Highlights of Northern Spain
7 days, Barcelona to Bilbao
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/Logroño
Travel by train to the La Rioja wine region of Spain and the city of Logroño, visiting a local winery shortly after arriving for a tasting. In the evening, set off with your CEO on a tavern crawl to sample small plates of food, called pintxos, very delicious and typical to this part of Spain, which will serve as a light dinner.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Foodie Moment: Wine Tasting at a Local Winery
Head to a nearby winery for a tasting experience of some of La Rioja's finest varieties with an on-site expert. Learn a bit about what makes the region so ideal for wine-producing with the area's climate and soil as you try to pick out different flavours and notes from the various types of wines available.
Your Foodie Moment: Pintxos (Tapas) Experience
See (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) crawl from tavern to tavern, tasting and learning all about the different delicacies of the area.
Accommodation
Hotel Condes de Haro (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Logroño
Take advantage of a free day in Logroño to discover wine country as you please. Options include a day tour to the nearby town of Haro, visit wineries or see some of the sights in the city like the cathedral or the Museum of La Rioja.
Free Time
Enjoy a full free day in La Rioja wine country to do as much or as little as you please.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Logroño Cathedral
FreeThe Logroño Cathedral (also known as the Santa María de la Redonda) has played an important role in La Rioja culture for over 500 years. Known for its "twin" towers constructed in a classic Baroque style, the cathedral's interiors are just as stunning, with a large painting attributed to Michaelangelo gracing the main altar.
Museum of La Rioja
FreeUncover the history and culture of La Rioja (beyond its famous wines) at the Museo de la Rioja. Set in an 18th century palace, the museum's collection includes items spanning the paleolithic era to the Middle Ages, alongside contemporary religious artifacts. Admission is free with a piece of ID.
Accommodation
Hotel Condes de Haro (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Logroño/San Sebastian
Travel through the Navarre region today from Logroño to San Sebastian with many stops on the way. First, stop in the town of Obanos for a hike along a portion of the famed Camino de Santiago trail. Continue by bus to the town of Olite to visit the grand palace then stop in Pamplona for a bit of free time to explore. End the day's travels on the coast at San Sebastian and check into the hotel.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hike from Obanos to Puente la Reina
This section between Obanos and Puente la Reina is a particularly short but picturesque stretch of the Camino de Santiago. The trail follows the gentle flow of the Robo river, winding its way through green fields and orchards. The path itself is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it an easy and enjoyable walk, allowing hikers to take in the serene surroundings and absorb the tranquility of the countryside.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Palacio Real de Olite Visit
Visit the gorgeous Palace of the Kings of Navarre in Olite. The grand monument consists of 3 sections, the Old Palace, New Palace and a church named the Iglesia de Santa María la Real. Explore the many hallways, galleries and bedrooms and learn about it's royal history and military significance since it was built in the 13th century.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Casual De Las Olas (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5San Sebastian
Start the morning with an orientation walk of San Sebastian with your CEO before enjoying the rest of the day free to get the most out of the city's vibrant centre, waterfront and the incredible food. Some options to choose from could be a visit to a local cider house, take a bike, or a walking tour.
Orientation Walk of San Sebastian
Head out with your CEO on foot to get your bearings of San Sebastian's vibrant city centre. Get tips on the best places to visit, explore and eat.
Free Time
Set off to discover San Sebastian as you please and choose from a variety of different optional activities.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Cider House Visit and Tastings
55EUR per personVisit one of the many local cider houses in the area for an introduction into the world of cider-making from local apples. Sample some of the various flavours and types and learn how the different ciders are produced in this region of Spain.
San Sebastian eBike Tour
50EUR per personStrap on a helmet and set off on an eBike with a local guide to explore San Sebastian's surrounding coast and landscapes. Hear about some of the important sites as you pass and soak in the incredible views of Basque Country.
San Sebastian Walking Tour
50EUR per personSet out on foot with a local guide to discover the old and new parts of San Sebastian. Starting downtown, see the main landmarks like city. hall and the Good Shepherd Cathedral, before exploring parts of the old town, passing churches and walking along streets lined with historical buildings and taverns.
Cooking Class in San Sebastian
Dive into the Basque region's culinary world on a cooking class in San Sebastian. First visit a local market with a chef to see all of the fresh produce and ingredients before donning the apron and learning how to prepare some dishes for yourself.
Accommodation
Casual De Las Olas (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6San Sebastian/Bilbao
Catch a morning bus from San Sebastian to the city of Bilbao. Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk before enjoying the rest of the afternoon free to explore. Choose to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation Walk of Bilbao
Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk of Bilbao to get your bearings and to see some of the main sights.
Free Time
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Bilbao's sights and museums.
Optional Activities - Day 6 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
Hotel Bilbao Plaza (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Bilbao
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.