11 days Northern Spain
Discover the scenic delights and delicious cuisine of this forgotten part of Spain. Compare Oviedo's ancient churches and resting relics of St James with Barcelona's captivating Sagrada Familia.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to Madrid | On arrival at Madrid Airport, your airport transfers leave for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 & 16:00. Relax and settle in. Later, join your Tour Director for a warm Welcome Reception with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. Hotel: Hesperia Madrid/Barcelo Torre, Madrid Dinner with wine |
| 2 | Madrid of the Bourbons | 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. 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. The afternoon is free for you to relax at a cafe or shop in the boutiques. Hotel: Hesperia Madrid/Barcelo Torre, Madrid Breakfast |
| 3 | Over the Guadarrama Mountains to Santiago | Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile and pass the impressive Castillo de la Mota. Some of Spain's most fashionable white wines are produced in Rueda and this morning we have the opportunity to learn how they are made and sample the delights of the Verdejo grape. Continue past historic Tordesillas, and on to Santiago de Compostela. Hotel: NH Collection, Santiago de Compostela Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with wine, |
| 4 | Saintly Santiago de Compostela | (Relaxed Start) In the morning, become acquainted with some of Europe's finest historical buildings with a Local Expert. The monumental square, Spanish Plaza del Obradoiro, is pure grandeur in granite. Look up from the steady trickle of present-day pilgrims to the cathedral façade - an ensemble of soaring towers, arches and windows, festooned with architectural frills. Once through the ‘Gateway of Glory', you're privy to the same vision that has greeted pilgrims since the Middle Ages. The faithful can pass behind the ornate high altar to touch the giant 13th century gilded effigy of St. James.and follow in the steps of the pilgrims along The Way of St. James. Relax during your free time or explore the narrow streets and old squares of this city. Hotel: NH Collection, Santiago de Compostela Buffet Breakfast |
| 5 | Along the Costa Verde to Oviedo | Pass through the ancient forests of Galicia and cross to the Green Coast of Asturias - one of Spain's most beautiful, named after the colour of the sea and the pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore. Your route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to travel through old villages and deep valleys en route to Oviedo. Stop at the delightful city of Gijón that has a history dating back 5,000 years. Meet Flor, a local who will invite you to join her for lunch. Hear about daily life in this seaside city as you enjoy a delicious meal that Flor has prepared from locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by delicious local cider. 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 Saviour in the stately square of Plaza Alfonso II. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe. A short drive brings you to the Asturian coast and the Bay of Biscay. Hotel: Barcelo Oviedo Cervantes Breakfast,Lunch with wine, |
| 6 | Picturesque Santillana del Mar and on to Santander | See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa, a national park encompassing spectacular mountain and gorge scenery. Visit the holy cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. Enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria while travelling 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? Hotel: Eurostars Hotel Real Santander Buffet Breakfast |
| 7 | Bilbao, Costa Vasca and San Sebastián | 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. Pause in Getaria, at the mouth of the Urola, to see El Ratón, the mouse-shaped rock. Continue to San Sebastián, pearl of the Cantabrian coast, set on its shell-shaped bay. Admire its beauty as you walk wiht your Local Expert through the Old Quarter. See the numbered balconies of the Plaza de la Constitución, a reminder of the days when bullfights were held in the square. Atop Monte Igueldo there are breathtaking views of the town and La Concha Bay. Hotel: Barcelo Costa Vasca, San Sebastián Buffet Breakfast |
| 8 | San Sebastián, Pearl of the Cantabrian Coast. | (Relaxed Start) Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk and with the city harbour filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, you can enjoy a number of sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Maybe explore the nearby French village of Saint- Jean-de-Luz, also known as Little Paris or perhaps venture to Northern Spain's Basque country, which has evolved into the best place to eat in the Western world? Hotel: Barcelo Costa Vasca, San Sebastián Buffet Breakfast |
| 9 | Pamplona and on to Barcelona | 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, immortalised by Ernest Hemingway in the 'The Sun Also Rises.' Your travels continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, a land that retains its own distinctive language, culture and traditions. Hotel: Hotel NH Hesperia Barcelona Presidente. Meals: Buffet Breakfast |
| 10 | Barcelona, City of Gaudi | Wake up ready to embrace the city’s artistic heritage. Join a Local Expert in the heart of the Barri Gotic, the Gothic Quarter, and walk through the Roman Gate to see its narrow lanes and old squares. You are driven 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 Gaudi’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. Hotel: Hotel NH Hesperia Barcelona Presidente. Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 11 | Depart Barcelona | After breakfast departure transfers arrive at Barcelona Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00. Breakfast |