Northern Spain (Small Groups, End Barcelona, 11 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Madrid
Duration
11 days
Languages
English

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the heart of Spain and Portugal. This multi-day tour is designed to immerse you in the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of these captivating countries. From the bustling metropolis of Madrid to the serene beauty of Santiago de Compostela, and the artistic heritage of Barcelona, each day presents a new adventure. Explore world-renowned museums, marvel at architectural masterpieces, and indulge in local cuisine. Whether you're strolling through charming old villages, relaxing on beautiful beaches, or discovering the secrets of traditional cider production, this tour offers a unique blend of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion.

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Included

10 Breakfast (B)

3 Dinner with Wine (DW)

1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

Barcelona: At a typical Catalan restaurant, savour a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce.

Madrid: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.

Rueda: Some of Spain's finest wines hail from the Rueda region. During your tasting, learn about the Verdejo grape and what to look for in a fresh white.

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10 nights in twin-share rooms at hand-picked hotels

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Choose between two carefully selected activities

Santiago de Compostela: Join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills.

Santiago de Compostela: Embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St. James with a Local Expert, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.

Gijón: Meet locals for a delicious meal of locally sourced produce that has been prepared just for you. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudí's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.

Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.

Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.

Oviedo: Led by your Local Expert, see 1,000-year-old wall paintings in some of Europe's oldest churches. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe, when you visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour.

Picos de Europa: Visit the holy cave of Covadonga and see the tomb of Pelayo who is celebrated for winning the Battle of Covadonga against the Muslim Moors in 722 and later became the first King of Asturias.

Picos de Europa: Venture into this magnificent national park to admire the stunning picturesque scenery and rocky trails.

Santillana del Mar: Step back in time when you visit this perfectly preserved and 'most beautiful village in Spain.'

Getaria: See the rock known as El Ratón or the mouse.

San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.

Pamplona: The city is home to Café Iruña, a favourite of Ernest Hemingway.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Bilbao: See the spectacular modern Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry and sites of this Basque region gem during your orientation with your Travel Director.

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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

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Destinations

Santillana del Mar
Photo of the aerial view of Plaza de Toros in Pamplona, the capital of Navarre province in northern Spain.Pamplona
Scenic aerial view of the Agbar Tower in Barcelona in Spain.Barcelona
Photo of panoramic aerial view of San Sebastian (Donostia) on a beautiful summer day, Spain.Donostia / San Sebastián
Photo of Facade of Santiago de Compostela cathedral in Obradoiro square, Spain.Santiago de Compostela
Photo of Santander city beach aerial panoramic view.Santander
Photo of the Cathedral of Oviedo, Spain, was founded by King Fruela I of Asturias in 781 AD and is located in the Alfonso II square.Oviedo
The Puerta del Sol square is the main public space in Madrid. In the middle of the square is located the office of the President of the Community of Madrid.Madrid
Photo of aerial view of Bilbao, Spain city downtown with a Nevion River, Zubizuri Bridge and promenade. Mountain at the background, with clear blue sky.Bilbao

Map

Attractions

Photo of View at the Church of San Lorenzo in Pamplona, Spain.Iglesia de San Lorenzo
Parque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo, San Sebastián, Donostialdea, Gipuzkoa, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainParque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo
Sobrellano Palace, Comillas, Costa Occidental, Cantabria, SpainSobrellano Palace
Medieval bridge in Cangas de Onis, Cangas de Onís, Asturias, SpainRoman bridge in Cangas de Onis
Photo of sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the most known building created by Antoni Gaudi.Sagrada Família
Santuario de Nuestra Señora de O Corpiño, Losón, Lalín, O Deza, Pontevedra, Galicia, SpainSantuario de Nuestra Señora de O Corpiño
Sanctuary of Covadonga, Cangas de Onís, Asturias, SpainSanctuary of Covadonga
Photo of Guggenheim, Bilbao, museum, modern art, Spain.Guggenheim Museum

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Madrid

  • Madrid - Arrival day
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Begin your journey with a warm welcome in Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll savour authentic Spanish cuisine and fine wine.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Madrid

  • Madrid
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  • Naval Museum
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Embark on a sightseeing tour with a Local Expert, delving into Madrid's rich history. Explore the Old Quarter and the Madrid of the Bourbons. Visit the renowned Prado Museum, where an art historian will guide you through masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and others. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps relaxing at a café or shopping in the city's boutiques.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Santiago de Compostela

  • Santiago de Compostela
  • Madrid
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  • Castle of Coca
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Travel through the Guadarrama Mountains and the vast landscapes of Old Castile. Pass by the impressive Castillo de la Mota and the historic town of Tordesillas before reaching Santiago de Compostela.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Santiago de Compostela

  • Santiago de Compostela
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Explore Santiago de Compostela with a Local Expert. Choose between a city tour, including a visit to the ornate cathedral, or a scenic walk along the Way of St. James. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the city's narrow streets and old squares at your own pace.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: From Santiago de Compostela to Oviedo

  • Oviedo
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Travel through ancient forests of Galicia and the Green Coast of Asturias. Enjoy a homemade meal and learn about traditional cider production. Admire coastal vistas and travel through old villages to reach Oviedo. Explore the city's 9th-century churches and visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, home to one of Europe's finest altarpieces.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Oviedo to Santander

  • Santillana del Mar
  • Santander
  • Oviedo
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  • Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis
  • Sanctuary of Covadonga
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Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga and the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís. Journey into the foothills of the Picos de Europa, a national park with stunning mountain and gorge scenery. Travel to Santillana del Mar, one of Spain's most beautiful villages, before reaching the sophisticated beach resort of Santander.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Santander to San Sebastián

  • Bilbao
  • Santander
  • Donostia / San Sebastián
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  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Beach of La Concha
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Visit Bilbao and admire the modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum. Enjoy scenic coastal views as you travel to Getaria and see the mouse-shaped rock, 'El Ratón'. Continue to San Sebastián, where a Local Expert will guide you through the Old Quarter to the Plaza de la Constitución.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Leisure Day in San Sebastián

  • Donostia / San Sebastián
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Enjoy a day at leisure in San Sebastián. Stroll along the city's boardwalk, explore the harbour, or relax on the sandy beach. You may also choose to visit the nearby French villages of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz, or explore the boutiques of the Old Town.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: San Sebastián to Barcelona

  • Pamplona
  • Barcelona
  • Donostia / San Sebastián
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  • Iglesia de San Lorenzo
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Travel to Pamplona, famous for its Running of the Bulls festival. Enjoy free time to explore, perhaps visiting Estafeta Street or Café Iruña, featured in Hemingway's 'The Sun Also Rises'. Continue your journey to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Barcelona's Artistic Heritage

  • Barcelona
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  • Sagrada Família
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Join a Local Expert for a tour of Barcelona's artistic highlights. Drive along Passeig de Gràcia and through the Eixample district to visit Gaudí's masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the city on your own. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Farewell

  • Barcelona - Departure day
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Bid farewell to your unforgettable journey through Spain and Portugal. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

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