This comprehensive tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the rich cultural tapestry of northern Spain. From the historic city of Oviedo to the picturesque villages of Castrillo de Polvazares and Astorga, this small-group experience offers an immersive exploration of the region’s architectural and culinary wonders. Travelers will explore the pre-Romanesque splendor of Santa Cristina de Lena, savor the traditional flavors of Cocido Maragato, and marvel at the grandeur of Astorga Cathedral and the Wet Neighborhood in León. With a duration of 10 hours, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the captivating stories that lie within this culturally rich area.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Leon Spain.
Key Points
- This tour departs from Oviedo and visits the pre-Romanesque church of Santa Cristina de Lena, Gaudi’s Palace in Astorga, and the charming village of Castrillo de Polvazares.
- The tour includes a traditional Cocido Maragato lunch at the Coscolo House Restaurant in Castrillo de Polvazares.
- Participants can explore the Astorga Cathedral and the Barrio Húmedo, or Wet Neighborhood, in León.
- The tour lasts for 10 hours and is a small-group experience limited to a single participant.
- Pickup and drop-off are provided at a specified address within Oviedo, with transportation options for up to 6 passengers.
Tour Details
The tour spans 10 hours and provides pickup service from a specified address, offering a small-group experience limited to a single participant.
The host and greeter speak both Spanish and English, ensuring effective communication throughout the day.
With free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, participants can plan their schedule with confidence.
This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region, from the pre-Romanesque church of Santa Cristina de Lena to the iconic Gaudi Palace in Astorga and the breathtaking Leon Cathedral.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an immersive cultural experience, this tour promises an unforgettable journey.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Leon Spain.
Itinerary Highlights
Departing Oviedo, the tour first ventures to Astorga, where participants explore the iconic Gaudi Palace, an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned Antoni Gaudí.
Along the way, the group makes a brief stop at the pre-Romanesque church of Santa Cristina de Lena, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich historical heritage.
Next, the tour allows time to visit the Astorga Cathedral, or for a leisurely coffee break.
Continuing onward, the group travels to the picturesque village of Castrillo de Polvazares, where they indulge in a traditional Cocido Maragato lunch at the Coscolo House Restaurant.
Pickup and Dropoff
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at a specified address within Oviedo, either in a sedan for up to 3 people or a van for 4-6 passengers. This convenient service ensures a seamless start and end to the day’s excursion. Regardless of group size, travelers will be transported comfortably and efficiently to the first stop and back to their original location at the tour’s conclusion.
| Sedan (up to 3 people) | Van (4-6 passengers) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup | From specified address in Oviedo | From specified address in Oviedo |
| Drop-off | Back to specified address in Oviedo | Back to specified address in Oviedo |
| Capacity | Up to 3 people | 4-6 people |
| Comfort | Spacious and comfortable | Spacious and comfortable |
Included Visits
Though the tour packs in a variety of historical and architectural highlights, it provides ample time to explore each site in-depth. After departing Oviedo, the first stop is the pre-Romanesque church of Santa Cristina de Lena, offering a glimpse into the region’s early religious heritage.
Next, travelers will visit Gaudi’s iconic Palace in Astorga, marveling at the Catalan architect’s distinctive modernist design.
The tour also includes:
- A visit to Astorga Cathedral, allowing guests to admire the city’s stunning Gothic architecture.
- Exploration of the charming village of Castrillo de Polvazares, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture.
- A trip to the Barrio Húmedo, or Wet Neighborhood, in León, showcasing the city’s vibrant cultural and historical legacy.
Excluded Expenses
While the tour includes pickup, drop-off, and visits to several historical and cultural sites, it doesn’t cover the entry fees for Gaudi’s Palace in Astorga, Astorga Cathedral, and Leon Cathedral, which are additional costs for participants. These fees amount to 6 euros for Gaudi’s Palace, 7 euros for Astorga Cathedral, and 7 euros for Leon Cathedral.
Participants will also need to cover the cost of their lunch at Coscolo House Restaurant in Castrillo de Polvazares, which isn’t included in the tour price.
The tour package is designed to provide a comprehensive experience, but these exclusions allow participants to tailor their spending to their own preferences and budgets.
Age Suitability
This tour isn’t age-appropriate for children under 12 years. The tour operator has specified this age limit to ensure all guests can fully appreciate the experiences and safely navigate the activities involved.
While the itinerary includes visits to historical and cultural sites, the pace and content may not be engaging or accessible for younger participants.
Some key considerations for this age restriction include:
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The length of the tour (10 hours) may be too long for young children to remain engaged and attentive.
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Entry fees to certain sites like Gaudi’s Palace and the cathedrals aren’t included, which could be cost-prohibitive for families.
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The tour involves walking and navigating uneven terrain, which may be challenging for smaller children.
Tour Duration
The tour lasts a total of 10 hours, providing ample time for participants to fully enjoy the rich cultural and historical sites along the itinerary.
With a carefully curated schedule, the tour ensures that guests can explore the significant landmarks, such as Gaudi’s Palace in Astorga, the pre-Romanesque church of Santa Cristina de Lena, and the impressive Leon Cathedral, without feeling rushed.
The extended duration allows for leisurely visits, time for refreshments, and the opportunity to savor the local cuisine during the lunch break.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a well-paced sightseeing experience, this 10-hour tour offers a comprehensive and memorable journey through the vibrant cities of northern Spain.
Cancellation Policy
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing guests with flexibility and peace of mind when planning their travel arrangements. This policy allows for last-minute changes or unexpected circumstances, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Some key benefits of the cancellation policy include:
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Flexibility: Guests can easily adjust their plans without incurring any additional costs, making the tour more accommodating to their schedules.
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Refunds: In the event of a cancellation, guests will receive a full refund, allowing them to rebook or make alternative arrangements.
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Stress-free planning: Knowing they can cancel without penalty gives guests the confidence to book the tour, making the overall planning process more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Stops Are There in the Tour?
The tour includes 8 stops: Oviedo, Astorga to visit Gaudi’s Palace, the pre-Romanesque church of Santa Cristina de Lena, Astorga Cathedral, Castrillo de Polvazares, Coscolo House Restaurant, Barrio Húmedo in León, and the León Cathedral, before returning to Oviedo.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no specific dress code for the tour. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves visiting various historical sites and landmarks. Guests should dress respectfully when entering religious facilities.
Can I Purchase Tickets at the Sites During the Tour?
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the sites during the tour. The tour itinerary mentions that entry fees to Gaudí’s Palace, Astorga Cathedral, and León Cathedral are not included, indicating that these tickets can be purchased separately upon arrival.
Are There Any Restroom Breaks Scheduled During the Tour?
The tour includes scheduled restroom breaks throughout the day, allowing participants to freshen up at various points during the excursion. Ample time is provided for comfort and convenience at key locations along the itinerary.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?
Yes, the tour can be customized to visit additional sites. Customers can discuss their interests with the tour provider and work together to adjust the itinerary, subject to availability and logistics. The tour provider aims to accommodate reasonable requests to enhance the customer’s experience.
Recap
This comprehensive tour takes visitors on a journey through the rich cultural heritage of the region, showcasing the area’s architectural and culinary wonders.
From the Gaudi Palace in Astorga to the Astorga Cathedral and the Wet Neighborhood in León, the tour offers an immersive experience.
With a traditional Cocido Maragato lunch and a small-group setting, this 10-hour tour provides an opportunity to discover the region’s unique character.
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