history.

In the afternoon we continue to Santander.

We check in and have free time for our first evening walk along the coast.

Overnight in Santander.

Day 6 | Santillana del Mar – Altamira – Santander

Medieval Cantabria and the beginning of human art

After breakfast we head to Santillana del Mar.

Often described as one of the most beautiful historic towns in Cantabria, it resembles an open-air museum.

Stone houses, wooden balconies, coats of arms on the facades and narrow cobblestone streets create the feeling that time has stopped.

After the walk we continue to Altamira.

Altamira

This is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Europe.

The cave paintings at Altamira were created more than 15,000 years and are among the most impressive evidence of early human art.

The original cave is not open to visitors for the purpose of its preservation.

However, an extremely precise replica has been created in the museum, which allows us to get closer to the world of the people who lived here millennia ago.

After the visit, we return to Santander.

Santander

In the afternoon we will explore the coastal capital of Cantabria.

We will take a walk along Paseo de Pereda, we will see the cathedral and the central parts of the city.

Next Magdalena Peninsula – one of the most beautiful places in Santander, with parks, beaches, ocean views and the Magdalena Palace.

After the tour you will have free time.

If you wish, you can join in boat trip around the bay of Santander.

Overnight in Santander.

Day 7 | Leon

Gaudí, Gothic Architecture and Medieval Spain

After breakfast we head to Leon.

The city is one of the most significant places on the Camino de Santiago route and combines Roman heritage, medieval history and impressive architecture.

During the walking tour we will explore the historic center and reach one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Spain - Leon Cathedral.

It is famous for its magnificent stained glass windows, which turn its interior into a true work of art.

Then we will see. Casa Botines – one of the few buildings designed by Antonio Gaudi outside Catalonia.

The building resembles a fairytale castle and is among the most recognizable symbols of Leon.

Next is a visit to San Isidoro Basilica – one of the most important works of Romanesque art in Europe.

The complex is famous for its medieval frescoes.

After the tour, you will have free time for lunch and a private walk through the old town.

In the afternoon we return to Santander.

The last evening is free for dinner and a walk along the coast.

Overnight in Santander.

Day 8 | Santander – Sofia

Until the next adventure

After an early breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head to Santander airport.

This is our last day in Northern Spain.

Last views of the Bay of Biscay, last photos and last feeling of green Spain, which in recent days has shown us a completely different face.

After arriving at the airport, the flight is about to begin. Santander – Sofia.

We return home with stories from the Atlantic coast, medieval towns, the Camino de Santiago, the mountains of Asturias and the incredible landscapes of Cantabria.

Why Northern Spain?

If you've been to Barcelona, Madrid or Andalusia, Northern Spain will show you a completely different side of the country.

You won't find the typical image of dry and sunny Spain here.

Instead you will see emerald green landscapes, dramatic ocean shores, misty mountains, medieval towns and small fishing villages, in which time seems to have stopped.

Galicia has a strong Celtic and maritime identity.

Asturias impresses with its mountains and green valleys.

Cantabria combines ocean, beaches and historic cities.

And between them runs one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world - Camino de Santiago.

ROUTE

Santander → Santiago de Compostela → Vigo → Combaro → Cambados → La Coruña → Lugo → Oviedo → Covadonga → Santander → Santillana del Mar → Altamira → León → Santander

One week.

Three regions.

Dozens of different faces of Spain.