Northern Spain

9 Days /8 Nights
1 night Transatlantic Flight,

2 nights Barcelona, 2 nights San Sebastian, 1 night Burgos,

2 nights Salamanca
8 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners

Day 1: DEPARTURE CITY - BARCELONA

Overnight flight to Barcelona.
 

Day 2: BARCELONA

Welcome to Barcelona, Spain’s most vibrant city. Upon arrival at the airport we transfer to our centrally located Hotel. After checking into your hotel, time to relax. Join your Tour Director on a walking tour down Las Ramblas, the tree-lined pedestrian boulevard. Wander among the newspaper kiosks, flower and bird stalls, and performers, from human statues to street musicians to fortune tellers. Restaurants, cafés and hotels abound, as do tourists and locals alike. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 3: BARCELONA

After breakfast your guided tour takes you past the controversial and still-unfinished La Sagrada Familia (the Church of the Holy Family), where you will make a photo stop. This masterpiece of twisting spires and colourful mosaics was designed by Gaudí, who estimated it would take 200 years to complete. You will also see some of Gaudi's other works during our panoramic bus tour of Paseo de Gracia, one of Spain’s most cosmopolitan streets. Check out Plaza de Catalunya and Plaza España, a bustling six-street intersection that boasts the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, a fountain that puts on a fabulous show of water, lights and music on the weekends. Then enjoy a marvellous harbour view from atop Montjuïc Hill, where much of the 1992 Olympics took place. Here, you will see the former stadium and the Olympic Rings. Continue to the Plaza de Colon and  finish your tour in the 14th-century Barrio Gótico, the oldest surviving part of the city, and home to the stunning Barcelona Cathedral. Afternoon free time Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 4: BARCELONA - ZARAGOZA - SAN SEBASTIAN

Breakfast. An early morning departure from Barcelona sees the tour heading through the countryside towards Zaragoza. Known as the City of Four Cultures, Zaragoza and the villages in and around the surrounding province are awash with history. Upon arrival in Zaragoza, there will be a guided tour of the historic centre before continuing on to San Sebastian. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 4: SAN SEBASTIAN

Breakfast. This morning join your Tour Director on a discovery sightseeing journey of San Sebastian, one of the most beautiful coastal cities of the entire peninsula. Visit the historic centre and walk along the magnificent shore promenades. Afternoon free time. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 5: SAN SEBASTIAN - BILBAO - BURGOS

After breakfast we head for Bilbao for a guided tour of the city, home to the Guggenheim Museum building designed by North American architect Frank O. Gehry, and a magnificent example of the most groundbreaking architecture to have come out of the 20th Century. We then continue for Burgos for a walking tour of the town. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 6: BURGOS - VALLADOLID - SALAMANCA

After breakfast we travel to Valladolid. The city situated on the River Pisuerga, preserves an interesting Renaissance group of buildings in its old quarter, made up of houses, palaces, churches and one of its most symbolic buildings, its Cathedral. After a walking tour and some free time we continue to Salamanca for a late afternoon arrival. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 7: SALAMANCA

Breakfast. We dedicate today to the discovery of Salamanca. The city is also called ‘The Golden Town’, because of the use of sandstones as building material, which adds a golden glow in sunbeams to Salamanca’s monuments. The city is famous for one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, hosting 50.000 students a year. More than 30.000 foreigners come to Salamanca every year to improve their Spanish language skills. This makes Salamanca a very cosmopolitan place, where students make new friends who come from all over the world. Join your Tour Director on a walking tour of the city historical centre. Afternoon free time. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 8: SALAMANCA - MADRID

Breakfast. This morning leaving Salamanca we drive to Madrid. On arrival we meet our local guide for a tour of the main highlights of this buzzing city, including the Cibeles fountain, the Gran Via, Paseo de la Castellana, Puerta del Sol and Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes. Later we will visit the famous Prado Museum famous for its Velazquez paintings. Afternoon free time. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 9: DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.