Best of Northern Spain
8 days, Barcelona to Madrid
Spain has been described as less of a country than a collection of small nations all working together. Each region has its own distinct character, style, even language. This quick eight-day trip introduces you to Spain’s Basque and Catalan provinces the best way: through food, art, culture, and first-person contact. Vibrant Barcelona, unhurried San Sebastián, Bilbao’s fabulous architecture, Logroño's famous cuisine, cosmopolitan Madrid, and the mighty Pyrenees, all in just over a week? Yeah, we did that. Come find out how.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12.
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visa Requirements
8 days
Barcelona to Madrid
Special Offers
Creating ripples that change lives
The Ripple Score is an honest evaluation of how often we use local businesses and services to create each tour. With this score you can see the percentage of our local expenses that stay in the communities you visit. Learn more
Ripple Score
100
Itinerary
Day 1Barcelona
Arrive at any time. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this vibrant city.
Day 2Barcelona/Pyrenees
Take the morning to explore beautiful Barcelona. Head to the Pyrenees region for 2 nights in a 'casa rural'. Enjoy home-cooked meals and hiking.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Pyrenees
Enjoy the day in the scenic Pyrenees. Opt for some hikes in the area or head to Ainsa to explore. Spend another night in the 'casa rural'.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Pyrenees/Bilbao
Travel to Bilbao, the first stop in the unique Basque region of Spain. Arrive in the early afternoon. Opt to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Bilbao/San Sebastian/Bilbao
Take a day trip to San Sebastian. Opt to take a pintxos (tapas) tour and learn about the fascinating culture of the area. Return to Bilbao for the night.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Bilbao/Logroño
Travel to Logroño and enjoy an included wine tasting in the Rioja region.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Logroño/Madrid
Travel to Madrid and enjoy free time in this capital city.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Madrid
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Foodie Moment: Rioja Region Wine Tasting, Logroño
- Barcelona orientation walk including Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas
- "Casa rural" stay with traditional meals
- San Sebastián day trip
- Madrid orientation walk
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels (5 nts), casa rural (2 nts).
Meals
7 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Allow USD240-315 for meals not included.
Transportation
Public bus, walking.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Departures
Make it a private tour
Book this tour as a private departure - with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour - for any group, big or small (even just one traveller).