Best of Northern Spain Premium Group Tour | 1 Week
Best of Northern Spain Premium Group Tour | 1 Week
Best of Northern Spain Premium Group Tour | 1 Week
8 Days Starting in Madrid and ending in Santiago de Compostela
Visiting: Madrid, Ávila, Segovia, Ourense, Santiago de Compostela
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GT-BONS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 20
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Halal, Jain, Kosher, Meat, Vegans, Vegetarians, Most dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Stunning landscapes, incredible cuisine, and a mix of cities, small villages, and working towns makes this 8-day rail journey perfect for anyone looking to explore the diversity Northern Spain has to offer. The Best of Northern Spain Premium Group Tour starts in Madrid, where you’ll meet your group and Tour Leader and get to know each other over tapas and wine at a local bar.
From Madrid, board a train to Ávila, a city encircled by ancient walls. Enjoy the views of the countryside and cathedral, believed to be Spain’s first Gothic cathedral, as you stroll down the walkway atop the city walls. Explore its historic center before continuing to Segovia, home to the Alcázar fortress, which stands proudly looking over the city, and the awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct.
Next, journey to Ourense, nestled amidst picturesque landscapes and renowned for its thermal springs. Take the afternoon to relax in its waters before heading to Santiago de Compostela, where the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route concludes. Explore the cathedral alongside pilgrims and wander through the charming streets steeped in history before taking a day trip to the coast to experience wine tasting and seafood.
Throughout your travels, you will be accompanied by up to 20 fellow travelers, staying in comfortable boutique 4-star hotels. Enjoy a wide range of optional activities in each city, with as much free time to explore at your own pace as you would like, all supported by an experienced Tour Leader.
Thanks to Spain’s efficient rail network, you will travel in comfort from city centre to city centre, enjoying spacious seating and breathtaking views along the way. Please refer to the itinerary below for detailed information about each city and the optional activities that you will be able to add to create your own personalised week in Europe.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Welcome to Spain! You will meet be able to check in to the hotel in the afternoon, followed by an introductory meeting – a chance to meet the group and your Tour Leader.
In the evening, your Tour Leader will take the group to one of the finest Madrileño restaurants for a delightful wine and tapas walking tour, where you can sample an array of traditional tapas, accompanied by beer and sangria.
Following the tour, the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You may wish to wander through the historic neighborhoods of Malasaña and Chueca, where lively bars and trendy clubs create an electric atmosphere. The iconic Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol serve as bustling hubs of activity, with street performers and late-night revellers contributing to the lively ambiance. We encourage you to embrace the traditional Spanish custom of sobremesa, where you linger over conversations and drinks at the numerous outdoor cafés.
Inclusions:
Breakfast
Wine and Tapas Tour
Day 2 : Madrid/Ávila
Location: Ávila
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, take a direct train to Ávila, a historic and picturesque city located in the autonomous community of Castile and León. Renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval walls, Ávila has earned a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is characterised by its medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and a wealth of religious and historical landmarks.
When you arrive, you are free to explore the city at your own pace, or take a guided tour of the city in a tuk-tuk, a fun and convenient way to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
Inclusions:
Breakfast
Train to Ávila
Optional Activities:
Guided City Tour in Tuk Tuk
Day 3 : Ávila/Segovia
Location: Segovia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day begins with breakfast, before departing for Segovia. Enjoy a scenic train ride from Ávila, arriving in Segovia by midday. Once in the city, the group will be able to check in to the next hotel and you’ll have free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, join a guided tour of the impressive Segovia Cathedral, which showcases stunning Gothic architecture. After the tour, the evening is free for you to explore the charming old streets of Segovia, dine at local restaurants, and immerse yourself in the city’s atmosphere.
Inclusions:
Breakfast
Train to Segovia
Optional Activities:
Segovia Cathedral Guided Tour
Day 4 : Segovia
Location: Segovia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The day begins with an exhilarating hot air balloon ride, offering breathtaking views of the landscapes surrounding Segovia. This unique experience includes a celebratory Cava toast and a picnic, creating a memorable start to your day.
After the balloon ride, you will have free time to explore Segovia, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s iconic Roman aqueduct, a marvel of engineering, serves as a remarkable backdrop for your exploration. Visit the fairy-tale-like Alcázar perched on a rocky hill, where panoramic views await.
In the afternoon, embark on a city sightseeing tour aboard a hop-on hop-off bus, allowing you to visit various landmarks at your own pace. The evening is then yours to enjoy, giving you the chance to wander through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter, experience the medieval charm, and take in the lively Plaza Mayor. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the renowned local dish, cochinillo, at one of the city’s restaurants.
Inclusions:
Breakfast
Optional Activities:
Hot Air Balloon Ride including Cava Toast & Picnic
City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Day 5 : Segovia/Ourense
Location: Ourense
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, take a direct train to Ourense in Galicia, famous for its natural hot springs. Once arrived and checked in to the hotel, there will be some free time for lunch before an optional walking tour of the city. Following this, you can explore the medieval Ponte Vella bridge, wander through the narrow streets of the well-preserved Old Town, and relax along the Miño River promenade.
Inclusions:
Breakfast
Train to Ourense
Optional Activities:
2-Hour Private City Walking Tour
Day 6 : Ourense/Santiago De Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, take a direct train to Santiago de Compostela which is renowned for its historical and religious significance as a major pilgrimage destination. The city is home to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, an architectural masterpiece that houses the relics of Saint James. The Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route leading to the city, has attracted millions of pilgrims over the centuries. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historical old town features narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming squares reflecting various architectural styles.
There will be free time to grab a quick lunch at one of the local resturants or cafés, where you can try traditional Galician dishes. Following lunch, immerse yourself in the spiritual and historical significance of the city with a guided tour of the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and its adjoining museum. Marvel at the intricate architecture and discover the rich stories behind this revered pilgrimage site.
After the tour, there will be several hours of free time to wander the enchanting streets, explore the markets, or relax in the atmosphere of the historic plazas. As evening approaches, there is the option to take part in a wine, liqueur, and tapas tasting event featuring live music, where you can indulge in the region’s exquisite flavours while experiencing the local culture.
Inclusions:
Breakfast
Train to Santiago de Compostela
Optional Activities:
Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour
Wine, Liqueur & Tapas Tasting With Live Music
Day 7 : Santiago De Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with breakfast, before heading out on an optional day trip to the beautiful regions of Finisterre, Muxía, and Costa da Morte. This excursion offers breathtaking coastal views, rich history, and the opportunity to visit the iconic Cape Finisterre, once thought to be the end of the known world. Explore the picturesque town of Muxía, famous for its church perched on the cliffs, and discover the rugged beauty of the Costa da Morte.
After a day of exploration, return to Santiago in the late afternoon. This final evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing you to dine at one of the many superlative local restaurants and order those last Galician dishes that you have been wanting to try.
Inclusions:
Breakfast
Optional Activities:
Finisterre, Muxía & Costa da Morte Day Trip
Day 8 : Santiago De Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is the final morning of the tour. We would encourage guests to take the opportunity to say their goodbyes to the group and Tour Leader over the included breakfast, before continuing on with your travels.
There is also an option to add extra nights of post-tour accommodation to your package, or even continue to travel independently with a bespoke route. Please get in contact for more information.
Inclusions:
Breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
All accommodation in 4-star boutique hotels located right in the heart of each city.
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Fully Guided
An experienced and engaging Tour Leader to travel with you and coordinate your trip.
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Meals
– 7 breakfasts in the hotels. – A wine and tapas tour of Madrid to welcome you to the Group Tour.
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Optional
A wide range of optional activities are available to book directly with us. Please find more details below, including a detailed example itinerary.
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Transport
All train and coach travel between cities with all possible seat reservations.
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Insurance
As part of our Travel Disruption Protection, alternative travel will be organised if there is a strike or similar disruption.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Insurance
Travel insurance will be arranged by the customer.
Mode of Transport
The group will mostly travel by train with one short coach journey.
Accommodation
The group will stay in boutique 4-star hotels.
Double or twin rooms available. For solo travellers, there are shared same-sex twin rooms or there is the option to upgrade to private rooms.
Hotel breakfasts included.
Check out our Q&As
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Where should I fly in and out of?
It will be most convenient for you to fly into Madrid and fly out of Santiago de Compostela. You can also add a night of accommodation on either side of the Group Tour, or even continue your travels on the ‘Best of Southern Spain‘ route.
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What time does the tour start?
The group will meet for the first time at the hotel in Madrid at 15:00 (3PM) on the first day, which is also when check-in starts. If you do arrive earlier than this, you can always leave your luggage at reception for the day.
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What time does the tour end?
There will be no planned activities on the departure day, so you can leave at any time. Please note that breakfast is included at each hotel, so we would advise leaving enough time to take advantage of this on the final morning.
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Who else will be on my tour?
Our tours are very welcoming environments and open to anyone aged 18+, however with our Premium Group Tours we anticipate that travellers will mostly be over 50, either travelling alone or as couples. There will be 6 – 20 people on the tour, with average numbers around 10 – 12 people.
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Will the itinerary change?
We occasionally have to alter the itinerary for operational reasons, however should this occur we will notify all travellers at the earliest possible instance, and we will endeavour to find suitable and equally enjoyable alternatives.
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I have dietary requirements - can you cater for this?
We should be able to cater for most dietary requirements; we just ask that you please let us know in advance and preferably at the time of booking. Please do check with us beforehand if you need any advice or guidance on travelling with specific dietary requirements.
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Do I need to take part in every activity?
We have carefully chosen a wide range of optional activities that come together to create a memorable 1-week experience. We would encourage you to book any activities that interest you, but these are all optional, and you are free to take as much time to explore by yourselves as you wish.
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What are the hotels like?
All of our Premium Group Tours stay in carefully selected 4-star boutique hotels that are comfortable and full of character. We know that staying in a central location in each city is important to our customers, so all hotels are centrally located and only a short walking distance, or short journey on public transport, away from the train stations. Each room will have an ensuite bathroom and breakfast is included.
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How do the room allocations work?
Solo travellers will either be allocated same-sex shared rooms with fellow travellers, or you can opt to upgrade to a private room. If you are travelling as a couple or group, you will be assigned twin or double rooms, depending on your preference.
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What are the trains like?
The route has been carefully created to ensure that we mainly use direct trains and we also include all available seat reservations, making travel as easy and comfortable as possible.
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When will I meet the group?
On the first day of the tour, there will be an introductory meeting at the hotel in Madrid, where you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow guests and Tour Leader. Later that evening, there will be the included Wine and Tapas Tour, which we hope will be a sociable and enjoyable start to the week.
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Will I have free time?
Yes, there will be plenty of opportunity for free time to explore away from the group. Each traveller will be able to customise their itinerary with the addition of any or all of our optional activities, allowing for an entirely personalised experience.
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Are airport transfers included?
We do not include airport transfers within our Premium Group Tour packages, however we would be more than happy to offer guidance and directions for your arrival and departure. Please do get in touch for more information.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Sadly not. We require at least 30 days' notice before you can join any tour, so we have enough time to arrange everything and make sure your trip runs smoothly.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since the 6th February 2020, Euroventure has been operating as a carbon negative business – this means that we not only offset the carbon that our staff and trips produce, but we have reduced it by 200%, ensuring that we make a positive contribution towards the environment.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We'll be in touch around 4 weeks before your trip, with a request for you to complete a couple of forms for us. From there, we'll provide your PDF travel pack and information about your meeting point, before you will be put in contact with your dedicated tour leader around a week before your departure date.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Your trip becomes non-refundable and non-amendable within 90 days of your trip starting. If you need to change before that, please get in touch and we'll see what we can do to help. Your deposit remains non-refundable in such an event.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We've been operating for 10 years now, since 2012!
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
On our Backpacking Group Tours everyone on the tour will be aged between 18 - 35, plus one of our experienced and fun tour leaders! On our Premium Group Tours, everyone will be aged 18+ and the average age is 50+. You’ll be traveling in a small group of up to 20 people and your tour leader.
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Low Deposit
Euroventure Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of euroventure travel charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.