Northern Spain, The Rioja Valley and Madrid 2021

14 days
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Small Group Tour
Step back in time on a journey that spans centuries and borders, from Barcelona into the dramatic Pyrenees and along Spain's northern coast, to where the bulls run in Pamplona… with stays at historic paradors in San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela…
From$6,490
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Step back in time on a journey that spans centuries and borders... and creates an authentic sense of place. Northern Spain captivates with a diversity of landscapes and cultural riches...Nature lovers revel in the majesty of the spectacular Pyrenees and Picos de Europa. History buffs marvel at San Sebastián
    • and art and architecture aficionados find paradise in Barcelona and Bilbao. Pilgrims seek miracles along the Camino de Santiago; visitors
    • Hemingway included
    • have been invariably moved by the traditions of Pamplona; and lovers of food – and fun – savor the taste of tapas in neighborhood bars and cafés tucked in narrow medieval lanes from little rural towns to the modern metropolis that is Madrid. Linking people and places with history and charm
    • Spain’s unique historic paradors and elegant resort hotels offer a legacy of genuine hospitality and service along the way.

What's this trip about?

    Step back in time on a journey that spans centuries and borders, from Barcelona into the dramatic Pyrenees and along Spain's northern coast, to where the bulls run in Pamplona… with stays at historic paradors in San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela…

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start City Barcelona, Spain
End CityMadrid

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Spain

Attractions

  • Barcelona
  • Madrid
  • Santiago de Compostela

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • TAUCK’S YELLOW ROADS – Cultural charms and spectacular scenery entice during stays in a Frank Gehry masterpiece, an authentically restored castle, a former palace and a historic parador Explorations, winery tours and tastings in the famed Rioja Valley wine region At El Castell de Ciutat, a choice of a spa treatment, cooking demonstration of Catalan cuisine, or a round of golf

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive Barcelona

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Le Méridien Barcelona.
A transfer is included from Barcelona Airport or the Barcelona Franca train station to Le Méridien Barcelona, ideally located on Las Ramblas. Join us for a private welcome reception and dinner tonight at the hotel as you get your first taste of life in Northern Spain.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Le Méridien Barcelona Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Barcelona, Spain

Day 2 Art and Architecture in Barcelona

Walk along the tree-lined pedestrian promenade of Las Ramblas this morning with a local guide who leads you through the cobblestone lanes of Barcelona's 14th-century Gothic quarter, Barri Gòtic, a medieval warren of Roman relics, hi...

Day 3 Country Roads of Catalonia

Venture into the mountains today, stopping at the saw-toothed mountain of Montserrat, just northwest of Barcelona, to visit the Benedictine monastery and see the shrine of la Moreneta, the Black Madonna. According to the legend, the...

Day 4 Pyrenees Pleasures in La Seu d'Urgell

A morning walking tour on the cobblestone lanes of La Seu d’Urgell brings you to the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral, renowned as the finest in the Pyrenees. Following an included lunch, you have a choice of activities this aftern...

Day 5 On to Elciego in the Rioja Valley

Depart La Seu d'Urgell this morning and head to the town of Elciego in the province of Álava in the Basque Country of northern Spain, part of the renowned Rioja wine-producing region. After stopping en route for lunch at a parador in Zarag...

Day 6 Wine Tasting & Haro in the Rioja Valley

Begin today's explorations in the Rioja Valley wine region (La Rioja) with a tour and tasting at the Marqués de Riscal winery, founded in 1858, whose "City of Wine" includes your ultra-modern hotel and the surrounding winery and vineyards....

Day 7 Laguardia, Pamplona & San Sebastián

Leave Elciego this morning and drive to famous Pamplona, immortalized in Hemingway’s famous book, The Sun Also Rises; where you'll have the opportunity to walk the route followed during the town's celebrated annual running of the bu...

Day 8 A day in seaside San Sebastián

Join a local guide for a walking tour along the cobblestone streets of the historic Old Town before spending the rest of the day and evening exploring more of seaside San Sebastián on your own as you please... perhaps sampling typic...

Day 9 Bilbao, The Guggenheim & Oviedo

Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao this morning, discovering its collection of modern art as you wish. Designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry (who also designed the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, where you stayed in...

Day 10 A Pilgrimage to Santiago

Explore Oviedo on a walking tour this morning, seeing a mix of historic and artistic monuments from various periods across the centuries. Stop for lunch along the coast en route to the world-famous pilgrimage town of Santiago de Com...

Day 11 Sights of Santiago de Compostela

When what was believed to be the grave of St. James the Greater was discovered in this region of what is now northern Spain in the ninth century, hundreds of thousands began making the arduous pilgrimage along El Camino de Santiago ...

Day 12 Fly to Madrid for a Two-Night Stay

Depart Santiago de Compostela this morning and fly to Madrid for a two-night stay in Spain's historic capital city. Upon arrival, follow an orientation tour of the city with a guided lunch tapas tour through the historic Barrio de las Letr...

Day 13 Exploring Madrid & the Royal Palace

Join a local guide for a morning tour of Madrid's landmark sights that includes a walking tour of the vast Plaza Mayor and the Mercado San Miguel, as well as a guided visit to the Royal Palace; one of largest royal palaces in Europe, the o...

Day 14 Journey home

Tour ends: Madrid.
Fly home anytime. A transfer from the Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques to Madrid–Barajas Airport or Madrid Atocha train station is included. You should allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Madrid, Spain

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,490
Price per day$464
Last Updated: 5/15/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Tauck Reviews & Ratings

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Nine Tours and Done

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Cougess

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Skip this cruise - not worth it

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Tauck

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It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.

In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.

Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.

Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
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Additional Information
Trip ID
tauck-SN2021

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