10-DAY Spain Tour: Northern Spain and Galicia From Madrid

Set out on a captivating journey through Northern Spain and Galicia with this 10-day semi-independent tour starting from Madrid. Explore iconic cities like Santiago de Compostela and Porto, cruise along the picturesque Douro River, and learn about the region’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Enjoy guided visits, comfortable accommodations, daily breakfasts, and transportation facilitated by a bilingual tour escort – all while having ample free time to discover the area at your own pace. This tour promises an unforgettable experience that blends the convenience of a guided itinerary with the freedom to personalize your exploration.

Key Points

• 10-day semi-independent tour from Madrid to Porto, Portugal, with a rating of 4.5 stars based on 7 reviews.
• Key experiences include guided tours in Santiago, San Sebastián, and Porto, and a Douro River cruise with wine tasting.
• Itinerary highlights include visits to Zaragoza, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santillana del Mar, Santiago de Compostela, and Porto.
• Accommodations, daily breakfasts, transportation, and a bilingual tour escort are included in the package.
• Departure location is Hotel NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares at 8:15 AM, with a minimum group size of 2 people required.

Tour Overview and Details

This 10-day semi-independent tour takes travelers from Madrid through northern Spain and Galicia, culminating in Porto, Portugal.

With an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 7 reviews, the tour includes accommodations, breakfasts, transportation, and a bilingual tour escort.

Guided city tours in Santiago, San Sebastian, and Porto provide access to key sites like the Cathedral in Santiago and a Douro River cruise with wine tasting in Porto.

The tour departs from the Hotel NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares at 8:15 AM. Confirmation is received at booking, and a minimum of 2 people is required for departure, with possible cancellations if the minimum isn’t met.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a journey from Madrid to Zaragoza, where travelers enjoy free time to explore the city.

They then continue on to San Sebastián for an afternoon visit.

On the second day, the group explores San Sebastián, including La Concha Beach and Monte Igueldo, with an optional visit to Hondarribia and San Juan de Luz.

The third day takes them to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Castro Urdiales, and Santander, with free time in each location.

The next day, the tour travels to Santillana del Mar, Covadonga, and Oviedo, including a visit to the Cathedral of San Salvador.

On the fifth day, they visit Mondoñedo, Lugo, and Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago De Compostela and Porto

On the sixth day, the tour takes travelers to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. Participants will enjoy a city tour, including a visit to the famous Plaza del Obradoiro and the city’s stunning cathedral, whose entrance is included.

After the tour, there’s free time to explore the city at leisure.

The next day, the group departs Santiago for the Rías Baixas region, visiting the picturesque Isla de la Toja before arriving in the vibrant city of Porto, Portugal.

Here, they’ll embark on a panoramic tour, seeing sights like the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building, and taking a Douro River cruise with a wine tasting.

Return Journey

From Porto, the tour heads back towards Madrid, making stops along the way. On Day 9, travelers visit Ciudad Rodrigo for free time before continuing to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The final day, Day 10, includes a visit to the historic walled city of Ávila before returning to Madrid. The journey back provides opportunities to explore more of the region’s rich history and architecture.

Destination	Day	Duration
Ciudad Rodrigo	9	Free time
Salamanca	9	–
Ávila	10	–
Madrid	10	–

Accommodation and Inclusions

This tour provides travelers with accommodations throughout the duration of the journey.

The package includes 9 nights’ stay in hotels across northern Spain and Portugal. Breakfast is included each morning to fuel the day’s explorations.

Transportation is covered, with the tour escort guiding participants between destinations by private coach.

Guided city tours in Santiago, San Sebastián, and Porto provide insight into the local history and culture, with entrance fees to key sites like the Santiago Cathedral and a Douro River cruise with wine tasting in Porto also included.

The bilingual tour escort ensures seamless communication in both English and Spanish.

Meeting Point and Departure

The tour departs from the Hotel NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares at 8:15 AM.

This is the designated departure point for the 10-day semi-independent journey through northern Spain and Galicia to Porto, Portugal.

Participants will meet their bilingual tour escort, who’ll accompany them throughout the trip and provide guidance in both English and Spanish.

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of reservation.

It’s important to note that the tour may combine different programs, potentially resulting in changes to the tour escort and fellow passengers.

Infants aged 3 and under can join the tour for free if they don’t occupy a seat.

Tour Policies and Restrictions

According to the information provided, this tour has a few key policies and restrictions that travelers should be aware of.

First, it’s confirmed that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Infants aged 3 and under can join for free, as long as they don’t occupy a seat.

The tour requires a minimum of 2 people to depart, and cancellations are possible if this minimum isn’t met.

Plus, the tour may combine different programs, which could result in changes to the tour escort and passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective travelers often raise a number of common questions about this Spain tour.

What’s the group size? Groups must have a minimum of 2 people, though the tour may combine different programs, so group size and tour escorts may vary.

Can infants attend? Yes, infants 3 and under can join for free without occupying a seat.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Unfortunately, no, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

When will I receive confirmation? Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

What if the minimum group size isn’t met? The tour is subject to cancellation if the minimum 2-person requirement isn’t satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Level of Physical Activity Is Required?

The tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking tours and some free time to explore cities. Travelers should be able to handle moderate walking and stairs, but the tour isn’t overly strenuous. Accommodations for limited mobility are available upon request.

Are Any Meals Other Than Breakfast Included?

The tour includes breakfast at the accommodations, but no other meals are provided. Travelers will have free time to explore and dine at their own expense during the tour stops.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?

The tour itinerary and inclusions are semi-independent, but it’s not explicitly stated whether the tour can be customized for individual preferences. Travelers should inquire with the tour operator about any flexibility or personalization options.

What Happens if the Minimum Group Size Is Not Met?

If the minimum group size of 2 people is not met, the tour may be canceled. In this case, you will be notified, and they’ll receive a full refund for the tour. The company give you the tour as advertised, but requires a minimum group size to do so.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour does not mention any discounts or special offers. However, children aged 3 and under can join the tour for free if they don’t need a seat. Travelers should check with the tour operator for any current promotions.

Recap

This captivating 10-day semi-independent tour offers travelers the opportunity to explore Northern Spain and Galicia, starting from Madrid. Guided visits to iconic cities like Santiago de Compostela and Porto, along with a Douro River cruise featuring wine tasting, provide a rich cultural experience. With comfortable accommodations, daily breakfasts, and private coach transportation, this tour promises an immersive and hassle-free exploration of the region’s stunning landscapes and historical sites.