Highlights of Northern Spain

Day 1 - Bilbao (D)
¡Bienvenidos a España! And welcome to our first stop: Bilbao. It’s a city of modern wonder, filled with sleek shapes and futuristic architecture with pieces your mind cannot fathom until you see them with your own eyes. Here is where we’ll meet the group as well as our Tour Leader who’ll guide us through this journey, describing moments from the past that’ve had a lasting impact on the culture we’ll see. Gather for the group’s first meal at a local restaurant – perhaps the city’s famed pinxtos are on the menu!

Accomodation
Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 - Bilbao – San Sebastián (B)
Start the day like a local with tostada con tomate and a café con leche before joining a guided walk through Bilbao's atmospheric Casco Viejo. Wander colourful streets, soak up the city's rich history, and experience the flavours and traditions that make Bilbao so unique. Next, visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, where world-class contemporary art meets one of Europe's most striking architectural landmarks. For lunch, it's time for pintxos. Head to Plaza Nueva, where bustling bars serve up bite-sized Basque favourites—it's hard to make a bad choice. This afternoon, travel along the scenic Basque coastline to San Sebastián. Spend the evening exploring one of the world's great food cities, whether you opt for more pintxos or local specialties like spider crab or baby squid in ink. Finish the day with a slice of the famous cheesecake at La Viña.

Accomodation
Catalonia Donosti Hotel (or similar)

Experiences
Walking tour of Bilbao with local guide
Entrance to the Guggenheim Museum
Stop at Monte Igueldo viewpoint

Day 3 - San Sebastián – French Coast – San Sebastián
(B) (L)
Today, cross the border into France for a taste of the Basque Country. Begin with a guided walk through Bayonne, where grand bridges, colourful streets and the magnificent Gothic cathedral reveal the city's rich history and character. After lunch, continue to the charming fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Wander the waterfront, admire the colourful harbour and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere before returning to Spain. Back in San Sebastián, spend another evening discovering why this city is considered one of the world's great culinary capitals. Watch the sun set over La Concha Beach, then enjoy a traditional Basque dinner—perhaps a perfectly grilled txuleta steak—before joining the locals as the city's plazas come alive after dark.

Accomodation
Catalonia Donosti Hotel (or similar)

Experiences
Walking tour of Bayonne with local guide

Day 4 - San Sebastián – La Rioja – Laguardia (B) (D)
Today is all about Rioja. Visit a historic winery owned by Bodegas Riojanas Grupo, where you'll stroll through the vineyards, learn about the region's winemaking traditions, and enjoy a guided tasting of its celebrated wines. Next, explore the medieval hilltop village of Laguardia on a guided walk. Wander its cobbled streets, uncover centuries of history, and soak up the timeless atmosphere. This evening, gather for dinner at our unique hotel, surrounded by vineyards and mountains, and savour seasonal Basque cuisine paired with unforgettable views.

Accomodation
Hotel Eguren Ugarte (or similar)

Experiences
Wine tasting in La Rioja

Day 5 - Laguardia – Pamplona – Boltaña (B) (L)
This morning, travel to Pamplona, the historic capital of Navarre and home of the famous San Fermín festival. Explore the city's highlights with your Tour Leader before rolling up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional regional dishes using seasonal ingredients, then sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you've created together. Later, continue into the foothills of the Pyrenees to the medieval village of Boltaña. Wander its narrow stone streets, admire the castle ruins overlooking the town, and settle into your character-filled 16th-century hotel for a relaxing evening.

Accomodation
Hotel Monasterio de Boltaña (or similar)

Experiences
Traditional cooking class in Pamplona with lunch