SMALL GROUP TOUR: Discover the natural beauty of Northern Spain on this 6 day escorted group tour starting in Barcelona and ending in Madrid. Explore the historic town of Lleida and wander the medieval streets of Huesca and Tarazona to find their cathedrals and palaces. Uncover the Basque Country, a region of unique traditions, stunning shores, and delectable cuisine. Take in San Sebastian, then journey through Haro, La Rioja, and Burgos to Madrid, with included wine tasting on the way.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Montserrat Mountain, Lleida & Huesca
Barcelona – Montserrat – Lleida – Huesca. Leaving Barcelona this morning, we journey to the dramatic Montserrat mountain. This unique landscape is home to a Benedictine Monastery and Spain's revered Madonna and Child statue. We enjoy leisure time for lunch, and you can join an optional visit to the monastery or ride the cable car to the top of the mountain for panoramic views over Catalonia.
We continue our journey, making a stop in the quiet town of Lleida, renowned for its Roman heritage. There's free time for you to discover its ancient castle and cathedral independently. As day turns to evening we reach Huesca. The evening is free to wander the hilly town's medieval streets, discovering numerous churches and picturesque facades.
Please note: Pick up for this tour is at 8:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 9:00) - Barcelona Pick Up, Abba Sants Hotel, Barcelona. (If travelling prior to April 2024, you will depart from Hotel Evenia Rocafort, Barcelona).
Overnight: Huesca
Monte Perdido National Park & Jaca
Huesca – Monte Perdido National Park – Jaca – Huesca. Today we'll be outdoors and there will be some walking involved, so wear a good pair of shoes! Our first stop is Torla-Ordesa, the gateway to Monte Perdido National Park. Here we take in stunning cliffs, lush oak and pine forests, and stunning 1,700-meter-high views over the Pyrenees.
Journeying through the mountains to Jaca, we discover the only surviving Spanish star-shaped fortress. There is also time for you to savour some of Aragon's regional cuisine before we return to Huesca for the evening.
Overnight: Huesca | Breakfast
Huesca to Haro
Huesca – Zaragoza – Haro. Arriving in enchanting Zaragoza in the morning, we take an included visit to the 11th-century Aljaferia Palace. After admiring its beautiful porticos, we have some free time to explore. Art lovers can search for Goya paintings, history enthusiasts can discover Roman remains, and foodies can savour chireta, a delicious local dish.
Our next stop is Tarazona, known for its stunning medieval Mudejar style architecture, blending Muslim and Christian elements. Moving on to the village of Haro, the evening is free to enjoy a glass or two of local La Rioja red wine.
Overnight: Haro | Breakfast
The Basque Country
Haro – San Sebastian – Pamplona – Haro. Today we explore the Basque Country, a region of unique traditions, stunning shores, and delectable cuisine. We begin in San Sebastian, a food lover's paradise that boasts the highest Michelin star density per capita. Enjoy lunch and stroll along the picturesque La Concha beach.
We then journey inland to Pamplona, known controversially for ‘the Running of the Bulls'. There is free time for you to stroll along the impressive walls of the town fortress before we return to Haro for the evening.
Overnight: Haro | Breakfast
Cathedrals, castles & wine tasting
Haro – La Rioja – Haro. Today we embark on a scenic morning drive through La Rioja's gentle hills to Santo Domingo de la Calzada where there is free time to wander its medieval streets or explore the cathedral. Then we travel to a family run winery to savour the local flavors of its wine and snacks with an included wine tasting.
In the afternoon we visit San Vicente de la Sonsierra. We cross the medieval Ebro River bridge for stunning valley views from the castle on the other side. We return to Haro in the afternoon, with plenty of time to relax in the hotel, or head out for a final dinner in northern Spain.
Overnight: Haro | Breakfast
Journey to Madrid
Haro – Burgos – Real Sitio de San Ildefonso – Madrid. Say goodbye to La Rioja and journey to the region of Castile and Leon today. Our first stop is in Burgos, where we have a few hours to explore. You'll want to check out the cathedral, one of Spain's most spectacular.
After lunch in Aranda de Duero, a haven for wine and food enthusiasts, we head south to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, often called Spain's 'mini-Versailles.' We explore its opulent rooms and stunning grounds with an included ticket. We reach Madrid in the evening, where our tour comes to an end.
Please note: This tour finishes at 18:15 - Madrid Drop Off, Hotel Porcel Ganivet, Madrid.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 8 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The Single Room price applies for solo travellers who require their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Pedro I de Aragon, Huesca
Located in the centre of Huesca, the Hotel Pedro I de Aragon is the perfect gateway to the beauty of northern Spain. Ideally situated near Huesca's historic centre and within easy reach of attractions such as the Cathedral de Huesca and the picturesque city gardens, this hotel offers a prime location for exploring both the city and the region. Rooms are well-appointed and each is thoughtfully designed for comfort and relaxation. You'll enjoy modern amenities and a peaceful feel. The hotel also features a restaurant serving delicious Spanish cuisine, a bar for relaxing, and an outdoor pool. With its convenient location and comfortable amenities, Hotel Pedro I de Aragon is the perfect base for a memorable stay in Huesca.
Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos, Haro
Nestled in the heart of Haro, the Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos offers a charming escape in the heart of Spain's renowned La Rioja wine region. Situated within a historic 14th-century monastery, this hotel seamlessly blends history with modern comfort. Featuring a selection of inviting rooms, each uniquely designed to provide a calm and relaxing feel. Many rooms feature rustic architectural elements that pay homage to the building's heritage. The hotel also boasts a delightful restaurant offering local cuisine, a bar for relaxation, and event facilities for special occasions. With its central location in Haro, Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos is the perfect base for wine enthusiasts and travellers seeking a delightful Spanish getaway.
At a Glance
