Northern Spain - End Barcelona, Classic Group
Northern Spain - End Barcelona, Classic Group
$3925
Northern Spain - End Barcelona, Classic Group
11 Days Starting in Madrid, Spain and ending in Barcelona, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Pamplona, Barcelona
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E931N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern Spain, starting in Madrid and culminating in the vibrant city of Barcelona. This classic group tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring the historic Prado Museum with an art historian to savoring a farm-to-table meal in Gijón. Wander through the picturesque streets of Santillana del Mar, marvel at the modern architecture of Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, and stroll along San Sebastián's scenic boardwalk. Discover the architectural wonders of Gaudí in Barcelona, including the mesmerizing Sagrada Família. With guided tours, local expert insights, and luxurious accommodations, this tour promises a deep dive into Spain's cultural and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Madrid
Location: Madrid
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 delicious food and wine.
Day 2: Madrid Of The Bourbons
Location: Madrid
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 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 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 Name: Barceló Oviedo Cervantes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 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: Bilbao
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 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: Pamplona
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 Name: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid farewell to your journey along Spain and Portugal as you transfer to the airport.
What's Included
-
Meals
10 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners with Wine, and 1 Lunch with Wine are included.
-
Guided Tours
Guided tours with Local Experts in various cities including Santiago de Compostela, Madrid, Oviedo, and San Sebastián.
-
Hotel and Restaurant Tips
All hotel and restaurant tips are included.
-
Baggage Handling
Baggage handling is included, with bags delivered to your hotel door.
-
Insight Flourish
Occasional local specialties representing the destination provided by the Travel Director.
-
Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
-
Airport Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
-
Luxury Coach
Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
-
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board the coach.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
-
Visa Fees
Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. The customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and maintained to very high standards, with physical distancing measures and hand sanitizer available.
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious hotels such as 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 comfort and elegance throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 3 dinners with wine, and 1 lunch with wine. Additionally, there are special meals such as a farm-to-table lunch in Gijón and a celebration dinner in Barcelona.
-
Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Airport transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights match the itinerary start and end dates. If your flights are outside these times, or if you have booked additional nights of accommodation, you may purchase transfers or make your own way to/from the airport.
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented. Hand sanitizer is also freely available on board.
-
What kind of activities can I expect in Santiago de Compostela?
In Santiago de Compostela, you can choose between a city tour with a Local Expert to visit the cathedral or embark on a scenic walk along the Way of St. James through parks and gardens.
-
What are some of the highlights of the tour in Barcelona?
In Barcelona, you will visit Gaudí's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, and drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. You will also have a celebration dinner at a typical Catalan restaurant.
-
Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the coach and in the hotels where you will be staying.
-
What kind of special experiences are included in the tour?
Special experiences include a farm-to-table meal in Gijón, a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter in San Sebastián. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit the holy cave of Covadonga and see the tomb of Pelayo.
-
What kind of expert guidance is provided during the tour?
The tour includes guidance from Local Experts in various locations, such as an art historian at the Prado Museum in Madrid, and local experts in Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, and San Sebastián. Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits without missing any commentary.
-
Are tips and taxes included in the tour price?
Yes, hotel and restaurant tips are included, as well as all taxes and porterage charges at hotels. You won't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
-
What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various high-quality hotels such as Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, NH Collection Santiago de Compostela, Barceló Oviedo Cervantes, Eurostars Real in Santander, Barceló Costa Vasca in San Sebastián, and Hilton in Barcelona.
-
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.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
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.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
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.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Thursday - Sunday
May 01, 2025 - May 11, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 03, 2025 - May 13, 2025Thursday - Sunday
May 08, 2025 - May 18, 2025Thursday - Sunday
May 15, 2025 - May 25, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
May 17, 2025 - May 27, 2025Thursday - Sunday
May 22, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 14, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 28, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Apr 25, 2026 - May 05, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Apr 30, 2026 - May 10, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
May 02, 2026 - May 12, 2026Thursday - Sunday
May 07, 2026 - May 17, 2026Thursday - Sunday
May 14, 2026 - May 24, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
May 16, 2026 - May 26, 2026Thursday - Sunday
May 21, 2026 - May 31, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
May 30, 2026 - Jun 09, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 16, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 23, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jun 20, 2026 - Jun 30, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 11, 2026 - Jul 21, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Jul 25, 2026 - Aug 04, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 11, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 18, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 25, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Aug 27, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 03, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 15, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 22, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026Thursday - Sunday
Sep 24, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 13, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 20, 2026Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 27, 2026Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.
