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Euroventure · Classic Group Tour

Best of Northern Spain Classic Group Tour | 1 Week

Madrid to Santiago de Compostela by train through historic Spanish cities

Illustration of Best of Northern Spain Classic Group Tour | 1 Week

Euroventure's Best of Northern Spain Classic Group Tour traces 8 days through Spain's heartland, beginning in Madrid and ending in Santiago de Compostela. Travelling by direct trains with a Tour Leader who remains with the group throughout, you stay in 4-star boutique hotels in each city: Ávila, Segovia, Ourense, and Santiago de Compostela. Day 1 opens with a wine and tapas walk through Madrid. Day 2 takes you by train to Ávila to walk its UNESCO-protected medieval walls. Day 3 continues to Segovia, where you can visit the Gothic cathedral or, on Day 4, ride a hot air balloon over the surrounding landscape. Day 5 brings you by train to Ourense, known for its natural thermal springs and the medieval Ponte Vella bridge. On Day 6, the final train arrives in Santiago de Compostela, endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, with its celebrated cathedral. Day 7 offers an optional coastal day trip to Finisterre and Cape Finisterre. The group is capped at 14, and the pace is relaxed, with free time in each city and most activities optional. This suits first-time rail travellers, history lovers, and those seeking escorted comfort without strenuous walking.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only breakfast is included; lunches and dinners are not, except for the welcome wine and tapas tour in Madrid.
  • Airport transfers are not included; arrange separately or purchase post-tour accommodation.
  • Most activities listed are optional and priced separately (hot air balloon ride, cathedral tours, day trips, tasting events).
  • Only one confirmed departure in May 2027; check Euroventure for additional dates before committing travel plans.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Welcome to Spain! Check in to the hotel in the afternoon, followed by an introductory meeting to meet the group and your Tour Leader. In the evening, the Tour Leader takes the group on a wine and tapas walking tour of Madrid, sampling traditional tapas with beer and sangria.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Ávila

    Madrid / Ávila

    After breakfast, take a direct train to Ávila, a historic city renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval walls and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore at your own pace or take an optional guided tuk-tuk tour of the city.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Segovia

    Ávila / Segovia

    Enjoy a scenic train ride to Segovia, arriving by midday. Check in to the hotel with free time for lunch, then join an optional guided tour of the Segovia Cathedral, showcasing stunning Gothic architecture.

  4. Day 4overnight: Segovia

    Segovia

    An optional hot air balloon ride offers breathtaking views of the landscapes around Segovia, including a Cava toast and picnic. Free time to explore the Roman aqueduct and Alcázar, plus an optional hop-on hop-off bus sightseeing tour in the afternoon.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Ourense

    Segovia / Ourense

    Take a direct train to Ourense in Galicia, famous for its natural hot springs. After checking in, free time for lunch before an optional walking tour of the medieval Ponte Vella bridge and Old Town.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Santiago de Compostela

    Ourense / Santiago de Compostela

    Take a direct train to Santiago de Compostela, home to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Free time for lunch, followed by an optional guided tour of the Cathedral and its museum. Evening option to join a wine, liqueur and tapas tasting event with live music.

  7. Day 7overnight: Santiago de Compostela

    Santiago de Compostela

    Optional day trip to Finisterre, Muxía and the Costa da Morte, offering coastal views and a visit to Cape Finisterre. Return to Santiago in the late afternoon with a final free evening.

  8. Day 8

    Santiago de Compostela

    Final morning of the tour. Say goodbye to the group and Tour Leader over breakfast before continuing your travels, with the option to add post-tour accommodation or a bespoke Euroventure route.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Welcome wine and tapas tour of Madrid led by the Tour Leader, sampling traditional tapas with beer and sangria.
  • Day 2Day 2: Direct train to Ávila to explore the exceptionally well-preserved medieval walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Day 4Day 4: Optional hot air balloon ride over Segovia with a Cava toast and picnic, plus free time to see the Roman aqueduct and Alcázar.
  • Day 6Day 6: Arrival in Santiago de Compostela, home to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela where the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage concludes.
  • Day 7Day 7: Optional day trip to Finisterre, Muxía and the Costa da Morte for coastal views and Cape Finisterre.

Included

  • All train and coach travel between cities with all possible seat reservations
  • All accommodation in 4-star boutique hotels located in the heart of each city
  • 7 breakfasts in the hotels
  • A wine and tapas tour of Madrid to welcome the group
  • An experienced and engaging Tour Leader throughout
  • Travel Disruption Protection - alternative travel organised if there is a strike or similar disruption

Not included

  • Airport transfers
  • Lunches and dinners (only breakfast included, other than the welcome wine and tapas tour)
  • Optional activities

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. Euroventure includes all train and coach travel between cities with all seat reservations.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is escorted. An experienced Tour Leader accompanies the group throughout the 8 days.
What is included in the price?
All train and coach transport, accommodation in 4-star boutique hotels in the heart of each city, seven breakfasts, a welcome wine and tapas tour in Madrid, and the services of the Tour Leader. Lunches, dinners, and optional activities are not included.
What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 14 travellers.
How much walking is involved?
The activity level is low. All hotels and activities are within short walking distance or accessible by public transport. You need to be comfortable walking and able to carry your own baggage.
When does the tour run?
One departure is confirmed for May 2027. Contact Euroventure to confirm if additional dates are available.

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