Northern Spain: Catalonia, Rioja & Basque Country

Your discovery of northern Spain begins as you meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers at London St Pancras, before journeying in style on the Eurostar to Paris.

From here, we continue south by high-speed TGV to Barcelona. Arriving late evening, we settle into our central hotel for a two-night stay. 

• Eurostar Light Meal

We join a local guide this morning for a stroll along the flower stalls and musicians of Las Ramblas, winding through the cobbled labyrinth of the Gothic Quarter to grand Plaça de la Catedral.

Later, we can take in sweeping city panoramas from Montjuïc Hill before marvelling at the intricate towers of Gaudí's iconic Sagrada Família - due to be completed in 2026.

Tonight, we head to a 17th-century farmhouse, set amid the Catalan countryside, to enjoy a traditional dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Boarding a high-speed train this morning, we cross the sun-drenched landscapes westwards to Zaragoza, the historic capital of Aragon.

On arrival, a guided tour reveals the Plaza of Our Lady of the Pillar and the cathedral. One of the most significant Catholic churches in Spain, it dates back to the 1st or 2nd century when Christianity was spreading across the Roman Empire. Exploring the evocative Old Town, we uncover significant Mudéjar architecture in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afterwards, we travel by coach to the medieval walled town of Laguardia - the gateway to Rioja wine country. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

Travelling back in time this morning, we uncover Laguardia's medieval streets on a guided tour. Dotted with Romanesque churches and bustling squares, the attractive cobblestone streets open up to provide views of the Ebro Valley.

In the afternoon, we travel by coach to nearby Eltziego and the world-famous Marqués de Riscal winery. Here, we discover the secrets behind its renowned vintages on a tour, before tasting some of its popular varieties.

• Breakfast

Journeying north today, we reach the city of Pamplona, the capital of Navarre.

After tracing the route of the Running of the Bulls, part of the week-long San Fermín Festival, we uncover the city's historic and literary legacy. The festival was the focus of Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel The Sun Also Rises, and visitors can now follow a Hemingway trail through the city.

This evening, we reach the Atlantic coast and check in to our hotel in San Sebastián, a city famed for its Belle Époque elegance and culinary delights. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

Embarking on a guided walking tour of this popular city this morning, we stroll along the golden sweep of La Concha Bay and through the narrow alleys of the Old Town.

At lunchtime, we immerse in Basque culture with a pintxos food tour, sampling a number of the region's small bites, usually served on skewers.

This afternoon is free for independent exploration or perhaps a relaxing stroll along the beach. 

• Breakfast, Lunch

Crossing into France today, we enjoy a memorable ride on the historic Petit Train de la Rhune to the summit of La Rhune, the symbolic mountain of the Basque Country. From our vintage carriages, we enjoy panoramic views across the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean. At certain times of the year, we may spot the semi-feral ponies named 'pottok' who graze here.

Continuing to the charming fishing town of St-Jean-de-Luz, we enjoy a guided walk before there's time to grab lunch independently.

Returning to our hotel this evening, we savour a farewell dinner. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

From Barcelona to San Sebastián, we have explored northern Spain's beautiful destinations and sampled its renowned cuisine.

This morning, we travel by coach across the French border to Biarritz, where we board the high-speed TGV to Paris. In the French capital, we switch to the Eurostar and continue to London St Pancras, where your holiday concludes.

• Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal