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10-Day Madrid & Northern Spain Tour

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Overview

On this incredible 10-day journey you'll not only discover Spain's majestic capital but also its culinary, historic and ancient capitals. On this northern Spain tour you’ll explore its best-preserved medieval towns and picturesque wine regions.

Few cities boast an artistic pedigree quite as pure as Madrid’s; for centuries, Spanish royals showered praise and riches upon the finest artists of the day, from home-grown talents such as Goya and Velázquez to Flemish and Italian greats.

Then you'll head to the Coast, famous for its cuisine and Basque tapas. Here, you'll get to sample and savour both the traditional and modern flavours of this region recognised as the gastronomic capital of Spain! You'll also discover the famed Rioja wine region and experience some of its best vintages.

Oh, but we’re not done! Let yourself be inspired by Bilbao, the Basque Country’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Constantly evolving and reinventing itself, it has managed to successfully mix traditional Basque culture with a new and fresh vision of the future.

Next, let yourself be inspired by one of the most attractive and beloved cities in Spain, Salamanca. With its radiant sandstone buildings, immense Plaza Mayor, and hilltop riverside perch. Today, as it did centuries ago, the university predominates, providing an intellectual flavour, a stimulating arts scene, and raging nightlife to match.

This tour of capitals ends with a visit to Segovia and El Escorial. One, a city which was once one of the most important in the country long before Madrid. The other, the historical residence of the King of Spain which long symbolised the close union of church and state under the supreme authority of the Spanish monarchy. History, culture, museums and superb gastronomy are guaranteed on this 10-day tour of Madrid and northern Spain!
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
Culture & Arts

Itinerary

Day 1

Begin Your Northern Spain Tour from Madrid!

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Begin Your Northern Spain Tour from Madrid!

Upon your arrival in Madrid, you will be picked up from Madrid's Puerta de Atocha airport by a private driver and taken to your hotel in the city centre. You will have this first day free to relax and recover from your flight. You could also choose to explore this vibrant city on your own. Your guide will make sure to provide you with good recommendations for places to eat, drink and tips for city walks or any entertainment/events happening during your travel dates.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Only YOU Boutique Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Restaurante DiverXOOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport to Only YOU Boutique Hotel

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

Day 2

Discover Madrid

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Discover Madrid

Today, you will enjoy a morning guided city tour of Madrid followed by an afternoon free to further explore this exceptional city on your own. Madrid is a beguiling place, an artistic city, a culinary capital, an architectural hub, and a pumping nightlife, its sheer energy carries a simple message that this city really knows how to live. During the tour, you'll visit the top sights in Madrid including the Royal Palace of Madrid.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Only YOU Boutique Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Madrid City Tour

    Royal Palace of Madrid

    Free Time in MadridOptional Activity

    Prado MuseumOptional Activity

    Reina Sofia MuseumOptional Activity

    Thyssen-Bornemisza MuseumOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Only YOU Boutique Hotel

    Sobrino de BotínOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

Day 3

Day Trip to Toledo

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Day Trip to Toledo

Today you'll discover this fascinating ancient city! Your morning will begin with a short train ride to Toledo on Spain's famed high-speed rail service which is the longest HSR network in Europe and the second longest in the world, after China's! Toledo is known as the "Imperial City" for having been the main venue of the court of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and as the "City of the Three Cultures" for the cultural influences of Christians, Muslims and Jews reflected in its history.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Only YOU Boutique Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Toledo Sightseeing

    Jewish Quarter of Toledo

    Synagogue of El Transito

    Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

    Free Time in Toledo

    San Bartolome ChurchOptional Activity

    Synagogue of Santa Maria La BlancaOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Only YOU Boutique Hotel

    LuaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Station Madrid - Puerta de Atocha to Parking Saba Estación Tren Toledo

    Train from Parking Saba Estación Tren Toledo to Station Madrid - Puerta de Atocha

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

    Toledo

Day 4

A Taste of San Sebastian

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A Taste of San Sebastian

A short ride on the high-speed train will bring you to your next destination, San Sebastian, the capital city of Gipuzkoa in the Basque country and one of the most famous tourist destinations in Spain. Despite the city’s small size, events such as the San Sebastián International Film Festival have given it an international dimension. This evening, you'll discover San Sebastian's world-renowned culinary scene with exciting pintxos and wine tour!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Pintxos and Wine Tour

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Only YOU Boutique Hotel

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Only YOU Boutique Hotel to Puerta De Atocha

    Train from Puerta De Atocha to San Sebastián, San Sebastián / Donostia

    Private Driver from San Sebastián, San Sebastián / Donostia to Villa Soro

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

    San Sebastián

Day 5

La Rioja Wine Region

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La Rioja Wine Region

La Rioja, with its emerald vineyards, medieval stone villages, and centuries-old monasteries and churches, is the ideal place to disconnect and surrender to your senses. It could be said that in Spain, La Rioja is synonymous with wine. This diverse region, however, offers more than just the pleasures of the grape, the Rioja is a stunningly beautiful and ancient area dating back to the Neolithic era. During this wine tour, you'll discover all the different types of Rioja and how they are made.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    La Rioja Day Tour

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    San Sebastián

    La Rioja

Day 6

Day Trip to Bilbao

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Day Trip to Bilbao

You'll spend the day in this beautiful city, chosen as the Best European City at The Urbanism Awards 2018! Bilbao is the largest city in the province of Biscay and in the Basque Country as a whole. Bilbao, with the Guggenheim Museum as a great international symbol, is the gateway to the Basque cultural universe. It is a city that is an example of urban transformation at a global level and has maintained a number of hallmarks that make it singular and unique.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Bilbao

    Guggenheim Museum

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra

    ArzakOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    San Sebastián

    Bilbao

Day 7

Salamanca via Burgos

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Salamanca via Burgos

On the way to Salamanca, you'll stop to revel in the medieval splendour of the historic capital of Castile, Burgos! Today, it is the capital of the province of Burgos in the autonomous community of Castile and León. The city boasts a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture in the cathedral of Burgos, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once you arrive in Salamanca, the evening is yours to explore and enjoy along with some recommendations from your guide.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hospes Palacio de San Esteban5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Burgos Day Tour

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra

    Restaurante en la ParraOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    San Sebastián

    Burgos

    Salamanca

Day 8

Highlights of Salamanca

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Highlights of Salamanca

Uncover both its hundreds of years-old history and its lively modern vibe. Salamanca lies on several hills by the Tormes River and its Old City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commonly known as Spain’s "golden city," Salamanca is rich in architectural, religious and gastronomic culture. As you explore the city, you can marvel at the La Casa de las Conchas, the 18th-century Plaza Mayor and the oldest university in Spain.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hospes Palacio de San Esteban5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Salamanca City Tour

    Salamanca University

    The Shell House

    Free Time in SalamancaOptional Activity

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hospes Palacio de San Esteban Salamanca

    Víctor GutiérrezOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Salamanca

Day 9

Segovia and El Escorial

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Segovia and El Escorial

On your way to Madrid, you will first visit Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage City, with unique monuments like its soaring aqueduct. Many myths surround this impressive city, one being that it was founded by Hercules and another that Walt Disney modelled Sleeping Beauty's castle on Segovia's Alcázar. After some free time for lunch, you'll continue towards The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the historical residence of the King of Spain. Your evening is free in Madrid to do as you wish.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Nuevo Boston4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Segovia Tour

    Alcazar of Segovia

    El Escorial Tour

    Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hospes Palacio de San Esteban Salamanca

    Hotel Nuevo BostonOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Salamanca to Segovia

    Private Driver from Segovia to El Escorial

    Private Driver from El Escorial to Madrid

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Salamanca

    Segovia

    Community of Madrid

    San Lorenzo de El Escorial

    Madrid

Day 10

Adios!

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Adios!

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. This includes your memorable northern Spain tour. After breakfast, you'll take the free shuttle bus from your hotel to the airport.

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Hotel Nuevo Boston

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Bus from Hotel Nuevo Boston **** to Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Madrid

Included in Price

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • 17 activities
  • 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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