Highlights of Northern Spain 2025
Highlights of Northern Spain 2025
Highlights of Northern Spain 2025
10 Days Starting in Bilbao and ending in Barcelona
Visiting: Spain
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BHSBX5
Tour Overview
With cosmopolitan cities and ancient villages, rolling vineyards and rugged mountains, Northern Spain is as unforgettable as it is eclectic. Discover awe-inspiring sights, tantalising flavours and fascinating culture as we leave the traditional tourist trail behind on our journey through the mesmerising Basque, Navarre and Catalonia regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bilbao (Spain)
Accommodation: Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Architectural allure, natural beauty and rich culture – we’ll meet the group in Bilbao and get to know each other over a sumptuous welcome dinner. Here’s to the incredible adventure ahead!
Day 2: Bilbao – San Sebastián
Accommodation: Catalonia Donosti Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we’ll kick things off with a locally guided city tour. A hub of contemporary architecture – we’ll wander Bilbao’s lively Old Town and receive an authentic insight into this industrious city. Then, it’s time to visit the captivating exhibitions of the Guggenheim Museum for an education in art. After some free time for lunch, it’s all aboard the mini-coach as we continue on to San Sebastián. As one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, we’ll have the rest of the afternoon to discover the array of bars and restaurants this charming coastal town is famous for.
Day 3: San Sebastián – French Coast (France) – San Sebastián (Spain)
Accommodation: Catalonia Donosti Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we’ll be crossing the border and venturing along the beautiful French coast to Bayonne. This incredibly photogenic medieval city sits at the meeting point of the Adour and Nive rivers. We’ll explore its centuries-old ramparts and half-timbered buildings with a local guide before sitting down to a delicious lunch with the group. This afternoon, we’ll visit another French coastal gem: the famous resort town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Stroll along its waterfront, soaking up vistas of the Bay of Biscay, before hopping back on the bus and returning to San Sebastián for an evening of leisure.
Day 4: San Sebastián – La Rioja – Laguardia
Accommodation: Hotel Eguren Ugarte (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we’ll make tracks to La Rioja – where we’ll be lucky enough to visit a distinguished winery to enjoy a tasting session accompanied by local tapas. Then we''ll continue onwards to the medieval city of Laguardia. Here, we’ll wander the ancient walled quarter with our expert Tour Leader and uncover the fascinating history behind the town’s underground tunnels. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner together at our hotel.
Day 5: Laguardia – Pamplona – Boltaña
Accommodation: Hotel Monasterio de Boltaña (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The capital of the Navarre province is ours to discover today! We’ll spend some time admiring historic landmarks such as Pamplona Cathedral and the Plaza del Castillo on a stroll with our Tour Leader. Then we’ll roll up our sleeves for a Spanish cooking class – with our very own creations on today’s lunch menu. This afternoon, we’ll delve into this handsome city at our own pace. Explore the atmospheric lanes, verdant parks and grand Gothic churches. Or indulge in a spot of retail therapy in the Old Town, lined with vibrant shops and cosy taverns. Later, we’ll move onto the picturesque hilltop village of Boltaña – where we’ll be staying in an atmospheric 16th century building with outstanding natural vistas for the next two nights.
Day 6: Boltaña
Accommodation: Hotel Monasterio de Boltaña (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we’ll enjoy a relaxing day in lovely Boltaña. Indulge in some downtime in the hotel spa or soak up stunning views of the Ara Valley from the outdoor infinity pool. You could also spend some time wandering through the cobbled streets of Boltaña’s picture-perfect old quarter, stopping off for a mouth-watering lunch at one of several charming local restaurants. Tonight, we’ll reconvene at our hotel for another wonderful group dinner.
Day 7: Boltaña – Lleida – Cardona
Accommodation: Hotel Bremon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we’ll turn back the hands of time with a visit to La Seu Vella – a magnificent hilltop fortress-cathedral that looms over the city of Lleida. Here we’ll discover the medieval chapel, 14th-century Gothic cloister and bell tower with a local guide, before returning to the charming Old Town for some free time. Later, we’ll continue to Cardona – where we’ll explore the imposing castle that stands watch over the town. This evening is ours to spend at our leisure.
Day 8: Cardona – Besalú And Siurana – El Port De La Selva
Accommodation: Hotel Porto Cristo (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before departing Cardona, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Salt Mines – where we’ll explore the old mine shafts and underground museum with a local guide. Afterwards, we’ll set our sights on the medieval village of Besalú – a hidden treasure filled with Romanesque architecture. And this afternoon? A unique insight into the rural culture of Catalonia awaits at a traditional farm in Siurana. We’ll be shown around before having the opportunity to sample some of the farm’s delicious cheeses. Our last stop for the day is the seaside town of El Port de Selva, where we’ll have the evening to explore at our own pace.
Day 9: El Port De La Selva – Girona – El Port De La Selva
Accommodation: Hotel Porto Cristole (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we’ll make tracks to Girona to seek out the city''s landmark Cathedral, the Esglesia de Sant Feliu and the medieval Sant Pere de Galligants on a locally guided walking tour. After before having the remainder of the day to spend as we please. There''s plenty of time for a leisurely lunch and a wander along the ancient city walls. Tonight, we’ll regroup in El Port de la Selva and reflect on our unforgettable journey with a farewell dinner.
Day 10: El Port De La Selva – Cadaques - Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before we say our final goodbyes, we’ll pay a visit to the Salvador Dalí Museum-House in Cadaqués – where we’ll see the surrealist artist’s workshop, library and gardens. This afternoon, we’ll make our way along the sun-kissed Costa Brava to Barcelona – where our tour will come to an end.
What's Included
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Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 4 dinners -
Transport
Premium mini-coach transportation
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Guide
Experienced Tour Leader and Driver
Check out our Q&As
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We have solo capacity, however no single share.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.
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What level of mobility do I need?
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
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Who goes on Back-Roads tours?
The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.
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What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?
The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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