Northern Spain - End Barcelona, Small Group
Northern Spain - End Barcelona, Small Group
Northern Spain - End Barcelona, Small Group
11 Days Starting in Madrid and ending in Barcelona
Visiting: Spain
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE931ZN19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
See spectacular Spain on this 11-day guided tour. Meet a local on the Green Coast of Asturias — a verdant beach along the wild Cantabrian Sea — for a lunch made of locally sourced ingredients and cider. In Oviedo, join a Local Expert for a tour of the town’s 9th Century churches and the Cathedral of the Holy Savior. See the most beautiful village in Spain, Santillana del Mar, where you can wander cobblestone streets until you reach its scenic town square. Relax at your luxury beach resort in Santander, taking in views of the bay below. In Barcelona, allow a Local Expert to lead you through the city’s Gothic Quarter, through the Roman Gate and to the Sagrada Família, a spectacular basilica with towers that seem to touch the sky and stained-glass windows that are works of art.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Madrid
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers over an evening of delicious food and wine.
Day 2: Madrid Of The Bourbons
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert as they take you along the main historical areas in the capital of Spain, known as Madrid of the Bourbons. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, discovering the origins of the city. Learn about the growth of this city, from humble beginnings to a thriving European metropolis. A highlight of your escorted journey will be to visit the Prado Museum. Discover countless works by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and others as you are guided by a local art historian. Gain new perspective on classic artworks as your art historian shares historic anecdotes and provides new insights into the Prado's collection. The afternoon is free for you to relax at a café or shop in the boutiques.
Day 3: Through The Guadarrama Mountains To Santiago
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile and pass the impressive Castillo de la Mota. Continue past historic Tordesillas, and on to Santiago de Compostela.
Day 4: Saintly Santiago De Compostela Relaxed Start
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Santiago de Compostela with Insight Choice. Choose to join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit the cathedral, festooned with architectural frills. Alternatively, embark on a scenic walk along the Way of St. James, through scenic parks and gardens. Relax during your free time, or explore the narrow streets and old city squares.
Day 5: Along The Costa Verde To Oviedo Relaxed Start
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Pass through the ancient forests of Galicia and cross to the Green Coast of Asturias - one of Spain's most beautiful, named after the color of the sea and the pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore. Enjoy an espicha experience for lunch, very popular with the locals, you'll have a taste of different products they offer, with a souvenir glass of cider. Your route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to travel through old villages and deep valleys en route to Oviedo.
Continue on to Oviedo where a Local Expert will show you the 9th century churches built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior in the stately square of Plaza Alfonso II. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe.
Day 6: Picturesque Santillana Del Mar And On To Santander
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa, a national park boasting spectacular mountain and gorge scenery.
Enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria while traveling to Santillana del Mar, arguably the most beautiful village in Spain. Stroll through the rustic cobblestone streets, admiring stone houses decorated with carved, heraldic symbols and reach the delightful church square.
Continue on to the sophisticated beach resort of Santander where you have free time in the evening to enjoy this luxurious hotel. Why not take the time to explore the hotel terrace with stunning views of the bay below or relax with one of the many therapy treatments offered at the hotels spa?
Day 7: Bilbao, Costa Vasca And San Sebastián Relaxed Start
Meals Included: Breakfast
In nearby Bilbao, admire the striking modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the world's most spectacular buildings. Enjoy the views as you are driven along part of the Costa Vasca, dotted with small coastal fishing villages and pause in the seaside city of Getaria to see 'El Ratón', the mouse-shaped rock. Continue to San Sebastián and admire its beauty as you walk with your Local Expert through the Old Quarter to see the Plaza de la Constituction.
Day 8: San Sebastián, Pearl Of The Cantabrian Coast Relaxed Start
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk and with the city harbor filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, you can enjoy several sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps you'll want to explore the nearby French villages of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, also known as Little Paris and Biarritz? Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?
Day 9: Pamplona And On To Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival. With time free for you to explore, perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street or visit Café Iruña, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in the 'The Sun Also Rises?' In the afternoon join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a biodynamic farm whose secrets have been handed down through four generations. Take in the views of Catalunya and taste the flavor of the valley 'Terroir' in the form of a sparkling wine. Sample this light refreshment and follow the process from the vine to your glass, learning about the unique sustainable methods employed. Sparkling wine is essential to Catalan culture, flowing freely during celebrations it is the perfect way to start your adventure into Catalunya. Your travels continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, a land that retains its own distinctive language, culture and traditions.
Day 10: Barcelona, The City Of Gaudí
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Wake up ready to embrace the city’s artistic heritage. Join a Local Expert and drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to behold Gaudí’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. As you venture inside, look above to see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows. With the afternoon at leisure, you are free to relax or continue your exploration on your own. In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant. Raise your glass and toast your travels during your delightful Celebration Dinner.
Day 11: Depart Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid farewell to your journey along Spain and Portugal as you transfer to the airport.
What's Included
-
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
-
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.
-
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
-
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
-
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
-
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
-
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.
Check out our Q&As
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 23, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions