Overview

1. Day 1: Your Journey Begins.

   Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included).

2. Day 2: Welcome to Madrid.

   On arrival at Madrid Airport, your airport transfers leave for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 & 16:00. Relax and settle in. Later, join your Tour Director for a warm Welcome Reception with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.

   meal(s):DW

   hotel:Hesperia Madrid/Barcelo Torre, Madrid (2 nights).

3. Day 3: Madrid of the Bourbons.

   In the morning, a Local Expert will guide you along the noble avenues past the Cibeles Fountain and down the Gran Vía to the statue of Don Quixote in the Plaza de España. Cross the Puerta del Sol and continue to the Prado Museum, housing works by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Botticelli, Rubens and others, as you are guided by a local art historian. The afternoon is free for you to relax at a cafe or shop in the boutiques.

   meal(s):BB

   hotel:Hesperia Madrid/Barcelo Torre, Madrid

4. Day 4: Over the Guadarrama Mountains to Santiago.

   Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile. Some of Spain's most fashionable white wines are produced in Rueda and this morning we have the opportunity to learn how they are made and sample the delights of the Verdejo grape. Your travel continues past the impressive Castillo de la Mota, conquered by Queen Isabella, and on to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of the Apostle St. James was miraculously discovered in the Middle Ages.

   meal(s):BB, DW

   hotel:NH Collection, Santiago de Compostela (2 nights).

5. Day 5: Saintly Santiago de Compostela.

   Become acquainted with some of Europe's finest historical buildings during an orientation with your Local Expert. The monumental square, Praza do Obradoiro, is pure grandeur in granite. Look up from the steady trickle of present-day pilgrims to the cathedral facade to see an ensemble of soaring towers, arches and windows, festooned with architectural frills. Venture inside and once through the Gateway of Glory, you're privy to the same vision that has greeted pilgrims since the Middle Ages. The faithful may choose to pass behind the ornate high altar to touch the giant 13th century gilded effigy of St. James and follow in the steps of the pilgrims along The Way of St. James. This evening, relax during your free time or explore the narrow streets and old squares of this city.

   meal(s):BB

   hotel:NH Collection, Santiago de Compostela.

6. Day 6: Along the Costa Verde to Oviedo.

   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. Your route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to travel through old villages and deep valleys en route to Oviedo. 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. A short drive brings you to the Asturian coast and the Bay of Biscay. Stop at the delightful city of Gijón that has a history dating back 5,000 years. Meet a true local, Flor, who will invite you to join her for dinner. Hear about daily life in this up-and-coming seaside city as you enjoy a delicious meal, typical of the region, that Flor has freshly prepared from locally-sourced ingredients, accompanied by delicious local apple cider.

   meal(s):BB, DW

   hotel:Barcelo Cervantes, Oviedo.

7. Day 7: Picturesque Santillana del Mar and on to Santander.

   See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa, a national park encompassing spectacular mountain and gorge scenery. Visit the holy cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. Enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria while travelling 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

   meal(s):BB

   hotel:Eurostars Real, Santander.

8. Day 8: Bilbao, Costa Vasca and San Sebastián.

   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. Pause in Getaria, at the mouth of the Urola, to see El Ratón, the mouse-shaped rock. Continue to San Sebastián, pearl of the Cantabrian coast, set on its shell-shaped bay. Admire its beauty as you walk with your Local Expert through the Old Quarter. See the numbered balconies of the Plaza de la Constitución, a reminder of the days when bullfights were held in the square. Atop Monte Igueldo there are breathtaking views of the town and La Concha Bay.

   meal(s):BB

   hotel:Barcelo Costa Vasca, San Sebastián (2 nights).

9. Day 9: San Sebastián, Pearl of the Cantabrian Coast

   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 a number of sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps you'll want to explore the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, also known as Little Paris? Maybe venture further into Northern Spain's Basque Country, which is said to be the best place to eat in the Western world?

   meal(s):BB

   hotel:Barcelo Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.

10. Day 10: Pamplona and on to Barcelona.

    Your first stop is in Pamplona, famous for the 'Running of the Bulls' festival. Perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street or visit Café Iruña, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in the 'The Sun Also Rises,' before moving on past the famous Rioja wine producing region? Continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, a land that retains its own distinctive language, culture and traditions.

    meal(s):BB

    hotel:NH Hesperia, Barcelona (2 nights).

11. Day 11: Barcelona, City of Gaudi.

    Wake up ready to embrace the city’s artistic heritage. Join a Local Expert in the heart of the Barri Gotic, the Gothic Quarter, and walk through the Roman Gate to see its narrow lanes and old squares. You are driven 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 your delightful Celebration Dinner. 

    meal(s):BB, DW

    hotel:NH Hesperia, Barcelona.

12. Day 12: Depart Barcelona.

    After breakfast departure transfers arrive at Barcelona Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00. The 09:00 transfer continues on to Madrid airport, where it arrives in the early evening, followed by the Madrid trip hotel.

    meal(s):BB