Small Group Experiential Travel
Tour Code
ES1 Max Group Size
18 Start
Santiago de Comp. (SCQ) End
Madrid (MAD) Overnight In
Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Leon, Santiago de Compostela When To Go
Apr, Sep Activity Level
2 - Moderate? Tour Type
Cultural? - Overview
- Info & Inclusions
- Itinerary
- Map & Hotels
- Photos
- Dates & Prices
Highlights
- Barcelona: Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance
- Santiago de Compostela: Place of Pilgrimage
- Bilbao's Guggenheim
- Arab, Jewish, Christian, Roman, Visigothic legacies
- Singles friendly (view options for single travellers)
Price Includes
- Full-time Tour Leader services plus local guides at various locations.
- Breakfast and dinner (hotels & local restaurants) daily.
- All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters.
- Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Exclusions
- International airfare to/from the tour.
- Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), excursions referenced as 'optional'.
- Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance.
Trip Info
- Seasonality and Weather:
The best times to visit Iberia are spring (March-May), when the country is in bloom and waking after the winter, and fall (September/October), when the weather is warm and summer crowds have dispersed.
SPRING
Our early spring date coincides with a time of year when Iberia emerges from its long winter slumber and, while there’s still the odd shower and chilly day, the first whiff of spring is in the air, with days steadily getting milder and sunnier and the countryside awash with blossom. It can also be very peaceful time to visit, as the crowds of the peak season have not yet arrived. Flights can also cost much less than they would two months later. Our later spring date (April/May) will be a bit drier and warmer - maybe even "hot" to the south and inland - and the more popular spots will start to see some crowds.
FALL
September and October are two of the best months to visit. The weather is still warm and pleasant, and the temperatures are much more manageable than summer for sightseeing or outdoor activities. Sites generally tend to be a bit busier than one may encounter in spring, especially those places where cruise ships call, but the place still has a relaxed feel away from the coastal resort areas. A big bonus this time of year is the myriad locally-grown fruits and vegetables that find their way onto local menus. - Transport and Travel Conditions:
Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have some full bus days, road travel is not particularly arduous as there are plenty of stops of interest.
Train journeys are comfortable (2nd class). YOU MUST BE ABLE TO MANAGE YOUR OWN BAGS ON / OFF TRAINS AND IN TRAIN STATIONS.
This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip. These walks will mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities and short walks to dinner. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobbles, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common. If you are accustomed to typical "bus tours," which rely heavily on vehicular transport for all sightseeing activities, you should be aware that this tour is considerably more active.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form - Accommodation:
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels (3 star) throughout. All hotels have en suite bath, though some may have shower only. Porter service is sometimes available though you should be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins. - Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page. - Staff and Support:
Tour Leader throughout, driver, local step-on guides in various locales. - Group Size:
Maximum 18 (plus Tour Leader)
View / Print Itinerary
- Day 1:Arrival in Santiago de CompostelaWelcome to Spain! Arrival in Santiago de Compostela, one of Spain's most beautiful cities, built of golden granite and declared a national monument in its entirety. It's a wonderful place to walk with its arcades and flagstone streets.
Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Included Meal(s): Dinner - Day 2:Santiago de Compostela: City TourThis morning, we set out to explore the historic centre of Santiago de Compostela, a city honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our walking tour begins in Obradoiro Square, where some of the city's most notable landmarks are gathered. We'll take in the Archbishop's residence, which preserves some 12th-century lounges, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past. Nearby, the Town Hall, formerly the Raxoy Palace, boasts a classical facade, while the San Jeronimo College showcases Roman influences in its design.
As we make our way through the city, we'll visit the famous Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, a grand building adorned with numerous statues of St. James, often depicted as a pilgrim with his staff, broad-brimmed hat, and scallop-shell badge. We'll also explore the Cathedral Museum and the Cloister, taking in the intricate details and history of these sacred spaces. One of the highlights of our tour will be a visit to the Platerias Gate, the only Romanesque gate still preserved in the city.
One of the unique aspects of our tour is a guided visit to the Cathedral roofs. To access the roofs, we'll pass through the Gelmirez Palace, located beside the Cathedral in Obradoiro Square. From there, we'll make our way through the interior of the palace, past the Cathedral gallery above the Gloria doorway, and up to the roof of the cathedral. This vantage point offers a stunning view of the historic centre, allowing us to appreciate the city's layout and architecture from a new perspective.
As the day comes to a close, we'll spend the night in Santiago de Compostela, surrounded by the city's rich history and culture.
Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 3:Santiago de Compostela - Train to LeonThis morning, we board a 2nd-class train to León,* a city with a rich history and architectural treasures. Upon arrival, we'll visit the San Isidoro Collegiate Church, a notable example of western Romanesque architecture that serves as the final resting place for 23 kings and queens. The church's historical significance and beautiful design make it a compelling stop on our tour.
Next, we'll explore León's stunning cathedral, built in the 13th century in a Gothic style reminiscent of French cathedrals. One of the cathedral's most striking features is its extensive collection of stained-glass windows, with over 100 vibrant panels that filter the light and add to the building's beauty.
As we continue our sightseeing in León, we'll wander through the old quarter, where a substantial portion of the medieval wall remains, along with some remnants of the original Roman wall. We'll also visit the Casa de Botines, a neo-Gothic building designed by Antoni Gaudí, showcasing his unique architectural style. This charming area offers a glimpse into León's layered history and its evolution over the centuries.
* NOTE: YOU MUST BE ABLE TO MANAGE YOUR OWN BAGS ONTO/OFF TRAINS AND IN TRAIN STATIONS. Packing lightly is essential.
Overnight in Leon.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 4:Leon - Cave of Altamira - BilbaoToday we travel by road to Bilbao, via a stop at the museum connected with the Cave of Altamira. Dating from 12000 BC, the caves are full of prehistoric paintings of wild animals and impressions of human hands. When discovered in the 1870s the vivid and evocative paintings were nearly perfectly-preserved. Even Picasso commented on the paintings here: "After Altamira, everything is decadence." (We will be visting a museum and a replica of the cave paintings; the actual cave has been closed to visitors in the interest of conservation).
We continue deeper into Basque country and toward Bilbao, tucked into the deep lush folds and clefts of Euskadi's coastal range. The name is "Bilbo" in Basque, but its inhabitants prefer to call it the "botxo," Basque for hole, or orifice. The orifice was originally a scattering of fish hamlets, huddled on the left bank where the hills offered some protection from the Normans and other pirates.
Overnight in Bilbao.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 5:Bilbao: The GuggenheimToday we explore the Old Town of Bilbao on a walking tour. We travel back in time to Medieval Bilbao with its cobbled streets, charming corners and squares, and trace its development through the centuries.
The major highlight today is our visit to the newest and biggest attraction in Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum. The 31 329 sq m (349,000 sq foot) colossus is one of the focal points of a $1.5 billion redevelopment plan for the city. The Frank Gehry design features a 50 m- (165 foot-) high atrium, more than one-and-a-half times the height of the rotunda of Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim Museum in New York. The museum is devoted to American and European art of the 20th century, featuring (on rotation) the works of such renowned artists as Kandinsky, Mondrian, Picasso, Ernst, Pollock, Lichtenstein, Oldenburg, Serra, and others.
Options for your free afternoon include: remain at the Guggenheim on your own, the Basque Museum, Fine Arts Museum, a guided boat tour of the estuary, or local bus trip to San Sebastian (+/- 1:20) etc. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your afternoon.
Overnight in Bilbao.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 6:Bilbao - Fly to Barcelona: City TourToday we fly to Barcelona and meet our local guide for a panoramic drive through the city. As we explore Barcelona, we'll take in the vibrant atmosphere and diverse architecture that define this bustling metropolis. Our drive will take us through Plaza España, a grand square surrounded by notable buildings and colourful mosaic fountains.
We'll pass by the site of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, a significant moment in the city's history. A stop at Montjuïc viewpoint will offer panoramic views of Barcelona, allowing us to capture photos of the city's skyline, the Mediterranean Sea, and the iconic Sagrada Família.
As we continue our tour, we'll drive along Gran Via, one of Barcelona's busiest avenues, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Our final stop will be Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Antoni Gaudí. We'll wander through the park's colourful mosaic pathways, explore the iconic lizard statue, and admire the unique architectural elements that make this park a popular destination. After a day of exploring, we'll spend the night in Barcelona.
Overnight in Barcelona.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 7:Barcelona: City TourWe continue our guided touring of Barcelona, starting with a discovery walk through the historic Barrio Gótico district. We’ll wander through the narrow, winding streets, marvel at the Gothic architecture, and see iconic landmarks such as the Barcelona Cathedral and the Royal Palace, immersing ourselves in the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
After exploring the Barrio Gótico, we transfer to the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece and one of the most iconic landmarks in Barcelona. We’ll have a guided tour of the basilica, admiring its intricate architecture, stained glass windows, and towering spires. Throughout we’ll learn about Gaudí's vision for this extraordinary structure and its progress over time. We'll also visit the nearby Museo Picasso.
After our visit to the Sagrada Família, you’ll have the balance of the day at leisure for lunch and some independent exploration.
Art lovers may choose to visit other notable attractions such as the National Art Museum of Catalonia, which contains a vast collection of Catalan art from the Middle Ages to the present day. At the Joan Miró Foundation you can discover the whimsical and surreal works of Joan Miró, one of Spain's most celebrated artists.
Otherwise you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon in one of Barcelona's many parks, such as Parc de la Ciutadella or Parc de l'Estació del Nord, and/or stroll along La Rambla, the city's most famous street, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Overnight in Barcelona.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 8:Barcelona: Montserrat & Leisure TimeThis morning we include a half-day guided tour of one of Spain's most sacred sites, set in beautiful mountains about one hour's drive from Barcelona. Long before we reach Montserrat, we will see the jagged silhouette of the great peak and understand how it got its name ('serrat' means 'serrated). This massive rock fortress is dotted with paths, stairs, caves, chapels, and hermitages. We drive through the Montserrat Natural Park and up to the Sanctuary, located at 725m (2,380 feet) above sea level. On a clear day you will see breathtaking panorama of the Pyrenees.
Arriving at the Sanctuary, we visit the Royal Basilica and the Chapel of Our Lady of Montserrat. Inside the chapel is the famous 12th century Romanesque carved wood statue of La Moreneta (the Black Virgin). La Moreneta is the patron saint of Catalonia and is a presence strongly felt and revered; indeed this celebrated statue has made the Royal Basilica one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain. The tour also includes entrance to an interesting audiovisual exhibition ("Montserrat Portes Endins"), and the chance to taste four locally-produced liquors.
We return to Barcelona with time at leisure.
Overnight in Barcelona.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 9:Barcelona - Train to Madrid: Royal PalaceToday we travel to Madrid by fast train (+/- 3 hours).
This afternoon we include a tour of the Royal Palace* where we see, among other things, its principal staircase, throne, gala dining room, museum of silver, and principal courtyard. This is the official residence of the royal family, but today it is used only state ceremonies. Otherwise known in Spanish as the Palacio Real, the Royal Palace was built during the 18th and 19th centuries, and is a monumental building. It replaced the former medieval Alcazar, which was burnt to the ground in 1794. The present day Royal Palace of Madrid was decorated to the tastes of Charles III, and is extremely lavish inside.
* Please note that the palace is periodically closed without notice due to official functions. We apologize if this activity is not possible.
Overnight in Madrid.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 10:Madrid & The PradoThis morning we have a panoramic tour of broader Madrid, terminating at the Prado Museum for a guided tour. Our route to the museum likely takes us past Plaza Espana point and the Cervantes Monument.
Originally opened to the public in 1819, the Prado houses all of the finest works collected by Spanish Royalty as well as Spanish paintings gathered from other sources over the past two centuries. The Prado is one of the most important repositories of art in the world, including a vast collection of Italian paintings. For the purposes of our visit, however, we will concentrate on works by Spanish masters -- Velasquez, Goya, Ribera, El Greco, Zurbaran, to name a few.
After our tour, we'll head off on foot for an informal stroll up Gran Via and into the old quarter of Madrid. You'll then have free time for lunch and an afternoon of independent exploration. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your free time, with recommended shopping, other historical sites and galleries. You may want to visit the nearby Reina Sofia for the important modern art collection, including Picasso's masterpiece, "Guernica." Or visit the Museo Naval, one of the world's most important Navy Museums, to learn about the history of the Spanish Armada.
Overnight in Madrid.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 11:Madrid: Toledo Day TripThis morning, we embark on a day trip to Toledo, a city that proudly showcases its rich cultural heritage. Perched on a rocky promontory, surrounded on three sides by the majestic Tagus River, Toledo's unique blend of Arab, Jewish, Christian, Roman, and Visigothic elements is palpable. As we explore this ancient city, we'll discover the fascinating history and architecture that reflects its diverse past.
Toledo's narrow streets and alleys are lined with houses, synagogues, churches, and mosques, each telling a story of the city's complex history. We'll visit the stunning Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue, which showcases the influence of Moorish design from Granada. One of Toledo's most prized treasures is El Greco's breathtaking masterpiece, "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz," housed in the Church of Santo Tome.
As we wander through the city, we'll uncover the secrets of Toledo's past, from its Roman and Visigothic roots to its Moorish and Christian influences. The city's architecture, art, and culture are a testament to the many civilizations that have shaped its identity.
After a break for lunch, we'll have some free time to explore Toledo's charming streets, visit its shops and markets, and soak up the city's unique atmosphere before returning to Madrid.
Overnight in Madrid.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 12:DepartureDeparture from Madrid.
BUEN VIAJE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Regions Visited: Western Europe
Countries Visited: Spain
Countries Visited: Spain
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
Excellent
Overall Rating
4.7
Extend Your Trip
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip.
Fast and easy
Book this tour
Book your unforgettable adventure today! For any questions or advice, don't hesitate to contact us.
Have questions?
1-800-665-3998
- Final payment: Due 90 days prior to departure.
- Deposit: A non-refundable $500 CAD Deposit is required at booking, covering the 'Land Only' cost, including all internal flights (taxes listed separately)
- Optional Single Supplement: $1240 CAD (number of singles limited).
(View options forsingle travellers) - Transfering Tour or Date: Transferring to another tour or tour date is only permissible outside of 120 days prior to departure and is subject to a $100 CAD change fee.
(Read our cancellation policy)
Choose your departure date:
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
- Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
- How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.
A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).
Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.
Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. - What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
- I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.
This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.
The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.
On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.
Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed. - Do you have a shared accommodation program?Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").