LAST DAY OF FLASH SALE! 14-day Northern Spain, Portugal & France Escorted Tour (Madrid to Barcelona)

Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart.

DAY 1: Wednesday - Arrive in Madrid (D)

Arrive in Madrid, Spain's energetic capital city and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and attend an orientation meeting at approximately 7 pm on the upcoming journey through Spain, Portugal and France with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a Welcome Dinner

Overnight: Madrid

DAY 2: Thursday - Madrid City Tour (B)

This morning begin with a sightseeing tour of Madrid. Drive along the Gran Via through the Opera District, Plaza de Colon and view the Royal Palace. Pass through Puerta del Sol Plaza and Plaza de España with its monument to the author Cervantes. The tour will end at the world-renowned Prado Museum, where you will be able to view works of art by famous artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Ribera. Spend the afternoon at leisure or, join the optional tour to Toledo, former capital of Spain and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Visit St. Tome Church with its El Greco masterpiece and Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue with its beautiful Moorish architecture

Optional: Half Day Toledo (PM)

Overnight: Madrid

DAY 3: Friday - Segovia and Avila en Route to Salamanca (B, D)

Travel across the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama to the historic city of Segovia. View the best preserved 1st century AD Roman aqueduct, symbol of the city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit the fairy-tale Alcazar with its soaring turrets, moats and magical towers. Marvel at the powerful Gothic Cathedral that took almost 200 years to complete before walking through the Jewish Quarter. Then, to stunning Avila, surrounded by imposing city walls, one of Spain's best preserved bastions with its convent that pays homage to St. Theresa, founder of the Order of the Carmelites. Drive to the lively university town of Salamanca; view the 12th century Old Cathedral, the Salina and Monterrey Palaces and the historic center of the city. Arrive at Plaza Mayor, considered Spain's most beautiful central plaza, exceptionally memorable when illuminated at dusk. Dinner together tonight is in Salamanca

Overnight: Salamanca

DAY 4: Saturday - Douro Valley, Delightful Porto (B)

Depart for Portugal on your way to the Douro Valley. Travel the scenic port wine road and visit Quinta do Seixo, one of the biggest estates of Sogrape, producing both Porto & Douro wines. Enjoy a wine tasting before continuing to the delightful Northern city of Porto with a dramatic setting on the banks of the Douro river. Later, participate in the optional Douro River Cruise with meal. Cruise along the colorful river valley, viewing the city from a new perspective. Pass by the numerous port wine cellars and under Ponte Luis I Bridge. Afterwards, enjoy a meal of local specialties in a typical restaurant with drinks included

Optional: Douro River Cruise with Meal (PM)

Overnight: Porto

DAY 5: Sunday - Porto City Tour, Santiago de Compostela (B, D)

Start your morning with a sightseeing tour of Porto. Take a panoramic drive, and visit the 14th century Gothic Church of Sao Francisco with its gilded baroque columns and the Stock Exchange, renowned for its exquisite neoclassical façade and ornate Arabian Hall. This afternoon drive to Santiago de Compostela, the legendary destination for Pilgrims who walked the “Saint James Road” to visit the shrine here

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

DAY 6: Monday - Explore Santiago de Compostela (B)

This morning, take a guided tour of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most popular pilgrim destinations since the Middle Ages, and where the remains of the Apostle St. James are laid to rest. Visit the city’s world-famous Romanesque cathedral and Praça do Obradoiro, a monumental square surrounded by magnificent buildings in various styles. Balance of the day is at leisure for individual pursuits

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

DAY 7: Tuesday - Oviedo City Tour (B, D)

Depart for Oviedo, the regional capital of Asturias, a treasure trove of Spanish religious architecture. Upon afternoon arrival in Oviedo, embark on an orientation tour of the city. Walk through the historic town center, stop at the El Fontan market dating back to the 1520s and, conclude with a visit to the beautiful Cathedral. Admire the detailed cloisters, intricate buttresses and the main portico with its Arabesque decorations. Balance of the day is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a traditional cider pouring demonstration during your dinner of local delicacies

Overnight: Oviedo

DAY 8: Wednesday - Covadonga, Bilbao (B, D)

Depart Oviedo and stop in Covadonga to view the Shrine of our Lady of Covadonga, located in the Picos de Europa mountain range. Continue to the culturally rich city Bilbao to visit the gleaming Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry, the inspirational design utilizes flowing canopies, ship shapes, towers and flying fins. Afterward, check into your hotel with time to settle in before dinner together

Overnight: Bilbao

DAY 9: Thursday - Excursion to La Rioja Region (B)

This morning, travel through green fertile valleys and picturesque villages to the beautiful wine region of Rioja. Here, visit a traditional Spanish winery (bodega) and enjoy a wine tasting, before departing for Logroño, the capital of La Rioja region. Upon arrival, take an orientation tour of the town with its tree-studded plazas and narrow streets. Free time for lunch on your own. Perhaps, head to Laurel street, famous for its wine bars, for tapas and wine. Then, travel to the picture-perfect town of Laguardia with its medieval fortress and walled old quarter. After your visit, return back to Bilbao.

Overnight: Bilbao

DAY 10: Friday - Lourdes, Travel to Toulouse (B)

Depart Bilbao and stop in San Sebastian, for a panoramic city tour. Your journey continues to Lourdes, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, that rose to international fame in 1858 when visions of the Virgin Mary were described at the Grotto of Massabielle. The town is now a major site of Roman Catholic pilgrimage and of reported miraculous healings. Visit the sacred church, sanctuary and grotto where the apparitions took place and behold the healing water spring from the grotto, believed to possess therapeutic properties. Time to reflect on your own before departing this holy city for Toulouse.

Overnight: Toulouse

DAY 11: Saturday - Toulouse Sightseeing (B)

After breakfast, you will begin with an orientation of this regional capital. Known as the Pink City, on the river Garonne, Toulouse is known latterly for its modern aircraft and space rocket manufacturing. View the Capitole square and City Hall, which is organized around the Henry the fourth courtyard, adorned with the French king’s statue. Visit the Saint-Sernin Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built from the 11th to the 14th centuries, and a major stop on the pilgrimage route of St. James. It is one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe. Afternoon is at leisure for individual pursuits or, join the optional Albi Tour. Travel to the historic city of Albi and visit the ancient center of the city, adorned with brick houses, and the former home of famous painter Toulouse-Lautrec. Discover the imposing Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, with its lavish interior and Berbie Palace, now a museum devoted to painter Toulouse-Lautrec

Optional: Half Day Albi Tour (PM)

Overnight: Toulouse

DAY 12: Sunday - Medieval Carcassonne, Barcelona (B)

The first stop today is at the fairy-tale medieval town of Carcassonne. Your guided walking tour takes you around Europe's best restored ancient fortified city with its over fifty towers and turrets, still standing today. Stroll along the cobbled streets to the St. Nazaire Basilica, adorned with magnificent stained glass and intricate carvings. Browse the shops selling medieval wares, and perhaps taste some of the local peasant stews at a café in the fortified town. Later, continue towards the Mediterranean Sea and back into Spain and the city of Barcelona

Overnight: Barcelona

DAY 14: Monday - Barcelona City Tour (B, D)

This morning’s tour of Barcelona begins with a panoramic drive of the old Harbor, Plaza de España and Plaza Catalunya. You will also have a chance to pass by Gaudi's iconic La Sagrada Familia, a colossal church that is legendary and still unfinished. Ascend Montjuic Hill, home to the Olympic Complex, a number of sports facilities built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore the many galleries, museums, and sights in this magnificent city. Perhaps partake in the optional tour to Montserrat that begins with a scenic drive past picturesque villages to Montserrat Mountain. Here, visit the Royal Basilica to see the famous 12th-century Romanesque sculpture of "Virgen Moreneta." On your last night in Spain, join your fellow travelers for a festive Farewell Dinner

Optional: Half Day Montserrat Tour (PM)

Overnight: Barcelona

DAY 14: Tuesday - Depart Spain (B)

Transfer to the Barcelona airport for your departure flight

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Second Traveller saves 50% and Solo Travellers Save 25% when you book your holiday by 28 Oct 2019!

Advertised price based on 04 Nov 20 departure^:

• Twin share - from $3829^ for first person / $1915^ for companion traveller in same room
• Solo Traveller - from $3839^

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^ Prices are advertised as land only unless otherwise specified. Land only does not includes international airfares, arrival / departure transfers & optional tours.

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your booking NOW!

Accommodation on your holiday includes:

• NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderon, Barcelona
• Hotel Melia Bilbao, Bilbao
• Hotel Hesperia Madrid, Madrid

Is This Trip Right for You?

This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets, stairs, steps and significant slopes. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. There are a few long bus rides that are necessary to cover the territory. Some hotels in Porto are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. During heat waves, these hotels can become uncomfortable. This is a Classic program.

Climate & Clothing

Spain - Spring and Autumn: 55–75°F; Summer: 75–90°F; Winter: 35–55°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).

Gratuities

For the convenience of our Australian guests, gratuities are included for your Tour Manager, local guides, drivers, guide and/or driver assistants, hotel porters and wait staff. Since gratuities are not included for other guests, you may still hear references to tipping during your trip. Rest assured that your Tour Manager and other service providers will be correctly tipped on your behalf. However, in some instances, we are unable to include gratuities on your behalf in which case you will find recommended gratuities below. We are also unable to include tips on independent tours in which case you will find details and recommendations below. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. There may be other occasions where a tip is appropriate but, as always, tipping is a matter of personal discretion.

Spain - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.

Portugal - Tipping in restaurants is optional, as waiters earn wages in Portugal and a tip is considered a note of appreciation. It is common practice to round up the total bill to the next euro. Tipping taxi drivers and daily tips for hotel staff are not customary. However, it is important to note that in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists gratuities may be expected for good service.

France - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.