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Insight - Northern Spain - End Madrid, Classic Group (04/2024 - 10/2024) (E931ZN119)

11 Days From Madrid to Madrid 
Tour Style: Regional Insight
Insight Brochure Price from $3,525.00
Brochures: Europe & Britain Premium 2023 v2, Europe & Britain Premium 2024 v1
Visits: Spain

See spectacular Spain on this 11-day guided tour. Meet a local on the Green Coast of Asturias — a verdant beach along the wild Cantabrian Sea — for a lunch made of locally sourced ingredients and cider. In Oviedo, join a Local Expert for a tour of the town’s 9th Century churches and the Cathedral of the Holy Savior. See the most beautiful village in Spain, Santillana del Mar, where you can wander cobblestone streets until you reach its scenic town square. Relax at your luxury beach resort in Santander, taking in views of the bay below. In Barcelona, allow a Local Expert to lead you through the city’s Gothic Quarter, through the Roman Gate and to the Sagrada Família, a spectacular basilica with towers that seem to touch the sky and stained-glass windows that are works of art.
Choice Highlights
  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Santiago de Compostela: Join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills.
  • Santiago de Compostela: Embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St. James with a Local Expert, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons.

Well-being
  • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Travel Director
  • : "One food I really love introducing my guests to is the gilda because it is the original pintxo and has evolved into Europe's most exciting foodie experience."
  • : "There is nothing quite like sampling the many varieties of tapas. Every region has its own delicacies so you can be assured that you will taste different ones everywhere you go."
  • : "Guests are surprised to find that Spanish is not the only language spoken in the country – there’s also Basque, Galician and Catalan, not to mention the little dialects in each province."

Authentic Dining
  • Madrid: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.
  • Rueda: Some of Spain's finest wines hail from the Rueda region. During your tasting, learn about the Verdejo grape and what to look for in a fresh white.
  • Gijon: Meet Flor, a local of Gijón, for a delicious meal of locally sourced produce that she has prepared just for you.
  • Barcelona: At a typical Catalan restaurant, savour a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce.
  • Dining Summary: 3 Dinner with Wine (DW), 10 Breakfast (B), and 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

Top Rated Highlights
  • Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
  • Santiago de Compostela: Join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills.
  • Santiago de Compostela: Embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St. James with a Local Expert, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons.
  • Oviedo: Led by your Local Expert, see 1,000-year-old wall paintings in some of Europe's oldest churches. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe, when you visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour.
  • Picos de Europa: Visit the holy cave of Covadonga and see the tomb of Pelayo who is celebrated for winning the Battle of Covadonga against the Muslim Moors in 722 and later became the first King of Asturias.
  • Picos de Europa: Venture into this magnificent national park to admire the stunning picturesque scenery and rocky trails.
  • Santillana del Mar: Step back in time when you visit this perfectly preserved and 'most beautiful village in Spain.'
  • Bilbao: See the spectacular modern Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry and sites of this Basque region gem during your orientation with your Travel Director.
  • Getaria: See the rock known as El Ratón or the mouse.
  • Pamplona: Spend free time exploring this city, known for its annual Running with the Bulls festival.
  • Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.
  • Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.

Insight Experiences
  • Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.

Make Travel Matter
  • San Sebastián: Uncover the important maritime cultural heritage of the Basque country on a neighbourhood walking tour in the old harbour area.

Insight Tour Itinerary

Day 1Welcome to Madrid
Your transfer will depart Madrid airport at 09:00, 11:30, 13:30 or 16:00.Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over an evening of delicious food and wine.
Visits: Madrid
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Meliá Madrid Serrano., Meliá Madrid Princesa, Madrid.
Day 2Madrid of the Bourbons
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. 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. The afternoon is free for you to relax at a café or shop in the boutiques.
Visits: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Meliá Madrid Serrano., Meliá Madrid Princesa, Madrid.
Day 3Through the Guadarrama Mountains to Santiago
Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile and pass the impressive Castillo de la Mota. Some of Spain's most fashionable white wines are produced in Rueda. This morning we have the opportunity to learn how they are made and sample the delights of the Verdejo grape. Continue past historic Tordesillas, and on to Santiago de Compostela.
Visits: Madrid, Rueda, Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela.
Day 4Saintly Santiago de Compostela Relaxed Start
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.
Visits: Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela.
Day 5Along the Costa Verde to Oviedo Relaxed Start
Pass through the ancient forests of Galicia and cross to the Green Coast of Asturias - one of Spain's most beautiful, named after the colour of the sea and the pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore. Meet a true local, Flor, who will invite you to join her for lunch. Hear about daily life as you enjoy a delicious meal, typical of the region, that Flor has freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by delicious local cider. 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 Saviour in the stately square of Plaza Alfonso II. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe.
Visits: Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Accommodation: Barceló Oviedo Cervantes.
Day 6Picturesque Santillana del Mar and on to Santander
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 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 where you have free time in the evening to enjoy this luxurious hotel. Why not take the time to explore the hotel terrace with stunning views of the bay below or relax with one of the many therapy treatments offered at the hotels spa?
Visits: Oviedo, Covadonga, Santillana del Mar, Santander
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Eurostars Hotel Real, Santander.
Day 7Bilbao, Costa Vasca and San Sebastián Relaxed Start
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 during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Explore the secrets of the harbour area and uncover the forgotten Basque maritime cultural heritage.
Visits: Santander, Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastian
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.
Day 8San Sebastián, Pearl of the Cantabrian Coast Relaxed Start
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? Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?
Visits: Donostia-San Sebastian
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián.
Day 9Pamplona and on to Barcelona
Journey to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival. With time free for you to explore, perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street or visit Café Iruña, immortalised by Ernest Hemingway in the '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.
Visits: Donostia-San Sebastian, Pamplona, Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Hesperia Barcelona Presidente.
Day 10Barcelona, the City of Gaudí
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 your delightful Celebration Dinner.
Visits: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Hotel Hesperia Barcelona Presidente.
Day 11Depart Madrid
Departure transfers arrive at Barcelona airport at 07:00, 09:00 or 11:00. The 09:00 transfer continues on to Madrid Airport and hotel, arriving in the early evening.
Visits: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast


Available Room Types: Single, Triple, Twin, Twinshare
Child: ages 5 to 17

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Insight Tour Dates


Guaranteed Departure  indicates Guaranteed Departure
*Tour StartRetailRequest
Sat 04/06/24 $3,525.00
Sat 04/20/24 $3,550.00
Sat 04/27/24 $3,575.00
Thu 05/02/24 $3,595.00
Sat 05/04/24 $3,595.00
Thu 05/09/24 $3,595.00
Thu 05/16/24 $3,595.00
Sat 05/18/24 $3,595.00
Thu 05/23/24 $3,695.00
Sat 06/01/24 $3,695.00
Sat 06/08/24 $3,650.00
Sat 06/15/24 $3,650.00
Sat 06/22/24 $3,725.00
Sat 07/06/24 $3,825.00
Sat 07/13/24 $3,825.00
Sat 07/27/24 $3,850.00
Sat 08/03/24 $3,850.00
Sat 08/10/24 $3,850.00
Sat 08/17/24 $3,850.00
Thu 08/29/24 $3,825.00
Thu 09/05/24 $3,850.00
Sat 09/07/24 $3,775.00
Thu 09/12/24 $3,775.00
Sat 09/14/24 $3,775.00
Thu 09/19/24 $3,775.00
Thu 09/26/24 $3,595.00
Sat 10/05/24 $3,575.00
Sat 10/12/24 $3,575.00
Sat 10/19/24 $3,575.00
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