Northern Spain

Spain

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. All hotel tips, charges and local taxes.

All porterage and restaurant gratuities.

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver.

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing.

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals.

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised..

Optional Experiences and free time
Northern Spain

Accommodation

DAY 1: Abba Sants Barcelona Hotel - Meals: Dinner
DAY 10: Rafael Atocha - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 2: Abba Sants Barcelona Hotel - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Tres Reyes Pamplona - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Tres Reyes San Sebastián - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Tres Reyes San Sebastián - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Exe Oviedo Centro - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7: Santiago Plaza by Melia - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Santiago Plaza by Melia - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Gran Corona Sol - Meals: Breakfast

Experiences

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 the exterior of Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família

Bilbao: See the architectural landmark Guggenheim Museum.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 travellers and Travel Director for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience at Mescladis, enjoy a dinner of local flavours and produce, followed by an evening drive to see the city's iconic sights.

DAY 2: Discover Vibrant Barcelona

Consider joining a morning Optional Experience to Montserrat, where you can visit the mountaintop monastery and the shrine of the Black Madonna, known in Catalonia as La Moreneta. Return to Barcelona for a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Admire Gaudí’s stunning architecture along Passeig de Gràcia and take in the exterior of his unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Família. See the seaside monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus before taking time to explore Barcelona’s barrios at your own pace.

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.

DAY 4: Off to Culinary San Sebastián

Today, 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.

DAY 5: San Sebastián Your Way

Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk and with the city harbour 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 during an Optional Experience. Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?

DAY 6: Scenic Landscapes, Quaint Towns and Oviedo Connect with Locals

Your journey continues to Bilbao, where you’ll view the Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry. Spectacular scenery unfolds as you pass the Picos de Europa and drive through charming market towns. Visit the grotto of Our Lady of Covadonga, a famous Marian pilgrimage site, and admire the basilica crafted from the marble of the surrounding hills. Later, you’ll connect with locals during a traditional dinner and cider tasting at a Be My Guest experience hosted by the Castañón family at their cider mill.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

DAY 11: Adiós Madrid

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

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10/05/2025 20/05/2025 £2,525 Book
07/06/2025 17/06/2025 £2,525 Book
21/06/2025 01/07/2025 £2,222 Book
05/07/2025 15/07/2025 £2,222 Book
19/07/2025 29/07/2025 £2,550 Book
02/08/2025 12/08/2025 £2,244 Book
16/08/2025 26/08/2025 £2,244 Book
30/08/2025 09/09/2025 £2,550 Book
13/09/2025 23/09/2025 £2,475 Book
27/09/2025 07/10/2025 £2,475 Book
28/03/2026 07/04/2026 £2,650 Book
11/04/2026 21/04/2026 £2,795 Book
25/04/2026 05/05/2026 £2,725 Book
09/05/2026 19/05/2026 £2,725 Book
23/05/2026 02/06/2026 £2,725 Book
06/06/2026 16/06/2026 £2,725 Book
20/06/2026 30/06/2026 £2,725 Book
04/07/2026 14/07/2026 £2,725 Book
18/07/2026 28/07/2026 £2,750 Book
01/08/2026 11/08/2026 £2,750 Book
15/08/2026 25/08/2026 £2,750 Book
29/08/2026 08/09/2026 £2,750 Book
12/09/2026 22/09/2026 £2,650 Book
26/09/2026 06/10/2026 £2,650 Book

Please contact Global Coach Tours for a list of the latest optional activities available.

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