North of Spain Discovery
North of Spain Discovery
$1884
North of Spain Discovery
10 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, León, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Santander, Bilbao, Burgos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
6810-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
If you have a passion for Spain, the northern regions cannot be missed! On this affordable North Spain tour, discover the hidden treasures of Galicia, Cantabria, Castilla & León, Asturias, and the Basque Countries, starting and ending your trip in Madrid. Start and end your adventure in the capital city of Spain, elegant Madrid. In between, explore some of the smaller, nonetheless charming towns of these regions, among them: Salamanca, with its lively Plaza Mayor; Santiago de Compostela, the ending point of the Camino pilgrimage; Lugo, boasting a Roman wall with 10 gates; A Coruña and its Trajan Tower; Santander, spectacularly set between mountains and coastline; Burgos, showcasing a magnificent Cathedral; Medina del Campo with the castle of La Mota, and Segovia, known for the Roman Aqueduct and the fairy-tale castle, source of inspiration for Walt Disney’s cartoons. Discover the highlights of Madrid with a Local Guide and enjoy views, flavors, people and sounds of these undiscovered provinces of mainland Spain.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Madrid,Spain
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Madrid Chamartin
Welcome to Spain! Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Spain’s capital using your CosmosGO app. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions at the welcome meeting.
Day 2: Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Madrid Chamartin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover Madrid on the guided orientation tour with a Local Guide who will help you discover the city with some insider information.
Day 3: Madrid,Salamanca,León
Location: León
Accommodation Name: AC Hotel Leon San Antonio
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Madrid to explore the pearls of Castilla & León, Salamanca. Take a walk through centuries of history, art, knowledge, and landmarks such as the famous University, one of the oldest in Europe, and the Plaza Mayor, crowned with 88 arches. Continue to León. Perhaps tonight you may wish to try the local cuisine or taste the Duero region wines with tapas in the ancient streets of "Barrio Húmedo". Today’s Distance: 260 mi/ 419 km
Day 4: León,Lugo,Santiago De Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation Name: Gran Hotel Los Abetos
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day starts with the visit of Lugo, a town known for the Roman wall, exceptionally well preserved and continuing to be the city's most distinctive architectural feature, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight’s host city is Santiago de Compostela, the completion point of the Saint James’ Way. Thousands of pilgrims, every year walk the Camino to reach the capital of Galicia and enter the iconic Cathedral. But Santiago de Compostela is a living city, with countless restaurants and bars to enjoy delicious Galician seafood, the old town centre, contemporary art... There's plenty to do in this city which combines history and tradition with a modern, younger side.Today’s distance: 203 mi /327 km
Day 5: Santiago,A Coruña,Oviedo
Location: A Coruña
Accommodation Name: Gran Hotel España
Meals Included: Breakfast
A Coruña’s distinctive landmark is the oldest Roman working lighthouse in the world, called Hercules Tower, but the town also boasts a rich historical centre and a scenic promenade along the Atlantic shores. Spend some time exploring and taking advantage of the Galician seafood dishes. The most famous one is Galician-style octopus (pulpo a la gallega). Overnight in Oviedo, closely linked to the Asturian monarchy since its foundation. Former capital of the Kingdom, it boasts a medieval historic quarter, transformed in modern times into a pleasant pedestrian area. Oviedo is famous for its natural cider production, one of Asturias’ specialities!Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km
Day 6: Oviedo,Santander,Bilbao
Location: Santander
Accommodation Name: Occidental Bilbao
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Santander, capital of the Cantabria region. Santander was the destination par excellence for royalty at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries. A stroll through the old quarters, with its majestic buildings, takes us back to a distinguished past. Continue to Bilbao, in the Basque Countries. Today’s Distance: 180 mi/ 293 km
Day 7: Bilbao
Location: Bilbao
Accommodation Name: Occidental Bilbao
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend the day at leisure in Bilbao. We suggest a visit to the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry and featuring an important private collection of modern and contemporary art. Discover the contrast of the avant-garde with the traditional feel of the city, with charming streets and bars offering “pintxos”, or explore the La Ribera Market, a beautiful building where you can have the produce that you purchase cooked for you.
Day 8: Bilbao,Burgos,Valladolid
Location: Burgos
Accommodation Name: Silken Juan de Austria
Meals Included: Breakfast
Burgos preserves distinct signs of its medieval splendor. It was the capital city of the unified kingdom of Castile and Leon for five centuries, and boasts one of the masterpieces of Spanish Gothic, its Cathedral, declared a World Heritage Site. Castile & Leon is a region of fine wines, and a visit to a Ribera del Duero wine cellar visit is included today. Continue to Valladolid, built on the banks of the Pisuerga River.Today’s Distance: 176 mi/ 284 km
Day 9: Valladolid,Medina Del Campo,Segovia,Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Madrid Chamartin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Medina del Campo’s most outstanding feature is the castle of La Mota, from the 15th century, whose silhouette dominates the town's skyline. Segovia boasts an impressive aqueduct from the days of the Roman Empire and a fortress that inspired Snow White’s Castle in Disneyland.Today’s Distance: 152 mi/ 244 km
Day 10: Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in various hotels including Hotel Madrid Chamartin in Madrid, AC Hotel Leon San Antonio in Leon, Gran Hotel Los Abetos in Santiago de Compostela, Gran Hotel España in Oviedo, Occidental Bilbao in Bilbao, and Silken Juan de Austria in Valladolid.
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Meals
Daily breakfast is included throughout the tour. Additionally, dinner is included on Day 7 in Bilbao.
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Guided Tours
Guided orientation tour in Madrid with a Local Guide.
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Visits and Sightseeing
Visits to various cities and landmarks including Salamanca, Lugo, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao, Burgos, Valladolid, Medina del Campo, and Segovia.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Burgos Cathedral, Old City of Salamanca, Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct, Roman Walls of Lugo, and Santiago de Compostela (Old Town).
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Wine Cellar Visit
Visit to a Ribera del Duero wine cellar.
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Transportation
The tour includes transportation between cities such as Madrid, Salamanca, Leon, Lugo, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao, Burgos, Valladolid, Medina del Campo, and Segovia.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Spain are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Accommodation
Madrid:Hotel Madrid ChamartinLeon:AC Hotel Leon San AntonioSantiago de Compostela:Gran Hotel Los AbetosOviedo:Gran Hotel EspañaBilbao:Occidental BilbaoValladolid:Silken Juan de Austria
UNESCO Sites
Burgos Cathedral (See only)|Old City of Salamanca|Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct|Roman Walls of Lugo|Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 1 Dinners
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes daily breakfast throughout the trip and dinner on Day 7 in Bilbao.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Burgos Cathedral, the Old City of Salamanca, the Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct, the Roman Walls of Lugo, and Santiago de Compostela (Old Town).
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What is the significance of Santiago de Compostela in the tour?
Santiago de Compostela is the completion point of the Saint James’ Way, a famous pilgrimage route. The city is known for its iconic Cathedral and is a vibrant place with a mix of history, tradition, and modern attractions.
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What can I expect to see in A Coruña during the tour?
In A Coruña, you will see the Hercules Tower, the oldest Roman working lighthouse in the world, and enjoy the rich historical center and scenic promenade along the Atlantic shores. You can also try local Galician seafood dishes.
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Is there a wine tasting experience included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to a Ribera del Duero wine cellar, where you can experience the fine wines of the Castile & Leon region.
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What is unique about the visit to Segovia on this tour?
In Segovia, you will see the impressive Roman aqueduct and a fortress that inspired Snow White’s Castle in Disneyland.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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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
Why book with Barrhead?
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Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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