Northern Spain
Northern Spain
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Northern Spain, where the rich tapestry of history, culture unfolds before you. From the architectural wonders of Barcelona to the historic streets of Santiago de Compostela and the vibrant heart of Madrid, this tour offers an unparalleled exploration of Spain's most iconic cities. Discover the unique charm of Pamplona, the culinary delights of San Sebastián, and the artistic treasures of Bilbao. Highlights include visits to the awe-inspiring La Sagrada FamÃlia, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Prado Museum, where the essence of Spain's artistic heritage is celebrated. With an expert Travel Director to guide you, cherry-picked hotels for your comfort, and a luxury coach to transport you through scenic landscapes, this tour promises a blend of must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, ensuring an unforgettable experience through Spain's northern gems.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
Accommodation Name: Abba Sants Barcelona Hotel
Meals Included: Welcome Reception
Trace the treasures of the north on this grand expedition from Barcelona to Madrid, easing yourself into la buena vida as only the Spaniards can. Delve into centuries of history and the cosmopolitan culture of Barcelona, rambling up Las Ramblas, people-watching in Plaça de Catalunya and admiring the whimsical architecture of GaudÃ. Later, you’ll meet with your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and evening drive to see the city's iconic sights.
Day 2: Discover Vibrant Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
Accommodation Name: Abba Sants Barcelona Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join our Local Specialist today as we take in the Gaudi architecture of Passeig De Gracia before admiring the exterior of his unfinished La Sagrada Familia. Later, we pay tribute to Christopher Columbus as we pass the seaside monument that bears his name. Later, spend the rest of the day on your own to explore the city’s enchanting barrios. Consider joining an Optional Experience to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat to see the shrine of the Black Madonna - affectionately known in Catalonia as La Moreneta.
Day 3: Journey To Pamplona
Location: Pamplona
Accommodation: Tres Reyes
Accommodation Name: Hotel Tres Reyes Pamplona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The feisty former capital of Navarre takes center stage. We follow in the footsteps of thousands of exhilarated runners and hot-blooded bulls today. See Pamplona's ancient city walls and Plaza del Castillo, the heart of the city where markets, tournaments and even bullfighting have taken place.
Day 4: Off To Culinary San Sebastián And On To Santander
Location: San Sebastián
Accommodation: Santemar
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santemar Santander
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we journey to the sophisticated culinary capital of San Sebastián. See the beautiful BahÃa de la Concha beach or stroll along la calle 31 de Agosto in the Old Town. Our next stop is Bilbao to view the modern Guggenheim Museum, designed by talented architect Frank Gehry. We arrive in Santander later this afternoon for a two-night stay.
Day 5: Sophisticated Santander Your Way
Location: Santander
Accommodation: Santemar
Accommodation Name: Hotel Santemar Santander
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day at leisure in elegant Santander. Relax on the sun-kissed shores of one of the nearby playas, amble through the charming Old Town or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the coastal town of Comillas, with its cobbled streets. Here you will explore GaudÃ's El Capricho, built in the late 19th century as a summer villa, then carry on to Santillana del Mar to visit the museum dedicated to the impressive UNESCO-listed Altamira Caves.
Day 6 : Scenic Landscapes, Quaint Towns And Oviedo
Location: Oviedo
Accommodation: Exe Oviedo Centro
Accommodation Name: Exe Oviedo Centro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Spectacular scenery awaits today as you travel through the dramatic Picos de Europa which sits between two main pilgrim routes along which you will encounter several quaint historic market towns. Visit the grotto of 'Our Lady of Covadonga', a famous Marian pilgrimage site, and the pink-hued basilica made from the marble of the surrounding hills. Later we'll Connect With Locals and enjoy a traditional lunch and cider tasting at our Be My Guest experience with the Castañón family at their Cider Mill. This evening is free for you to explore Oviedo at leisure.
Day 7: Pilgrimage To Santiago De Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation: Santiago Plaza by Melia
Accommodation Name: Santiago Plaza by Melia
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Asturian fishing village of Luarca is our first stop today. Soak up its seafaring atmosphere en route to the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela, renowned as the end of the 'camino' pilgrimage route that has its origins dating as far back as the 9th century.
Day 8: Explore Santiago De Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation: Santiago Plaza by Melia
Accommodation Name: Santiago Plaza by Melia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Specialist who will share insights into the 'Way of Saint James' and explain why thousands of people attempt the life-changing pilgrimage annually. Visit the vast Cathedral, reputed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Great, and the Praza do Obradoiro, a square dominated by four architectural styles. Consider an Optional Experience to the RÃas Baixas for soul-stirring views of the Galician coast. The region has long waterways stretching inland that are said to be the mark left by God's hand when he cleansed himself after creating the world.
Day 9: Onwards To Artistic Zamora And Salamanca
Location: Salamanca
Accommodation: Gran Corona Sol
Accommodation Name: Gran Hotel Corona Sol Salamanca
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the lush Galician landscape and Castile-Leon to Zamora, a veritable open-air museum of Romanesque art. We continue to Salamanca – its golden-hued façades providing an air of mystery and majesty. We join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour including views of Spain's oldest university and the Cathedral, as well as a walk through the imposing Plaza Mayor, built in the Spanish Baroque style.
Day 10: Venture To Stylish Madrid Dive Into Culture
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: AC by Marriott Cuzco
Accommodation Name: Rafaelhoteles Atocha Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Traveling east, we arrive in the fiery Spanish capital, Madrid, for an afternoon of sightseeing with a Local Specialist. Dive Into Culture and visit the Prado Museum, which houses the largest collection of European art in the world. Then, see the Royal Palace, Gran VÃa and the neoclassical Cibeles Fountain that has become an iconic symbol for the city of Madrid. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner with wine, toasting to a magnificent journey through northern Spain.
Day 11: Adiós Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
For now, it's a fond hasta luego to your newfound friends as our Spanish adventure comes to an end.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
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Airport Transfers
Specific transfer information can be found here: Airport Transfers
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar 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.
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Terms and Conditions