Northern Spain: Barcelona to Porto
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 Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela…
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 Asturias and Galicia. History buffs marvel at San Sebastian, 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 cafes tucked in narrow medieval lanes from little rural towns to the modern metropolis that is Porto. 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.
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 Asturias and Galicia. History buffs marvel at San Sebastian, 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 cafes tucked in narrow medieval lanes from little rural towns to the modern metropolis that is Porto. 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.
Traveling Well Includes:
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- Tour Operator
- Tauck Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2025
- Duration
- 14 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Barcelona | Arrive Barcelona Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Le Meridien Barcelona. A transfer is included from Barcelona Airport or the Barcelona França Train Station to Le Meridien Barcelona on Las Ramblas. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight. Lodging: Le Meridien Barcelona Hotel Meals: D |
| Day 2 | Barcelona | Gothic sights & whimsy 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 Gotic, a medieval warren of Roman relics, hidden courtyards, shops and alfresco cafes, to the Plaça de la Catedral. Set apart from other churches, Barcelona's Cathedral was built between 1298 and 1460 although its richly decorated façade, guarded by gargoyles, was added in 1870. Your city tour continues with a drive through hilltop Montjuic, rewarding with panoramic views, and a visit to Gaudi's unfinished cathedral, la Sagrada Familia, artistically and architecturally unique, and awe-inspiring in every detail. Spend the rest of the day exploring Barcelona as you wish. Lodging: Le Meridien Barcelona Hotel Meals: B |
| Day 3 | Elciego | Zaragoza & on to wine country Board a train for a rail journey through the Spanish countryside to Zaragoza, one of the oldest cities in Spain with a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire. Enjoy a visit to the expansive Plaza del Pilar with time for lunch. Drive to your Frank-Gehry designed hotel this afternoon in the Rioja Valley for a two-night stay and have dinner in the winery tonight. Lodging: Hotel Marques de Riscal Meals: B, L, D |
| Day 4 | Elciego | Wine tasting in Rioja Valley Begin your day with a tour and tasting at the Marques de Riscal winery, founded in 1858. Next, head to Laguardia, a walled medieval town for lunch on your own and time to explore its wealth of historic features, including the Church of Santa Maria de los Reyes or spend the afternoon enjoying the amenities at your hotel. Join us for dinner in a local restaurant featuring regional fare. Lodging: Hotel Marques de Riscal Meals: B, D |
| Day 5 | San Sebastian | Pamplona & seaside San Sebasti n Drive to Pamplona this morning, immortalized in Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, and walk the famous route followed during the town's annual running of the bulls. After free time for lunch and personal exploration, it's off to coastal San Sebastian, othe culinary captial of Spain, and inviting with oceanfront views of its world-famous surfing beach and medieval city center. Have dinner at your elegant Belle-Epoque hotel tonight. Lodging: Hotel Maria Cristina Meals: B, D |
| Day 6 | San Sebastian | Medieval charms of San Sebasti n Join a local guide this morning for a walking tour along the cobblestone streets of San Sebastian's Old Town (Parte Vieja), lined with pintxo bars, churches and lively squares, before spending the rest of the day exploring on your own, discovering its charms on a relaxing pace. Lodging: Hotel Maria Cristina Meals: B |
| Day 7 | San Sebastian | French Basque country Drive to the elegant seaside town of Biarritz on France's Basque coast; see elegant villas styled with Belle Epoque and art deco details and visit the lighthouse, dating to 1834. Continue to the charming village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz for a walking tour and free time for lunch before returning to San Sebastian. Sample the city's famous pintxos tonight on a memorable tasting tour in Old Town. Lodging: Hotel Maria Cristina Meals: B |
| Day 8 | Cangas de Onis | Bilbao, the Guggenheim & a country parador Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao this morning, a Frank Gehry-designed showcase for large-scale contemporary works by international and Basque artists. Continue to Santillana del Mar, stopping for lunch at the Parador Gil Blas with free time to explore. Your parador accommodations in Cangas de Onis tonight are on the site of a restored ancient monastery believed to have been founded by King Alfonso I in the 8th century. Lodging: Parador de Cangas de Onis Meals: B, L, D |
| Day 9 | Le¢n | Parador pastimes & cider tasting Spend the morning indulging in the scenic beauty surrounding your rural parador before departing your hotel for a cider tasting experience. Learn about cider production and try your hand at pouring the drink like the locals do from above your head! Lunch family style as you enjoy an Espicha, a traditional Asturian meal celebrated during harvest time. Drive to your restored monastery parador in Leon where dinner is at your leisure. Lodging: Parador de Leon Meals: B, L, D |
| Day 10 | Santiago de Compostela | A Pilgrimage to Santiago Explore medieval Leon 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 Compostela before checking in to your hotel late this afternoon, the historic Parador de Santiago de Compostela (also known as Parador de los Reyes Catolicos). Considered to be one of the oldest hotels in the world, it has welcomed travelers since the 15th century. Dine tonight at your choice of restaurants in the parador. Lodging: Parador de Santiago de Compostela Meals: B, L, D |
| Day 11 | Santiago de Compostela | 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 the Way of St. James on foot to visit it. Legend has it that a bright star led a shepherd boy to the forgotten tomb of the apostle; today your local guide leads the way on a guided walking tour of the town's historic quarter and a visit to the world-famous 11th-century Romanesque Cathedral of St. James, home to the relics of the saint. Following lunch at your historic parador, the rest of the day is free to spend as you like, walking in the footsteps of pilgrims who have made their way here from around the world for centuries. Lodging: Parador de Santiago de Compostela Meals: B, L |
| Day 12 | Porto | Spanish mussels in Galicia & drive to Porto Take a boat ride to a mussel farm on the Galician coast, where you will discover how mussels and other shellfish are farmed, enjoying a tasting during your visit. Cross into Portugal as you drive to Porto this afternoon for a two-night stay in a restored 18th-century palace hotel located in the heart of the city. Dine at your leisure tonight. Lodging: InterContinental Porto Meals: B |
| Day 13 | Porto | A rabelo boat ride on the Douro Join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of Porto; world famous for its port wine, the city's historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Enjoy a boat ride on a traditional rabelo boat as you cruise under the city's iconic bridges on the Douro River, followed by a free afternoon, Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner at a port house in Gaia, where tastings of Portugal's liquid gold are sure to delight. Lodging: InterContinental Porto Meals: B, D |
| Day 14 | Porto | Journey home Tour ends: Porto Fly home anytime. A transfer from the InterContinental Porto to Porto Airport is included. Allow three hours for flight check-in at the airport. Lodging: Meals: B |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- * All prices are per person in U.S. dollars, based on double occupancy.
Itinerary Changes - Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice.
