North Spain Discovery

8 Days Barcelona to Madrid
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 8 Day North Spain Discovery. 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.
Our Price From
US$2,604 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $88 per person
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Trip Length
Trip Length

8 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Barcelona

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Madrid

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
Intrepid
Trip Style
Trip Style

Original

Budget
Budget

Affordable

Age Range
Age Range

18-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

12

Pace
Pace

Leisurely

Guide Style
Guide Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

ZMSN

Itinerary

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.

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). (B)

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. (B)

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. (B)

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). (B)

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. (B)

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. (B)

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. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • 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.

  • Hotel (7 nights)

  • 7 Breakfasts included

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.

Operator

Intrepid
 (167) Reviews
Total No. of Adventures752
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Led by a local leader, our small group tours offer more a sustainable way to travel off the beaten track, while giving back to the places and people that travellers visit.
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Intrepid Worldwide (2025-26) Brochure

Intrepid Worldwide (2025-26)

Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover the real and remarkable. With small groups, passionate local leaders, and a commitment to responsible travel, every journey is crafted to connect you deeply with the people and places you visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Intrepid combines comfort, culture, and more curiosity for adventures that truly matter, all backed by a global network and guaranteed departures for peace of mind.

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Saturday 18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 26 Barcelona
Saturday 25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 26 Madrid
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,720
US$2,638
Save $82
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 26 Barcelona
Saturday 02 May 2026 02 May 26 Madrid
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,790
US$2,706
Save $84
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
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 Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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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