Northern Spain - End Madrid, Small Group
Northern Spain - End Madrid, Small Group
$5075
Northern Spain - End Madrid, Small Group
11 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, Santander, San Sebastián, Barcelona
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 24
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern Spain with this small group tour, starting and ending in the vibrant city of Madrid. Discover the architectural wonders of Barcelona, including Gaudí's Sagrada Família, and explore the historic streets of Santiago de Compostela. Experience the natural beauty of the Picos de Europa and the picturesque village of Santillana del Mar. Enjoy authentic dining experiences, such as a farm-to-table meal in Gijón and a Catalan celebration dinner in Barcelona. With expert local guides, delve into the rich history and culture of cities like Oviedo, Bilbao, and San Sebastián. This tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and leisure time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and traditions of Northern Spain.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Radisson Red Paseo Del Arte
Accommodation Name: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Torre de Madrid
Meals Included: Dinner
Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner in a local restaurant and enjoy an evening of typical madrileño flavors.
Day 2: Madrid Of The Bourbons
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Radisson Red Paseo Del Arte
Accommodation Name: Barceló Torre de Madrid, Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana
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 De Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela.
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela.
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela
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
Location: Oviedo
Accommodation: Barceló Oviedo Cervantes.
Accommodation Name: Barceló Oviedo Cervantes
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for lunch. Very popular with locals, enjoy a homemade farm to table meal and learn about traditional cider product, including a tasting. 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
Location: Santander
Accommodation: Eurostars Hotel Real, Santander.
Accommodation Name: Eurostars Real, 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.
Day 7: Bilbao, Costa Vasca And San Sebastián Relaxed Start
Location: San Sebastián
Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.
Accommodation Name: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián
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
Location: San Sebastián
Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.
Accommodation Name: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián
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. You could also stroll along the promenade of the famous La Concha Bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town.
Day 9: Pamplona And On To Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Hilton Barcelona.
Accommodation Name: Hilton, 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, take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street or visit Café Iruña, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in his novel '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.
Day 10: Barcelona, The City Of Gaudí
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Hilton Barcelona.
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 dinner.
Day 11: Depart For Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid farewell to your journey across Spain and Portugal as you transfer from Barcelona to Madrid.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Santiago de Compostela, including a city tour with a Local Expert and a scenic walk on part of the Way of St. James.
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Top Rated Highlights
Visit iconic sites such as Gaudí's Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the Prado Museum in Madrid, and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao with a Local Expert.
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Make Travel Matter
Enjoy a farm to table meal in Gijón, supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
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Authentic Dining
Experience a Celebration Dinner in Barcelona and a Welcome Dinner in Madrid at local restaurants.
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Insight Choice
In Santiago de Compostela, choose between a city tour with a Local Expert or a scenic walk through parks and gardens.
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Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi are included.
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Insight Experiences
Tour the Prado Museum in Madrid with an art historian.
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Well-being
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned coach, featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered.
Some lunches and dinners are not included, offering you the flexibility to explore local dining options. -
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, room service, and additional sightseeing are not included.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Dining Summary
10 Breakfast (B)2 Dinner with Wine (DW)1 Dinner (D)1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.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.We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).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.
Insight Experiences
Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
Well-being
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with Insight's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and scheduled transfers for flights matching the itinerary start and end dates, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and style with accommodations at Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Torre de Madrid, NH Collection Santiago de Compostela, Barceló Oviedo Cervantes, Eurostars Real Santander, Barceló Costa Vasca San Sebastián, and Hilton Barcelona, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a farm-to-table meal in Gijón, supporting sustainable practices, and a Celebration Dinner at a typical Catalan restaurant in Barcelona. Additionally, there is a Welcome Dinner in Madrid to meet fellow travelers.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited during the tour?
The tour visits several historical sites including the Prado Museum in Madrid, the Cathedral of the Holy Savior in Oviedo, and the Holy Cave of Covadonga. In Santiago de Compostela, you can explore the cathedral and the Way of St. James.
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Are there any activities that support sustainable tourism on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Gijón, where you enjoy a farm-to-table meal with locally sourced produce, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
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What kind of expert guidance is provided during the tour?
The tour includes guidance from Local Experts in various locations, such as a city tour in Santiago de Compostela, a guided visit to the Prado Museum with an art historian in Madrid, and a walking tour in San Sebastián's Old Quarter.
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What are some of the scenic highlights of the tour?
Scenic highlights include the drive through the Guadarrama Mountains, the picturesque scenery of the Picos de Europa National Park, and the coastal views along the Costa Vasca. The tour also offers a scenic walk on the Way of St. James in Santiago de Compostela.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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