Northern Spain (Small Groups, End Madrid, 11 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Spain, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. From the vibrant streets of Madrid to the sacred paths of Santiago de Compostela, this journey offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Discover the artistic treasures of the Prado Museum, traverse the lush landscapes of Galicia, and savor the culinary delights of Asturias. Marvel at the architectural wonders of Barcelona and bask in the coastal beauty of San Sebastián. With expert guides and luxurious accommodations, each day promises new adventures and cherished memories. Join us for an extraordinary exploration of Spain's most iconic destinations.
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.
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 farm to table 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 - Arrival day
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Embark on a captivating journey through Spain, beginning in the vibrant capital, Madrid. As the sun sets, gather with your fellow travelers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. Savor the rich flavors of Spanish cuisine paired with exquisite wines, setting the perfect tone for the adventures ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Madrid's Artistic Heritage
- Madrid
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- Naval Museum
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Dive into the heart of Madrid with a guided tour through its historic quarters. Explore the illustrious Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya. With the afternoon free, indulge in a leisurely café visit or explore the city's chic boutiques.
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 picturesque landscapes of Old Castile, passing the majestic Castillo de la Mota. Continue your journey through historic Tordesillas, arriving in the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela, a revered pilgrimage destination.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela
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- Ponte colgante de Calvelo
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Choose between a guided city tour or a scenic walk along the Way of St. James. Visit the ornate Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, a marvel of architectural grandeur. Enjoy free time to wander the charming streets and squares of this historic city.
Day 5 – Day 5: From Galicia to Oviedo
- Oviedo
- Santiago de Compostela
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- Casa de los Hevia
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Traverse the lush landscapes of Galicia, crossing into Asturias' Green Coast. Delight in a farm-to-table lunch and cider tasting. Arrive in Oviedo, where a local expert unveils the city's 9th-century churches and the magnificent Cathedral of the Holy Saviour.
Day 6 – Day 6: Covadonga 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 sacred Holy Cave of Covadonga and admire the Roman Bridge in Cangas de Onís. Journey through the breathtaking Picos de Europa, arriving in the enchanting village of Santillana del Mar. Conclude your day in the elegant coastal city of Santander.
Day 7 – Day 7: Bilbao to San Sebastián
- Bilbao
- Santander
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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- Guggenheim Museum
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Marvel at the avant-garde architecture of Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum. Travel along the scenic Costa Vasca, pausing in Getaria to view 'El Ratón.' Arrive in San Sebastián, where a guided walk reveals the charm of its Old Quarter and the vibrant Plaza de la Constitución.
Day 8 – Day 8: Leisure in San Sebastián
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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Enjoy a leisurely day in San Sebastián, strolling along its picturesque boardwalk and sandy beaches. Consider exploring the nearby French villages of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz, or indulge in shopping at the Old Town's boutiques.
Day 9 – Day 9: Pamplona to Barcelona
- Pamplona
- Barcelona
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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- Iglesia de San Lorenzo
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Venture to Pamplona, famed for its Running of the Bulls. Explore Estafeta Street or visit the iconic Café Iruña. Continue to Barcelona, the vibrant heart of Catalonia, where culture and tradition thrive.
Day 10 – Day 10: Barcelona's Artistic Marvels
- Barcelona
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- Sagrada Família
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Embark on a guided exploration of Barcelona's architectural wonders. Stroll along Passeig de Gràcia and admire Gaudí's masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. With the afternoon free, delve deeper into the city's vibrant culture or unwind at a local café.
Day 11 – Day 11: Farewell to Spain
- Madrid
- Barcelona - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey across Spain with a transfer from Barcelona to Madrid. Reflect on the memories made and the friendships forged as you bid farewell to this enchanting land.
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