Northern Spain (11 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Barcelona
Duration
11 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey from Barcelona to Madrid, immersing yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of northern Spain. This multi-day tour offers an in-depth exploration of iconic cities, charming villages, and breathtaking natural wonders. From the whimsical architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona to the ancient city walls of Pamplona, the culinary delights of San Sebastián to the spiritual pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela, every day brings a new adventure. Along the way, enjoy unique experiences like a traditional lunch and cider tasting in Oviedo, a visit to the world-renowned Prado Museum in Madrid, and much more. This tour is an ideal blend of guided activities and free time, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests.

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Included

1 Welcome Reception (WR)

10 Breakfast (B)

2 Dinner (D)

1 Lunch (L)

jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat

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Abba Sants Barcelona Hotel

Tres Reyes

Santemar

Exe Oviedo Centro

Santiago Plaza by Melia

Gran Corona Sol

Rafael Atocha

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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

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Oviedo: Say salut to traditional Asturian cider and enjoy a local Be My Guest lunch and cider tasting with the Castanon family at their Cider Mill near Oviedo.

Madrid: Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, where you'll have time to admire its extraordinary collection of European art dating from the 12th to early 20th centuries.

Barcelona: With your Local Specialist, see Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful façades of the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.

Pamplona: Spend time exploring this city, known for its annual Running with the Bulls festival.

San Sebastián: Stroll through San Sebastián's golden-hued Old Town and see the iconic Bahía de la Concha beach.

Bilbao: See the architectural landmark Guggenheim Museum.

Picos de Europa: Admire the stunning lush scenery and distant rocky peaks of the Picos de Europa.

Picos de Europa: Visit the holy cave of Covadonga and see the tomb of Pelayo, the first King of Asturias, who is celebrated for winning the Battle of Covadonga.

Luarca: Stop along the Way of Saint James at Luarca to appreciate the natural setting and historic charm of this quaint fishing village.

Santiago de Compostela: Join a Local Specialist on a visit to Praza do Obradoiro and admire the cathedral façade festooned with architectural frills.

Zamora: See the cathedral of Zamora and the 12th-century Church of Mary Magdalene during an orientation with your Travel Director.

Salamanca: See the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-coloured cathedral and the 16th-century university buildings as you explore the city with a Local Specialist.

Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.

Barcelona: In Barcelona, the talented team at Mescladis, an initiative promoting work opportunities to people victim from social exclusion, introduces us to local and seasonal flavours during our Welcome Dinner. This experience advances UN Global Goal 4 Quality Education and 10 Reduced Inequalities.

: Explore Barcelona, Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca and Madrid with a Local Specialist

: Discover Pamplona, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander and Oviedo

: Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga, the fishing village of Luarca, St. James Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela and the Prado Museum in Madrid

: View La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Cathedral and University of Salamanca

: An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

: Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

: All porterage and restaurant gratuities

: All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

: Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

: Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

: Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

: Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

: Optional Experiences and free time

: On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

Read more

Map

Attractions

photo of Cave of El Castillo in Puente Viesgo, Spain.Cave of El Castillo
Textile Museum and Documentation Centre, Terrassa, Vallès Occidental, Barcelona, Catalonia, SpainTextile Museum and Documentation Centre
Photo of Pavilion monument at the castle Square in the old town of Pamplona, Spain.Castle Square
Salamanca Cathedral, Centro, Salamanca, Castile and León, SpainSalamanca Cathedral
Pamplona Planetarium, Ermitagaña, Pamplona, Navarre, SpainPamplona Planetarium
Photo of Cervantes Square in Alacalà de Henares, Spain, Madrid.Cervantes square
Photo of morning Light at Plaza Mayor in Madrid , Spain.Plaza Mayor
Photo of view of Square of Catalonia (Placa de Catalunya) in Barcelona, Spain.Plaça de Catalunya
Photo of Gate of the park in Madrid, Spain .Spain Gate
Photo of sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the most known building created by Antoni Gaudi.Sagrada Família
Complutum. Roman city, Distrito II, Alcalá de Henares, Área metropolitana de Madrid y Corredor del Henares, Community of Madrid, SpainComplutum Roman city
Sanctuary of Covadonga, Cangas de Onís, Asturias, SpainSanctuary of Covadonga
Photo of Museum of the Marine in Madrid,Spain.Naval Museum
Photo of Guggenheim, Bilbao, museum, modern art, Spain.Guggenheim Museum
Beach of La Concha, San Sebastián, Donostialdea, Gipuzkoa, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainBeach of La Concha
Photo of the Royal Palace of Madrid through the gardens, Spain.Royal Palace of Madrid

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Barcelona to Madrid

  • Barcelona
  • Madrid - Arrival day
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  • Plaça de Catalunya
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Begin your Spanish adventure in the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona. Spend the day exploring the city's rich history and vibrant culture, from the bustling Las Ramblas to the bustling Plaça de Catalunya. Marvel at the whimsical architecture of Gaudí before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a welcome reception at Mescladis. As the evening falls, embark on a scenic drive to Madrid, taking in the city's iconic sights along the way.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Barcelona Exploration

  • Barcelona
  • Monistrol de Montserrat
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  • Sagrada Família
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Join a local specialist today for a tour of Barcelona's iconic Gaudi architecture on Passeig De Gracia and the exterior of the unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. Pay tribute to Christopher Columbus at the seaside monument dedicated to him. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city's enchanting neighbourhoods at your own pace. You may also choose to join an optional experience to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat to see the shrine of the Black Madonna, a beloved figure in Catalonia.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Pamplona Exploration

  • Pamplona
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  • Castle Square
  • Pamplona Planetarium
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Today, we journey to Pamplona, the spirited former capital of Navarre. Follow in the footsteps of exhilarated runners and hot-blooded bulls as you explore the city's ancient walls and Plaza del Castillo, the heart of the city that has been the stage for markets, tournaments, and even bullfighting.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: San Sebastián to Santander

  • Bilbao
  • Santander
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  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Beach of La Concha
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Today, we journey to the sophisticated culinary capital of San Sebastián. Take in the beauty of the Bahía de la Concha beach or stroll along la calle 31 de Agosto in the Old Town. Our next stop is Bilbao, where we'll view the modern Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. We arrive in the elegant city of Santander later this afternoon for a two-night stay.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Santander Exploration

  • Santander
  • Santillana del Mar
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  • Cave of El Castillo
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Enjoy a day at leisure in the elegant city of Santander. Relax on one of the nearby beaches, wander through the charming Old Town, or perhaps join an optional experience to the coastal town of Comillas. Here, explore Gaudí's El Capricho, a 19th-century summer villa, before continuing to Santillana del Mar to visit the museum dedicated to the impressive UNESCO-listed Altamira Caves.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Picos de Europa to Oviedo

  • Oviedo
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  • Sanctuary of Covadonga
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Today, journey through the dramatic Picos de Europa, a breathtaking mountain range that sits between two main pilgrim routes. Visit the grotto of 'Our Lady of Covadonga', a famous Marian pilgrimage site, and the pink-hued basilica made from the marble of the surrounding hills. Later, connect with locals over a traditional lunch and cider tasting at the Castañón family's Cider Mill. The evening is free for you to explore the city of Oviedo at your leisure.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Luarca to Santiago de Compostela

Day 7: Luarca to Santiago de Compostela

The Asturian fishing village of Luarca is our first stop today. Soak up its seafaring atmosphere before continuing to the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela, renowned as the end of the 'camino' pilgrimage route that has its origins dating as far back as the 9th century.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Santiago de Compostela Exploration

Day 8: Santiago de Compostela Exploration

  • Santuario de Nuestra Señora de O Corpiño
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Join a local specialist today for an insightful tour of Santiago de Compostela. Learn about the 'Way of Saint James' pilgrimage and visit the vast Cathedral, reputed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Great. Explore the Plaza do Obradoiro, a square dominated by four architectural styles. You may also choose to join an optional experience to the Rías Baixas for breathtaking views of the Galician coast.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Zamora to Salamanca

  • Zamora
  • Salamanca
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  • Salamanca Cathedral
  • Plaza Mayor
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Travel through the lush Galician landscape and Castile-Leon to Zamora, an open-air museum of Romanesque art. Continue to the golden city of Salamanca, where a local specialist will guide you on a sightseeing tour. View Spain's oldest university, the majestic Cathedral, and walk through the imposing Plaza Mayor, a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque architecture.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Madrid Exploration

  • Madrid
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  • Complutum Roman city
  • Royal Palace of Madrid
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Arrive in the vibrant Spanish capital, Madrid, for an afternoon of sightseeing with a local specialist. Visit the world-renowned Prado Museum, home to one of the largest collections of European art. See the Royal Palace, stroll down the bustling Gran Vía, and admire the neoclassical Cibeles Fountain, an iconic symbol of Madrid. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a memorable farewell dinner, toasting to your magnificent journey through northern Spain.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Madrid

  • Madrid - Departure day
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As your Spanish adventure comes to an end, bid farewell to your newfound friends and take with you the unforgettable memories of your journey from Barcelona to Madrid.

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