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Map of Premium Northern Spain including Spain

Discover ancient traditions on a cultural and culinary adventure

Surround yourself with the people, landscapes, customs and cuisine of Northern Spain and immerse yourself in the region’s history and culture on a journey from Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela. Stroll the medieval streets of Laguardia, visit the famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and dine with locals at an exclusive gastronomic society. Discover San Sebastian where beaches and a thriving food and arts scene bask together under a beaming sun and you can raise a glass at a traditional Asturian sidreria (cider house), and join pilgrims on the final stage of the famous Camino de Santiago. This Premium tour through Spain is an adventure like no other.

Start
Barcelona, Spain
Finish
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Destination
Spain
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMPN
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Have dinner at a local gastronomic society, an organisation that is key to the social fabric of Spanish life and usually only available to those who have been invited to join by an existing member.

  • People from all over the world come to Spain to walk the famous Camino de Santiago. Join pilgrims along part of the last leg of the journey, as they reach the historic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

  • The medieval city of Pamplona is a great place to discover on foot. Weave through the city's alleyways to the immense Gothic Cathedral and walk down the street of the famous bull run.

  • Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, an eye catching work of art in itself that was designed by Frank Gehry and holds a world-famous collection of contemporary art works.

  • Explore Spain’s famous wine region from your historic Feature Stay Parador, including a visit to a family-owned winery that is rich in history and sample the region’s famous Rioja wines, a Premium Exclusive Experience.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations and working with new partners can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • Summer temperatures in the areas visited can be very high (up to 40 degrees Celsius), which can be uncomfortable. It's important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

Vineyards with San Lorenzo mountain as background, La Rioja, Spain
Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain
Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar and Ebor River, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain.
Freshly made seafood paella cooked in a basque gastronomic society in San Sebastian
Vineyard and San Vicente de la Sonsierra as background, La Rioja, Spain
Aerial view of the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela at sunset, Spain

Itinerary
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Welcome to Spain! On arrival, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of town. Barcelona's iconic sites and fabulous Catalan cuisine mix seamlessly with a ground-breaking art scene, Gothic architecture, and a non-stop nightlife, making it a city you won't soon forget. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00pm – you can arrive at any time before this. If you arrive early, there are plenty of galleries, cafes and historic corners to keep you busy. Gaudi's majestic La Sagrada Familia Basilica shouldn’t be missed. After your welcome meeting, join your leader and fellow group members and discover why the heart of Catalonia prides itself as a gastronomic centre at a delicious welcome dinner.
Accommodation
  • Catalonia Eixample 1864 or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Barcelona - Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Barcelona - Welcome Meeting
  • Barcelona - Welcome Dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

Travel by private vehicle to Zaragoza, the capital of Spain’s Aragon region, which is filled with lavish buildings and palaces. After a brief orientation walk with your leader, you’ll have time to explore Zaragoza your way. Perhaps check out the stunning Basilica of El Pilar or visit the Goya Museum. The famous artist was born in a small town just 45kms south of here. After you’ve enjoyed the sights of Zaragoza, continue to your feature stay in the La Rioja region, an elegant hotel surrounded by lush palm gardens. After you have checked in and freshened up, join your group for dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Parador Calahorra (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Zaragoza - Town Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.

After breakfast, join your leader for a walking tour of Laguardia, a medieval town that was founded in the 10th century and remains virtually unchanged. Famous for being one of the country’s most beautiful villages, you’ll enter the walled city through one of four grand stone gates and stroll around the streets of this delightful village. After you’ve explored the town, you’ll make your way to a family-owned business rich in history where you´ll enjoy a guided tour and tasting of a couple of local wines, accompanied with small tasting bites, followed by an authentic lunch. After lunch and perhaps another glass of wine, you’ll head back to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon.
Accommodation
  • Parador Calahorra (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • La Guardia - Village Visit
  • La Rioja - Winery Visit with Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 1 hour.

Today you’ll drive to Pamplona, the heartland of the Basque country, and join your leader for an orientation walk and get acquainted with this well-preserved fortified medieval town. Pamplona, named after its founder, Pompey the Great, has served for centuries as both a military stronghold and an important point on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. It’s also world famous as the home of the annual San Fermin, a weeklong festival that features the running of the bulls. Meander down winding alleys and step inside ornate buildings like Pamplona's Gothic cathedral – one of the most important religious structures in Spain. The city has also recently opened a museum of modern art designed by a prize-winning architect, inspired by the cultural renaissance achieved by Bilbao and its Guggenheim. After spending time in Pamplona continue to San Sebastian, the jewel of the Basque country. Tonight you’ll enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by local brews at a local cider house.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Palacio de Aiete or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pamplona - Orientation Walk
  • San Sebastian - Traditional Cider House Experience
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Delve deeper into Basque culture on an orientation walk with your leader around San Sebastian, a place that’s obsessed with food. Discover some of San Sebastian's landmarks and the Port and Old Town during a leisurely paced walk of this city. With its sunny beaches and vibrant old city, San Sebastian is a fantastic place to stroll along the promenade, shop, or just to soak up the sun. In the evening, it is time for a truly special experience as you’ll have dinner at a gastronomic society. Traditionally only available via an invitation from an existing member, gastronomic societies play an important role in the social fabric of Basque communities as an important social outlet.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Palacio de Aiete or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • San Sebastian - Walking Tour
  • San Sebastian - Gastronomical Society Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Bilbao for an orientation walk with your leader followed by the opportunity to visit the famous Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum is an eye-catching work of art in itself and home to a stunning collection of contemporary art works. After some free time for lunch, continue to the town of Oviedo, in the heart of Asturias where you’ll spend the next two nights at a comfortable hotel.
Accommodation
  • Barcelo Oviedo Cervantes or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bilbao - Orientation Walk
  • Bilbao - Guggenheim Museum admission
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Oviedo is a great town to explore on foot and today you’ll be joined by a specialist local guide who will take you on a guided walk of the city. Stroll around the handsome city centre, with its unique personality, quaint pre-Romanesque churches, elegant streetscapes, fine monuments and grand houses. At the heart of the town sits the impressive Gothic San Salvador Cathedral, the birthplace of the Camino de Santiago. You’ll also enjoy an introduction to wonderful local products of Asturias at El Fontan market, home to excellent fish stalls beneath a canopy of wrought-iron and glass. This afternoon is free for you to explore your way. Perhaps take a trip up to the port city of Gijon for fresh seafood and sweet-filled bakeries, or the fishing village of Luanco for a relaxing drink on the promenade. For dinner, consider heading to Calle de la Gascona, which is lined with lively sidrerias (cider houses) serving a wide range of raciones (tasting plates).
Accommodation
  • Barcelo Oviedo Cervantes or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Oviedo - Walking Tour with Cathedral
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel by private vehicle along the northern part of Asturias and after crossing the Ria de Ribadeo, enter the Spanish region of Galicia. Stop in one of the small seaside villages with time to explore and enjoy lunch (on own) before the route takes you south-west and away from the coast as you head towards Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia and a symbol of the Spanish Christians' struggle against Islam. This destination is famous as the culmination point for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. Soak up the beauty of the cathedral where St James, one of the 12 Apostles, is purportedly buried. Elaborately carved stone facades open onto grand plazas filled with pilgrims and locals going about their day. Perhaps join them in one of the cafes where you can sit back and soak up the atmosphere.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Compostela or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Galician Coast Stop
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you'll have the opportunity to join pilgrims on the last stretch of the Santiago de Compostela route. Walk alongside those who may have trekked over 800 kilometres to be here. It is important that you wear comfortable footwear and bring a raincoat, as weather in this region of Spain can be unpredictable, even during the summer months. Once back in Santiago, the rest of the day is free for you to explore your way. Santiago de Compostela is a World Heritage site, an open-air museum that holds many wonderful sights within its walls – lively squares, the market and the University buildings are must sees. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for an included Galician dinner and raise a glass to the penultimate night of your Northern Spain adventure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Compostela or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Santiago de Compostela - Camino Walk
  • Santiago de Compostela - Farewell Dinner
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After breakfast, your tour adventure comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Barcelona - Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Barcelona - Welcome Meeting
  • Barcelona - Welcome Dinner
  • Zaragoza - Town Visit
  • La Guardia - Village Visit
  • La Rioja - Winery Visit with Tasting
  • Pamplona - Orientation Walk
  • San Sebastian - Traditional Cider House Experience
  • San Sebastian - Walking Tour
  • San Sebastian - Gastronomical Society Dinner
  • Bilbao - Orientation Walk
  • Bilbao - Guggenheim Museum admission
  • Oviedo - Walking Tour with Cathedral
  • Galician Coast Stop
  • Santiago de Compostela - Camino Walk
  • Santiago de Compostela - Farewell Dinner

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Northern Spain trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Essential trip information

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