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Northern Spain

Operated by: Trafalgar

11 Days from $2,291 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Spain Pamplona Street From Below With Blue Sky

Countries Visited

Spain ...more Spain

Locations Visited

Barcelona, Pamplona, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Covadonga, Oviedo, Luarca, Santiago de Compostela, Zamora, Salamanca, Madrid ...more Barcelona, Pamplona, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Covadonga, Oviedo, Luarca, Santiago de Compostela, Zamora, Salamanca, Madrid
  1. 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. 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. Later, you’ll meet with your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and evening drive to see the city's iconic sights.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
  2. Day 2 Discover Vibrant Barcelona

    The unfinished La Sagrada Família is our first stop this morning. We join a Local Specialist to see the Plaça de Catalunya and pay tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name. Later, 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
  3. Day 3 Journey to Pamplona

    The feisty former capital of Navarre takes centre 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.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Tres Reyes
  4. Day 4 Off to Culinary San Sebastián and on to Santander

    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. Our next stop is Bilbao to view the modern Guggenheim Museum, designed by talented architect Frank Gehry. We arrive in Santander later this afternoon for a two-night stay.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Santemar
  5. Day 5 Sophisticated Santander Your Way

    Spend the day at leisure in elegant Santander. Relax on the sun-kissed shores of one of the nearby playas, amble through the charming Old Town or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the coastal town of Comillas, with its cobbled streets. Here you will explore Gaudí's El Capricho, built in the late 19th century as a summer villa, then carry on to Santillana del Mar to visit the museum dedicated to the impressive UNESCO-listed Altamira Caves.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Santemar
  6. Day 6 Scenic Landscapes, Quaint Towns and Oviedo Connect with Locals

    Spectacular scenery awaits today as you travel through the dramatic Picos de Europa which sits between two main pilgrim routes along which 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 lunch and cider tasting at our Be My Guest experience with the Castañón family at their Cider Mill. This evening is free for you to explore Oviedo at leisure.

    meals Breakfast, Be My Guest
    hotel Silken Monumental Naranco, Exe Oviedo Centro
  7. 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Santiago Plaza by Melia
  8. 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 Praza 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Santiago Plaza by Melia
  9. 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Gran Corona Sol
  10. Day 10 Venture to Stylish Madrid Dive Into Culture

    Travelling 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 the largest collection 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.

    meals Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
    hotel AC by Marriott Cuzco
  11. Day 11 Adiós Madrid

    For now, it's a fond hasta luego to your newfound friends as our Spanish adventure comes to an end. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

    meals Breakfast
Northern Spain Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

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

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Be My Guest

  • Oviedo: Say salut to traditional Asturian cider and enjoy a local Be My Guest lunch and cider tasting with the Castanon family at their Cider Mill near Oviedo.

Dive Into Culture

  • 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.

Iconic Experience

  • Barcelona: 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 past the beautiful façades of the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
  • Pamplona: Spend time exploring this city, known for its annual Running with the Bulls festival.
  • 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.
  • 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-coloured 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, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore Barcelona, Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca and Madrid with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover Pamplona, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander 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

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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April 2023
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Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Barcelona

Available on Day 2

Catalonian Dinner and the Dancing Fountains

Join us for drinks and a Catalonian meal in the bustling city of Barcelona. After dinner, we’ll take you to see the spectacle of the famous Dancing Fountains, which were built for the 1929 World’s Fair and are one of the wonders of the modern world. As the fountains do not operate every day, on occasion we will admire several of Barcelona’s iconic beautifully-illuminated buildings instead.
Adult Price: € 59

Available on Day 2

Mystical Montserrat

Today, with our Local Specialist, take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. While there, visit the Benedictine monastery to view the famed Black Madonna. At the daily farmer's market, perhaps sample and purchase their homemade cheeses, honeys, and other local specialties.
Adult Price: € 46
Note: This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.,

Available on Day 2

Gothic Quarter and Dinner

Work up an appetite with a walking tour of the old Gothic Quarter, where Barcelona was born. Meander through the beautiful medieval streets and century-old architecture with your Local Specialist. Then we’ll take you to the Port Vell Waterfront, now a vibrant marina in the old harbour, where you'll enjoy Mediterranean food in one of our favourite local eateries.
Adult Price: € 65

Pamplona

Available on Day 3

In the Footsteps of Hemingway and the Running of the Bulls

Pamplona would never have reached its international fame if it weren't for Hemingway and his famous novel The Sun Also Rises. We'll follow his footsteps and those of thousand runners who yearly rise their adrenaline during the Sanfermines Running of the Bulls, as we walk with our Local Specialist through the medieval streets of Navarra’s capital and listen to anecdotes of Hemingway’s stay and the famous festival. We'll end at a well-know café frequented by the writer for a cool drink and pintxo and mingle with the locals.
Adult Price: € 29

Santander

Available on Day 4

Culinary Treasures of Cantabria

Crossing the bay of Santander by ferry, you’ll enjoy marvellous views of the city and the surrounding beaches. We'll also pass the birthplace of famous golfer Seve Ballesteros. Our dinner tonight will be held in a hidden corner of Cantabria in a local restaurant specialised in the finest seafood from the Cantabrian Sea surrounded by a wild coast and cosy beaches.
Adult Price: € 69

Available on Day 5

The Neo Caves of Altamira, Santillana del Mar and Comillas

With our Local Specialist, we'll discover the Neo Caves of Altamira, often called the Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art. We'll also enjoy the architectural wonders of Medieval Santillana del Mar. In Comillas, we’ll tour the Modernist art treasure, El Capricho, a beautiful villa designed by Antoni Gaudi. All while taking in the breathtaking scenery of Cantabria!
Adult Price: € 48

Oviedo

Available on Day 6

Historic Oviedo and the Route of the Sculptures

The elegant city of Oviedo has many hidden treasures which we'll uncover today with our Local Specialist. Our stroll through Spain’s oldest Christian capital city will reveal the city's main monuments, statues of famous and iconic locals, and a treat!
Adult Price: € 26

Santiago de Compostela

Available on Day 7

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 of Santiago de Compostela, before relaxing at a local restaurant we know and love - where you’ll sample the delicious local Galician cuisine.
Adult Price: € 66

Available on Day 8

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 village of Cambados, before enjoying a boat trip to the mussel and oyster farms, where we’ll sample mussels, local empanadas, Gallegan cheeses, salchichon and bread.
Adult Price: € 49

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
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
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
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
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
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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