I so love Spain! My last trips there were to Northeastern Spain in 2017 and Northwestern Spain back in 2013.

I have covered all of the towns and cities that you mentioned and I love them all. Salamanca, Segovia, Avila were seen on a previous trip for which I never posted a TR. My TRs are really a photographic TR with comments embedded on many pics if you click on the pic.

I see no one has mentioned Santillana del Mar which I also enjoyed for a couple of nights to see the nearby caves (replicas, these days) and Comillas but, as most places, utterly charming after the day trippers leave.

Here are links to my TRs in case they help you make your difficult decisions. Have a wonderful trip!

https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...tures-1656099/

https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...ctures-995362/

I have my detailed itineraries in spreadsheets. If you are interested, you can send me a PM with your email and I'll send them to you.

Altamira is a reproduction, but I believe there are several caves in the area with original prehistoric art that can still be seen. But maybe that has changed?

HI kja,

Yes, I was referring to Altamira. Thanks for the clarification!

I envy anyone who saw the original, and am very glad I saw the reproduction, even though it isn't original!

Hi sembach:

I sent you the file.

Good luck with your planning.

We may all disagree regarding prioritising the sites as there is so much to see and enjoy in that area. Regardless of what you choose to do, you will enjoy it tremendously.

regards Ger

I think so, too!
Lots of very difficult choices.
No bad ones!

Thanks Robert for posting those pictures of Leon! Dont know if they still do it, but last time I was there, around midnight, they turned on the lights inside the Cathedral , showcasing the stained glass. Just gorgeous! I now feel I need to go back, maybe will do it after I finish my Camino Ingles in Sept

León Cathderal at night
 

cruiseluv, yes, they still turn on the lights at night, but they also light up the outside.

Thanks every one for the photos and feedback - lots of good options for this route! I have learned a great deal!