El Camino del Norte

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Madrid

¡Bienvenidos a España! Welcome to Spain's modern and cosmopolitan capital. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager before you begin to explore the city's wide avenues and open plazas.

Day 3: Madrid

Madrid's rich heritage comes alive on a guided morning walking tour that showcases classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Teatro Real Opera House, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Neptune Fountain. You'll also go inside the magnificent Prado (skipping the lines with a timed reservation), one of the world's premier art museums. Here an expert will provide illuminating commentary about the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens and Bosch. Even the 18th-century neo-classical building that houses the collection is stunning.

Day 4: Bilbao

Journey to Bilbao to visit the renowned Guggenheim Museum with personal audio guides. Along with the exhibitions inside, the building of the museum itself has been hailed as one of the most important structures of its time. Afterwards your tour manager will take you on a walking tour of scenic Bilbao, including the riverside, Parque Etxebarria and Casco Viejo, the beautiful medieval quarter.

Day 5: Pamplona

Today journey to coastal San Sebastián with your tour manager. Stroll along the seaside streets and explore the neighborhoods of this delightful city. In the afternoon experience an important piece of Basque sporting culture as you try your hand at one of the world's fastest ball games, pelota. Expert players will treat you to both a pelota lesson and professional demonstration match. Then continue through the foothills of the Pyrénées mountains to Pamplona.

Day 6: Barcelona

This morning explore Pamplona, famous for its yearly San Fermín festival, which features the Running of the Bulls. Your tour manager will introduce to you the medieval city center, religious architecture and notable monuments during a walking tour. In the afternoon depart for Barcelona.

Day 7: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Your local guide will point out the major highlights of Barcelona, from the Gothic Quarter to the unique Gaudí designs along the Passeig de Gràcia, and will make a stop outside his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia's most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. Later, stroll through his whimsical Parc Güell for a sweeping view over the city, and also enjoy a visit inside one of the city's unique Gaudí-designed houses, either Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. In the afternoon you may opt to learn about Barcelona's famed football club with a tour of Camp Nou Stadium. In the evening take a walk down La Rambla and experience the brightly lit, bustling atmosphere of Plaça de Catalunya.

Day 8: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your Spanish experience with a two-night extension to Palma via flight from Barcelona, with sightseeing, including Palma's Gothic Cathedral and an excursion to Sóller by train.