Best of Northern Spain Small Group Tour

Explore Northern Spain from Barcelona to Madrid, featuring Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Santiago de Compostela with cultural and culinary highlights
Discover the best of Northern Spain on this immersive 10-day journey from Barcelona to Madrid. Explore iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia, experience the vibrant culture of Bilbao and San Sebastián, and take in the scenic beauty of Asturias and Santander. Journey through historic cities such as Zaragoza, Pamplona, and Lugo, culminating in the spiritual heart of Santiago de Compostela along the famed Camino de Santiago. Enjoy guided tours, authentic culinary experiences, a Barcelona catamaran cruise, and a high-speed train to Madrid—perfectly blending culture, gastronomy, and charm
10 Days from $6499/person CAD
Food & Wine
Guided
Premium
Small Group
UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Primary Location

Spain, Europe

Departures

Available on select Sundays through May 2027

Included:

  • Accommodation in selected 4-star hotels
  • English-speaking Tour Director throughout the journey
  • Daily breakfast
  • Transportation by luxury coach featuring complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Private airport and train station transfers as per itinerary
  • Guided city tours with expert local guides in Barcelona (including entrance to the iconic Sagrada Familia), Bilbao, and Santiago de Compostela (including Cathedral entrance)
  • Welcome dinner in Barcelona, the perfect start to your journey
  • Catamaran sailing experience along the Barcelona coast
  • Traditional Pintxos dinner in Bilbao, showcasing Basque culinary culture
  • Authentic dinner and cider tasting experience in a traditional cider house in Oviedo
  • High-speed train journey (Tourist Class) from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid
  • Enjoy 24-hour customer service support throughout your tour

Not Included:

  • International or domestic airfare
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers
  • Travel insurance
  • Additional meals when not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to monuments or museums when not mentioned on the itinerary
  • Local city tax for overnight stays
  • Visas required for entry into the country as necessary
  • Anything of a personal nature or that is not mentioned in included

Pricing Details

Click Book Online for pricing!

  • Experience an intimate small group tour with up to 24 guests
  • From price is CAD per person, based on double occupancy, and for travel in low season
  • The final price will vary and is also based on the month of travel
  • Prices are subject to change
  • Due to luggage restrictions on the coach bus, each passenger is allowed one suitcase and one carry-on luggage
  • For groups of 10 or fewer passengers, the tour will be led by a knowledgeable expert driver-guide instead of a dedicated guide

Optional Extras:

  • Pre and Post Accommodation
  • During the tour, the Tour Director will offer passengers the opportunity to book optional excursions. These experiences will be arranged locally

Itinerary

DAY 1: WELCOME TO BARCELONA

Arrive at the airport and enjoy a seamless private transfer to your hotel. In the evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, featuring regional cuisine and wine—the perfect introduction to your journey. For the best experience, we recommend selecting flights arriving no later than 5:00 PM to enjoy your first evening. Meals: D

Accommodation at the Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Plaza, Barcelona, or similar

DAY 2: BARCELONA HIGHLIGHTS & COASTAL CATAMARAN EXPERIENCE

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before discovering the vibrant city of Barcelona on a guided morning tour. Travel along its grand avenues and admire the iconic modernist masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí, including La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.

Take in breathtaking panoramic views from Montjuïc, passing highlights such as the Olympic Ring, the Columbus Monument, and the lively Olympic Port. Continue to the city’s most famous landmark, the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia.

Later, head to Port Vell to board a catamaran and sail along Barcelona’s stunning coastline. Enjoy a warm welcome from the crew with music, a complimentary drink, and a traditional local tapa. Relax in shaded seating while feeling the sea breeze, or stretch out on the forward nets to soak up the sun and connect with the Mediterranean.

This unforgettable experience offers a unique perspective of Barcelona—by land and sea.

The afternoon is yours to continue exploring this dynamic city at your own pace. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Plaza, Barcelona, or similar

DAY 3: FROM BARCELONA TO BILBAO: ZARAGOZA & PAMPLONA DISCOVERY

After breakfast, depart Barcelona and travel southwest through one of Europe’s key industrial and agricultural regions. Arrive in Zaragoza, the capital of Aragón, beautifully set along the banks of the Ebro River—the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Enjoy free time to admire the stunning Baroque masterpiece, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.

Continue to Pamplona, world-renowned for the San Fermín celebrations. Discover a city rich in history, from its Roman origins to its charming medieval old town and impressive Gothic cathedral.

Later, proceed to Bilbao, a vibrant hub of culture and modern architecture, where your day concludes. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Gran Via Bilbao, Bilbao, or similar

DAY 4: BILBAO & SAN SEBASTIÁN: BASQUE CULTURE, COAST & CUISINE

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before discovering the dynamic city of Bilbao on a guided tour, showcasing its impressive modern transformation. Spend free time exploring the esplanade surrounding the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture.

In the afternoon, continue to San Sebastián, one of Spain’s most elegant coastal destinations and host of the renowned San Sebastián International Film Festival. Enjoy a panoramic tour of this sophisticated seaside city, admired for its Belle Époque charm, the stunning bay, and the famous La Concha Beach. Ascend Mount Igueldo for breathtaking views over the city and coastline.

Take time at leisure to stroll through its refined streets before returning to Bilbao. This evening, savor a traditional dinner at a local restaurant featuring the region’s celebrated pintxos—the Basque take on tapas. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Gran Via Bilbao, Bilbao, or similar

DAY 5: ASTURIAS & SANTANDER: COASTAL CHARM OF GREEN SPAIN

After breakfast, journey into the lush landscapes of “Green Spain” as you travel toward Asturias. En route, stop in the picturesque fishing village of Castro Urdiales, where you’ll have free time to explore its charming harbor and historic streets.

Continue to Santander, a beautiful port city set between the sea and the mountains. Known for its elegant atmosphere, Santander is home to the renowned El Sardinero Beach, one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in northern Spain. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Santemar, Santander, or similar

DAY 6: SANTILLANA DEL MAR, COVADONGA & OVIEDO

After breakfast, depart for Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s most important historic-artistic towns. Stroll through its beautifully preserved medieval streets and admire architectural treasures such as the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a true jewel of Romanesque architecture in Cantabria.

Continue to the Sanctuary of Covadonga, where you’ll have free time to visit the sacred grotto housing Our Lady of Covadonga, an important spiritual symbol of the region.

In the afternoon, travel to Oviedo, the elegant capital of Asturias. Admire the hillside landmark Santa María del Naranco, a masterpiece of pre-Romanesque architecture. Enjoy free time to explore Oviedo’s charming pedestrian streets, where you can discover UNESCO-listed sites such as the impressive Oviedo Cathedral.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable dinner at a traditional cider house, experiencing one of Asturias’ most beloved culinary traditions. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the AC Oviedo by Marriott, Oviedo, or similar

DAY 7: GALICIA & SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA: PILGRIMAGE & HERITAGE

After breakfast, journey into the scenic region of Galicia. En route to Lugo, stop in the charming town of Mondoñedo. Enjoy free time to visit its impressive 13th-century Mondoñedo Cathedral and sample the famous local delicacy, the traditional “Mondoñedo cake.”

Continue to Lugo, where you’ll have time at leisure to explore its remarkable Roman heritage, including the Roman Walls of Lugo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that still encircles the old town.

Your journey then brings you to the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final destination of the legendary Camino de Santiago—one of the most important Christian pilgrimage routes in the world. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Exe Peregrino, Santiago de Compostela, or similar

DAY 8: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA: PILGRIMAGE & OLD TOWN DISCOVERY

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Santiago de Compostela. Visit the iconic Praza do Obradoiro, the city’s main square and heart of the pilgrimage experience, and enter the magnificent Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Saint James.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city’s enchanting cobblestone streets, discover hidden corners, and soak in the unique atmosphere of this historic pilgrimage destination. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Exe Peregrino, Santiago de Compostela, or similar

DAY 9: SANTIAGO TO MADRID: HIGH-SPEED JOURNEY

After breakfast, transfer to the train station to board your high-speed train from Santiago de Compostela to Madrid. Sit back and relax as you travel comfortably across Spain, enjoying a fast and scenic journey to the vibrant capital. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Radisson Red, Westin Cuzco Hotel, Madrid, or similar

DAY 10: FAREWELL SPAIN

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of your time in Spain. Meals: B

    Please provide your contact details

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      Please provide your contact details

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      Shopping Cart

      ×