Northern Spain
Operated by Trafalgar

Northern Spain

From
CAD 3,916
Duration
11 days
Countries
Spain
Activity
easy

The adventure

Book your 2026 Spain tour with confidence. Free 3 day booking hold & flexible changes. From Barcelona to Santander, explore Northern Spain with Trafalgar.

At a glance

Duration
11 days
Route
Barcelona → Bilbao
Countries
Spain
Activity level
easy
Style
Culture & History
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Ask an agent

Day by day

Modern residential buildings in Valencia, Spain, set against a scenic mountain range under a cloudy sky.
Your journey through

Spain

Day 1Welcome to BarcelonaTrace the treasures of the north on this grand expedition from Barcelona to Madrid, easing yourself into la buena vida as only the Spaniards can. Take the day to delve into centuries of history and the cosmopolitan culture of Barcelona, people-watching in Plaça de Catalunya and admiring the whimsical architecture of Gaudí. This evening, you’ll meet with your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience at Mescladis, enjoy a dinner of local flavors and produce, followed by an evening drive to see the city's iconic sights.
Inviting entrance of a brick house featuring a classic wooden door and steps, perfect for real estate listings.Welcome to Barcelona
Trace the treasures of the north on this grand expedition from Barcelona to Madrid, easing yourself into la buena vida as only the Spaniards can. Take the day to delve into centuries of history and the cosmopolitan culture of Barcelona, people-watching in Plaça de Catalunya and admiring the whimsical architecture of Gaudí. This evening, you’ll meet with your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience at Mescladis, enjoy a dinner of local flavors and produce, followed by an evening drive to see the city's iconic sights.
Day 2Discover Vibrant BarcelonaConsider joining a morning Optional Experience to Montserrat, where you can visit the mountaintop monastery and the shrine of the Black Madonna, known in Catalonia as La Moreneta. Return to Barcelona for a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Admire Gaudí’s stunning architecture along Passeig de Gràcia and take in the exterior of his unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Família. See the seaside monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus before taking time to explore Barcelona’s barrios at your own pace.
A panoramic view of Barcelona's skyline with Torre Glòries during a clear morning.Barcelona
Consider joining a morning Optional Experience to Montserrat, where you can visit the mountaintop monastery and the shrine of the Black Madonna, known in Catalonia as La Moreneta. Return to Barcelona for a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Admire Gaudí’s stunning architecture along Passeig de Gràcia and take in the exterior of his unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Família. See the seaside monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus before taking time to explore Barcelona’s barrios at your own pace.
Map showing Barcelona
Day 3Journey to PamplonaThe feisty former capital of Navarre takes center stage. Follow in the footsteps of thousands of exhilarated runners and hot-blooded bulls today. See Pamplona's ancient city walls and Plaza del Castillo, the heart of the city where markets, tournaments and even bullfighting have taken place.
The feisty former capital of Navarre takes center stage. Follow in the footsteps of thousands of exhilarated runners and hot-blooded bulls today. See Pamplona's ancient city walls and Plaza del Castillo, the heart of the city where markets, tournaments and even bullfighting have taken place.
Day 4Off to Culinary San SebastiánToday, journey to the sophisticated culinary capital of San Sebastián. See the beautiful Bahía de la Concha beach or stroll along la calle 31 de Agosto in the Old Town.
Today, journey to the sophisticated culinary capital of San Sebastián. See the beautiful Bahía de la Concha beach or stroll along la calle 31 de Agosto in the Old Town.
Day 5San Sebastián Your WayEnjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk and with the city harbor filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, you can enjoy several sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps you'll want to explore the nearby French villages of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, also known as Little Paris, and Biarritz during an Optional Experience. Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?
Boats anchored in the picturesque harbor of San Sebastián with a backdrop of historic buildings.San Sebastián Your Way
Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk and with the city harbor filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, you can enjoy several sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps you'll want to explore the nearby French villages of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, also known as Little Paris, and Biarritz during an Optional Experience. Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?
Map showing San Sebastián Your Way
Day 6Scenic Landscapes, Quaint Towns and OviedoBilbaoBegin your day in Bilbao to see the facade of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most celebrated examples of modern architecture in Europe. From here, travel through the foothills of the Picos de Europa, passing green valleys and small market towns that reflect the region’s rural traditions. Later, join the Castañón family for your Be My Guest experience at their cider mill. Share stories over a late lunch and sample their traditional Asturian cider, made on-site using time-honored methods. Arrive in Oviedo, where the evening is yours to explore the old town, find a local sidrería or simply take it easy.
A modern architectural marvel, the Zubizuri Bridge in Bilbao lit up at dusk.Bilbao
Begin your day in Bilbao to see the facade of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most celebrated examples of modern architecture in Europe. From here, travel through the foothills of the Picos de Europa, passing green valleys and small market towns that reflect the region’s rural traditions. Later, join the Castañón family for your Be My Guest experience at their cider mill. Share stories over a late lunch and sample their traditional Asturian cider, made on-site using time-honored methods. Arrive in Oviedo, where the evening is yours to explore the old town, find a local sidrería or simply take it easy.
Map showing Bilbao
Day 7Pilgrimage to Santiago de CompostelaThe Asturian fishing village of Luarca is our first stop today. Soak up its seafaring atmosphere en route to the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela, renowned as the end of the 'camino' pilgrimage route that has its origins dating as far back as the 9th century.
The Asturian fishing village of Luarca is our first stop today. Soak up its seafaring atmosphere en route to the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela, renowned as the end of the 'camino' pilgrimage route that has its origins dating as far back as the 9th century.
Day 8Explore Santiago de CompostelaJoin a Local Specialist who will share insights into the 'Way of Saint James' and explain why thousands of people attempt the life-changing pilgrimage annually. Visit the vast Cathedral, reputed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Great, and the Plaza do Obradoiro, a square dominated by four architectural styles. Consider an Optional Experience to the Rías Baixas for soul-stirring views of the Galician coast. The region has long waterways stretching inland that are said to be the mark left by God's hand when he cleansed himself after creating the world.
Join a Local Specialist who will share insights into the 'Way of Saint James' and explain why thousands of people attempt the life-changing pilgrimage annually. Visit the vast Cathedral, reputed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Great, and the Plaza do Obradoiro, a square dominated by four architectural styles. Consider an Optional Experience to the Rías Baixas for soul-stirring views of the Galician coast. The region has long waterways stretching inland that are said to be the mark left by God's hand when he cleansed himself after creating the world.
Day 9Onwards to Artistic Zamora and SalamancaJourney through the lush Galician landscape and Castile-Leon to Zamora, a veritable open-air museum of Romanesque art. Continue to Salamanca – its golden-hued façades providing an air of mystery and majesty. Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour including views of Spain's oldest university and the Cathedral, as well as a walk through the imposing Plaza Mayor, built in the Spanish Baroque style.
Journey through the lush Galician landscape and Castile-Leon to Zamora, a veritable open-air museum of Romanesque art. Continue to Salamanca – its golden-hued façades providing an air of mystery and majesty. Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour including views of Spain's oldest university and the Cathedral, as well as a walk through the imposing Plaza Mayor, built in the Spanish Baroque style.
Day 10Venture to Stylish MadridTraveling east, arrive in the fiery Spanish capital, Madrid, for an afternoon of sightseeing with a Local Specialist. Dive Into Culture and visit the Prado Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of European art in the world. Then, see the Royal Palace, Gran Vía and the neoclassical Cibeles Fountain that has become an iconic symbol for the city of Madrid. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable Dinner with wine, toasting to a magnificent journey through northern Spain.
Inviting bedroom setting with soft light and elegant decor in Madrid, Spain.Venture to Stylish Madrid
Traveling east, arrive in the fiery Spanish capital, Madrid, for an afternoon of sightseeing with a Local Specialist. Dive Into Culture and visit the Prado Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of European art in the world. Then, see the Royal Palace, Gran Vía and the neoclassical Cibeles Fountain that has become an iconic symbol for the city of Madrid. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable Dinner with wine, toasting to a magnificent journey through northern Spain.
Day 11Adiós MadridFor now, it's a fond hasta luego to your newfound friends as our Spanish adventure comes to an end.
Panoramic view of Madrid's urban landscape at sunset with green trees in the foreground.Adiós Madrid
For now, it's a fond hasta luego to your newfound friends as our Spanish adventure comes to an end.
Map showing Adiós Madrid

Discover Spain

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Serene view of the Miño River at sunset, framed by pine trees, capturing the tranquility of spring in Galicia.
Explore the striking rock formations of Bardenas Reales, a semi-desert region in Spain.
Breathtaking view of Mallorca's coastline featuring a peaceful pergola with lush greenery and azure ocean.
A breathtaking view of the rugged coastal cliffs and blue sea in Jávea, Spain.
Stunning aerial view of Alquézar village nestled in the Aragón hills at sunset.

Upcoming departures

DatesPrice / personAvailability
6 Jun 202616 Jun 2026CAD 3,916AvailableBook my trip
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