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North Spain Discovery

North Spain Discovery

From $ 3,250 AUD

Description

Journey through northern Spain and get to know the people, landscapes, customs and cuisines that make this part of the country so captivating. Sip rioja (wine) in Logrono, visit the seaside town of Barcelona and indulge in pintox (the Basque version of tapas) in San Sebastian. Explore the medieval city of Pamplona and wander the Art Walk and historic museums in Madrid on an eight-day adventure that packs all the essential highlights of Spain into a week.

Trip Name
North Spain Discovery
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore Barcelona, known for its fabulous food and coastline. In your free time, maybe visit Gaudi's modern basilica, La Sagrada Familia – a Gothic masterpiece that embodies the city’s lively art scene.
  • Visit the fortified medieval city of Pamplona. Weave through the city's winding alleyways to the Gothic Cathedral and walk down the street of the famous running of the bulls.
  • Indulge in local produce and wine in Logrono, set out on a pinxtos crawl and winery tour in Laguardia and enjoy tapas at every stop along the way.
  • Relax 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 and explore the city's exciting nightlife.
  • Discover Madrid’s art scene along the Art Walk. 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.

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 and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , 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 Spain. Your adventure begins in Barcelona, known for its delicious Catalan cuisine, Gothic architecture and lively art scene. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 7 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit Gaudi's modern basilica, La Sagrada Familia, walk along the waterfront and enjoy a bowl of traditional paella or catch the funicular to Montjuic for sweeping views of the city. After the meeting, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner and get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2 - Pamplona
Leave Barcelona behind and travel by train to Pamplona. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk and discover 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 along the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Trail. Walk down winding alleys and step inside ornate buildings like Pamplona's Gothic Cathedral – one of the most important religious structures in Spain. The rest of today is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the recently opened Museum of Modern Art, inspired by the cultural renaissance achieved by Bilbao and its Guggenheim, or find a local restaurant and tuck into some pintxos (Basque tapas).
Day 3 - San Sebastian
Today, take a bus to the seaside city of San Sebastian – a jewel of the Basque country. With its family friendly beaches and vibrant old city, San Sebastian is a fantastic place to stroll along the promenade, shop or simply relax and soak up the sun. When you arrive, take a cable car to Monte Igueldo and take in the panoramic views over La Concha Beach. The rest of today is free – maybe wander around the Parte Vieja (Old Town), a mix of alleyways wedged between the bay and the Urumea River, or head to Playa de Gros and watch the surfers riding the waves of Biscay Bay.
Day 4 - San Sebastian
Today is a free day for you to explore San Sebastian. Maybe catch the local bus to Bilbao – a port city known for its surrounding green mountains. When you arrive, maybe explore the Guggenheim Museum or walk through Casco Viejo (Old Town). You could also visit the Vizcaya Bridge. This afternoon, maybe head back to San Sebastian to see the history, art and photography displays at the San Telmo Museum. San Sebastian is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, most experimental chefs and a distinct food culture – so it won’t be hard to find something delicious for dinner.
Day 5 - Logrono
This morning, take a public bus to the prized vineyards of the Rioja wine region and Logrono. After checking into your accommodation for the night, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe stroll the streets and explore the city’s medieval fortifications – a favourite stop for pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela. This evening, head out on an included txikiteo of pintxos – a Basque-style tapas crawl that will fill your senses (and stomach) with the taste of the region. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a glass of txakoli (fizzy white wine).
Day 6 - Logrono
After breakfast, travel to Laguardia, where you’ll join your leader for a walking tour of the town. This medieval settlement was founded in the 10th century and remains virtually unchanged. Enter the walled city through one of four grand stone gates and stroll the streets of the village – known to be one of the country’s most beautiful. After you’ve explored the town, enjoy a wine tasting at one of the underground cellars. You'll sample wines made from the indigenous grapes of La Rioja, Garnacha, Tempranillo, Viura and Malvasia. If the weather is nice, stroll through the vineyards and learn what goes on behind the scenes.
Day 7 - Madrid
This morning, travel to Madrid – the capital of Spain known for its elegant boulevards, manicured parks and art scene. When you arrive, check into your hotel before setting off on an orientation walk. Then, the rest of today is free for you to explore Madrid at your own pace. Maybe walk the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) and learn about western art history, explore the gardens of Real Jardin Botanico or visit Museo Reina Sofia and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. If you're lucky enough for your trip to fall on match day, you could buy a white t-shirt and head to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to watch the mighty Real Madrid. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers for dinner.
Day 8 - Madrid
With no activities planned for the final day, you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to stay longer in Madrid, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 3,895-
25-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 3,895-
06-05-202613-05-2026AUD $ 4,090-
09-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 4,030-
16-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 3,895-
06-06-202613-06-2026AUD $ 3,570-
27-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 3,460-
18-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 3,370-
25-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 3,595-
08-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 3,490-
22-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 3,250-
05-09-202612-09-2026AUD $ 3,730-
09-09-202616-09-2026AUD $ 3,495-
12-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 3,730-
26-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 3,570-
03-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 3,495-
10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 3,795-
17-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 3,990-
17-04-202724-04-2027AUD $ 3,500-
24-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 3,500-
01-05-202708-05-2027AUD $ 3,335-
08-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 3,645-
22-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 3,335-
29-05-202705-06-2027AUD $ 3,645-
05-06-202712-06-2027AUD $ 3,645-
12-06-202719-06-2027AUD $ 3,645-
26-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 3,500-
17-07-202724-07-2027AUD $ 3,500-
24-07-202731-07-2027AUD $ 3,500-
07-08-202714-08-2027AUD $ 3,500-
21-08-202728-08-2027AUD $ 3,500-
28-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 3,335-
04-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 3,645-
11-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 3,645-
25-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 3,645-
02-10-202709-10-2027AUD $ 3,645-
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 3,500-
16-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 3,500-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Train, Public bus, Metro, Cable Car

Map