Spain Historic Buildings

The history of Spain is remarkably complex, especially because, what nowadays appears to be a single unified nation, was in the past an ensemble of much smaller countries, each of them with their own languages, cultures, royal families and glorious history. This is also what helps to explain the tremendous amount of relevant historical sites that we can find in the country, from castles to palaces, abbeys and monasteries. By the end of the 15th century as the country unified and became the nation that we know today as Spain, it ended up controlling the world’s largest navy, as well as most of the trade routes with the Americas. This era became well known in the country as the Golden Age, and it led to even more construction of monuments that represented Spain's newly acquired power. Thanks to the investment made by the government-owned Paradores chain, but also several private hotel entrepreneurs, not only will you be able to visit some of these sites, but also enjoy the luxury accommodations that they offer.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Barcelona and transfer to your hotel.

Upon your arrival at Barcelona's International Airport, our driver will be waiting to transfer you to your beautiful historical hotel. A package with all of the important travel documentation will also be delivered.
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and it boasts a wonderful location by the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll be amazed by architect Antoni Gaudí’s works, such as the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, but also by the creativity and unique energy of this city. Upon arrival, if you’re up for it, take the cable car to the top of Montjüic for a breathtaking view over Barcelona. The perfect introduction to this vibrant city!

Day 2 - Explore Barcelona

You will able to collect your rental vehicle today. We suggest that you tour the great city of Barcelona. This morning, you’ll have a tour of the city that will allow you to explore some of its highlights. Later, you can discover the city’s Modernist architecture, beginning with a visit to the famous Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of architect Antoni Gaudí. You can continue to Park Güell, another of this artist’s works and stroll through this beautiful public park, one of the best spots to get incredible pictures of the city. If you would like to see more of Gaudí’s works, go for a walk along Paseo de Gracia on your own, where you’ll find prestigious fashion boutiques. You may also want to take a stroll through Barcelona’s Gothic quarter, full of narrow streets and alleyways, where history and modernity are perfectly combined. Don’t forget to walk in La Rambla, a captivating pedestrian boulevard, and stop at the Boquería Market to enjoy some good food".

Day 3 - Departure to the Basque Country

Today you have a very long drive ahead of you. We suggest that halfway through you make a stop in the beautiful city of Zaragoza. Located on the banks of the Ebro river, the ancient Roman settlement of Caésar Augusta, is today a festive city, full of folklore and good gastronomy, and with must-see places such as the Aljafería or the Basilica del Pilar as well as its main square, where the first Spanish film was shot in the 19th-century. Once you reach the Basque Country and the town of Hondarribia, the 10th-century fortress that is the town’s icon will certainly impress you, for this is where you will be spending the next two nights.

Day 4 - Explore the main cities in the Basque Country

This being your only full day in the Basque Country, we suggest that you drive towards Bilbao for a visit to this great city. Lying on the mouth of the Nervión River, the largest city in the Basque Country is deeply connected to the seafaring life. These days, Bilbao has become an important center of economic and social development for the province. The Guggenheim Museum has become a landmark to the city, has it has helped with the conversion of an industrial town into a cultural metropolis.
In the afternoon, on the way back to the hotel, make a stop to visit the city of San Sebastian. Also known as Donostia, it is located in a beautiful bay between the Urgull and Igueldo hills. This manorial city, highly influenced by the European Belle Époque, mixes the authenticity of the Basque fishing traditions with the modernity of its international Jazz and Film festivals.

Day 5 - Drive to Asturias, the green region

This morning we suggest that you relax and enjoy the hotel, and afterwards drive towards the region known as Asturias. The drive will take you half a day, but the scenery is of remarkable beauty with opportunities along the way for some incredible photos. As you reach Corias the time to rest will come in the beautiful Parador, which is the result of the restoration and conversion of an 11th-century monastery.

Day 6 - Explore Oviedo and surroundings

This is a great day to explore the city of Oviedo. This ancient capital of the kingdom of Asturias is the gateway to the Green Coast and also to the majestic Picos de Europa mountain range. Its pre-Romanesque monuments, such as Santa María del Naranco or the Holy Chamber of its Cathedral are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and have certainly contributed to make Woody Allen fall in love with this city during the time that he spent here.

Day 7 - Departure to Galicia

One could say that today you will be ending a portion of your pilgrimage through Spain. The Way of St James is the longest walking pilgrimage in the world, and it continues to attract millions of pilgrims from all over the world. We suggest that you take the coastal road towards northern Galicia, where you can make stops in beautiful towns like Luarca, Navia or Ribadeo to enjoy the scenery. Once you reach Santiago you will be staying in what many consider to be the oldest hotel in the world. Completed in 1501 in order to treat the wounds and offer shelter to the pilgrims that would reach the city, this Parador is nowadays considered to be one of the most luxurious hotels in the country and it is located right next to the world-famous Cathedral.

Day 8 - Explore Santiago de Compostela and visit Pazo do Faramello

Capital city to the region of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela receives annually millions of people from all over the world, most of them reaching the end of the Way of Saint James' pilgrimage route. The impressive historical center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its amazing Cathedral is definitely worth a visit. This afternoon, drive to the Pazo do Faramello, in the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela, and enjoy a very special tour of this manor house.

Day 9 - Drive to the Ribera del Duero in the region of Castilla y León

Today you will be saying goodbye to Galicia and heading towards Castilla y León. We suggest that you take part of the morning to relax at the Parador, because you have a relatively long drive towards the Valladolid province. Your accommodation is a former abbey that today serves a dual purpose. Not only is it a beautiful luxury hotel, but also one of the best wine producers in the region. The perfect place to relax!

Day 10 - Explore the Ribera del Duero wine region or just relax

Since this will be your last full day in Spain, we suggest that you relax and enjoy the incredible wine country that surrounds you.

Day 11 - Drive towards Madrid Airport

This is your departure day. Make sure you deliver your rental car at Madrid's airport before you start your flight boarding procedures. Have a safe flight home!

Highlights

The Old Barcelona

Right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, the Hotel Neri is one of the oldest and most beautiful structures in town. This luxurious hotel is composed of two different historical buildings, one of them being a palace whose origins can be traced back to the 12th century.

Highlights

A fortress at the border

The city of Hondarribia has always boasted a privileged location in the border between Spain and France. However, that was not always the case since both sides of the border were once joined as a single nation. The fortress of Hondarribia has protected the city from piracy for centuries and nowadays, thanks to an important investment by the government-owned Paradores chain, it has become one of the Basque Country’s best hotels.

Highlights

Stay at one of the oldest hotels in the world in Santiago de Compostela

Did you know that the world’s oldest hotel is located in Spain? The Hostal de los Reyes Católicos in Santiago de Compostela was created in 1501, by Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Kings of Spain, to serve as both a hospital and to offer shelter to the pilgrims who had walked hundreds of miles to reach this town, world-famous for being the last station of the world’s longest Catholic pilgrimage, that continues to attract millions of people to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights

The Pazo de Faramello in Compostela

Part of the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago), for the first time in more than three centuries of fascinating history, the Pazo de Faramello welcomes visitors to its beautiful natural and architectural surroundings.

Prices

From 2490€

Per Person, for a minimum of 2 travelers

11 days

Spain Historic Buildings

2 nights at the Neri Hotel in a Classic Room (Barcelona) or similar
2 Nights at Parador de Hondarribia in a Double Room (Basque Country) or similar
2 nights at the Parador de Corias in a Double Room (Asturias) or similar
2 nights at the Parador de Santiago de Compostela in a Double Room (Santiago de Compostela) or similar
2 nights at the Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine in a Classic Room (Ribera del Duero) or similar

10 days of car rental: EDMR - RENAULT Clio / VW Polo - Manual (Or Similar) Rental inclusions/exclusions
Private meet and greet at the Airport and arrival transfers on a private vehicle