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Highlights of Northern Spain

5.0/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor

Highlights of Northern Spain

5.0/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Small Group Off The Beaten Track Scenic
Our Price From 4,938 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 119 Per Person
 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
Bilbao
 Trip Finishes
Barcelona
11 Day Highlights of Northern Spain Itinerary (Back-Roads)
Countries Explored: Spain
Our Price From 4,938 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 119 Per Person
 Trip Length
10 Days
 Trip Starts
Bilbao
 Trip Finishes
Barcelona
11 Day Highlights of Northern Spain Itinerary (Back-Roads)
Countries Explored: Spain
Trip Style
Small Group
Departures
Accommodation
Boutique
Max. Group Size
18
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BHSBX4
Trip Style
Small Group
Departures
Accommodation
Boutique
Max. Group Size
18
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BHSBX5

Overview

Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 11 Day Highlights of Northern Spain. With cosmopolitan cities and ancient villages, rolling vineyards and rugged mountains, Northern Spain is as unforgettable as it is eclectic. Discover awe-inspiring sights, tantalising flavours and fascinating culture as we leave the traditional tourist trail behind on our journey through the mesmerising Basque, Navarre and Catalonia regions.
Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 10 Day Highlights of Northern Spain. With cosmopolitan cities and ancient villages, rolling vineyards and rugged mountains, Northern Spain is as unforgettable as it is eclectic. Discover awe-inspiring sights, tantalising flavours and fascinating culture as we leave the traditional tourist trail behind on our journey through the mesmerising Basque, Navarre and Catalonia regions.

Itinerary

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! Stay: Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao Hotel (or similar) (D)

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. Stay: Catalonia Donosti Hotel (or similar) (B)

Before setting off for Laguardia we'll make a scenic stop at the Monte Igueldo Mirador lookout, which offers breathtaking views of San Sebastián. Timing dependent, we may have the opportunity to sample some local pintxos before arriving at our hotel in the heart of the Basque country. Finding ourselves surrounded by acres of vineyards and breathtaking landscapes, here we'll settle in for an included dinner. Stay: Hotel Eguren Ugarte (or similar) (B/D)

This morning, we'll make the short drive 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. We'll continue our journey to La Rioja – where we'll be lucky enough to visit a distinguished winery to enjoy a tasting session. Back at our accommodation, we'll have the evening to spend at our leisure enjoying the scenic vistas from the hotel's terrace or exploring the surrounding area on one of the nearby hiking trails. Stay: Hotel Eguren Ugarte (or similar) (B)

Our road leads to enchanting walled town of Olite this morning. Here we'll explore magnificent Olite Royal Palace: the medieval castle that was once the seat of the Court of Navarre.

Afterwards we'll have time to stroll the cobbled streets and settle in for lunch – the town's local restaurants boast exceptional Spanish fare, so we'll be spoiled for choice! Later we'll continue on to Pamplona, where an included dinner awaits. Stay: Hotel Maisonnave (or similar) (B/D)

The capital of Navarre 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.

Later it's time to 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 buzzing shops and cosy taverns. Stay: Hotel Maisonnave (or similar) (B/L)

Our first stop of the day will be the Monastery of Leyre; one of the most historic religious complexes in Spain. Here we'll delve into the fascinating history of the region as we explore St Virila Abbey, the ‘porta speciosa' doorway and the coffer – which holds the remains of the first kings of Navarre.

We'll then continue our journey to Jaca – where we'll have the chance to stroll around the charming old town and lay eyes on the 11th-century Romanesque cathedral. The picturesque hilltop village of Boltaña is our home for the night – and setting for this evening's delicious included dinner. Stay: Barceló Monasterio de Boltaña (or similar) (B/D)

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. Stay: Hotel Bremon (or similar) (B)

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 Girona, where we'll have the evening to explore at our own pace. Stay: Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona (or similar) (B)

This morning we'll seek out the likes of Girona's landmark Cathedral, the Esglesia de Sant Feliu and the medieval Sant Pere de Galligants on a locally guided walking tour, 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 and reflect on our unforgettable journey with a farewell dinner. Stay: Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona (or similar) (B/D)

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. (B)

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! Stay: Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao Hotel (or similar) (D)

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. Stay: Catalonia Donosti Hotel (or similar) (B)

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. Stay: Catalonia Donosti Hotel (or similar) (B/L)

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. Stay: Hotel Eguren Ugarte (or similar) (B/D)

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. Stay: Hotel Monasterio de Boltaña (or similar) (B/L)

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. Stay: Hotel Monasterio de Boltaña (or similar) (B/D)

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. Stay: Hotel Bremon (or similar) (B)

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. Stay: Hotel Porto Cristo (or similar) (B)

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. Stay: Hotel Porto Cristole (or similar) (B/D)

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. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Master the art of Spanish cuisine with a traditional cooking class in Pamplona
  • Explore the magnificent Olite Royal Palace – the medieval seat of the Court of Navarre
  • Experience the coastal charm and gastronomical delights of San Sebastián

  • 10 nights in hand-picked accommodation
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

  • 10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches, 5 Dinners

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included.

  • Master the art of Spanish cuisine with a traditional cooking class in Pamplona
  • Experience the coastal charm and gastronomical delights of San Sebastián
  • Explore the magnificent Salt Mines of Cardona

  • 9 nights in hand-picked accommodation
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

  • 9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included.

Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Highlights of Northern Spain' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Viva España 0 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2019
This is the second Back-Roads trip we have taken. The decision to try them again was very much based on the great experience we had with Back Roads in Ireland. This trip seemed a little chaotic compared to the Irish trip. Something happened to our originally designated tour leader and a replacement was made at short notice who could only be with us ...read more for 8 days then another Tour Leader joined us for the last 2 days. Both tour leaders were very good with the latter one being exceptional.

However, despite this bit of chaos, the trip was great. The various towns we visited, wineries we sampled and hotels we stayed in were all first class. Our group consisted of 15 other travellers, a bus driver, a tour leader and a trainee tour leader. All accommodation was centrally located and unique, something we would struggle to organise on our own or would not happen if we were part of a large bus tour group.

Overall it was a great trip, we saw a part of Spain that is not that highly over run with tourists and very unique. It was also great fun with a good group of like minded fellow travellers. Back-Roads are still very much on my preferred options list.
A great trip, through a beautiful part of the Spain. 5 , ACT, Australia, Sep 2016
First trip with Back Roads but it wont be our last. We had a great guide in David who was knowledgeable and had a great sense of fun. The group really got on well and there were lots of laughs. The group was not too big but not too small. Excellent accommodation everywhere, wonderful included meals and a terrific mix of places to visit. Loved Dali's ...read more house, felt peaceful at the monastery, so enjoyed the fabulous anchovies and our lunch at Elkano will never be forgotten. This was the third Back Roads tour for some of our companions and they were very pleased with all of their tours. We are both looking forward to our next Back Roads, maybe Puglia!
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Back-Roads Touring's brochure offers deep-diving holidays, letting travellers experience destinations as locals do. For over 30 years, we've curated small group tours that balance iconic sights with hidden gems, paired with charming local retreats. It's not just about sightseeing; it's about immersion and independent exploration. Dive in.

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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Back-Roads. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Back-Roads. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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