From CAD $4,210
Guarantee
Small Group
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
Soak up the slow-paced Spanish way of life on this tour from the Basque country to Barcelona. Explore Bilbao's cobbled old town, discover the famous pintxos bars in San Sebastian and sip rich-red Rioja in the medieval walled village of Laguardia. Finish up in Barcelona, sampling tapas, marvelling at Gaudi's fantasy-style architecture and sipping a vermouth or two.
San Sebastian - Discover the beaches, bars and restaurants of this pretty seaside town, world-famous for its first-class restaurants.
Rioja - Sample wine in Laguardia, a medieval walled village overlooking rolling vineyards.
Montserrat - Explore the mountain-top monastery and soak in the panoramic views of Catalonia.
Highlights
Soak up the Spanish way of life on this tour through the Basque country|Discover the wines of the famous Rioja region|Spend the night in Montserrat and explore its famous mountain top monastery
Trip Details
Product Code: 20446
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: BusOn FootTaxiTrain
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: MBB
Starts:
Finishes:
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Easy
Includes
- Explore Tour Leader
- Driver(s)
Accommodation
- Hotel Barcelo Nervion (or similar)
- Hotel Maissonave (or similar)
- Hotel Catalonia El Pilar (or similar)
- Hotel Abad Cisneros (or similar)
- Amrey Sant Pau (or similar)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4210 (CAD $526 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Bilbao, the vibrant gateway to the Basque Country. Surrounded by green hills and a blend of modern and traditional architecture, this cultural hub is the perfect place to begin our journey. Upon arrival, there's time to settle in at leisure, with no planned activities until the evening.
At 6pm, our tour leader will host a welcome meeting in the hotel reception, providing an opportunity to meet fellow travellers and receive an overview of the tour. For those arriving early there's the chance to visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum (open until 7pm), a stunning work of art itself, housing world-class modern and contemporary collections.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Bilbao Airport (BIO), which is around a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Barcelo Nervion (or similar)
- Grade - Premium
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - No
- Breakfast Provided - No
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: None
After breakfast, we set off along the coast to the charming fishing village of Getaria. Here, we'll stop at a local fishery to learn about traditional anchovy canning, a staple of Basque cuisine, and take the opportunity to taste a few.
Then it's on to San Sebastian, a foodie paradise. We'll walk up to Monte Urgull for sweeping views before heading into the old town's narrow streets, packed with pintxos bars. These small, creative bites, a sort of 'Basque tapas', are a showcase of the region's passion for flavour, and we'll tuck into a variety over a relaxed (included) lunch.
The afternoon is free to explore, stroll La Concha promenade, relax on the beach, or take the funicular up Monte Igueldo for another scenic lookout over San Sebastian's iconic curving bay.
We return to Bilbao in the early evening.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Barcelo Nervion (or similar)
- Grade - Premium
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - Yes
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch
This morning, we travel south by charter bus to La Rioja Alavesa, a Basque corner of the Ebro Valley that has a long tradition of producing quality Rioja wines. Our first stop this morning is at a local bodega to learn more about modern life as a wine producer in Rioja and to sample some of the famous wines.
After hearing about the history of the family business, we descend to the cellars to see the production line at work, including the testing of the wines in their various stages. The tasting comes next, with red and white on offer.
We stop in the village of Laguardia around lunchtime. This hilltop village dates back beyond the Romans to the Celts, and became an important medieval fortress whose walls still stand today. It is also a key player in the Rioja wine trade, so we're likely to see wine on the menu from the producer we've just visited.
After a short drive we then arrive at The Church of Saint Mary of Eunate, a 12th-century Romanesque church located on the Camino de Santiago, or St. James Way, an ancient Christian pilgrimage route that leads to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, final resting place of Saint James. We plan to join the pilgrim route from Obanos village and walk a two-to-three kilometre (one-to-two miles) section of the Camino to Puente La Reina. This town has been heavily influenced by the Pilgrim's Route, and devotees have crossed its medieval five-arched bridge since the 14th century.
We then drive to Pamplona, arriving in the early evening.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Maissonave (or similar)
- Grade - Premium
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
We enjoy a leisurely morning before diving into Pamplona's culinary culture on a food tour with our local expert. We'll visit the lively central market, sampling regional cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal delights, while learning about local traditions.
Given its location in the Navarre region, the Basque influence is strong, with robust, hearty flavours. Meat dishes are prominent with a focus on high quality beef and pork products, typically accompanied by a glass of Rioja.
There's time for final sightseeing before we head southeast to Zaragoza.
Arriving in the late afternoon, we'll take an orientation walk and visit the grand El Pilar Cathedral. With its Roman roots and Mudejar design, Zaragoza is a fascinating mix of old and new.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Catalonia El Pilar (or similar)
- Grade - Premium
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - Yes
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch
We begin our day in Agramunt, home to the deliciously thick, traditional 'xocolata'. The word itself is comes from the Aztec name for chocolate and was brought back to Spain during the time of the Conquistadors. At a working factory, we'll see how chocolate is still pressed and wrapped by hand - and of course, we'll taste it too, paired with fresh churros.
Later, we ride the rack railway up to Montserrat, a dramatic mountain range with jagged peaks and a sacred Benedictine abbey perched high above the valley. There will be plenty of time to explore the monastery and soak in the sunset views over Catalonia.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Hotel Abad Cisneros (or similar)
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
After breakfast, we make the short journey to Barcelona, dropping our bags before exploring the city on foot.
Our walking tour takes in the Gothic Quarter, trendy El Born, and the seaside district of Barceloneta. We'll visit historic food markets along the way and introduce you to some Catalan specialties.
The afternoon is yours to explore.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Amrey Sant Pau (or similar)
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - Yes
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner
We begin our dayEnjoy a relaxed morning in Barcelona, you before we head to our hands-on paella-making class. You might want to check out Gaudí's Park Guell or visit the iconic Sagrada Familia (we recommend pre-booking, for further details see the optional activities section of the trip notes).
Together, we'll learn the secrets to preparing this iconic Spanish dish - from selecting the best ingredients to perfecting the socarrat, the golden crust at the bottom of the pan. After cooking, we'll sit down and enjoy the fruits (or rice!) of our labour at our farewell dinner.
Accommodation:
- Type - Hotel
- Accommodation Name - Amrey Sant Pau (or similar)
- Grade - Comfortable
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - Yes
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Barcelona.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN), which is around a 30-45 minute drive away.
Accommodation:
- Type -
- Accommodation Name -
- Grade -
- All Inclusive - No
- Any Meal Provided - Yes
- Breakfast Provided - Yes
- Dinner Provided - No
- Lunch Provided - No
- Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2025
The tour was really good, went to quite interesting places. Occasionally it would have been good to have had a little more free time in the towns and cities when the museums, art galleries and shops were still open- i.e. not just arrive at a place at say 5-6pm, then leave after breakfast the next day. Our leader, Cybelle , was excellent-organised, informative, friendly, fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2025
Cliff - Traveled, September 2024
The itinerary spells out what you are in for and the trip delivers it. However, some tweaks would make this even better. Starting at Madrid and only being one night there before a 5 hour early morning train ride to Bilbao may not be the greatest start. Either have more time in Madrid as part of an extra tour or come earlier by yourself. Madrid is not really “Northern Spain” so maybe start the trip in Bilbao which is great. One negative is arriving in Bilbao on the Monday which is the day the Guggenheim Museum is closed. This is all stated in the itinerary so you know what you sign up for, BUT I believe the trip would be better served by having time to go in if you so wish. There are other great spots of interest in N. Spain - Zumaia, with interesting rock formations and Game of Thrones film location for example. Montserrat was wonderful but again timings made for late arrival and lack of time to grab the funicular up to the high peaks … more time could be allocated here. However, you do get a grand sweep of the area, see many interesting sites and try various wines and foods which literally give you a good flavour of the region. The guide does give good insights into where the “locals” go and she was very keen and enthusiastic. Enjoyable, but personally the frequent changes of hotel, whilst inevitable, were a bit of a drag, but then things a whistle stop tour. Good for an oversight of the region.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2024
Robert & Hilary S.hepherd - Traveled, September 2024
The trip could be improved by giving longer in some places (Madrid & Zaragoza) and less time to others (chocolate factory) The trip got to places which would not have been possible in a similar time on one's own. Having been on so many Explore holidays in the past, walking and camping, we were surprised by the time imperative and a constant feeling that we were clock-watching.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2024
Emily - Traveled, October 2024
Overall this trip included a lot of great stops but has a couple places it could be improved. I especially enjoyed the day in San Sebastian, the chocolate/nougat tasting, and the La Sagrada Familia visit. However, it seemed that a couple stops were more filler with not much time to really look at anything. I could have skipped Pamplona and Zaragoza in favor of more time in Montserrat or San Sebastian. Overall, the tour was a good mix of planned activities and time "on your own". The hotels were good (except for the one in Laguardia which was great!) and the transportation all went smoothly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
I really enjoyed this trip although starting in Madrid for one night meant a 5 hour train journey to Bilbao on day 2. It would be better if the trip started in Bilbao, or extended the trip to allow at least one full day in Madrid. The highlight for me was Monserrat. I also enjoyed seeing the countryside of Northern Spain as we travelled between the towns/cities. Ending in Barcelona was lovely - it was amazing to see the Sagrada Familia and the guided tour (inside and outside) was wonderful. We were also fortunate to see the Americas Cup while in Barcelona.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2024
Susan - Traveled, October 2024
A very enjoyable trip. The Explore Leader was well organised and very knowledgeable about the area. She was also very approachable if we had any questions. There were just 7 in the group which was a good number, we could always sit together at meals etc which made it more sociable. The sites we visited were very interesting ie Sagrada Familia, Guggenheim Museum, Laguardia etc.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024
Really enjoyed the tour. Itinerary needs a reshuffle as you get no time in Madrid and the Guggenheim is closed on the Monday you’re in Bilbao. But you still get to see and experience some marvellous trips, etc. over the 10 days. My tour was particularly successful owing to the presence of a fantastic tour guide / leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/11/2024
Alasdair - Traveled, May 2024
This was a good tour. It fulfilled my ambition of seeing more of Spain. There were many highlights including Bilbao, Rioja, Pamplona, Monserrat, and Barcelona. There were problems with the itinerary -There should have been two nights in Madrid. Arriving in Bilbao on the day that the Guggenheim was closed was not a good idea.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2024
Itinerary could have been better designed. There should be dedicated one single bus for the entire trip. Travel of group of 15 by different taxis is cumbersome. Hotels should invariably have hot water kettle in room. There should be local guide for every city. One tour leader can not possibly have good familiarity with so many cities. The local guide for Sangrada familia was extremely knowledgeable and it made all the difference to the experience. There should be formal introduction of all group members on the first day and names and contact details of all may be shared on day 1, after checking with each one if they don’t want to share. In a busy place like La Rambla, the tour leader should hold a unique flag so that all members of the group can follow her comfortably. Homogeneous group of people can be put into similar group so as to make group tour more enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/10/2024
Richard - Traveled, May 2024
A very enjoyable and comfortable trip through northern Spain, expertly and enthusiastically led by the Explore tour leader. Madrid, Bilbao, LaGuardia and the Rioja bodegas, Zaragoza, Montserrat and Barcelona all wonderful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/08/2024
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