Compare Best of Northern Spain by G Adventures vs Madrid and Barcelona by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,869 | $ 1,555 |
| Price Per Day | $ 234 | $ 222 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | NA |
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| Meals Included | 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners | N/A |
| Description |
Spain has been described as less of a country than a collection of small nations all working together. Each region has its own distinct character, style, even language. This quick eight-day trip introduces you to Spain’s Basque and Catalan provinces the best way: through food, art, culture, and first-person contact. Vibrant Barcelona, unhurried San Sebastián, Bilbao’s fabulous architecture, Logroño's famous cuisine, cosmopolitan Madrid, and the mighty Pyrenees, all in just over a week? Yeah, we did that. Come find out how. |
From mouthwatering food to whimsical architecture, you'll experience it all on this 6-night adventure! Begin your vacation in Madrid, Spain’s capital city. Madrid is praised across the globe for its mouthwatering tapas, vibrant nightlife, and famous Flamenco - savor the Spanish culture! Relax on the high-speed train from from Madrid to Barcelona, then enjoy your remaining nights in a city where art seamlessly blends with life. Barcelona is home to eclectic architecture and beautiful art by Antoni Gaudi and some of the world's most beloved landmarks including the Sagrada Familia. From bustling markets to Gothic alleyways, you can see it all. |
Day 1 Barcelona
Arrive at any time. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this vibrant city.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.
Day 2 Barcelona/Pyrenees
Take the morning to explore beautiful Barcelona. Head to the Pyrenees region for 2 nights in a 'casa rural'. Enjoy home-cooked meals and hiking.
Explore a bit of Barcelona before an afternoon departure north. Travel to the Pyrenees by local bus and van to reach a 'casa rural', or converted farmhouse, near the town of Ainsa. Indulge in delicious local meals and time to explore the beautiful landscape.
Day 3 Pyrenees
Enjoy the day in the scenic Pyrenees. Opt for some hikes in the area or head to Ainsa to explore. Spend another night in the 'casa rural'.
Day 4 Pyrenees/Bilbao
Travel to Bilbao, the first stop in the unique Basque region of Spain. Arrive in the early afternoon. Opt to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.
Day 5 Bilbao/San Sebastian/Bilbao
Take a day trip to San Sebastian. Opt to take a pintxos (tapas) tour and learn about the fascinating culture of the area. Return to Bilbao for the night.
The real treat in this part of the country is the eating. Basque cuisine is famous in Spain and around the world, with many believing this is the best food in the country. While San Sebastián didn't invent tapas, they are well-acknowledged to have perfected them. Wander through the streets before lunchtime or in the evening and check out what each bar has on offer. Stop in each place for some wine or beer and sample their tapas (pintxos in Basque) selection. Move on to the next bar and repeat! Delicious seafood abounds here as well. Looking for more than just pintxos? Head to the harbour and hole up in a traditional simple tavern. Don't leave San Sebastián without trying the famous jamon iberico. The specialty drink in this area is called the Kalimotxo — half wine (usually red table wine) and half Coca Cola.Take some time to wander through the plazas, marvel at the buildings, and spot the art sprinkled throughout the city. And, as always, try the pintxos.
Day 6 Bilbao/Logroño
Travel to Logroño and enjoy an included wine tasting in the Rioja region.
With tons of churches, roman bridges, parks, plazas, and ancient buildings, there's no shortage of sights to be seen when wandering around this city.
Day 7 Logroño/Madrid
Travel to Madrid and enjoy free time in this capital city.
Day 8 Madrid
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.
Day 1 Welcome to Madrid!
Welcome to the vibrant capital city of Madrid! On arrival, you’ll be met by your English-speaking driver and transferred by luxury car to your hotel for the next three nights. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure. Consider spending your first night at a nearby tapas bar sampling the local specialties!
Day 2 Madrid
In the morning, following your buffet breakfast, you’ll embark on a comprehensive city tour that will showcase all of the most popular and interesting sites in Madrid!
Day 3 Madrid
Today you have an entire day to explore this vibrant city! Madrid is a city overflowing with museums, so take advantage of the cultural splendors here. The Museo del Prado is home to some incredible art work by legends such as El Greco, Goya and Velazquez.Or for those with a taste for surrealism, the Reina Sofia Art Center is home to over 300 modern works by Dali, Miro, and Picasso, among others. A visit to the Museo Centro de Arte to see the Picasso anti-war mural, Guernica is an absolute must. In the evening, consider treating yourself to a Flamenco show, followed by a plate of churros con chocolate - the city's most famous dessert!
Day 4 Madrid - Barcelona
After breakfast, make your way to the train station in Madrid, to pick up the high-speed train to Barcelona. A mere 4 hours later, you will be in the Catalonian capital! Check in to your hotel, and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. For dinner, choose a restaurant specializing in paella - Barcelona's signature dish!
Day 5 Barcelona
Following breakfast, see the very best of Barcelona on a half-day guided tour! In the evening, head to the famous La Boqueria Market on La Rambla for a bite. In this vibrant market you'll find local foods, freshly caught fish, and sweets in the most whimsical of shapes.
Day 6 Barcelona
During your time in Barcelona you will be surrounded by the work of the famous Gaudí. Take a stroll through Park Güell, where buildings covered in brightly colored tiles await. You'll also want to leave a few hours to take in the beauty of the Sagrada Familia, a Christian temple and the most famous and spectacular of Gaudí´s works. Leave some time to explore the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) where the 13th century Gothic Cathedral is located, then head to the city's magic fountain of Montjuïc for a spectacular water show, filled with music and colors!
Day 7 Depart Spain
Depart Spain from the Barcelona Airport.
