Northern Spain Tour in private 8 – 15 days Spanish English

Exploring the Northern Spain Tour: A Practical Guide for Curious Travelers

Thinking about exploring the varied beauty of Northern Spain? This private tour, spanning from 8 to 15 days and based in Oviedo, offers a flexible way to see Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The fact that it’s customized and private means it can adapt to what you’re most interested in, making it a solid choice if you want a deep, personalized experience.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances iconic sights—like the Cape Finisterre and the Guggenheim Museum—with hidden gems such as small villages and picturesque spots. Plus, the inclusion of a knowledgeable guide and chauffeur makes navigating the region stress-free, allowing you to truly soak in the scenery and culture. On the flip side, keep in mind this tour does not include accommodations, so you’ll need to book your hotels separately, which might seem like an extra step if you’re used to all-inclusive packages.

This tour tends to suit travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, cultural exploration, and natural beauty but also appreciate the comfort of having travel logistics handled for them. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple, or a small group, it offers flexibility and a personalized touch. If you’re comfortable with a somewhat fast-paced itinerary and love discovering both well-known landmarks and lesser-known spots, this could be a fantastic way to experience Northern Spain.

Key Points

• Flexible Duration: Ranges from 8 to 15 days, allowing you to customize your experience.
• Private & Personalized: A dedicated guide and chauffeur offer a tailored trip with no other groups.
• Inclusion of Key Sights: Major attractions like Cape Finisterre, Guggenheim Bilbao, and Covadonga Lakes are part of the itinerary.
• Cost-Effective for Small Groups: At around $520 for up to 3 people, it offers good value considering private transport and guided visits.
• Meal & Admission Inclusions: Two lunches and several entry fees are included, which helps manage your budget.
• No Accommodation Included: You’ll need to arrange your hotels separately, giving you flexibility but requiring some planning.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

The tour kicks off in Galicia, with a visit to Cape Finisterre, famously called the “End of the World” by ancient Romans. Standing here, you can picture the old sailors who believed this was the edge of the known world. The walk around the Tower of Hercules adds a touch of maritime history, even though the admission isn’t included, so you should budget accordingly.

Next, exploring the Praza de Maria Pita in A Coruña gives a lively sense of city life, complemented by the scenic Monte de San Pedro for that perfect photo opportunity with sweeping views of the city. This combination of historical and panoramic stops sets a tone for the trip—diverse, visually stunning, and culturally enriching.

Moving along to Asturias, the tour includes a boat ride through Ribeiro Sacra wineyards at Embarcadoiro de Santo Estevo. If you love wine or just enjoy scenic landscapes, this stop really shines. The visit to Algueira winery for a tasting and lunch offers a chance to savor local wines paired with regional dishes—a highlight, according to reviews, that combines good scenery with flavorful food.

The journey continues with cultural visits such as the Roman walls of Lugo and the enchanting Playa de las Catedrales, often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Spain. While the beach entry isn’t paid, the incredible natural arches and formations make it well worth the visit.

Further stops include the adorable fishing village of Cudillero—a picture-perfect spot that many travelers find charming—and the historic Santo Estevo with its Romanesque church. The walk through Lugo’s old town and the visit to Gijón’s cultural sites add urban depth to the trip, illustrating the region’s blend of history and modern life.

In Cantabria, the Covadonga Lakes are a major highlight—two glacial lakes with stunning mountain scenery. The Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga offers both spiritual and visual grandeur. Days include visits to quaint towns like Santillana del Mar and Comillas, with stops at Gaudí’s El Capricho house. While the Museo de Altamira is a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric art, note that its entry fee isn’t included.

The Basque Country segment kicks off with the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao—a must-see for art lovers—and a walk through Bilbao’s lively downtown. The architecture and modern art collections make this a memorable stop.

Finally, the route includes iconic spots such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, famous for its appearance in Game of Thrones. The hike to the chapel is manageable but might be strenuous for some, so plan accordingly.

Transportation & Comfort

The tour provides round-trip private transfers with a professional driver-guide, which is a real plus. This means you won’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or dealing with public transport schedules. The vehicle is private, comfortable, and includes fuel and gratuities—worth considering for the convenience it offers.

Since the tour is designed for small groups (up to 3 people), it maintains a personalized atmosphere. You’ll be able to ask questions, customize stops, and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. The start time is at 8:00 am, giving you full days of sightseeing, but be prepared for long days, especially if you’re covering many spots.

Price & Value

At $520.40 per group (up to 3), this private tour offers good value, especially given the inclusion of transportation, guide, some meals, and several admission fees. Compared to booking separate entries, guides, and transport on your own, it simplifies planning and often costs less overall.

However, keep in mind that accommodations are not included, so you’ll need to factor in hotel costs separately. This setup is advantageous if you prefer choosing your own lodgings or already have arrangements, but it does mean extra planning on your part.

What Travelers Are Saying

Multiple reviews praise the guide’s knowledge, punctuality, and careful planning. One reviewer said, “He is on time, drives cautiously, takes care of tickets and reservations, recommends sights to see, places to stay, and restaurants to try,” underscoring how valuable a dedicated guide can be.

Another reviewer appreciated the flexibility and stress-free experience, noting that “it’s superb way to visit Northern Spain without the hassle of driving.” The personalized approach is clearly a strong point, making it suitable for travelers who want a curated experience without the complications of self-driving.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for those who value comfort and customization—especially small groups or couples who want to explore the region at their own pace. It suits travelers interested in a mix of nature, culture, and history without the stress of planning each detail. If you’re into wine tasting, scenic beaches, historical towns, and modern art, this tour offers a well-rounded experience.

It’s less suitable if you prefer to keep costs down by staying in budget accommodations or if you’re traveling solo with a limited budget, as the private nature of the tour might be pricier than group options. Also, keep in mind that activities like museum visits and some attractions aren’t always included, so they require some additional planning or budget.

FAQs

Is accommodation included in this tour?
No, accommodations are not part of the package. You’ll need to book your own hotels, giving you flexibility to choose where to stay and how much to spend.

What does the tour include?
The tour covers private transfers, a driver-guide, some meals (like two lunches), and several admission fees. It’s a private, tailored experience focused on sightseeing and cultural highlights.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you can likely discuss your interests with the guide. However, the itinerary as described covers a set list of stops, with some flexibility on timing.

How many days does the tour typically last?
The default is around 10 days, but it can be extended up to 15 days depending on your preferences, allowing for a more relaxed pace or additional stops.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, most sightseeing and walking stops are suitable for adults and older children. Be mindful of walking distances or strenuous hikes, like the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe climb.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Most travelers book well in advance (about 8 months on average), implying peak seasons are popular. Considering the regions’ weather, late spring, summer, or early fall are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, flexible way to explore Northern Spain without the stress of planning every detail, this private tour offers a lot of value. From historic towns and stunning beaches to modern art and delicious regional wines, it covers many highlights while allowing room for personalized experiences.

It’s particularly well-suited for small groups or couples who want a guided, relaxed journey through this beautiful part of Spain. The combination of knowledgeable guides, scenic drives, and curated stops makes it a strong choice for travelers who appreciate comfort and cultural richness.

While the extra step of booking accommodations is necessary, it’s a small trade-off for the convenience and tailored experience you gain. For those who prefer a hassle-free, customized way to discover Northern Spain’s diverse landscapes and towns, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.