Highlights of Northern Spain

Visit Spain

HIGHLIGHTS:

Bilbao - San Sebasti - Laguardia - Bolta - Cardona - El Port de la Selva

Day 1 Bilbao (Spain)

Architectural allure, natural beauty and rich culture – we’ll meet the group in Bilbao and get to know each other over a sumptuous welcome dinner.

Here’s to the incredible adventure ahead! Accommodation: Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Bilbao – San Sebastián

After breakfast, we’ll kick things off with a locally guided city tour.

A hub of contemporary architecture – we’ll wander Bilbao’s lively Old Town and receive an authentic insight into this industrious city. Then, it’s time to visit the captivating exhibitions of the Guggenheim Museum for an education in art. After some free time for lunch, it’s all aboard the mini-coach as we continue on to San Sebastián. As one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, we’ll have the rest of the afternoon to discover the array of bars and restaurants this charming coastal town is famous for. Accommodation: Catalonia Donosti Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 San Sebastián – French Coast (France) – San Sebastián (Spain)

Today, we’ll be crossing the border and venturing along the beautiful French coast to Bayonne.

This incredibly photogenic medieval city sits at the meeting point of the Adour and Nive rivers. We’ll explore its centuries-old ramparts and half-timbered buildings with a local guide before sitting down to a delicious lunch with the group. This afternoon, we’ll visit another French coastal gem: the famous resort town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Stroll along its waterfront, soaking up vistas of the Bay of Biscay, before hopping back on the bus and returning to San Sebastián for an evening of leisure. Accommodation: Catalonia Donosti Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 San Sebastián – La Rioja – Laguardia

This morning, we’ll make tracks to La Rioja – where we’ll be lucky enough to visit a distinguished winery to enjoy a tasting session accompanied by local tapas.

Then we''ll continue onwards to the medieval city of Laguardia. Here, we’ll wander the ancient walled quarter with our expert Tour Leader and uncover the fascinating history behind the town’s underground tunnels. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner together at our hotel. Accommodation: Hotel Eguren Ugarte (or similar)

Day 5 Laguardia – Pamplona – Boltaña

The capital of the Navarre province is ours to discover today! We’ll spend some time admiring historic landmarks such as Pamplona Cathedral and the Plaza del Castillo on a stroll with our Tour Leader.

Then we’ll roll up our sleeves for a Spanish cooking class – with our very own creations on today’s lunch menu. This afternoon, we’ll delve into this handsome city at our own pace. Explore the atmospheric lanes, verdant parks and grand Gothic churches. Or indulge in a spot of retail therapy in the Old Town, lined with vibrant shops and cosy taverns. Later, we’ll move onto the picturesque hilltop village of Boltaña – where we’ll be staying in an atmospheric 16th century building with outstanding natural vistas for the next two nights. Accommodation: Hotel Monasterio de Boltaña (or similar)

Day 6 Boltaña

Today, we’ll enjoy a relaxing day in lovely Boltaña.

Indulge in some downtime in the hotel spa or soak up stunning views of the Ara Valley from the outdoor infinity pool. You could also spend some time wandering through the cobbled streets of Boltaña’s picture-perfect old quarter, stopping off for a mouth-watering lunch at one of several charming local restaurants. Tonight, we’ll reconvene at our hotel for another wonderful group dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Monasterio de Boltaña (or similar)

Day 7 Boltaña – Lleida – Cardona

Today, we’ll turn back the hands of time with a visit to La Seu Vella – a magnificent hilltop fortress-cathedral that looms over the city of Lleida.

Here we’ll discover the medieval chapel, 14th-century Gothic cloister and bell tower with a local guide, before returning to the charming Old Town for some free time. Later, we’ll continue to Cardona – where we’ll explore the imposing castle that stands watch over the town. This evening is ours to spend at our leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Bremon (or similar)

Day 8 Cardona – Besalú and Siurana – El Port de la Selva

Before departing Cardona, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Salt Mines – where we’ll explore the old mine shafts and underground museum with a local guide.

Afterwards, we’ll set our sights on the medieval village of Besalú – a hidden treasure filled with Romanesque architecture. And this afternoon? A unique insight into the rural culture of Catalonia awaits at a traditional farm in Siurana. We’ll be shown around before having the opportunity to sample some of the farm’s delicious cheeses. Our last stop for the day is the seaside town of El Port de Selva, where we’ll have the evening to explore at our own pace. Accommodation: Hotel Porto Cristo (or similar)

Day 9 El Port de la Selva – Girona – El Port de la Selva

This morning, we’ll make tracks to Girona to seek out the city''s landmark Cathedral, the Esglesia de Sant Feliu and the medieval Sant Pere de Galligants on a locally guided walking tour.

After before having the remainder of the day to spend as we please. There''s plenty of time for a leisurely lunch and a wander along the ancient city walls. Tonight, we’ll regroup in El Port de la Selva and reflect on our unforgettable journey with a farewell dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Porto Cristole (or similar)

Day 10 El Port de la Selva – Cadaques - Barcelona

Before we say our final goodbyes, we’ll pay a visit to the Salvador Dalí Museum-House in Cadaqués – where we’ll see the surrealist artist’s workshop, library and gardens.

This afternoon, we’ll make our way along the sun-kissed Costa Brava to Barcelona – where our tour will come to an end.

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