13-Day Northern Spain from Barcelona

13-Day Northern Spain from Barcelona

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13 Days From

$2579

13-Day Northern Spain from Barcelona

13 Days Starting in Barcelona, Spain and ending in Madrid, Spain

Visiting: Barcelona, San Sebastian, Santander, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Salamanca, Madrid

Tour operator:

Julia Travel

Tour code:

180

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Age range:

8-64

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2579

NB: Prices correct on 18-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 13-day journey through Northern Spain, starting from the vibrant city of Barcelona. This tour offers a blend of cultural exploration and scenic beauty, with visits to iconic cities like Zaragoza, San Sebastian, and Santiago de Compostela. Experience the elegance of Santander and the historical charm of Salamanca, while enjoying the luxury of air-conditioned coach travel and high-speed train rides. Discover the picturesque landscapes of the Galician Rías Bajas and the enchanting city of Porto in Portugal, complete with a Douro River cruise and wine tasting. With guided tours, daily breakfasts, and comfortable accommodations, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure through some of the most beautiful regions of Spain and Portugal.

Highlights

  • Explore the Gothic Quarter and Montjuic in Barcelona, with panoramic city views from the aerial tramway.

  • Visit San Sebastian, known for its International Film Festival and stunning La Concha Beach.

  • Admire the modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

  • Discover the historical treasures of Santillana del Mar, including the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana.

  • Experience the World Heritage Site of Santiago de Compostela, a key Christian pilgrimage center.

  • Cruise along the Douro River in Porto and enjoy a wine tasting at a renowned Port Wine Cellar.

  • Explore the medieval walls and fortress of Ciudad Rodrigo.

  • Visit the historic walled city of Ávila.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation Name: hotel

Arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 2 : Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Presentation at our office at Estación del Norte for the Highlights city tour of Barcelona. Half-day sightseeing tour around Barcelona that will allow you to discover the history of the city while visiting some of the most important places in a comfortable and easy way. The first part of the visit consists in a guided walking tour through the small and narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of the city. During this early visit we will see the Cathedral Square, The Cathedral, the Old Jewish Quarter, among other interesting places. Later we will take our bus to start with a panoramic tour around the rest of the city. We will head towards the Mountain of Montjuic, the main scenery of the Olympic Games in the 1992. We will see the Olympic stadium from the bus and later we will have the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views of the city riding the aerial tramway (subject to the weather conditions). At the end, back to the bus, we will leave Montjuic and come back to the city centre passing through España square, the twin Venetian towers, the MNAC and the Shopping centre Las Arenas, build in an old bullring. We will pass through the elegant Passeig de Gràcia Street, where there are located two of the most important Gaudi’s buildings (Casa Batlló and Casa Milà “la Pedrera”). We will arrive to Estació del Nord, and we will end up the tour. Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this wonderful city and surroundings. Accommodation at the hotel. (*) If the visit Barcelona could not be carried out for technical reasons, it would be replaced by the Barcelona City Tour 1-day Tourist Bus.

Day 3 : Barcelona – Zaragoza – San Sebastian

Location: San Sebastian

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Barcelona's "Sants" train station to depart by high-speed train to Zaragoza. Arrival in Zaragoza and meeting with the guide to continue to San Sebastian, one of the most famous tourist destinations where the International Film Festival is held. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 : San Sebastian

Location: San Sebastian

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Panoramic tour of this elegant and gentrified city whose landscape is dominated by the Bay and La Concha Beach. We will go up to Mount Igueldo, from where we will be able to contemplate a magnificent view of the city. Rest of the day at leisure. In the afternoon, possibility of an optional visit to the picturesque villages of Biarritz and San Juan de Luz, already in French territory. Accommodation.

Day 5 : San Sebastian – Bilbao – Castro Urdiales – Santander

Location: Santander

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast and departure to Bilbao for some free time on the esplanade of the Guggenheim Museum to admire this modern work of architecture. We will continue towards Castro Urdiales, a typical fishing village where we will have free time. Departure to Santander, a port city nestled between the sea and the mountains and which has numerous beaches, such as El Sardinero, one of the best known. Visit with a local guide to get to know this beautiful city in depth. Accommodation.

Day 6 : Santander – Santillana – Covadonga – Oviedo

Location: Oviedo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Santillana del Mar, one of the towns with the greatest historical and artistic value in Spain, which houses true architectural treasures, such as the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, the most important Romanesque jewel in Cantabria. Continue to Covadonga, where we will have free time to visit the Sanctuary and the grotto with the image of the Virgin. In the afternoon departure to Oviedo, located on a series of hills at the foot of the Naranco and which stands out for the beauty of its streets, many of them pedestrian. Its monuments are a World Heritage Site and among them the Cathedral stands out, one of the most important works of Asturian Gothic. Accommodation.

Day 7 : Oviedo – Mondoñedo – Lugo– Santiago De Compostela

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast and departure towards the Galician region. On the way to Lugo, stop in Mondoñedo; free time to visit its imposing 12th century cathedral and try the delicious “Mondoñedo cake”. Departure to Lugo and free time to contemplate the Roman vestiges that it still conserves as its walls, declared a World Heritage Site. Continuation to Santiago de Compostela, whose ancient city is a World Heritage Site, and one of the most important monumental centers in Spain, center of Christian pilgrimage and end of the Camino de Santiago, originally built by the Roman Empire. Accommodation.

Day 8 : Santiago De Compostela

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. City tour of Santiago visiting the Plaza del Obradoiro and its Cathedral (entrance included) dedicated to the Apostle Santiago el Mayor. Rest of the day at leisure to continue visiting this city with a university and student atmosphere. Accommodation.

Day 9 : Santiago De Compostela – Rias Bajas – Porto

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast. Departure to the most picturesque area of the Galician Rías Bajas (Spanish fjords). Through splendid landscapes, we will arrive at the island of La Toja, universally known for its spa and natural wealth. Free time and continuation through the Arosa estuary on the way to Portugal. Arrival in Porto and accommodation.

Day 10 : Porto

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Panoramic tour of Porto, considered a World Heritage Site where we will contemplate the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building and the Church of Santa Clara. Then enjoy a different perspective of the city along the Douro River on board a cruise and discover the historical heritage by visiting a well-known Port Wine Cellar with wine tasting included. Rest of the day free. Accommodation.

Day 11 : Porto – Ciudad Rodrigo – Salamanca

Location: Salamanca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast. Departure towards the Spanish border. Already in Spain, and on the way to Salamanca, stop at Ciudad Rodrigo, a beautiful town surrounded by medieval walls and dominated by its imposing fortress. Continuation to Salamanca, monumental university city, declared a World Heritage Site. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 : Salamanca – Ávila – Madrid

Location: Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Ávila and free time to get to know this historic walled city. Continuation to Madrid. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 13 : Madrid

Location: Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Madrid’s airport. END OF OUR SERVICE.

What's Included

  • Visits in Barcelona, Santander, Porto, and Santiago

    The tour includes visits in Barcelona, Santander, Porto (with a cruise on the Douro and wine tasting), and Santiago (with entrance to the Cathedral).

  • Assistance of an accompanying guide

    An accompanying guide will assist you during the circuit.

  • Transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach

    Transportation throughout the tour is provided by a luxury air-conditioned coach.

  • Barcelona-Zaragoza High Speed Train

    Travel from Barcelona to Zaragoza is via a high-speed train in tourist class.

  • Airport-hotel-airport and hotel-station transfers

    Transfers between the airport and hotel, as well as hotel and station, are included as per the itinerary.

What's Not Included

  • Optional visits and activities

    Optional visits and activities, such as the visit to the picturesque villages of Biarritz and San Juan de Luz, are not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses during the tour are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coach transportation, high-speed train from Barcelona to Zaragoza, and convenient airport-hotel-airport and hotel-station transfers as per the itinerary.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable accommodation in selected class hotels with daily breakfast included, ensuring a restful stay throughout your journey across Northern Spain and Portugal.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach and a high-speed train from Barcelona to Zaragoza in tourist class.

  • Is there a guide available during the tour?

    Yes, there is an accompanying guide available during the circuit to assist travelers.

  • Are there any special activities included in Porto?

    Yes, in Porto, the tour includes a cruise on the Douro River and a visit to a well-known Port Wine Cellar with wine tasting.

  • What is included in the accommodation package?

    The accommodation package includes stays in the selected class of hotels with daily breakfast.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour?

    Yes, airport-hotel-airport and hotel-station transfers are included as per the itinerary.

  • What happens if the Barcelona city tour cannot be carried out?

    If the visit to Barcelona cannot be carried out for technical reasons, it will be replaced by the Barcelona City Tour 1-day Tourist Bus.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    We will include meet local health and safety regulations

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Is not possible to join the tour once it has departed but we can always try to adapt for an excepcional situations.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The company has been trading since 1929

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    There is a cancellation policy indicated for our itineraries

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We try to avoid any kind of paper documentation in our tours, we keep our buses cleaned daily

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You will recieve all necessary documents to travel with us from our Booking and Opwerations Department

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    You will travel with other people who booked the same tour, so you will have the chance to interact with other people from diferent countries and cultures.

Reviews of this operator

Carole Kirby (Google Reviewer)  

We booked tickets for Sagrada...

06-May-2024

We booked tickets for Sagrada Familia and the towers with a guide. Our guide, Victor, was excellent- the pace was just right and he explained everything making the visit so much more informative and interesting for us. Would definitely recommend.

Audrey Brice (Google Reviewer)  

A very enjoyable tour around...

01-Apr-2024

A very enjoyable tour around Park Guell yesterday under the guidance of Raul in excellent English. Great audio system so we could hear Raul no matter how far away we were. Not at all rushed. Very informative and amusing with humorous personal anecdotes.

Barb Agostini (Google Reviewer)  

Did the half day trip...

22-Sep-2019

Did the half day trip from Barcelona to Girona with Julia Tours (left at 8am and back around 2:20pm). Bus was comfy and air conditioned. Left on time. Our tour guide was friendly and showed us around and we had a good amount of free time. Plus if you’re a GOT fan, you’ll get to see some spots from the show.

Janaya Williams (Google Reviewer)  

Our tour of Sagrada Familia...

22-Mar-2024

Our tour of Sagrada Familia was amazing! Olga was our guide and she was absolutely incredible!! She was extremely knowledgeable about the site and was so pleasant to listen to discuss all the details and history. Love learning about the ins and outs and the story behind every detail.

Kyle Mundon (Google Reviewer)  

This was the only place...

11-Oct-2023

This was the only place I could find last-minute tickets to see Sagrada Familia. It was more expensive than the tickets directly from the basilica (which were sold out), but it included a guided tour. I opted to add the tower access in as well, which is about €15 more than just the guided tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate. They have to deal with a lot of other people in the area, and to still be able to communicate effectively is impressive. I can't remember the guides name, but she had blue hair, so definitely easy to keep track of in the crowd of thousands inside the basilica. I didn't deal with any disrespect or lack of professionalism, as other reviews have mentioned. Everyone I interacted with was very kind and took time to explain things. FYI, if you're afraid of heights or claustrophobic, the tower is not for the faint of heart!

Lawrence Delaney (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I toured...

29-Nov-2024

My wife and I toured Park Guell and Sagrada Familia with tour guides Matthew (Park Guell) and Marc (Sagrada Familia) on November 25th 2024. We showed up about twenty minutes late to our tour of Park Guell because our taxi driver dropped us off at the wrong location. Despite this, Matthew was very understanding and accommodating to both us and others on our tour with other specific or individual needs, ensuring to either wait at a location a little longer or offer an alternative path for those who needed a bit more assistance maneuvering within the park. When arriving at the Julia Travel location after our tour, he provided nearby restaurant recommendations and tips for avoiding potential pickpocket attempts in the crowded city center. Matthew’s Barcelona experience is second to none! Marc provided an amazing tour of the incredible Sagrada Familia. His passion, thoroughness, and efficiency in conducting the tour were very impressive. Despite the heavy crowds, he did a great job directing our tour group through Sagrada Familia in an organized manner while also pointing out specific details about the church that we wouldn’t have otherwise noted. Julia Travel provided two great tours through significant locations within Barcelona. We highly recommend them to anyone looking to learn more about these locations!

Creston Inderrieden (Google Reviewer)  

Had a great time touring...

11-Jun-2024

Had a great time touring Sagrada Familia. Beautiful and organized tour.

April Hamilton-West (Google Reviewer)  

Una is absolutely the best...

29-Jul-2023

Una is absolutely the best tour guide ever! Knowledgeable. Energetic. And a delight to be around her. She kept everyone engaged and we all walked away with much more than La Sagrada Familia knowledge. We learned architecture, Gaudi history, and she pointed out things most would miss. Thank you, Una!

FamilyTravel18 (Google Reviewer)  

We took the 30 person...

01-Aug-2023

We took the 30 person catamaran, and had a fantastic time. They stop the boat after about an hour and let the guests swim for half an hour, which is refreshing. There are no pool toys, as advertised, however. Remember to grab a life jacket to swim in the ocean. The boat needs more life jackets available on deck.

Jeffery R. Phaneuf (Google Reviewer)  

Our tour guide Maria was...

02-Aug-2024

Our tour guide Maria was with Julia Tours. It was easy to see she was a regular guide as many of the others knew her as well as the staff of the Basilica. She seemed to love the space as it was “beautiful” to her (told us 18xs). BUT our tour was very poor. It was suppose to be 1.5 hours, scheduled to start at 5. We didn’t start till 5:16 and were done at 6:10. She made all kinds of recommendations of what we could go see AFTER the tour AND didn’t really provide much detail. I suggest you go to the audio tour… has to be better then what we experienced today. Felt like we had a guide who was doing her last tour of the day and just wanted to go home to her air conditioning. This tour company felt like the McDonalds down the road. Fast and efficient but no real nutrients to feed your soul.

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Julia Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Julia Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform julia travel, 0 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Julia Travel requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 21 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of julia travel charges.

    Up to 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.