Northern Spain - Escorted Tour

Day 1   Barcelona

Today you’ll explore centuries of history and the sophisticated culture of Barcelona, rambling up Las Ramblas, people-watching in Plaça de Catalunya and admiring the whimsical architecture of Gaudí. Meet with your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Make Travel Matter® Welcome Reception at Mescladis, followed by an evening drive to see the city's iconic sights.

Hotel:  Abba Sants Barcelona Hotel
Welcome reception included

Experience included:
- Dinner at Mescladis Barceo


Day 2   Barcelona

Seize your opportunity to view the Gaudi architecture of Passeig De Gracia before admiring the exterior of his unfinished La Sagrada Familia, and pay tribute to Christopher Columbus as you see the seaside monument that bears his name.  The rest of the day can be spent at your leisure to explore the rest of the city.

Hotel:   Abba Sants Barcelona Hotel
Breakfast included

Experience included:
- Barcelona City Tour
Further experiences available at additional cost


Day 3   Pamploma

Explore the former capital of Navarre and see Pamplona's ancient city walls and Plaza del Castilloin the heart of the city.

Hotel:  Hotel Tres Reyes Pamplona
Breakfast and dinner included


Day 4   San Sebastián and Bilbao

Enjoy a stop in the culinary capital of San Sebastián and take a stroll along the beautiful Bahía de la Concha beach to Old Town.  Your next stop is Bilbao where you’ll have the opportunity to view the modern Guggenheim Museum, designed by talented architect Frank Gehry before arriving in Santander.


Hotel:  Hotel Santemar Santander
Breakfast included

Experiences included:
- San Sebastián exploration
- Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum
Further experiences available at additional cost


Day 5   Santander

Relax on the sun-kissed shores of one of the nearby beaches, amble through the charming Old Town with a day to spend at your leisure.

Hotel:  Hotel Santemar Santander
Breakfast included

Experiences available at additional cost


Day 6   Oviedo

Magnificent scenery awaits as you travel through the striking Picos de Europa which sits between two main pilgrim routes where 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.

Hotel:  Exe Oviedo Centro
Breakfast and lunch included

Experiences included:
- Lunch and cider tasting with the Castanon
- Holy Cave of Covadona visit
Further experiences available at additional cost


Day 7   Santiago de Compostela

Wander through the Asturian fishing village of Luarca and 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.

Hotel:  Santiago Plaza by Melia
Breakfast included

Experience includes:
- Soak Luarca
Further experiences available at additional cost


Day 8   Santiago de Compostela

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 Plaza do Obradoiro, a square dominated by four architectural styles.

Hotel:  Santiago Plaza by Melia
Breakfast included

Experience included:
- Santiago de Compostela city tour
Further experiences available at additional cost


Day 9   Zamora and Salamanca

Journey through the lush Galician landscape and Castile-Leon to Zamora, an open-air museum of Romanesque art, before continuing onwards to Salamanca.   

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.

Hotel:  Gran Hotel Corona Sol Salamanca
Breakfast included

Experiences included:
- Zamora Orientation
- Salamanca City Tour


Day 10   Madrid

Arriving in the Spanish capital you’ll enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing with a Local Specialist. Visit the Prado Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of European art in the world and discover the Royal Palace, Gran Vía 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.

Hotel:  Rafaelhoteles Atocha Madrid
Breakfast and dinner included

Experiences include:
- Prado Museum visit
- Madrid City Tour


Day 11   Departure

For now, it's a fond hasta luego to your newfound friends as your Spanish adventure comes to a close.

Breakfast included.