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Barcelona, Basque Country, Rioja & Madrid

11 days4 cities
Spain1 country
Tour rating: 4.86 / 5, Based on 124 Reviews
Private tour to Spain

Circle the heart of Spain in 11 days! Start with the top attractions of Barcelona, its old town, and Gaudi masterpieces. Continue north and immerse yourself in San Sebastian. Then move on to the Rioja region to sample the finest wines and visit the medieval village of Laguardia before making your way to Bilbao. As a grand finale, arrive in the sunny capital of Spain!

11 days4 cities
Spain1 country
From
 $4,968 
Barcelona, Spain
3
days
Spain

Pablo Picasso and Gaudi, a mixture of what is Spanish and Catalan, of modernity and history: all harmonize and describe Barcelona, the city that has always strived to be modern.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
1
day
Arrival in Barcelona

Welcome to the lively capital of Catalonia - Barcelona! Your driver meets you at the exit gate of the airport holding a sign with your name on it and transfers you to your centrally located hotel.

The rest of the day is free so you can either explore the fantastic center of Barcelona on your own, dine at one of the local restaurants or take a good rest before the rich sightseeing program planned for the following day.

No meal included.

2
day
Tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter

After breakfast, your guide meets you in the hotel lobby and takes you on a wonderful half-day walking tour around the most outstanding attractions of Barcelona.

Barcelona contains one of the biggest and architecturally diverse Medieval districts in Europe. During the city tour, you get to see Barcelona's Old Town called "Casc Antic" and its medieval landmarks.

You walk through the maze of old narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter that was formed around the Roman forum. Then you see the Barcelona Cathedral both from the outside and the inside, pass the former Jewish District "Call", the Sant Jaume Square, see the Generalitat Palace and City Hall from the outside, pass the Square of the King and the former Royal Palace.

You then proceed to the Ribera shore district where you see the Santa Maria del Mar church - the former residence of sailors, traders, and craftsmen who lived and worked there in the Middle Ages. The tour finishes on the most vivid street in Barcelona La Rambla, where you can take a rest at one of the open-air terraces.

After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Breakfast is included.

3
day
Gaudi Tour & Train to San Sebastian

Following breakfast, you meet your private guide and private driver and enjoy a fantastic sightseeing tour dedicated to the world-renowned architectural works of Antonio Gaudi.

You start with a visit to the colorful Park Guell, where you spend some time strolling through its mosaic paths and enjoying the great city views.

The day is crowned with a visit to the astonishing Sagrada Familia Basilica - the most brilliant masterpiece of Gaudi that is rightfully considered the most recognizable symbol of Barcelona.

After the tour, you have a transfer directly to the railway station for a high-speed train ride to San Sebastian (first class tickets are included).

Upon arrival, you are transferred to your downtown hotel.

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Hotel Condes de Barcelona, Barcelona

The Hotel Condes de Barcelona boasts great service, wonderful amenities, fantastic views over breathtaking Barcelona, and a central location. It offers soundproof air-conditioned guestrooms with a TV, free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea making facilities.

train
Barcelona
San Sebastian
5 hrs 40 min

The train ride from Barcelona to San Sebastian is undoubtedly a route to discover while in Spain! Crossing some of the most beautiful areas in the northern part of the country it is a great way to marvel at its postcard-like sceneries and simply enjoy the journey. 

San Sebastian, Spain
3
days
Spain

Set close to the border with France, San Sebastian (also called Donostia) is considered to be one of the most elite resorts in entire Spain.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
4
day
San Sebastian City Tour

After breakfast, you have a sightseeing tour of the city. During the tour, you see the Kursaal Palace area, the historic Cathedral area and one of the most-visited tourist sites - Santa Maria del Coro's Basilica, an 18-century baroque church built on the site of an ancient Roman temple. You then proceed to the local market and shopping area, see the Old Town, the port and the bay of La Concha.

After the tour, you return to the hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Breakfast is included.

5
day
Free Day in San Sebastian or Optional Day Trip to Pamplona

This day is free for you to enjoy and explore San Sebastian on your own. Alternatively, you can join our carefully planned optional day trip to Pamplona.

  • Optional tour: Day Trip to Pamplona
    Set off on an exploration of Pamplona, famous worldwide for its bull-running San Fermin Festival, described by many authors including Ernest Hemingway. Your private driver takes you to Pamplona set on an elevated terrace that stands in the midst of the Arga valley crowned by mountains. During your private walking tour with a local guide see the well-preserved Old Town and enjoy Pamplona's Plaza del Castillo, the Plaza de Toros bullring, the oldest part of Pamplona to its Roman foundations that date back to 75 B.C., the Camino de Santiago, and the 1756 Town Hall.

Breakfast is included.

6
day
Rioja Wine Tour & Visit to Laguardia

After breakfast, you check-out from the hotel and have a day trip to Rioja region to visit a couple of traditional wineries, producing the world famous Rioja wine under the local wine appellation in La Rioja Alta and La Rioja Alavesa. You have a guided tour of each winery with tastings.

Later you proceed through the vineyards to the medieval village of Laguardia for a guided tour. You get to enjoy the magnificent modern architecture of the most famous wineries in the area.

After the tour, you are transferred to your Bilbao hotel for check-in. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

NH Collection Aranzazu Hotel, San Sebastian

Enjoy a stay in one of San Sebastian's most popular neighborhoods in the elegant NH Collection Aranzazu Hotel. Take advantage of contemporary well-fitted rooms and hotel facilities, and get the taste of the Basque cuisine in the onsite restaurant.

car
San Sebastian
Bilbao
1 hr

Enjoy the landscapes of northern Spain while our professional driver takes care of your comfort and transportation from San Sebastian to Bilbao. The journey is not long but undoubtedly a scenic one.

Bilbao, Spain
1
day
Spain

Though it is not the capital of the region, Bilbao can be firmly stated as the heart of the Spanish Basque Country which beats in unison with modern trends in art and cuisine without neglecting the traditions of the past.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
7
day
Bilbao City Tour

Following breakfast, you meet your experienced guide who takes you on a fantastic sightseeing tour around the city's most interesting landmarks.

During the tour you see the Guggenheim-Bilbao Museum (from the outside), explore the Casco Viejo - Old Town made up of the city's 7 calles - streets that are the origins of Bilbao, pass the beautiful Cathedral of Santiago, and enjoy the views of the Yohn's Palace or the Arriaga theater - named in honor of the "Spanish Mozart".

After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

NH Collection Villa de Bilbao, Bilbao

Take in the essence of the Basque Country, relaxing at the stylish NH Collection Villa de Bilbao. Being one of the travelers' top choices due to its wonderful location, excellent service, and top-notch facilities inside.

train
Bilbao
Madrid
5 hrs 10 min

Admire the Spanish scenery through the window of your modern, fast train while traveling to Madrid. The trains are all equipped with amenities such as power sockets, luggage compartments and air conditioning for your comfort. 

Madrid, Spain
4
days
Spain

The capital city and largest Spanish municipality located on the Manzanares River in the heart of the country, Madrid is the outstanding political, economic and cultural center of Spain.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
8
day
Train to Madrid

After breakfast, you check-out from the hotel and a private driver takes you to the train station for your train ride to Madrid.

In 5 hours you arrive in one of the most beautiful cities in the world - Madrid! Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the train station and transfers you to your downtown hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is free so you can start exploring the magnificent old town on your own, dine at one of the authentic local restaurants or take a good rest in your comfortable room.

Breakfast is included.

9
day
Madrid Old Town Tour

Following breakfast, you meet your guide and enjoy a fascinating walking sightseeing tour around the most brilliant attractions of Madrid de los Austrias - the amazing old town of the Spanish capital that treasures historical monuments dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries when Spain was ruled by the House of the Habsburg.

During the tour, you take a walk around Plaza de Oriente, enter the gorgeous Royal Palace called Palacio Real, see the beautiful exteriors of the Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Almudena and stroll through Major Street.

Next, you proceed to Plaza de la Villa, stop by St. Michel's Market and walk down the picturesque Cava de San Miguel. Your tour finishes at the iconic Plaza Mayor and breathtaking Puerta del Sol.

After the touring is over, you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Breakfast is included.

10
day
Madrid of the Bourbons & Prado Museum

After breakfast, your guide meets you and takes you on a walking tour of Madrid of the Bourbons - the historical area around the Prado Museum.

During the tour, you pass the Puerta de Alcala, Plaza Cibeles, and three monumental fountains: Cibeles, Apolo, and Neptuno. Next, you proceed to the Spanish Parliament building, see the Atocha train station, and explore the area of the Golden Triangle of Art made up of three most important art museums of Madrid - the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemitza, and the Reina Sofia.

The highlight of the tour is the visit to one of the world's greatest art galleries and Madrid's top cultural sight - the Prado Museum. This venue houses a unique collection of fine art displayed in the halls and rooms of this 18th-century Neo-Classical building. You see the most significant gems of the museum's collection, including the famous masterpieces of El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, Raphael and Rubens.

After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Breakfast is included.

11
day
Departure from Madrid

This is the last day of your amazing tour of Spain! After breakfast, your driver transfers you to the airport for your flight back home. We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips!

Breakfast is included.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Hotel Preciados Madrid

This charming hotel sits within a 5-minute walk of Madrid's Puerta del Sol in the city center.

What's included

  • Accommodation at remarkable hotels in Barcelona, San Sebastian, Bilbao & Madrid;
  • Breakfasts at the hotels;
  • Airport / railway station transfers and all transportation according to the itinerary with private drivers;
  • Professional English-speaking guides;
  • Rich sightseeing tours according to the itinerary;
  • 1st class train tickets Barcelona - San Sebastian, Bilbao - Madrid;
  • Private transfer San Sebastian - Laguardia - Bilbao;
  • Emergency line support during the trip.

Not included: international flights, multiple arrival/departure transfers, other meals not mentioned in the program, optional tours and services, and all personal expenses, as well as all tourist fees & taxes.

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Tour Highlights

  • Customizable day-by-day itinerary
  • Experienced local guides
  • Guided sightseeing tours of Barcelona, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Madrid
  • Tour of Gaudi masterpieces
  • Rioja wine tour
  • Support line during the trip.

Note: we include 1 vehicle for your arrival and departure transfers. If multiple vehicles are required additional transfer costs will apply.

What To Know

  • The currency used in Spain is the Euro. Debit cards are more common in Europe while credit cards are not accepted at many places, so make sure to withdraw some cash from the ATM beforehand.
  • Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes as you'll spend many hours exploring major Spanish sights on foot.