Northern Spain & Galicia 13-Day Tour from Barcelona

Welcome to Barcelona! Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel, the Catalonia Barcelona Plaza (or similar). The rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a half-day city tour of Barcelona. Wander through the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, marvel at the panoramic views from Montjuic Mountain, and drive past the elegant Passeig de Gràcia Street. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Barcelona 'Sants' train station for a high-speed journey to Zaragoza. Spend the afternoon exploring this historic city before continuing to the famous tourist destination of San Sebastian. Check into the Palacio de Aiete (or similar) for your overnight stay.

Start your day with a panoramic tour of San Sebastian, including a visit to Mount Igueldo for breathtaking city views. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You may choose to visit the picturesque villages of Biarritz and San Juan de Luz in French territory (optional).

After breakfast, depart for Bilbao, where you'll have free time to admire the Guggenheim Museum. Continue to the fishing village of Castro Urdiales before arriving in Santander, a city known for its beautiful beaches like El Sardinero. Check into the Santemar Hotel (or similar) for your overnight stay.

Today's journey takes you to Santillana del Mar, home to the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana. Continue to Covadonga to visit the Sanctuary and the grotto with the image of the Virgin. In the afternoon, arrive in Oviedo, a city known for its beautiful streets and World Heritage monuments. Check into the Sercotel Oviedo (or similar) for your overnight stay.

Depart for the Galician region, stopping in Mondoñedo to visit its imposing 12th-century cathedral. Continue to Lugo, where you'll have free time to explore the city's Roman vestiges, including its World Heritage-listed walls. The day concludes in Santiago de Compostela, a World Heritage city and the end of the Camino de Santiago. Check into the Santiago Plaza affiliated by Meliá (or similar) for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Santiago de Compostela. Visit the Plaza del Obradoiro and its Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago el Mayor. The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring this university city.

Depart for the picturesque area of the Galician Rías Bajas, stopping at the spa island of La Toja. Continue through the Arosa estuary on your way to Portugal. Arrive in Porto and check into the HF Fenix Ipanema (or similar) for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on a panoramic tour of Porto, a World Heritage city. Visit the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and the Church of Santa Clara. Enjoy a cruise along the Douro River and visit a renowned Port Wine Cellar for a tasting session. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

Depart for the Spanish border, stopping at Ciudad Rodrigo, a beautiful town surrounded by medieval walls. Continue to Salamanca, a World Heritage university city. Check into the Catalonia Plaza Mayor (or similar) for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart for Ávila, a historic walled city. Spend some free time exploring before continuing to Madrid. Check into your 4-star hotel (or similar) for your overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll be transferred to Madrid's airport, marking the end of our memorable journey. Safe travels!