North of Spain & Portugal: 8-Day Guided Tour From Barcelona

Explore the captivating regions of northern Spain and Portugal on an unforgettable 8-day guided tour from Barcelona. This journey takes travelers through picturesque cities, including Zaragoza, San Sebastián, and Porto, where they’ll discover breathtaking sights like the Guggenheim Museum and the stunning Spanish Fjords. With daily breakfasts, most dinners, and expert local guides included, travelers can enjoy the rich culture and history of each destination, all while enjoying comfortable transportation and accommodations. What secrets will this tour unveil?

Key Points

• This 8-day guided tour covers northern Spain and Portugal, visiting cities like Zaragoza, San Sebastián, Bilbao, and Porto.
• The tour includes transportation, accommodation, daily breakfast, most dinners, and sightseeing tours with local guides in Santiago and Porto.
• Highlights of the tour include the Guggenheim Museum, Plaza del Obradoiro, Spanish Fjords, and port wine cellars in Porto.
• The tour starts in Barcelona and ends in Madrid, with the meeting and departure points clearly specified.
• The tour is not recommended for certain travelers, and group size is limited to a maximum of 55 people.

Tour Overview

The guided tour from Barcelona explores northern Spain and Portugal over an 8-day itinerary.

Embark on an 8-day journey exploring northern Spain and Portugal with a guided tour from Barcelona.

It visits several cities, including Zaragoza, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Oviedo, La Coruña, Vigo, and Porto.

Highlights include the Guggenheim Museum, Plaza del Obradoiro, Spanish Fjords, and port wine cellars.

The tour is led by a multilingual escort and includes transportation, lodging, daily breakfast, and most dinners.

Sightseeing tours with local guides are provided in Santiago and Porto, along with a wine tasting in Porto.

The tour ends in Madrid.

Inclusions

The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi, as well as a multi-lingual tour escort.

Lodging, daily breakfast, and most dinners are also included.

Sightseeing tours with local guides in Santiago and Porto, a visit to a wine cellar with Porto wine tasting, and travel insurance and municipal tax in Porto are provided.

The tour excludes food and drinks not specified, gratuities, and hotel drop-off.

Meeting and Departure

Meeting at the Hotel Catalonia Barcelona 505 at 8:00 AM, the tour departs from the C/ de Muntaner, 505 address in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi neighborhood of Barcelona.

The tour concludes in Madrid at the C. de Ferraz, 3 address in the Moncloa – Aravaca district.

Travelers should arrive on time as the coach won’t wait.

The trip includes:

• Multilingual tour escort

• Air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi

• Sightseeing tours with local guides

• Porto wine tasting

• Travel insurance and municipal tax in Porto

Tour Conditions

Confirmation is received at booking for this 8-day guided tour from Barcelona to Madrid.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult. It’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 55 travelers, and the tour operates near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps.

Zaragoza: The Crossroads of Spain

Zaragoza, the historic capital of Aragon, serves as a captivating starting point for this guided tour through northern Spain and Portugal.

Perched along the Ebro River, the city boasts a vibrant blend of Roman, Moorish, and Renaissance influences.

Perched along the Ebro River, the city boasts a vibrant blend of Roman, Moorish, and Renaissance influences.

Visitors will be enchanted by:

• The grand Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, an iconic landmark renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture.

• The serene Aljafería Palace, a Moorish-style castle that once housed Aragonese kings.

• The lively Plaza del Pilar, a bustling public square lined with cafes and shops.

• The Museo de Zaragoza, where ancient artifacts and artwork chronicle the city’s storied past.

• The picturesque Puente de Piedra, a historic stone bridge crossing the Ebro.

Exploring the Basque Country

Where does the tour next take travelers after the captivating city of Zaragoza?

The tour heads northwest, immersing visitors in the Basque Country. First, they explore San Sebastián, a seaside city renowned for its stunning beaches, lively pintxos bars, and stunning architecture.

Next, the group travels to Bilbao, home of the iconic Guggenheim Museum. They admire the museum’s striking design and world-class contemporary art collection.

Later, the tour continues to Santander, a coastal city with a beautiful promenade and historic buildings.

Throughout the Basque region, travelers experience the unique culture, cuisine, and natural beauty that define this vibrant part of Spain.

Discovering the Cantabrian Coast

After exploring the vibrant Basque region, the tour heads east along the picturesque Cantabrian Coast.

Travelers will marvel at the dramatic seaside cliffs, rugged fishing villages, and charming medieval towns that dot this stunning stretch of northern Spain.

Key highlights include:

• Traversing the Spanish Fjords near Santander, a dramatic natural landscape carved by glaciers

• Strolling the historic plazas and cathedrals of Oviedo, a well-preserved Asturian city

• Admiring the elegant Belle Époque architecture in the port city of Gijón

• Sampling the fresh seafood and cider of Asturias, a culinary delight

• Witnessing the lively fishing culture and vibrant harbor in the Galician port of La Coruña

Galicia and Northern Portugal

The tour then ventures into the lush and verdant region of Galicia, where travelers discover the rich Galician culture and the alluring charms of northern Portugal.

They explore Santiago de Compostela, the iconic pilgrimage site, and visit the Plaza del Obradoiro.

Next, they head to the coastal city of La Coruña and Vigo, admiring the Spanish fjords.

In Portugal, the highlight is a visit to the historic port city of Porto, including a tour of the renowned port wine cellars and a tasting.

The tour concludes in the vibrant capital, providing a well-rounded exploration of Northern Spain and Portugal.

Ask Away

Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary or Select Different Destinations?

The tour has a pre-set itinerary, but participants can’t modify it. However, they may be able to choose different destinations or activities if they discuss their preferences with the tour operator prior to booking.

What Type of Accommodation Is Provided and How Comfortable Are the Rooms?

The tour provides comfortable hotel accommodations with daily breakfast included. Rooms are equipped with basic amenities and are clean, though their size and quality may vary across different locations on the tour route.

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children or Elderly Travelers?

The tour may not be suitable for families with young children or elderly travelers. It’s not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or serious medical conditions are also not recommended.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Menu During the Tour?

Yes, travelers can request vegetarian or special dietary menus during the tour. The tour includes daily breakfast and most dinners, so the tour provider can accommodate various dietary needs with advance notice.

What Is the Cancellation Policy and Are There Any Additional Fees?

The tour’s cancellation policy allows full refunds up to 30 days before departure, with a 50% refund 15-29 days prior. Within 14 days, no refund is provided. There may be additional fees for changes or late bookings.

Final Words

This 8-day guided tour from Barcelona offers travelers an immersive experience in northern Spain and Portugal. Guests will visit captivating cities, explore stunning sights, and enjoy the rich culture and history of the region. With daily breakfasts, most dinners, and expert local guides included, this tour provides a seamless and enjoyable journey through these captivating destinations.