13-DAY Spain Tour: Northern Spain and Galicia From Barcelona

Set out on a captivating 13-day journey through the captivating northern regions of Spain and Galicia, starting from the vibrant city of Barcelona and culminating in the bustling capital of Madrid. This comprehensive tour promises to immerse travelers in the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes that define this remarkable corner of the Iberian Peninsula. From the artistic city of Bilbao to the historic charm of Porto, the carefully curated itinerary offers a seamless blend of guided excursions, comfortable transportation, and opportunities to savor the local flavors. As the adventure unfolds, one can’t help but wonder what other enchanting discoveries lie in store.

Key Points

• This 13-day tour explores northern Spain and Galicia, starting in Barcelona and ending in Madrid, with a mix of rail and deluxe motor-coach transportation.
• Accommodation includes 12 nights in superior-class hotels with daily breakfast, allowing for in-depth cultural and historical exploration of the region.
• The tour features guided city tours in major destinations, including visits to iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and the Old Town of San Sebastian.
• A scenic Douro River cruise and wine tasting in Porto provide an opportunity to experience the local culture and cuisine.
• The tour has a maximum group size of 40 travelers and requires a minimum of 2 participants to depart, with some flexibility in escort and passenger changes.

Tour Overview

This 13-day Spain tour covers northern Spain and Galicia, starting from Barcelona and ending in Madrid.

Over the course of 14 days, you’ll visit 11 cities, including Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, and Porto, with guided tours in these major destinations.

The tour provides an extensive exploration of the region, allowing you to learn about the culture and history.

You’ll travel via rail and deluxe motor-coach, with high-speed AVE trains and transfers between airports, hotels, and cities included.

With 12 nights in superior-class hotels and daily breakfasts, this comprehensive tour offers an in-depth experience of northern Spain and Galicia.

Travel Logistics

The tour utilizes a combination of rail and deluxe motor-coach throughout the journey, providing efficient and comfortable travel between the various destinations.

Travelers will ride the high-speed AVE train from Barcelona to Zaragoza in tourist class, and all transfers from airports to hotels and between cities are included in the package.

The tour begins at the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport and ends at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, ensuring seamless travel logistics for participants.

With the included transportation, travelers can focus on enjoying the sights and experiences of northern Spain and Galicia without worrying about the details of getting from place to place.

Accommodation and Meals

Travelers on this 13-day Spain tour can expect to stay in 12 nights of superior-class, typically 4-star standard hotels throughout the journey. Breakfast is included daily, providing a hearty start to each day, though any additional food and drinks not specified in the package are the responsibility of the traveler. This accommodation and meal plan allows participants to comfortably explore northern Spain and Galicia while enjoying the local cuisine on their own time.

Accommodation	Meals
12 nights in 4-star hotels	Breakfast included daily
Superior-class standard	Responsibility of traveler for other meals
Comfortable exploration	Opportunity to sample local cuisine
Convenient locations	Flexible dining experiences
Consistent quality	Varied culinary options

Guided City Tours

The tour includes guided city tours with local guides in several major cities along the journey, providing in-depth insights and immersive experiences for participants.

In Barcelona, travelers will explore iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas with a knowledgeable guide.

The tour also includes guided visits to the charming Old Town of San Sebastian, the historic city center of Santiago de Compostela, and the culturally rich city of Porto in Portugal.

These guided tours offer a deeper understanding of the local history, architecture, and traditions, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the unique character of each destination.

Throughout the journey, the bilingual tour director provides additional context and commentary to enhance the overall experience.

Douro River Cruise and Wine Tasting

Along With the guided city tours, the Spain tour also includes a relaxing Douro River cruise and a wine tasting experience in the historic city of Porto, offering travelers a chance to enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage and renowned wine traditions. The Douro River cruise provides a unique perspective on the picturesque landscapes and charming riverside villages along the way. The wine tasting allows guests to sample the renowned Port wines, a specialty of the Douro Valley, while learning about the intricate winemaking process from local experts. This excursion promises to be a highlight of the tour, blending sightseeing, cultural discovery, and the opportunity to savor the flavors of Northern Spain.

Douro River Cruise	Wine Tasting
Duration: 1-2 hours	Duration: 1-2 hours
Scenic views of the Douro Valley	Sampling of local Port wines
Insight into traditional riverside life	Education on winemaking traditions

Additional Information

Maximum group sizes cap at 40 travelers, with a minimum of 2 required for the tour to depart.

Travelers should be aware that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and there are no bathrooms on the coach.

Baggage allowance permits one suitcase per traveler, and infants must be seated on laps.

Hotel ratings may differ from those in other Western countries, and the tour may combine multiple programs, potentially leading to changes in the tour escort and fellow passengers.

In the event of technical issues, city tours may be substituted with alternative options.

Departure Requirements

To embark on this tour of Northern Spain and Galicia, a minimum of 2 travelers is required, with a maximum group size of 40 participants. Travelers should note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and there are no bathrooms on the coach. Each participant is allowed one suitcase, and infants must sit on laps. It’s worth noting that hotel grades may differ from those in other Western countries, and the tour may combine different programs, leading to changes in the escort and passengers. In the event of technical issues, city tours may be replaced by alternative options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Requirement	Details
Minimum Travelers	2
Maximum Group Size	40
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible
Coach Facilities	No bathroom
Luggage Allowance	1 suitcase per traveler
Infants	Must sit on laps
Hotel Grading	May differ from other Western countries
Tour Combination	Changes in escort and passengers possible
Tour Adjustments	Alternative options if technical issues arise

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour policy restricts participation to human travelers only, as the logistics and accommodations do not support the inclusion of pets. Service animals may be permitted with prior arrangements.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour’s cancellation policy allows for full refunds if cancelled 30 days prior to departure, with partial refunds up to 15 days before. Specific penalties may apply for last-minute cancellations. Travelers should review the policy details carefully.

Are There Any Special Dietary Options Available?

The tour does not specifically mention any special dietary options. However, travelers are free to purchase their own food and drinks not included in the package during their free time.

Can I Upgrade My Hotel Accommodations?

Yes, travelers can upgrade their hotel accommodations for an additional cost. Upgrade options may include higher-rated hotels or rooms with additional amenities. Upgrades should be requested at the time of booking to ensure availability.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Coach During the Journey?

The tour information does not mention if there is Wi-Fi available on the coach during the journey. Travelers should check with the tour operator to inquire about on-board Wi-Fi amenities prior to the trip.

Recap

This captivating 13-day tour of Northern Spain and Galicia offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.

Travelers will enjoy convenient transportation, comfortable accommodations, delicious local cuisine, guided city tours, and a serene Douro River cruise with wine tasting experiences, providing an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes and vibrant cities of Northern Spain and Galicia.