North Spain Discovery

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
North Spain Discovery
8 Days
From AUD $3000
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

North Spain Discovery

North Spain Discovery

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Journey through northern Spain and get to know the people, landscapes, customs and cuisines that make this part of the country so captivating.

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.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Train,Public bus,Metro,Cable Car

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Barcelona, Spain

Finishes

Madrid, Spain

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral (11 EUR)
  • Barcelona - Guell Palace (12 EUR)
  • Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures (5 EUR)
  • Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) (29 EUR)
  • Barcelona - Museum of City History (7 EUR)
  • Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia (12 EUR)
  • Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital (16 EUR)
  • Barcelona - Picasso Museum (14 EUR)
  • Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi (6 EUR)
  • Barcelona - Cable car to Montjuic (one way) (10 EUR)
  • Barcelona - Contemporary Art Museum (12 EUR)
  • Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure (99 EUR)
  • Barcelona - Walking tour: Explore Gaudi and Modernist Architecture Urban Adventure (45 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
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).

Included Activities:

  • Pamplona - Leader led walk

Optional Activities:

  • Pamplona - Gothic Cathedral (5 EUR)
  • Pamplona - Ciudadella Fortress - Free
  • Pamplona - Taconera Park - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
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.

Included Activities:

  • San Sebastian - Monte Igueldo Funicular (Igeldo Funikularra)
  • San Sebastian - Orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
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.

Optional Activities:

  • San Sebastian - Catedral del Buen Pastor - Free
  • Bilbao - Guggenheim Museum (16 EUR)
  • San Sebastian - San Telmo Museum (10 EUR)
  • San Sebastian - Catamaran Boat Trip (10 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
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).

Included Activities:

  • Logrono - Txikiteo of Pintxos (Tapas Crawl)
  • Logrono - Orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
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.

Included Activities:

  • Laguardia - Winery Visit & Wine Tasting
  • Laguardia - leader led town visit

Optional Activities:

  • Logrono - Museo de la Rioja - Free
  • Logrono - San Bartolome Church - Free
  • Logrono - Cathedral - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (13 EUR)
  • Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico (6 EUR)
  • Madrid - Museo del Prado (15 EUR)
  • Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia (12 EUR)
  • Madrid - Royal Palace (14 EUR)
  • Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure (99 EUR)
  • Madrid - Museo Taurino (15 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
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.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,000
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Journey through northern Spain and get to know the people, landscapes, customs and cuisines that make this part of the country so captivating.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 25 Apr 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.0
Sandra
Traveled, October 2023

10/15/2023

I recently traveled for the first time with Intrepid. I was interested to know that intrepid had taken the step of being involved as to the substantial level with the environment. It showed that you can enjoy traveling on public transport, with perhaps less impact on the planet. Well done, intrepid, I will certainly be traveling with you again in the not too distant future.

4.5
Katie
Traveled, September 2023

09/13/2023

We had a great trip. The architecture, culture, history, scenery and food were all amazing. Sergi was an incredible guide. Highly recommend.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989