Basque Country with Lourdes from Madrid

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo!
We’ll set off for Castile, traveling through beautiful mountain landscapes. Our first stop will be Segovia, where we’ll take a scenic route around the city to reach Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, a viewpoint from which you’ll enjoy the best views of the Alcazar of Segovia, the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Maleficent’s castle in Sleeping Beauty, along with its impressive walls. We’ll then park near the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, built in the 1st century and used until 1973, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have free time to explore the old town, have lunch, and visit the Plaza Mayor, where you can see the cathedral and the Alcazar.

We’ll continue our journey on charming little roads that will allow us to appreciate the towns and landscapes on the way to Pedraza, often hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. This strongly fortified medieval town features cobblestone streets, historic buildings, a picturesque Plaza Mayor, and a fortress dating back to the 13th century. There will be free time for a walk. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to the Basque Country, arriving in Bilbao. Here, you’ll have free time to explore the old town, where you can visit the numerous taverns and bars to sample the famous “pintxos.”

After breakfast, we’ll take a guided tour of Bilbao, where the standout attraction is the Guggenheim Museum, famous for its striking exterior architecture, the old town, or the city’s medieval center, with its lively streets and cathedral. After, there will be free time for a stroll and lunch. We recommend the La Ribera Market, where you can sample traditional Basque cuisine in a boat-like structure overlooking the river.

After lunch, we’ll depart for Guernica, a town known for being the site of one of the most tragic massacres of the Spanish Civil War, famously depicted in Pablo Picasso´s painting. Here, you’ll see the Tree of Gernika, beneath which the Basque Country was granted its autonomy during the Middle Ages.

We’ll continue to Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía), a picturesque coastal town with beaches, ancient walls, a maritime atmosphere, and a historic center. The grid layout of its narrow, cobbled streets will charm you as you explore the old town and enjoy dinner.

We’ll then head to San Sebastian, arriving by the end of the day. Our hotel is usually located atop Mount Igueldo, offering one of the most breathtaking views of this elegant, lit city.

In the morning, we’ll start by enjoying breathtaking views over San Sebastián Bay from Mount Igueldo, followed by a visit to the Miramar Palace and its lovely gardens. Afterward, you´ll have some free time to relax on the city’s large beach or take a leisurely stroll along its boulevards. We´ll include a traditional Basque cuisine pintxo experience, accompanied by a drink. Early in the afternoon, we’ll make our way to France, arriving in Bordeaux by evening. We recommend taking a walk through the city center.

The entire center of Bordeaux has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Prepare to be captivated by the “Water Mirror” and explore the historic old town with its charming pedestrian streets and 11th-century cathedral. Later, you´ll have free time to stroll along the Garonne River banks, lined with quaint restaurants perfect for lunch, or if you wish, you can visit Cité du Vin, an impressive interactive museum that delves into the history and production of wine. Afterward, we continue towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid-afternoon. You´ll have time to visit the sanctuary (we suggest attending the candlelit procession). Dinner will be included.

We’ll depart early from Lourdes, crossing the Pyrenees Mountains through stunning high-altitude landscapes. Upon entering Spain, we’ll stop for coffee in Sallent de Gállego, a historic mountain village known for its Gothic church and medieval stone bridge. Next, we’ll head to Huesca, where we can take a leisurely stroll through the historic center of this provincial capital. Highlights include the cathedral and the Abbey of San Pedro el Viejo, a 12th-century site with a beautiful Romanesque cloister. Our journey continues to Zaragoza, the vibrant capital of Aragon. Here, you’ll have time for lunch and to explore the historic quarter and the Plaza del Pilar, home to the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We’ll then continue to Madrid, arriving around 9:00 p.m

We’ll depart early from Lourdes, crossing the Pyrenees Mountains through stunning high-altitude landscapes. Upon entering Spain, we’ll stop for coffee in Sallent de Gállego, a historic mountain village known for its Gothic church and medieval stone bridge. Next, we’ll head to Huesca, where we can take a leisurely stroll through the historic center of this provincial capital. Highlights include the cathedral and the Abbey of San Pedro el Viejo, a 12th-century site with a beautiful Romanesque cloister. Our journey continues to Zaragoza, the vibrant capital of Aragon. Here, you’ll have time for lunch and to explore the historic quarter and the Plaza del Pilar, home to the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We’ll then continue to Madrid, arriving around 9:00 p.m