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Best of Northern Spain
8 days, Barcelona to Madrid
Itinerary
Day 1Barcelona
Arrive at any time. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this vibrant city.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
La Barceloneta Visit
FreeTake a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.
Gothic Quarter Visit
FreeUncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.
La Sagrada Família Visit
17-37EUR per personVisit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.
Parque Güell Visit
10EUR per personGet away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parque Guell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, a grouping of these including Parque Guell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia were established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudi’s creative genius at play.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel AA Viladomat Barcelona (or similar)
Day 2Barcelona/Pyrenees
Take the morning to explore beautiful Barcelona. Head to the Pyrenees region for 2 nights in a 'casa rural'. Enjoy home-cooked meals and hiking.
Explore a bit of Barcelona before an afternoon departure north. Travel to the Pyrenees by local bus and van to reach a 'casa rural', or converted farmhouse, near the town of Ainsa. Indulge in delicious local meals and time to explore the beautiful landscape.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Gothic Quarter Visit
FreeUncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.
La Barceloneta Visit
FreeTake a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.
Parque Güell Visit
10EUR per personGet away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parque Guell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, a grouping of these including Parque Guell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia were established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudi’s creative genius at play.
Accommodation
Casa Rural Ruben (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Pyrenees
Enjoy the day in the scenic Pyrenees. Opt for some hikes in the area or head to Ainsa to explore. Spend another night in the 'casa rural'.
Free Time
Nature is calling — head out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Hiking
Free-20EUR per personGet your blood pumping and your legs moving in this scenic location. Enjoy spectacular views and varied landscapes exploring the Pyrenees area.
Accommodation
Casa Rural Ruben (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Pyrenees/Bilbao
Travel to Bilbao, the first stop in the unique Basque region of Spain. Arrive in the early afternoon. Opt to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Parque de Etxebarría Visit
FreeClimb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria and be rewarded with beautiful views over Bilbao.
Basilica of Begoña Visit
FreeTake in the beauty of the Basilica of Begoña. It was built in the 1500s with a mix of Gothic architecture and a number of other styles.
Guggenheim Museum Visit
13EUR per personBe sure to visit the Guggenheim Museum – it’s a must-see, even if just to marvel at the outside of the building. See Frank Gehry’s acclaimed work – he designed this titanium-clad twisting, curving, and angular building to much praise in the 1990s. Tour the building to take in its maritime theme, supposedly representing the ships along the docks of the city, with titanium squares acting as fish scales and the skylights inside designed to look like fish fins.
Casco Viejo Visit
FreeTake some time to wander through Casco Viejo (Old Town), a medieval neighbourhood also known as Las Siete Calles (Seven Streets), that's considered the most colourful in Bilbao. Discover its many churches, shops, and taverns, and take the elevators to the areas at the top of the hill for further exploration.
Accommodation
Casual De Las Olas (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Bilbao/San Sebastian/Bilbao
Take a day trip to San Sebastian. Opt to take a pintxos (tapas) tour and learn about the fascinating culture of the area. Return to Bilbao for the night.
The real treat in this part of the country is the eating. Basque cuisine is famous in Spain and around the world, with many believing this is the best food in the country. While San Sebastián didn't invent tapas, they are well-acknowledged to have perfected them. Wander through the streets before lunchtime or in the evening and check out what each bar has on offer.
Stop in each place for some wine or beer and sample their tapas (pintxos in Basque) selection. Move on to the next bar and repeat!
Delicious seafood abounds here as well. Looking for more than just pintxos? Head to the harbour and hole up in a traditional simple tavern. Don't leave San Sebastián without trying the famous jamon iberico.
The specialty drink in this area is called the Kalimotxo — half wine (usually red table wine) and half Coca Cola.Take some time to wander through the plazas, marvel at the buildings, and spot the art sprinkled throughout the city. And, as always, try the pintxos.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Explore all San Sebastián has to offer.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Pintxos (Tapas) Experience
100-150EUR per personSee (and taste) what all the fuss is about – Basque cuisine is famous worldwide, with many believing this is the best food in the country. Enjoy a delicious culinary experience on this pintxos (tapas) tour, and learn all about the different food of the area as you try different Pintxos bars.
Beach Visit with Surfing
Grab your swimsuit and head to one of the beautiful beaches in San Sebastián for a fun-filled day on the beach. Try your hand at surfing, and see if you can catch some waves – Playa de Gros is a good place to give it a go. Surf lessons can be found for those new to the sport.
Monte Igueldo Visit
2EUR per personGain a new perspective of the city with a trip up Monte Igueldo, the hill that overlooks San Sebastián. Opt to walk the hill or take a funicular for stunning panoramic views.
Cathedral of Buen Pastor
FreeNamed for the biblical Good Shepherd, San Sebastian's largest church rises above the town square. Step inside to admire its stained glass windows, towering naves and a magnificent organ, over 10 metres tall and made up of over 9,500 pipes.
San Sebastian Bicycle Tour
40-60EUR per personSee this quaint city by bicycle.
Accommodation
Casual De Las Olas (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Bilbao/Logroño
Travel to Logroño and enjoy an included wine tasting in the Rioja region.
With tons of churches, roman bridges, parks, plazas, and ancient buildings, there's no shortage of sights to be seen when wandering around this city.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Foodie Moment: Rioja Region Wine Tasting
Enjoy an included wine tasting at a local restaurant and indulge in the local specialties like Tempranillo. Try some pintxos with the local vintages for a true culinary delight.
Accommodation
Hotel Bilbao Plaza (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Logroño/Madrid
Travel to Madrid and enjoy free time in this capital city.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Explore the capital city. Free time is yours to use any way you want!
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
13EUR per personThe Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum displays an overview of art from the 13th century to the late 20th century.
Gran Vía Visit
FreeShop, stroll, and people watch on the capital's most exciting street, Gran Via. Go early or late, the street stays awake all hours.
Reina Sofia Museum
12EUR per personThe Reina Sofia is Spain's national museum of 20th-century art, and currently boasts an art collection of over 21,000 works.
Museo Nacional Del Prado Visit
15EUR per personTake in some culture with a trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, and a definite highlight of any Madrid trip. Be inspired by its collections and exhibitions: the museum's main emphasis is 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art, but there is plenty of Goya and a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez.
Plaza Mayor Visit
FreeEnjoy some spectacular people watching with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the city. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.
Royal Palace (Palacio Real) Visit
12EUR per personSee how kings and queens live, with a visit to the Palacio Real, the official (and uninhabited) palace of the King of Spain. Wander the rooms to take in some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms you'll ever see.
Taurino Museum
15-20EUR per personEver wanted to learn everything there is to know about the history of bullfighting in Spain? Here's your chance.
Accommodation
Hotel Europa (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Madrid
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
13EUR per personThe Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum displays an overview of art from the 13th century to the late 20th century.
Gran Vía Visit
FreeShop, stroll, and people watch on the capital's most exciting street, Gran Via. Go early or late, the street stays awake all hours.
Reina Sofia Museum
12EUR per personThe Reina Sofia is Spain's national museum of 20th-century art, and currently boasts an art collection of over 21,000 works.
Museo Nacional Del Prado Visit
15EUR per personTake in some culture with a trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, and a definite highlight of any Madrid trip. Be inspired by its collections and exhibitions: the museum's main emphasis is 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art, but there is plenty of Goya and a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez.
Plaza Mayor Visit
FreeEnjoy some spectacular people watching with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the city. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.
Royal Palace (Palacio Real) Visit
12EUR per personSee how kings and queens live, with a visit to the Palacio Real, the official (and uninhabited) palace of the King of Spain. Wander the rooms to take in some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms you'll ever see.