Compare Northern Spain - End Madrid, Small Group End Madrid Small Group by Insight Vacations vs Northern Spain, The Rioja Valley and Madrid 2024 by Tauck
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 11 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 4,208 | $ 7,490 |
| Price Per Day | $ 383 | $ 535 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | See spectacular Spain on this 11-day guided tour. Meet a local on the Green Coast of Asturias — a verdant beach along the wild Cantabrian Sea — for a lunch made of locally sourced ingredients and cider. In Oviedo, join a Local Expert for a tour of the town’s 9th Century churches and the Cathedral of the Holy Savior. See the most beautiful village in Spain, Santillana del Mar, where you can wander cobblestone streets until you reach its scenic town square. Relax at your luxury beach resort in Santander, taking in views of the bay below. In Barcelona, allow a Local Expert to lead you through the city’s Gothic Quarter, through the Roman Gate and to the Sagrada Família, a spectacular basilica with towers that seem to touch the sky and stained-glass windows that are works of art. |
Step back in time on a journey that spans centuries and borders, from Barcelona into the dramatic Pyrenees and along Spain's northern coast, to where the bulls run in Pamplona… with stays at historic paradors in San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela… |
Day 1: Welcome to Madrid
Your transfer will depart Madrid airport at 09:00, 11:30, 13:30 or 16:00.Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over an evening of delicious food and wine.
Day 2: Madrid of the Bourbons
Explore Madrid with Insight Choice. Choose to join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a neighbourhood walking tour, led by female pillars of the community and focused on the history of the women's movement in Spain. Alternatively, sightsee with your Local Expert as they guide you through the Spanish capital’s most historic neighbourhoods.Enjoy a special visit to the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will guide you through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 3: Through 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. 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.
Day 4: Saintly Santiago de Compostela Relaxed Start
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
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. Meet a true local, Flor, who will invite you to join her for lunch. Hear about daily life as you enjoy a delicious meal, typical of the region, that Flor has freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by delicious local cider. 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 Saviour 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
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 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?
Day 7: Bilbao, Costa Vasca and San Sebastián Relaxed Start
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 Constitución. Atop Monte Igueldo there are breathtaking views of the town and La Concha Bay.
Day 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 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? Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?
Day 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.
Day 10: Barcelona, the City of Gaudí
Wake up ready to embrace the city’s artistic heritage. Join a Local Expert to see 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 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 your delightful Celebration Dinner.
Day 11: Depart Madrid
Departure transfers arrive at Barcelona airport at 07:00, 09:00 or 11:00. The 09:00 transfer continues on to Madrid Airport and hotel, arriving in the early evening.
Day 1 Arrive Barcelona
Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Le Méridien Barcelona. A transfer is included from Barcelona Airport or the Barcelona Franca train station to Le Méridien Barcelona, ideally located on Las Ramblas. Join us for a private welcome reception and dinner tonight at the hotel as you get your first taste of life in Northern Spain.
MEALS : D
LODGING : Le Méridien Barcelona Hotel
PORTOFCALL : Barcelona, Spain
Day 2 Art and Architecture in Barcelona
Walk along the tree-lined pedestrian promenade of Las Ramblas this morning with a local guide who leads you through the cobblestone lanes of Barcelona's 14th-century Gothic quarter, Barri Gòtic, a medieval warren of Roman relics, hidden courtyards, shops and alfresco cafés, to the Plaça de la Catedral. Set apart from other churches, Barcelona's Cathedral was built between 1298 and 1460 – although its richly decorated façade, guarded by gargoyles, was added in 1870. Go inside to see its medieval origins, from its exquisitely sculpted choir stalls and elegant pillars to the fine workmanship depicted on the pulpit and the alabaster sarcophagus of the crypt of Santa Eulàlia. Your city tour continues with a drive through hilltop Montjuic, rewarding with panoramic views, and a visit to Gaudí's unfinished cathedral, la Sagrada Família, artistically and architecturally unique, and awe-inspiring in every detail. Spend the rest of the day exploring Barcelona as you wish.
MEALS : B
LODGING : Le Méridien Barcelona Hotel
PORTOFCALL : Barcelona, Spain
Day 3 Montserrat and on to the Pyrenees
Head into the mountains today, stopping at the saw-toothed mountain of Montserrat, just northwest of Barcelona, to visit the Benedictine monastery and see the shrine of la Moreneta, the Black Madonna. According to the legend, the statue was discovered in the year 880 by shepherds who saw a strange light in the sky and heard music coming from a cave in the mountain. Since then, it has become one of the most famous pilgrimage sights in Spain. After a lunch of Catalonian specialties, travel through the snow-capped Catalonian Pyrenees to your hotel in La Seu d'Urgell for a memorable two-night stay. Dinner tonight is at the hotel, with wine included.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Parador de La Seu d Urgell
PORTOFCALL : La Seu d'Urgell, Spain
Day 4 Pyrenees Pleasures in La Seu d'Urgell
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Andorra followed by lunch at a local restaurant. You'll have a choice of activities this afternoon – a hike with a local guide or a walking tour on the cobblestone lanes of La Seu d'Urgell. Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Parador de La Seu d Urgell
PORTOFCALL : Zaragoza Spain
Day 5 On to Elciego in the Rioja Valley
Depart La Seu d'Urgell this morning and head to the town of Elciego in the province of Álava in the Basque Country of northern Spain, part of the renowned Rioja wine-producing region. After stopping en route for lunch in Zaragoza, you'll arrive late afternoon in Elciego (Eltziego in Basque), home to the Marqués de Riscal winery and the remarkable five-star hotel that will be your home for the next two nights – the visionary Hotel Marqués de Riscal, designed as a 21st-century chateau by world-famous Canadian-born American architect Frank Gehry, which opened in 2006. After settling in, enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Hotel Marqués de Riscal
PORTOFCALL : Elciego Spain
Day 6 Wine Tasting & Haro in the Rioja Valley
Begin today's explorations in the Rioja Valley wine region (La Rioja) with a tour and tasting at the Marqués de Riscal winery, founded in 1858, whose "City of Wine" includes your ultra-modern hotel and the surrounding winery and vineyards. Next, head to Laguardia in Basque Country for a guided visit, where a walking tour reveals this old town's wealth of historic features, including its medieval ramparts, many Romanesque churches, and the Church of Santa Maria de los Reyes with its well-preserved Gothic tower. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Hotel Marqués de Riscal
PORTOFCALL : Elciego Spain
Day 7 Laguardia, Pamplona & San Sebastián
Leave Elciego this morning and drive to famous Pamplona, immortalized in Hemingway's famous book, The Sun Also Rises; where you'll have the opportunity to walk the route followed during the town's celebrated annual running of the bulls. Then it's on to coastal San Sebastián in Basque Country, where your first view of this popular oceanfront town is from the top of Mt. Igueldo. Regarded by many as Spain's culinary capital, this ancient town also boasts great surfing beaches, stunning architecture and myriad pintxos bars tucked into the maze of medieval lanes in its Old Town (Parte Vieja). Have dinner at your elegant Belle-Époque hotel tonight.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Hotel Maria Cristina
PORTOFCALL : San Sebastián, Spain
Day 8 A day in seaside San Sebastián
Join a local guide for a walking tour along the cobblestone streets of the historic Old Town before spending the rest of the day and evening exploring more of seaside San Sebastián on your own as you please... perhaps sampling typical Basque food and enjoying the town's many waterfront activities, including world-class surfing.
MEALS : B
LODGING : Hotel Maria Cristina
PORTOFCALL : San Sebastián, Spain
Day 9 Bilbao, the Guggenheim & the Cantabria region
Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao this morning, discovering its collection of modern art as you wish. Designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry (who also designed the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, where you stayed in Elciego), the museum is a showcase for large-scale, site-specific contemporary works of art by international and Basque artists, as well as exhibiting a selection of modern art from the Guggenheim Foundation's collection. Continue on to the Cantabria region, stopping for lunch and time at leisure in the perfectly preserved medieval town of Santillana del Mar, then on for an overnight stay one of Spain's architectural gems, historic Parador de Leon – one of the most important monuments of the Spanish Renaissance.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Parador de Leon
PORTOFCALL : Bilbao Spain
Day 10 A Pilgrimage to Santiago
Explore medieval León on a walking tour this morning, seeing a mix of historic and artistic monuments from various periods across the centuries. Stop for lunch along the coast en route to the world-famous pilgrimage town of Santiago de Compostela before checking in to your hotel late this afternoon, the historic Parador de Santiago de Compostela (also known as Parador de los Reyes Catolicos). Considered to be one of the oldest hotels in the world, it has welcomed travelers since the 15th century. Dine tonight at your choice of restaurants in the parador.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Parador de Santiago de Compostela
PORTOFCALL : Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Day 11 Sights of Santiago de Compostela
When what was believed to be the grave of St. James the Greater was discovered in this region of what is now northern Spain in the ninth century, hundreds of thousands began making the arduous pilgrimage along El Camino de Santiago – the Way of St. James – on foot to visit it. Legend has it that a bright star led a shepherd boy to the forgotten tomb of the apostle; today your local guide leads the way on a guided walking tour of the town's historic quarter and a visit to the world-famous 11th-century Romanesque Cathedral of St. James, home to the relics of the saint. Following lunch at your historic parador, the rest of the day is free to spend as you like, walking in the footsteps of pilgrims who have made their way here from around the world for centuries.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : Parador de Santiago de Compostela
PORTOFCALL : Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Day 12 Fly to Madrid for a Two-Night Stay
Depart Santiago de Compostela this morning and fly to Madrid for a two-night stay in Spain's historic capital city. An orientation tour precedes a lunch of local specialties; check into your hotel mid-afternoon; set within a former 19th-century palace, it is within walking distance of Madrid's Royal Palace and the Teatro Real Opera House. Spend the remainder of the day and evening exploring Madrid on your own and enjoying dinner as you please.
MEALS : B, L
LODGING : Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques
PORTOFCALL : Madrid, Spain
Day 13 Exploring Madrid & the Royal Palace
Join a local guide for a morning tour of Madrid's landmark sights that includes a guided visit to the Royal Palace. One of largest royal palaces in Europe, the opulent Baroque palace was home to Spanish kings from 1764 to 1931 and today is used for state ceremonies. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to spend as you wish in Spain's storied capital city. We invite you to join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner at your stylish Madrid hotel, converted from a 19th-century palace and boasting spectacular, historic gardens in the very heart of the Spanish capital.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques
PORTOFCALL : Madrid, Spain
Day 14 Journey home
Tour ends: Madrid. Fly home anytime. A transfer from the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques to Madrid–Barajas Airport or Madrid Atocha train station is included. You should allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Madrid, Spain
