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North Spain Discovery

Sale!

North Spain Discovery

Was From $ 3,295 AUD
Now From $ 2,801 AUD
Sale!

Description

Come on a signature tour through northern Spain and get to know the people, landscapes, customs and cuisine that make this part of the country so fascinating. From sipping delicious Rioja in Logrono and delighting in the seaside charms of bustling Barcelona to enjoying the lively tapas bars of San Sebastian and pulling up a seat in an atmospheric square in Madrid – this is an eight-day adventure that packs the essentials of Spain into one. Spain is full of culture, charisma and extraordinary cuisine, and this tour up north is no different.

Trip Name
North Spain Discovery
Last Updated
2024-08-30
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Begin in Barcelona, sporting fabulous food, stunning coastline and a vibrant atmosphere that has attracted worldwide acclaim. You’ll want to spend more time here beforehand!
  • The fortified medieval city of Pamplona is a great place to discover on foot. Weave through the city's winding alleyways to the Gothic Cathedral and walk down the street of the famous running of the bulls.
  • Logrono is bursting with delicious local produce and wine, just waiting to be enjoyed on an included pinxtos crawl and winery tour. Delicioso!
  • Take a long siesta on the golden beaches of San Sebastian, one of Spain's most scenic coastal destinations. As the sun goes down, join the crowds as they come out to play among the city's exciting nightlife.
  • The Art Walk in Madrid is every art lover's dream. In one small stretch you can browse the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofia and the Prado, one of the world's most celebrated galleries.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Open Arms. Donations help them safeguard the physical integrity and rights of migrant people in imminent danger who have fled their homes across the Mediterranean Sea.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Barcelona
Hola! Welcome to Barcelona, where fabulous Catalan cuisine, a ground-breaking art scene, Gothic architecture, and a non-stop nightlife are just some of the many highlights. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 7 pm. After the meeting, head out for an optional group dinner for you to get to know your fellow travellers. As Barcelona is so big and you’ll be leaving on your adventure tomorrow, we recommend you arrive a day or two early to see the city for yourself. See great works of art in the Picasso Museum, head to the waterfront for a bowl of traditional paella, soak up the festive vibe of Las Ramblas, or catch the funicular to Montjuic for sweeping views of the city. While in Barcelona, be sure to find time to absorb the bizarre beauty of La Sagrada Familia – one of Gaudi’s most iconic creations.
Day 2 - Pamplona
Leave Barcelona behind and travel by train to Pamplona, the heartland of the Basque country (approximately 4.5 hours). Upon arrival into Pamplona head out on an orientation walk and get acquainted with this well-preserved fortified medieval town. Pamplona, named after its founder, Pompey the Great, has served for centuries as both a military stronghold and an important point on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. It’s also world famous as the home of the annual San Fermin, a weeklong festival that features the running of the bulls. Meander down winding alleys and step inside ornate buildings like Pamplona's Gothic cathedral – one of the most important religious structures in Spain. The city has also recently opened a museum of modern art designed by a prize-winning architect, inspired by the cultural renaissance achieved by Bilbao and its Guggenheim. Your evening is then free to do as you wish – the quality of pintxos (Basque tapas) is incredible, so be sure to tuck into some tasty morsels.
Day 3 - San Sebastian
Today, take a bus to the stunning seaside city of San Sebastian – a jewel of the Basque country and a place obsessed with food (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). With its family friendly beaches and vibrant old city, San Sebastian is a fantastic place to stroll along the promenade, shop, or just to soak up the sun. When you arrive, get an overview of the most central beach, La Concha, with an included cable car journey to Monte Igueldo. Then, why not wander around the Parte Vieja (Old Town), a mix of alleyways wedged between the bay and the Urumea River? Otherwise, head to Playa de Gros and watch the surfers riding the waves of Biscay Bay. This evening make sure you hit the neighbourhood's streets and dig into the region's specialties.
Day 4 - San Sebastian
You’ll have a full day to explore San Sebastian, giving you plenty of time to catch the 1-hour local bus to Bilbao, if you’d like. If you do decide to venture to Bilbao, the world-famous and architecturally sublime Guggenheim Museum is a must visit. If you have enough time in the afternoon, the San Telmo Museum displays history, art and photography of the Basque country. In the evening, it might be a good idea to enjoy another night of delicious food. San Sebastian is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, most experimental chefs and a distinct food culture, so be sure to get your fix tonight.
Day 5 - Logrono
Take the short journey by public bus to the prized vineyards of the Rioja wine region and Logrono (approximately 2 hours). The town sits on the banks of the Ebro River and is the capital of Spain’s most renowned wine region. The city is rich in history and traditions, preserved since the Middle Ages. It also boasts one of the most distinguished culinary traditions in the county, home to some of the best tapas bars in the whole of Spain, all crammed into its small medieval centre. After checking in to your accommodation for tonight, the rest of the day is free to explore. Stroll the streets of this favourite stop for pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela, a handsome city of medieval fortifications, where much work is being done to restore it to its full glory. This evening, head out on an included 'txikiteo' of pintxos: a Basque-style tapas crawl that will fill your senses (and stomach) with the unique tastes of the region. Don’t forget to wash them down with a signature fizzy white wine, known as a txakoli. The tapas bars right around the medieval Old Town compete to get your business which means incredibly high standards, so be ready to eat well.
Day 6 - Logrono
After breakfast, take a short transfer to Laguardia and join your leader for a walking tour of the town. This medieval settlement was founded in the 10th century and remains virtually unchanged. Famous for being one of the country’s most beautiful villages, you’ll enter the walled city through one of four grand stone gates and stroll around the streets. After you’ve explored the town, enjoy included wine tasting trip in one of the underground cellars. You’ll enjoy sampling wines made from the indigenous grapes of La Rioja, Garnacha, Tempranillo, Viura and Malvasia. If the weather is on your side, stroll through enchanting vineyards and learn what goes on behind the scenes.
Day 7 - Madrid
Journey on the bus or train to Madrid this morning, which should take between 4 and 5 hours. On arrival, after checking in your hotel, set off for an orientation walk with your group leader. There is plenty to do and see in Madrid and you’ll have time to explore at your own pace. Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) gives a great panoramic perspective of western art history. Perhaps wander through the pristine gardens of Real Jardin Botanico and then delve deeper into the art of the city at Museo Reina Sofia and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. If you're lucky enough for your trip to fall on match day, you could don a white t-shirt and head to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to watch the mighty Real Madrid.
Day 8 - Madrid
With no activities planned for the final day, you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there's limited time for sightseeing in Madrid, it's recommended that you make arrangements to stay an extra couple of days to see all you can in the city. We’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 2,911-
19-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 2,911-
03-05-202510-05-2025AUD $ 3,056-
07-05-202514-05-2025AUD $ 3,026-
10-05-202517-05-2025AUD $ 3,026-
17-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 2,911-
31-05-202507-06-2025AUD $ 2,941-
07-06-202514-06-2025AUD $ 2,801-
14-06-202521-06-2025AUD $ 2,801-
28-06-202505-07-2025AUD $ 2,801-
19-07-202526-07-2025AUD $ 2,801-
26-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 2,801-
09-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 2,801-
23-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 2,801-
06-09-202513-09-2025AUD $ 2,911-
10-09-202517-09-2025AUD $ 3,026-
13-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 3,026-
20-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 3,026-
27-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 3,026-
04-10-202511-10-2025AUD $ 2,911-
11-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 2,911-
18-10-202525-10-2025AUD $ 2,801-
11-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 3,460-
18-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 3,595-
30-04-202607-05-2026AUD $ 3,595-
06-05-202613-05-2026AUD $ 3,740-
09-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 3,740-
16-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 3,740-
30-05-202606-06-2026AUD $ 3,595-
06-06-202613-06-2026AUD $ 3,595-
13-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 3,460-
27-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 3,460-
18-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 3,460-
25-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 3,460-
08-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 3,460-
22-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 3,595-
05-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 3,740-
09-09-202616-09-2026AUD $ 3,740-
12-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 3,740-
19-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 3,740-
26-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 3,740-
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 3,595-
10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 3,595-
17-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 3,460-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Train,Public bus,Metro,Cable Car

Map