Best of Northern Spain

Spain has been described as less of a country than a collection of small nations all working together. Each region has its own distinct character, style, even language. 

This quick 8-day trip introduces you to Spain’s Basque and Catalan provinces the best way: through food, art, culture and first-person contact. Vibrant Barcelona, unhurried San Sebastián, Bilbao’s fabulous architecture, Logroño's famous cuisine, cosmopolitan Madrid and the mighty Pyrenees, all in just over a week? Yeah, we did that. Come find out how.

 

Itinerary

Day 1 Barcelona
Arrive at any time. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this vibrant city.

Days 2-3 Pyreness
Morning orientation walk of Barcelona including the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. For two nights, stay in a 'casa rural', or converted farmhouse, in the Pyrenees. Enjoy home-cooked meals and some optional hiking in the area.

Day 4 San Sebastián
Drive to San Sebastián, the first stop in the unique Basque region of Spain. Opt to take a pintxos (tapas) tour and learn about the different food, dialect and culture of the area.

Day 5 Bilbao/San Sebastián
Take a day trip to Bilbao, known for the stunning Guggenheim Museum.

Day 6 Logroño
Travel to Logroño and enjoy an included wine tasting in the Rioja region.

Day 7 Madrid
Travel to Madrid by bus and enjoy an orientation walk before some free time in this capital city.

Day 8 Madrid
Depart at any time. We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.

 

What's Included

• Barcelona orientation walk including Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas
• 'Casa rural' stay with traditional meals (Pyrenees)
• Bilbao day trip
• Wine tasting in the Rioja region
• Madrid orientation walk
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
• 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners. (Allow EUR240-300 for meals not included.)
• Public bus, walking
• Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
• Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
• Hotels (5 nts), casa rural (2 nts).

 

Trip Specifics

• Duration: 8 days
• Start / Finish: Barcelona to Madrid 
• Price: £1279 (available to book in other currencies)
• Code: ESNS