Day 1 Barcelona → Monserrate Mountain/Monastery → Zaragoza ★Departure Day
All day
Registration Notes: This China-TravelNote tour is a small group tour departing from your destination. Please arrive in Barcelona by suitable transportation. Since most travelers choose to stay for several days, we do not arrange hotel accommodations in Barcelona. We recommend accommodations near the Sagrada Familia or Plaza Catalunya. International flights and visas are not included.
When you set foot in Barcelona, Spain, you'll feel like you've stepped into a fairytale world filled with passion and art. This Mediterranean pearl, renowned as a capital of architecture, blends rich history, enchanting cuisine, and vibrant culture. Now that you've explored Barcelona, we'll depart today to explore northern Spain, a city with a distinct charm and character.
We first visited Montserrat (entry and cable car ride) on the outskirts of the city. Like a fortress guarding Barcelona, the mountain is also a significant religious site in Catalonia. The "Mont" in Montserrat stands for mountain, and "Serrat" for sawtooth, reflecting the impressive, continuous, sawtooth-like peaks of the area. Ascending the mountain, we felt like we had entered a space where religion and nature blend seamlessly. Gazing out at the Catalan region at the foot of the mountain, we felt as if a cultural city shone brightly at its base.
The most noteworthy attraction on the mountain is the Monastery of Monserrate (enter) and the Black Madonna statue within. The statue is said to have been discovered in a cave on Mount Monserrate in 880 AD. The reason for the Madonna's black face remains a mystery, but legend has it that touching the orb in the Black Madonna's hand will grant a wish.
Descending the mountain in time, we'll head to Zaragoza, the capital of the Aragon Autonomous Region in northern Spain. This city offers a unique blend of Roman, Moorish, and Christian cultures. Along the Zaragoza river, a beautiful stone bridge, the Rapide Bridge, connects the two sides of the city. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar (inside) is the city's center. The church's interior is ornately decorated, especially the "Holy Grail" on the altar, said to be the one used during Jesus' Last Supper.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Zaragoza city center.
Day 2 Zaragoza → Rioja → Logroño
All day
When talking about Spanish wine, Rioja is a must-mention. Rioja is arguably Spain's most famous wine region, and its status and influence are evident in Spain, much like Bordeaux and Burgundy in France and Tuscany in Italy.
The Rioja region is located in northeastern Spain, backed by the Cantabrian Mountains and run through by the Ebro River. The continental climate from the Castile Plateau in the south, the Mediterranean climate in the east, and the Atlantic climate in the north converge and collide here, forming the complex and unique climatic environment of the Rioja region.
We first visited Logroño, the capital of the Rioja region. Strolling through the streets of Logroño, whose history dates back to Roman times, felt like stepping back in time. The city boasts many historic buildings, the most striking of which is the Cathedral of Logroño (exterior), a magnificent Gothic structure that forms a prominent part of the city skyline.
After a free lunch in the small town, we headed to the distinctive Bodegas Ysios Winery in the Rioja region. Named after the ancient Egyptian god of fertility, Osiris, and goddess of the earth, Isis, the winery was designed by the world-renowned innovative architect Santiago Calatrava. Its undulating roof blends perfectly with the surrounding mountains, and from a distance, it looks as majestic and solemn as a temple, yet as modern and eye-catching as an art gallery.
Stepping into the winery is like stepping into the palace of wine. Under the guidance of the staff, you will learn about the exquisite winemaking technology and the unique grape growing and winemaking traditions of the Rioja region.
Return to Logroño in the evening
Day 3 Logroño → San Sebastian
All day
Today we will arrive in the northern coastal area of Spain and come to [San Sebastian] on the Bay of Biscay. It is only 20 kilometers away from the French border and can be said to be a very famous "resort" and "food city" in Spain.
Why is it called a "resort"? TripAdvisor ranked Playa Concha in San Sebastian as the most beautiful beach in Spain. The coastline resembles the smooth edge of a shell, framing the sea. A rock formation in the center of the bay resembles a pearl within. Strolling along the shoreline, the vast expanse of water and the fine, golden sand create a breathtaking landscape. The old town is also well worth a leisurely stroll. Its narrow streets and alleys preserve traditional Basque-style architecture, each building a testament to history.
Why is it called a "City of Food"? San Sebastian is arguably the "City of Michelin Restaurants," boasting the highest per capita Michelin-starred restaurants in the world—nine in total. Its countless culinary offerings rival any other culinary destination. Simply stroll into a small restaurant, order your favorite pintxos, and add a drink. Don't forget to order the unique Basque cake.
Tips: Tapas and Pintxos are very similar. Tapas are usually served on a plate, while Pintxos are made by placing various elements of the dish on a piece of bread and then piercing them with bamboo sticks to secure and string them together.
Overnight stay in San Sebastian.
Day 4 San Sebastian → Dragonstone → Bilbao
All day
Spain is a veritable studio for the Game of Thrones production, featuring scenes from the Water Gardens of Dorne, the Arena of Meereen, Highgarden, and the Cathedral of King's Landing. Leaving San Sebastian at the right time, we headed to Dragonstone, a location in northern Spain.
Dragonstone, formerly known as Gaztelugatxe, is a small, natural island. Reaching the fortress on the island requires a long stairway. Here stands the Church of San Juan, a former monastery built in the 9th or 10th centuries in honor of the navigator San Juan. Historically, the island has been ravaged by war and piracy. Later, during naval battles between England and Spain for maritime supremacy, the island, situated in the Bay of Biscay, was repeatedly attacked by the British. Perhaps it was its unique location, design, and profound historical significance that led to its selection for the Game of Thrones film.
We then traveled to Bilbao, the heart of the Basque Country. It blends tradition and modernity, boasting diverse architectural styles, with the Guggenheim Museum (enter) being the most dazzling attraction. Designed by Frank Gehry, this monumental metal sculpture has become a landmark of the city. Like the Sydney Opera House, it represents the architecture of the future, a city poem written in a language other than mortal. The museum is a private institution, with a collection primarily focused on modern and contemporary art. Notable pieces include the mural "Untitled" by American abstract painter Mark Rothko and the installation "Puppy" by American artist Jeff Koons.
Day 5 Bilbao → Santander → Santillana de Mar
All day
Today we'll cruise along the northern coast and visit another coastal city, Santander. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, nestled between the mountains and the sea, the city is the capital of Cantabria, Spain. The world-renowned Santander Bank originated here, and it's also the filming location for many introductory Spanish-language dramas, such as Gran Hotel.
The wide bay offers sweeping views of the Cantabrian Sea. Explore the La Magdalena Peninsula, a lush promontory jutting into the Bay of Biscay, dotted with trees and meadows. The island also boasts a palace, once the summer residence of King Alfonso XIII and now the headquarters of a university. Stroll along Sardinero Beach, a beautiful stretch of beach overlooking one of Spain's most beautiful seaside esplanades, flanked by magnificent buildings reminiscent of the French Belle Époque.
At noon, we recommend you check in at the Oriental Market. This local market was built in 1842 and has a series of specialty food shops and bars. After lunch, don't forget to go to the Santander Cathedral and Santander City Hall to admire the city's landmarks.
In the afternoon, we headed to Santillana del Mar, known as the "City of Lies"—a popular myth that it's neither holy, flat, nor sea-less. However, the town was founded in the 9th century, and its cathedral is a thousand years old, making it a true millennial city. It's also a must-see on the northern route of the Camino de Santiago.
That night we stayed at the Spanish state-owned castle hotel in the town.
Day 6 Santillana de Mar → Hiking in the Picos de Europa → Oviedo
All day
Cantabria, a vibrant green region of Spain, is captivating with its captivating scenery. Beyond its long, scenic coastline, it boasts towering mountains and a wealth of natural beauty. Today, we'll explore the European Mountains, known as the "Top of Europe," an ancient national park spanning three provinces.
Here, you'll find Lake Covadonga, nicknamed "Little Switzerland." Formed by two glacial lakes, you can take a light hike around the lakes, where you'll encounter grazing cattle and sheep, creating a truly idyllic Swiss landscape. Covadonga also boasts a cave church, which is also well worth a visit.
That evening, we'll visit the small town of Oviedo, a favorite of renowned director Woody Allen and a frequent guest in his films. Strolling through Oviedo is a truly remarkable experience. Pedestrians wander through the tranquil streets bordering historic plazas and magnificent palaces. The cathedral in the city center is another focal point of the pilgrimage route. Walkers kneel before the 13th-century Romanesque statue of Christ the Redeemer.
Day 7 Oviedo → Cudiero → Cathedral Coast → Santiago
All day
Italy's Cinque Terre is well-known for its colorful houses and coastal scenery. Northern Spain also boasts a colorful town called Cudiero, a small fishing village nestled on the Atlantic Ocean. The buildings are painted in vibrant colors, each one custom-painted to the residents' tastes. The overall look, bathed in sunlight, is like a fairytale fishing village.
The villagers of the town make a living by fishing, relying on its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The scene of fishing boats returning with fully loaded boats is very shocking and attractive. The town is small in size, but has a large seafood market. During the peak fishing season, many people come from far and wide to visit and buy some fresh seafood. It is a great place to experience the life of the locals.
Departing at the perfect time, we arrived at the Cathedral Coast, a beach carved by waves and wind. These cliffs, eroded by wind and sea, have formed spectacular arches and vaults, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. When the tide recedes, the cliffs resemble the flying buttresses of a cathedral, and the rock formations resemble whimsical sculptures. The beach stretches approximately 1.5 kilometers, and walking along it creates a sense of isolation and awe.
Tip: As the eroded coastal cliffs can only be seen at low tide, the actual tour time may be adjusted. If the day is not suitable for the tour, we will go directly to Santiago.
We arrived in Santiago that day.
Day 8 San Diego Full Day
All day
Santiago de Compostela (meaning "Santiago of the Starry Fields") is the capital of the autonomous region of Galicia, Spain, with a population of less than 100,000. Legend has it that St. James, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, is buried here, making it a major Catholic pilgrimage site. Since the Middle Ages, the area has been visited by numerous pilgrims, leading to a famous pilgrimage route from various parts of France to northern Spain, known as the Camino de Santiago.
Visit the Cathedral of Santiago, rebuilt in the 11th century and completed in the 13th. A blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, it's also the legendary burial place of St. James. After your visit, enjoy a cup of coffee at a café in the square while admiring the majestic grandeur of the cathedral. Its mottled stone walls and imposing bell tower create a breathtaking scene, transporting you back a thousand years!
Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Santiago de Compostela, you'll discover a city steeped in medieval history. Its narrow alleys are home to exquisite medieval architecture, traditional restaurants, and small shops, imbued with a religious atmosphere and rich history that's truly worth savoring.
Day 9 San Diego Disbandment★ Disbandment Day
All day
Today is the end of the tour. You can plan your own itinerary, whether to continue your stay in San Diego or depart for another city. If you need to go to the airport or high-speed rail station, we will provide drop-off services. If you wish to stay longer, we will also provide you with itinerary suggestions. We look forward to seeing you again.
Transportation tips for leaving San Diego:
train:
Santiago - Madrid: 10:20 - 13:42 / 16:56 - 20:18
Santiago - Barcelona: 07:47 - 15:30 / 10:20 - 17:29
airplane:
Santiago - Madrid: IB571, 09:15 - 10:35 / IB573, 13:45 - 15:00
Santiago - Barcelona: VY1672, 06:45 - 08:25 / IB5091, 14:10 - 15:45
