Slow Journey Through Spain

Description

About this tour

This enriching journey through Spain reveals the country’s deep cultural heritage, celebrated gastronomy and diverse landscapes. Beginning in Madrid, explore historic cities, royal monuments and medieval towns before travelling through some of Spain’s most renowned food and wine regions.

From the fortified walls of Ávila and the golden sandstone architecture of Salamanca to the vineyards of Ribera del Duero and the Roman-shaped terraces of Ribeira Sacra, each day offers a new perspective on Spain’s past and present. Savour regional specialities including Iberian ham, Michelin-starred dining and acclaimed local wines, complemented by scenic river cruises and coastal experiences in Galicia.

The journey concludes on Spain’s dramatic Atlantic coast, with time in Santiago de Compostela and an unforgettable stay in Finisterre, once believed to be the end of the known world. Carefully paced and rich in local encounters, this itinerary offers an immersive exploration of Spain’s historic heartlands and coastal beauty.

Type of Journey
Tailor-made journey: This itinerary can be tailor-made, with the number of days, places visited, and activities varied to suit you.

Highlights

• Travel from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela, exploring Spain’s historic heartlands and Atlantic coast
•  Visit the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, once considered one of the world’s great wonders
• Enjoy a Michelin-starred lunch and sample Spain’s celebrated regional cuisine
• Explore the medieval cities of Ávila and Salamanca, rich in history and architectural splendour
• Taste renowned wines in the Ribera del Duero wine region
• Experience the dramatic vineyard terraces of Ribeira Sacra, with a cruise on the Sil River
• Sail along the Rías Baixas, sampling fresh mussels and local white wine
• Visit the iconic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the end point of the Camino de Santiago
• Stay in a unique lighthouse hotel in Finisterre, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

Pricing

Inclusions

What's Included

• 8 nights’ accommodation in your category of choice
• 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 1 dinner
• Meet & Greet at Adolfo Suarez Madrid–Barajas Airport
• Private transfers as per the itinerary
• English-speaking local guides
• Private sightseeing as per the itinerary
• Shared visit to an artisan Iberian ham producer
• One shared wine tasting
• Shared Sil River cruise
• Shared Rias Baixas cruise
• Entrance fees as per the itinerary

What's Not Included

• City tax paid directly to your hotel
• Gratuities

Itinerary

Day One - Madrid

On arrival in Madrid you will be transferred to your selected hotel. This afternoon enjoy a private half-day walking tour with an English-speaking local guide.

Day Two - Madrid > San Lorenzo de El Escorial > Avila

This morning visit the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, once considered one of the eight Wonders of the World. A highlight of the day will be lunch in at
Montia restaurant (Michelin Star). Continue to Avila.

Day Three - Avila > Guijuelo > Salamanca

Join your guide for a brief walking tour of Avila and continue to Salamanca, with a stop in Guijuelo, where a famous Spanish Iberian ham is made. Continue to Salamanca and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring this wonderful city with your guide.

Day Four - Salamanca > Ribera del Duero

Drive through one of the finest wine regions in Spain, Ribera del Duero. Visit a renowned winery to enjoy a wine tasting, followed by lunch in Ribera del Duero. The afternoon is yours to relax at leisure.

Day Five - Ribera del Duero > Leon

Drive to Leon with a detour to one of the most renowned meat restaurants in the world, a converted cave winery. Enjoy your wonderful meal and relax before continuing to Leon for an afternoon free to explore the Barrio Humedo, great for tapas.

Day Six - Leon > Ribeira Sacra

Drive to Ribeira Sacra, the Sacred Riverbank. You will see big stone formations shaping these terraces, perfect for the vines planted by the Romans in the first century. Enjoy a small group sailing tour on the Sil River and try local delicacies.

Day Seven - Ribeira Sacra > Rias Baixas

Head to the Galician coast, the Rias Baixas. This region is well known for its beautiful sand beaches and the excellent gastronomy. Enjoy a sailing tour to explore and try fresh mussels with white wine.

Day Eight - Rias Baixas > Santiago de Compostela > Finisterre

Drive to Finisterre, stopping in Santiago de Compostela to visit the famous cathedral and walk through the cobblestone streets. In Finisterre, stay in a beautiful hotel located in a lighthouse.

Day Nine - Finisterre > Santiago de Compostela

Transfer to Santiago de Compostela airport for your onward flight.

Terms and Conditions

Pricing varies due to fluctuations in exchange rates; please contact us for current pricing or other changes
Please enquire about cross-season pricing
Surcharges may apply during events, festivals, public/religious holidays, or other high-demand dates

Further World Journeys terms & conditions apply, see https://worldjourneys.co.nz/terms/