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10-Nights Northern Spain from $2,835
Trafalgar
OFFER ID 1519209
Northern Spain
Go beyond the normal northern Spain trip and immerse yourself in the region’s distinctive culture and history. On this trip, you’ll trace the footsteps of pilgrims, witnessing breathtaking landscapes and timeless traditions.
Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- Oviedo: Say salut to traditional Asturian cider and enjoy a local Be My Guest dinner and cider tasting with the Castañón family at their Cider Mill near Oviedo.
- Madrid: Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, where you'll have time to admire its extraordinary collection of European art dating from the 12th to early 20th centuries.
- Barcelona: With your Local Specialist, see Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Grcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful façades of the Eixample district to see the exterior of Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família
- Pamplona: Spend time exploring this city, known for its annual Running with the Bulls festival.
- Luarca: Stop along the Way of Saint James at Luarca to appreciate the natural setting and historic charm of this quaint fishing village.
- Santiago de Compostela: Join a Local Specialist on a visit to Praza do Obradoiro and admire the cathedral façade festooned with architectural frills.
- Zamora: See the cathedral of Zamora and the 12th-century Church of Mary Magdalene during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Salamanca: See the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-colored cathedral and the 16th-century university buildings as you explore the city with a Local Specialist.
- Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.
- San Sebastián: Stroll through San Sebastián's golden-hued Old Town and see the iconic Bahía de la Concha beach.
- Bilbao: See the architectural landmark Guggenheim Museum.
- Picos de Europa: Admire the stunning lush scenery and distant rocky peaks of the Picos de Europa.
- Picos de Europa: Visit the holy cave of Covadonga and see the tomb of Pelayo, the first King of Asturias, who is celebrated for winning the Battle of Covadonga.
- Barcelona: In Barcelona, the talented team at Mescladis, an initiative promoting work opportunities to people victim from social exclusion, introduces us to local and seasonal flavors during our Welcome Dinner. Your experience supports UN Global Goal 4 Quality Education and 10 Reduced Inequalities.
- Explore Barcelona, Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca and Madrid
- Discover Pamplona, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander and Oviedo
- Discover Pamplona, San Sebastián, Bilbao and Oviedo
- Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga, the fishing village of Luarca, St. James Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela and the Prado Museum in Madrid
- View La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Cathedral and University of Salamanca
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
10 nights from $2,835 per person
Trafalgar Tours: Northern Spain
Day 1 - Welcome to Barcelona
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. Take the day to 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 Gaudí. This evening, you’ll meet with your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Make Travel Matter® Welcome Reception at Mescladis, followed by an evening drive to see the city's iconic sights.
Accommodations: Abba Sants Barcelona Hotel
Meals: Welcome Reception
Day 2 - Discover Vibrant Barcelona
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. 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.
Accommodations: Abba Sants Barcelona Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Journey to Pamplona
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.
Accommodations: Tres Reyes Pamplona
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Off to Culinary San Sebastián
Today, we journey to the sophisticated culinary capital of San Sebastián. See the beautiful Bahía de la Concha beach or stroll along la calle 31 de Agosto in the Old Town.
Accommodations: Tres Reyes San Sebastián
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - San Sebastián Your Way
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. Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?
Accommodations: Tres Reyes San Sebastián
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Scenic Landscapes, Quaint Towns and Oviedo Connect with Locals
Our next stop is Bilbao to view the modern Guggenheim Museum, designed by talented architect Frank Gehry. Spectacular scenery awaits today as you travel through the dramatic 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 dinner and cider tasting at our Be My Guest experience with the Castañón family at their Cider Mill.
Accommodations: Exe Oviedo Centro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
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.
Accommodations: Santiago Plaza by Melia
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Explore 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. Consider an Optional Experience to the Rías 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.
Accommodations: Santiago Plaza by Melia
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Onwards to Artistic Zamora and Salamanca
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.
Accommodations: Gran Corona Sol
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Venture to Stylish Madrid Dive Into Culture
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 one of the largest collections of European art in the world. Then, see 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.
Accommodations: Rafael Atocha
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Adiós Madrid
For now, it's a fond hasta luego to your newfound friends as our Spanish adventure comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
Rio Grande Travel Centers, Inc.
6500 Holly Ave. NE Suite A-2
Albuquerque, NM 87113
USA
(505) 292-7044
(877) 768-7913