Northern Spain (Small Groups, End Madrid, 11 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the heart of Spain, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. This multi-day tour takes you from the bustling metropolis of Madrid to the serene beauty of Santiago de Compostela, the lush forests of Galicia, and the architectural marvels of Barcelona. Along the way, you'll visit world-renowned museums, historical sites, and natural wonders, guided by local experts who will provide unique insights into each destination. Enjoy delicious local cuisine, traditional cider tastings, and leisurely strolls through charming old towns. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or a nature lover, this tour offers something for everyone.
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.
10 night accommodation
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.
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.
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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Madrid
- Madrid
- Fuenlabrada - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Madrid. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll enjoy an evening of exquisite Spanish cuisine and fine wine.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Madrid
- Madrid
- Pozuelo de Alarcón
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- Naval Museum
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Spend the day exploring Madrid with a Local Expert. Discover the city's historical areas, including the Old Quarter, and visit the renowned Prado Museum, where an art historian will guide you through its impressive collection. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps relaxing at a café or shopping in the local boutiques.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela
- Madrid
- More
- Castle of Coca
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Travel through the breathtaking Guadarrama Mountains and the expansive landscapes of Old Castile. Pass by the impressive Castillo de la Mota and the historic town of Tordesillas on your way to Santiago de Compostela.
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 that includes a visit to the ornate cathedral, or a scenic walk along the Way of St. James. Spend your free time relaxing or exploring the city's narrow streets and old squares.
Day 5 – Day 5: From Galicia to Asturias
- Oviedo
- More
Journey through the ancient forests of Galicia and onto the Green Coast of Asturias. Enjoy a traditional cider tasting and homemade lunch before continuing to Oviedo. Here, a Local Expert will guide you through the city's 9th-century churches and the stunning Cathedral of the Holy Saviour.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Asturias and Cantabria
- 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. Travel through the stunning Picos de Europa National Park and enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria. Explore Santillana del Mar, one of Spain's most beautiful villages, before arriving in the luxurious beach resort of Santander.
Day 7 – Day 7: From Santander to San Sebastián
- Bilbao
- Santander
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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- Guggenheim Museum
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Visit the city of Bilbao and admire the modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Costa Vasca, dotted with quaint fishing villages, and stop in the seaside city of Getaria. End the day in the beautiful city of San Sebastián, where a Local Expert will guide you through the Old Quarter.
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. Consider visiting the nearby French villages of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz, or explore the boutiques of the Old Town.
Day 9 – Day 9: From San Sebastián to Barcelona
- Pamplona
- Barcelona
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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- Iglesia de San Lorenzo
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Travel to the famous town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival. Enjoy some free time to explore before continuing your journey to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia.
Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Barcelona
- Barcelona
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- Sagrada Família
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Join a Local Expert for a tour of Barcelona's artistic heritage. Drive along the Passeig de Gràcia and 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.
Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Barcelona
- Madrid
- Barcelona - Departure day
- More
Bid farewell to your unforgettable journey through Northern Spain as you transfer to the airport for your departure.
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