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News
Travel Through Gorgeous Northern Spain with Insight Vacations
March 30, 2013
This off-the-beaten path, yet incredible part of Spain contains some of the most historic cathedrals in the world. Compare the pre-Romanesque churches of Oviedo with Barcelona's famous, though unfinished, Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Madrid, see the statue of Cervantes’ fictional hero,
Don Quixote
, in the Plaza de España. Visit the
Prado Museum
, a rose-colored palace housing works by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Botticelli, Rubens, and many others. See the impressive Castillo de la Motta, conquered by Queen Isabella, before arriving in the fortified town of Zamora, where among the famous 12th Century Romanesque churches there are cafés and tapas bars. Continue north to
Santiago de Compostela
, founded in 813 when, according to legend, the tomb containing the remains of the Apostle St James was discovered. For dinner, enjoy the freedom of your Dine-Around program, and choose from a selection of restaurants recommended by your Tour Director.
Santiago De Compostela cathedral
In the Middle Ages, Santiago De Compostela was the third most important city for
religious pilgrimage
after Jerusalem and Rome, attracting pilgrims from all parts of Europe. Remaining as one of Spain’s most remarkable cities, your local guide will acquaint you with its buildings and heritage. The majestic Praça do Obradoiro is one of the world’s finest squares. Gaze upon the impressive façade of the Cathedral, built upon the site of the original basilica erected over the Apostles tomb.
Costa Verde, the Green Coast of Asturias,
one of Spain’s most beautiful, is named after the color of the sea, and the pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore. The route reveals glorious
coastal vistas
before turning inland to the modern town of
Oviedo
. See the 9th century churches built when the city was
capital of Christian Spain
. Visit the church of San Julian covered with 1,000 year old wall paintings and the stately square of Plaza Alfonso II, next to the cathedral. Round off the day with an introduction to “sidra,” Northern Spain’s drink of choice in the “Boulevard of Cider."
Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis
See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa "Peaks of Europe", Spain’s second largest National Park, full of
spectacular mountain and gorge scenery
. Here visit
the holy cave of Covadonga
, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. Continue to Santillana del Mar, which many writers have called "the most beautiful village in Spain."
Guggenheim museum, Bilbao
In nearby
Bilbao
, admire the striking modern architecture of the
Guggenheim museum
, one of the world's most spectacular buildings. Admire the beauty of
San Sebastián
(pictured at top) on a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter. See the numbered balconies of the Plaza de la Constitucion, a reminder of the days when bullfights were held in the square. Stop in
Pamplona
, the city of the running of the bulls, and perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street before moving on past the famous
Rioja wine–producing region
. Lunch time finds you in the Plaza del Pilar, in the shadow of
Zaragoza's famous Cathedrals
.
Gaudi's Sagrada Familia
In
Barcelona
, join your local guide in the Plaça Nova in the heart of the Gothic quarter. See the cathedral and walk through the Roman gate to tour the narrow lanes and old squares. Drive by the lively
Rambla
and along the
Passeig de Gràcia
, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the
Eixample district
to visit Gaudi’s extraordinary, unfinished
Sagrada Familia church
. Both inside and out, it defies belief! On your final evening, raise your glasses at a finale 'Celebration Dinner' with local wine at a typical Catalan restaurant.
###
Insight Vacation's
12-Day tour of Northern Spain
uses 4-star hotels. Find out about their select collection of 'Gold" itineraries that use 5-star luxury hotels:
Insight Vacations Gold - The Art of Touring in Style
Related article:
A Fairy Tale Marriage Proposal in Austria
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