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Northern Spain

11 Day Spain Tour from Barcelona to Madrid

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AARP Members Save on select departures
SAVE UP TO $313
From $2,813
WAS $3,125
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11 Days
1 Country

Spain

11 Cities

Barcelona, Pamplona, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Covadonga, Oviedo, Luarca, Santiago de Compostela, Zamora, Salamanca, Madrid

14 Meals

1 Welcome Reception, 10 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, 1 Lunch

Active

Faster paced with mix of 1 and 2-night stays in each destination. Requires walking to participate in top sites.

Average group size average 40-45
Tour brand Trafalgar

Trafalgar

If you like hassle free travel with everything handled for you – looking to meet great people, eat great food, enjoy great sightseeing, and have immersive experiences, Trafalgar is for you.  From the iconic not-to-be-missed to one-of-a-kind local experiences, including Be-my-Guest dining and stays with stories, you’ll connect deeper to your destination, and every tour has at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER immersive impact experience included advancing one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering you the chance to take a deep dive into culture and community. As the world’s leading tour company and trusted by more than 5 million guests, Trafalgar tours are simply the best value for your vacation dollar.

View all Trafalgar Tours

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.

Reviews
7
Average group size
average 40-45
Tour brand
Trafalgar
Globe

Flexible booking 30-day deposit refund guarantee + no change fees See flexible booking terms >

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Day-by-day itinerary

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.

Casa Batllo in Barcelona, Spain
Arrival Transfer Depart the airport at 09:30, 12:00, 14:30
Accommodation Abba Sants Barcelona Hotel
Included Meals Welcome Reception
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Dinner at Mescladis a restaurant using food and drink to foster social cohesion in the city Barcelona, Spain
Dinner at Mescladis Barcelona

In Barcelona, the talented team at Mescladis, an initiative promoting work opportunities to people victim from social exclusion, introduces us to l...

See More
Included in Trip

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

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.

 

Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona, Spain
Accommodation Abba Sants Barcelona Hotel
Included Meals Breakfast
Iconic Experience Barcelona skyline, Spain
Barcelona City Tour

With your Local Specialist, see Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey ...

See More
Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Optional Experiences Visit Montserrat & see the Black Madonna, Spain
Mystical Montserrat

Today, with our Local Specialist, take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular s...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences Barcelona by night with dinner, Spain
Olympic Barcelona with Catalan Dinner

Take a scenic drive up to Montjuïc for sweeping views over buzzing Barcelona and a glimpse of the buildings used during the 1992 Olympics. Afterwar...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences Visit Gaudi's Park Guell Barcelona, Spain
Gaudí's Parc Güell and Port Olympic

Enter a strange fantasy world at Parc Güell, Spain's most impressive public park which we'll visit with our Local Expert. Here Gaudí designed mushr...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

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.

Plaza Castillo in Pamplona, Spain
Accommodation Hotel Tres Reyes Pamplona
Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Iconic Experience Monument of Encierro Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain
Pamplona at Leisure

Spend time exploring this city, known for its annual Running with the Bulls festival.

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Optional Experiences Tour with tapas and sangria in Pamplona, Spain
Pamplona Discovery With Tapas And Sangria

Enjoy a walking tour of charming Pamplona with our Local Specialist. See the ancient walls with views over the city, explore the beautiful old town...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

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.

Houses in San Sebastian, Spain
Accommodation Hotel Tres Reyes San Sebastián
Included Meals Breakfast
Iconic Experience Panoramic view of San Sebastian, Spain
Explore San Sebastián

Stroll through San Sebastián's golden-hued Old Town and see the iconic Bahía de la Concha beach.

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Optional Experiences Donostia at Night with Dinner, Donostia, Spain
Donostia by Night with Dinner

View the beach as we head to the lively heart of the old town of Spain's gourmet capital for a sumptuous supper in one of the city's boutique resta...

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Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

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?

Magdalena Palace in Santander, Spain
Accommodation Hotel Tres Reyes San Sebastián
Included Meals Breakfast
Optional Experiences Visit St. Jean De Luz in Biarritz, France
St Jean de Luz, Jewel of the Basque Country

Truly the jewel of the Basque Country, St. Jean de Luz is a wealthy port town with an intriguing past filled with pirates, a royal marriage and clo...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

Day 6

Scenic Landscapes, Quaint Towns and Oviedo

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.

Covadonga Santa Cave, Covadonga, Spain
Accommodation Exe Oviedo Centro
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Iconic Experience Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain
See Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum

See the architectural landmark Guggenheim Museum.

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Iconic Experience Admire the scenery and rocky peaks of the Picos de Europa, Spain
See Picos de Europa

Admire the stunning lush scenery and distant rocky peaks of the Picos de Europa. 

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Iconic Experience Covadonga Cave in Picos de Europa, Spain
Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga in 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.

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Be My Guest Taste Asturian cider with the Castanon family at their Cider Mill near Oviedo
Enjoy Dinner and Cider Tasting with the Castañón Family at their Cider Mill near 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.

Included in Trip

Be My Guest

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.

Boats and houses in Luarca, Spain
Accommodation Santiago Plaza by Melia
Included Meals Breakfast
Iconic Experience Visit Luarca a quaint, historic fishing village, Spain
Soak up Luarca

Stop along the Way of Saint James at Luarca to appreciate the natural setting and historic charm of this quaint fishing village.

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Optional Experiences See Santiago de Compostela with a Galician dinner
Santiago de Compostela by Night with Galician Dinner

This evening, you’ll travel back in time to the city where medieval pilgrims flocked. You’ll get to marvel at the illuminated historical buildings ...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

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.

Seashells in Santiago De Compostela, Spain
Accommodation Santiago Plaza by Melia
Included Meals Breakfast
Iconic Experience Narrow streets of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Santiago de Compostela City Tour

Join a Local Specialist on a visit to Praza do Obradoiro and admire the cathedral façade festooned with architectural frills.

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Optional Experiences Explore Rias Baixas and the Mussel Beds in Pontevedra, Spain
Explore Rías Baixas and the Mussel Beds

Join us on a visit to Ría de Arosa, one of the deep fjord-like estuaries of Galicia, with our Local Specialist. We'll stop at O Grove Port and the ...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

Optional Experiences

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.

Plaza Mayor, the main public square in Salamanca, Spain
Accommodation Gran Hotel Corona Sol Salamanca
Included Meals Breakfast
Iconic Experience View of Zamora cathedral and Douro River, Zamora, Spain
Zamora Orientation

See the cathedral of Zamora and the 12th-century Church of Mary Magdalene during an orientation with your Travel Director.

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Iconic Experience Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, Spain
Salamanca City Tour

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.

Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Day 10

Venture to Stylish Madrid

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.

Street and Shops in Madrid, Spain
Accommodation Rafaelhoteles Atocha Madrid
Included Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Dive Into Culture Visit The Prado Museum and admire its extraordinary collection of European art in Madrid
Discover extraordinary European art at the Prado Museum

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.

Included in Trip

Dive Into Culture

Iconic Experience Puerta De Alcala in Madrid, Spain
Madrid City Tour

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...

See More
Included in Trip

Iconic Experience

Day 11

Adiós Madrid

For now, it's a fond hasta luego to your newfound friends as our Spanish adventure comes to an end.

Sangria and Tapas in Madrid, Spain
Departure Transfer Arrive at Madrid-Barajas airport at 08:30, 11:00
Included Meals Breakfast

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Special Departure

Special Departure

Included Highlights

Top rated highlights

Learn more about the landmarks, history and culture that makes your destination special.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Dinner at Mescladis Barcelona

In Barcelona, the talented team at Mescladis, an initiative promoting work opportunities to people victim from social exclusion, introduces us to l...

See More
Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Barcelona City Tour

With your Local Specialist, see Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey ...

See More
Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Pamplona at Leisure

Spend time exploring this city, known for its annual Running with the Bulls festival.

Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Explore San Sebastián

Stroll through San Sebastián's golden-hued Old Town and see the iconic Bahía de la Concha beach.

Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
See Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum

See the architectural landmark Guggenheim Museum.

Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
See Picos de Europa

Admire the stunning lush scenery and distant rocky peaks of the Picos de Europa. 

Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga in 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.

Included in Trip
Be My Guest
Enjoy Dinner and Cider Tasting with the Castañón Family at their Cider Mill near 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.

Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Soak up Luarca

Stop along the Way of Saint James at Luarca to appreciate the natural setting and historic charm of this quaint fishing village.

Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Santiago de Compostela City Tour

Join a Local Specialist on a visit to Praza do Obradoiro and admire the cathedral façade festooned with architectural frills.

Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Zamora Orientation

See the cathedral of Zamora and the 12th-century Church of Mary Magdalene during an orientation with your Travel Director.

Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Salamanca City Tour

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.

Included in Trip
Dive Into Culture
Discover extraordinary European art at the Prado Museum

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.

Included in Trip
Iconic Experience
Madrid City Tour

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...

See More
Included in Trip

About this trip

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.

What to expect

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

Optional Experiences

Sign up on tour for additional experiences that have been curated by your Travel Director from their own in-depth local knowledge.

Optional Experience
Mystical Montserrat

Today, with our Local Specialist, take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular s...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Olympic Barcelona with Catalan Dinner

Take a scenic drive up to Montjuïc for sweeping views over buzzing Barcelona and a glimpse of the buildings used during the 1992 Olympics. Afterwar...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Gaudí's Parc Güell and Port Olympic

Enter a strange fantasy world at Parc Güell, Spain's most impressive public park which we'll visit with our Local Expert. Here Gaudí designed mushr...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Pamplona Discovery With Tapas And Sangria

Enjoy a walking tour of charming Pamplona with our Local Specialist. See the ancient walls with views over the city, explore the beautiful old town...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
St Jean de Luz, Jewel of the Basque Country

Truly the jewel of the Basque Country, St. Jean de Luz is a wealthy port town with an intriguing past filled with pirates, a royal marriage and clo...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Santiago de Compostela by Night with Galician Dinner

This evening, you’ll travel back in time to the city where medieval pilgrims flocked. You’ll get to marvel at the illuminated historical buildings ...

See More
Additional Cost Applies
Optional Experience
Explore Rías Baixas and the Mussel Beds

Join us on a visit to Ría de Arosa, one of the deep fjord-like estuaries of Galicia, with our Local Specialist. We'll stop at O Grove Port and the ...

See More
Additional Cost Applies

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Spain

  • Official Language in Spain: Catalonian Spanish
  • Currency used in Spain: Euro (€)
  • Capital of Spain: Madrid
  • Time Zone(s) in Spain: Central European Time Zone, Central European Summer Time

Passport, visa, and entry requirements for Spain for US citizens.

  • Passport: Your passport should have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip
  • Visa Requirement: A visa is not required to enter Spain
  • Entry Requirements: You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to getours.com/travel-requirements-restrictions.

Spain has a diverse climate due to its size and geographical variations. In general, the country experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Coastal regions, such as Barcelona and Valencia, enjoy mild winters and hot summers with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) or higher. Inland areas, like Madrid, have a more extreme climate, with hot summers and cold winters, sometimes dropping below freezing. The northern regions, such as Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela, have a maritime climate with cooler summers and mild, rainy winters.

On-Tour Luggage & Carry-On Bag Size Limits

Luggage: Each guest traveling may bring one suitcase no larger than 30” x 18” x 10" and weighing no more than 50 lb

Carry-On Bag: *Restricted to one piece per person, not to exceed 12” x 11” x 6”

  • *Please note: A "carry-on bag" on a tour coach is not the same as a "carry-on" for a flight. Because our coaches have large windows to enjoy the view, there is minimal space to store large items securely overhead or under the seats. A "carry-on bag" may be a soft-sided daypack, purse, backpack, tote bag, or the like. Because we value our guests' safety, small rolling suitcases or bags with telescopic handles are not permitted. In order to guarantee a smooth trip, guests are not permitted to store an additional "carry-on" bag beneath the coach with the luggage. 

So your driver and any hotel porters can safely lift and transport your suitcase throughout your vacation, we strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances. 

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline, and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.

Packing Tips for Your Tour

Packing for a guided tour will vary depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and the activities planned. Here is a general packing list to help you get started:

Passport and Travel Documents: Ensure you have your passport, travel insurance, and any necessary travel documents.

Clothing:

  • Comfortable walking shoes: Cobblestone streets and uneven terrain require comfortable footwear.
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing: Pack clothes suitable for the season. Bring a mix of short-sleeved tops, lightweight pants or skirts, and a few long-sleeved options for cooler evenings for the summer months, and long-sleeved and heavier layers for early Spring, Fall, and Winter.
  • Layers: It's advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater and a scarf for layering, especially in Spring or Fall.
  • Nice evening wear: You may wish to wear a dressier outfit if you plan on dining in an elegant restaurant, for example. Smart-casual clothes are usually acceptable for all included daytime and evening activities throughout your tour.
  • Rain Gear: Depending on the season and the countries you're visiting, it's a good idea to pack a compact rain jacket or umbrella.

Sun Protection:

  • Hat, sunglasses, UV-protective clothing.
  • Sunscreen with high SPF. If you're visiting any coastal areas, bring reef-safe sunscreen formulated without harmful chemicals known to be damaging to coral reefs and marine life. Traditional sunscreens often contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been found to contribute to coral bleaching and negatively impact marine ecosystems. Look for sunscreens with certifications such as "Reef Safe," "Coral Safe," or "Ocean-Friendly" to ensure they are environmentally friendly.

Medications and First Aid:

  • Any prescription medications you need. (See more below under Health & Wellness)
  • Basic first aid kit with adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.

Toiletries:

  • Travel-sized toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste.
  • Travel towel (quick-drying and compact).
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • A washcloth and carry bag (often not available in hotels abroad).

Electronics:

  • A camera: You’re traveling to see extraordinary scenery and sites. So that you don't miss a single moment, bring a trustworthy camera. Check out our travel photography tips for capturing the best photos of your trips. If you feel comfortable, you can also try the camera on your phone. However, if you want to zoom in or capture moving objects, a camera might be your best bet.
  • Mobile phone.
  • Chargers for each electronic you bring.
  • Travel adapter and/or voltage converter
  • Portable power bank for charging devices on the go.
  • Small travel hair dryer (make sure you have the correct converter and adapter).

Miscellaneous:

  • A travel-friendly daypack or bag to carry your essentials during excursions.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Reusable water bottle. At GET, we’re all about caring for our planet, and with that in mind, we always recommend that you pack a reusable water bottle for your trip. Bringing your own reusable water bottle or asking for tap water at restaurants means you can make a difference by reducing your vacation plastic waste.
  • A small travel alarm.
  • A travel iron if you like your clothes to be pressed.
  • A travel pillow.

Optional:

  • Scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites or to cover up in conservative areas.
  • Light sleepwear.
  • A new, blank journal to document your trip. Don't know your travel journal style? Find out here!
  • Ziplock bags (storing snacks, toiletries, and keeping things organized).

Remember to pack light and versatile items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits. Laundry facilities are often available, or you can have your clothes laundered at hotels during your trip. It's also a good idea to pack a small bag or backpack to bring on the coach for day trips and excursions, leaving your larger luggage at the hotel.

Electricity

American appliances run on 110-120 volts at 60 Hz, while European appliances run on 220-230 volts at 50 Hz.

As a result, American appliances designed for use in the United States (typically 120 volts at 60 Hz) may not be directly compatible with the higher voltage used in European countries. Plugging a 120-volt appliance into a 220-240-volt outlet without the appropriate voltage converter or transformer can cause damage to the appliance or pose safety risks.

If you plan to bring American appliances to Europe, you will need a voltage converter or transformer to change the voltage to 220-240 volts from 110 volts. Additionally, you will likely need a plug adapter to fit the American-style plug into the European power outlets. All of Europe operates on the same two round-pronged outlets (Type C).

It's important to note that not all appliances are compatible with voltage converters, so it's essential to check the labels or user manuals of your devices before using them with a voltage converter. Some electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and camera chargers, are dual voltage and can support 120V and 220-240V, so they may not require a voltage converter, but a plug adapter will still be necessary.

To avoid any issues with electrical compatibility during your travels, consider purchasing appliances specifically designed for the voltage used in the region you'll be visiting or use appropriate voltage converters and plug adapters to ensure the safe operation of your American appliances in Europe.

We recommend purchasing an adapter with a voltage converter so you can pack less. And to pick up any necessary adapters or converters for your electronic devices before departing on your guided tour and bringing them with you.

Hair Dryers in Your Hotel

Hair dryers are common accessories in hotels. Should you want to bring your own, though, you will need to bring an adapter and voltage converter or make sure it is dual voltage by checking the label for INPUT AC 120V - 240V or a switch that can be set to 125V or 250V. Many devices have this feature, so it's worth checking before you travel. If you need a hair dryer during your trip but can't find one in your hotel room, you can inquire with the hotel staff. Many hotels will be able to provide a hair dryer upon request, either at the front desk or through housekeeping.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is commonly available in European hotels, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in major cities and tourist areas, but it is worth noting that the settings will differ from what you are used to in the USA.

However, it's important to note that not all accommodations or historic buildings may have air conditioning, particularly in more traditional or rural settings. Most hotels in Europe can provide a portable fan for additional room cooling if requested. Your Travel Director will be on hand to assist you throughout your trip.

Traveling by coach

Our modern air-conditioned coaches have been selected with your comfort in mind. Your Travel Director will familiarize you with all the onboard features, including a washroom fitted for your convenience and comfort. Regular stops are made to stretch your legs, take refreshments, fill up your water bottles, and use the facilities.

Airport transfers

Airport transfers to and from the airport on the first and last days of your tour are complimentary only if you are traveling on a tour operated by Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, or Luxury Gold, and your flight times coincide with the shuttle-coach transfer timings. Learn more about Airport Transfers here.

To enable you to personalize your tour experience, you will find a number of Optional Experiences designed to complement the itinerary. These are designed to offer a deeper insight into the culture and character of the areas to be visited and provide some wonderful highlights to your travels. The optional program is designed to let you experience more of what interests you and to get the most from your vacation without replacing or overlapping with anything included in an itinerary.

The majority of Optional Experiences will be offered to you by your Travel Director at the beginning of your trip. Some may be subject to change, depending on the time you are traveling or local circumstances, including weather and days of the week. Your Travel Director will provide further information.

Usually, most Optional Experiences will be priced in the local currency, but please read through the details of individual optional experiences for specific information. Exact payment options will be advised locally by your Travel Director/Local Representative for each Optional Experience, but in many cases, cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are all accepted.

It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad.

In order to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly suggest that you pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with medications.

Prior to traveling, please notify GET of any disability requiring special assistance or any specific dietary needs that you may have, and we will strive to accommodate these.

It's essential to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to any destination. Routine vaccinations may include vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and influenza.

When traveling with GET, baggage handling at hotels, service charges, and tips for hotel wait staff (for included meals) will all be taken care of by your Travel Director. There are, however, a few instances where individual tipping is welcome.

Local Specialists

It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories, and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists, and we suggest a gratuity equivalent to $1.00-$2.00 USD per person per half day.

Your Coach Driver and Travel Director

The trip cost does not include gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. At the end of your trip, you may express appreciation to your Travel Director and Driver for their excellent service and the personal attention you received. Gratuities are given at the discretion of each guest, and a suggested amount per person/per day is listed in your travel documents.

For your convenience and ease, there is an option to pre-pay gratuities for the Travel Director and Driver at the time of booking.

Hotel services

It is customary to tip hotel staff for room service delivery if the charge has not already been added to the bill. Where ice machines are not available, and you receive ice from the bar, a small tip to the bartender is always appreciated.

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Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Review date: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Service
GET TOURS did it all!! You pick the date you want to go on tour and they do the rest!!
Response from Grand European Travel:
We loved reading your review and seeing your photos! Thank you for sharing your experience with us and we hope to be able to help you plan another trip in the near future.
Friday, June 14, 2024
Vacation
Our Spain trip with Trafalgar was very well coordinated with timely excursions and perfectly hosted with expert hosts to discuss the history behind what we were experiencing. Our comfort and our needs were always their top concern. Our main tour guide had always a quick smile for everyone and made everyone feel they were very special and important to her. With no hesitation the tour was as flawless as could be imagined and will be a beautiful experience and memory for us always.
James Bailey
Review date: Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Service
Northern Spain was a super trip. All done exceedingly well!
Vacation
Excellent places to visit and trip obviously planned in great detail.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Saturday, October 8, 2022
Service
Daniel was very professional
Response from Grand European Travel:
It sounds like you had a great time in Spain. We are glad you enjoyed working with Daniel--he's one of the best! We appreciate your feedback and comments. Happy Travels!
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Vacation
If fulfill all what we expected
Trusted Customer
Review date: Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Service
Daniel Pelletier did great job with my reservation on this trip, however now contact GET is more complicate that on the past because do not give me the choice to get directly with him with a phone extension and get feedback with other representative is quite confused. I would like to suggested to go back to previous method that we can reach extensions. Air line reservations it was confused because some locators were on Delta and they were wrong. Still I am traveling because this reason I can Not provide full feedback on my way back
Vacation
Very good trip only that I notice that some hotels are not so good like on my previous experience with Trafalgar tour. Local guide provide too many details that at the end are redundant and we waste time on this items. For example at Salamanca local guide spent almost 45 minutes explaining about cost of university and most of tourist are retired and W/O interest on universities.
Gloria Hill
Review date: Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Service
I found working with GET agents difficult while planning this trip which was a carryover from a canceled 2020 tour. It seemed that every agent I spoke to gave me slightly different information, and some of the agents were short and almost rude with me. After we chose a new tour, the dates were never solidified and we weren’t notified of its cancellation until late for choosing an alternative. The tour we chose and went on was delightful, thanks to Trafalgar.I will be hesitant to choose GET in the future.
Vacation
I have done a review of this trip elsewhere.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Service
Great flights, although didn't care for letters of airports instead of airport names. Appreciated fact my trip date was canceled but was moved to the last group departure with same great flights, and no charges.
Response from Grand European Travel:
That is amazing to hear and we thank you for taking the time to share your comments. We are very happy that you were able to see Northern Spain and it enjoyed it so much.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Vacation
Desired to travel to N.Spain for over 30 years since I used to book my boss to San Sebastian and Bilbao there on business. Not many tours to the north. Extra excursions were worth every cent.
Brian Traub
Review date: Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Service
Booking was easy with minimal problems. Customer support was easily accessible when needed.
Vacation
Trip was well coordinated with a large group. Sites visited were interesting and explained by local specialists. Event, lodging and convenience stops were timely with minimal waits. Great overall experience and will recommend for any first time visit to Spain!
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