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Trip	North Spain Discovery by Intrepid Travel 4.5 \| Great 4324 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve	13 Day France & Spain: History, Culture & Wine by Gate 1 Travel 3.5 \| Average 746 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer

Duration	8 days	13 days
Price From	$ 1,739	$ 4,999
Price Per Day	$ 217	$ 385
Highlights	Begin in Barcelona, sporting fabulous food, stunning coastline and a vibrant atmosphere that has attracted worldwide acclaim. You’ll want to spend more time here beforehand! The fortified medieval city of Pamplona is a great place to discover on foot. Weave through the city's winding alleyways to the Gothic Cathedral and walk down the street of the famous running of the bulls. Logrono is bursting with delicious local produce and wine, just waiting to be enjoyed on an included pinxtos crawl and winery tour. Delicioso! Take a long siesta on the golden beaches of San Sebastian, one of Spain's most scenic coastal destinations. As the sun goes down, join the crowds as they come out to play among the city's exciting nightlife. The Art Walk in Madrid is every art lover's dream. In one small stretch you can browse the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofia and the Prado, one of the world's most celebrated galleries. By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Open Arms. Donations help them safeguard the physical integrity and rights of migrant people in imminent danger who have fled their homes across the Mediterranean Sea.	Visit Gaudi's masterpiece, the unfinished fanciful La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona In the Catalonian city of Figueres, visit the Dali Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist Visit the impressive fortified walled city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Specially arranged wine tasting at a local vineyard of fabulous Bordeaux wines Stay at a Chateau in the countryside near the UNESCO World Heritage village of St. Emilion Visit the stunning seaside resort of San Sebastian, called the "Pearl" of northern Spain In the Basque city of Bilbao, visit the inspirational and glittering Guggenheim Museum Tour a traditional Spanish winery and cellar in the Rioja region and enjoy a wine tasting Visit the renowned Prado Museum - stand before masterpieces by Goya and El Greco †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style	Small group tour	Small group tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Standard
Physical Level	2- Easy	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Cultural High Adventure	Cultural 50 plus
Countries Visited	Chile Spain Western Europe	France Spain
Cities and Attractions	Barcelona Bilbao Madrid Pamplona San Sebastian Santiago	Barcelona Bilbao Bordeaux Dali Madrid Toulouse
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	Ground transport included
Activities	Adventure & Adrenaline Culture Hiking Historic sightseeing Photography Surfing Winetasting	N/A
Meals Included	N/A	N/A
Description	Come on a signature tour through northern Spain and get to know the people, landscapes, customs and cuisine that make this part of the country so fascinating. From sipping delicious Rioja in Logrono and delighting in the seaside charms of bustling Barcelona to enjoying the lively tapas bars of San Sebastian and pulling up a seat in an atmospheric square in Madrid – this is an eight-day adventure that packs the essentials of Spain into one. Spain is full of culture, charisma and extraordinary cuisine, and this tour up north is no different.	3 Barcelona, 2 Carcassonne, 2 Bordeaux, 2 Bilbao, 2 Madrid

Itinerary: North Spain Discovery

Day 1 Barcelona

Hola! Welcome to Barcelona, where fabulous Catalan cuisine, a ground-breaking art scene, Gothic architecture, and a non-stop nightlife are just some of the many highlights. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 7 pm. After the meeting, head out for an optional group dinner for you to get to know your fellow travellers. As Barcelona is so big and you’ll be leaving on your adventure tomorrow, we recommend you arrive a day or two early to see the city for yourself. See great works of art in the Picasso Museum, head to the waterfront for a bowl of traditional paella, soak up the festive vibe of Las Ramblas, or catch the funicular to Montjuic for sweeping views of the city. While in Barcelona, be sure to find time to absorb the bizarre beauty of La Sagrada Familia – one of Gaudi’s most iconic creations.

Day 2 Pamplona

Leave Barcelona behind and travel by train to Pamplona, the heartland of the Basque country (approximately 4.5 hours). Upon arrival into Pamplona head out on 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. Your evening is then free to do as you wish – the quality of pintxos (Basque tapas) is incredible, so be sure to tuck into some tasty morsels.

Day 3 San Sebastian

Today, take a bus to the stunning seaside city of San Sebastian – a jewel of the Basque country and a place obsessed with food (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). With its family friendly beaches and vibrant old city, San Sebastian is a fantastic place to stroll along the promenade, shop, or just to soak up the sun. When you arrive, get an overview of the most central beach, La Concha, with an included cable car journey to Monte Igueldo. Then, why not wander around the Parte Vieja (Old Town), a mix of alleyways wedged between the bay and the Urumea River? Otherwise, head to Playa de Gros and watch the surfers riding the waves of Biscay Bay. This evening make sure you hit the neighbourhood's streets and dig into the region's specialties.

Day 4 San Sebastian

You’ll have a full day to explore San Sebastian, giving you plenty of time to catch the 1-hour local bus to Bilbao, if you’d like. If you do decide to venture to Bilbao, the world-famous and architecturally sublime Guggenheim Museum is a must visit. If you have enough time in the afternoon, the San Telmo Museum displays history, art and photography of the Basque country. In the evening, it might be a good idea to enjoy another night of delicious food. San Sebastian is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, most experimental chefs and a distinct food culture, so be sure to get your fix tonight.

Day 5 Logrono

Take the short journey by public bus to the prized vineyards of the Rioja wine region and Logrono (approximately 2 hours). The town sits on the banks of the Ebro River and is the capital of Spain’s most renowned wine region. The city is rich in history and traditions, preserved since the Middle Ages. It also boasts one of the most distinguished culinary traditions in the county, home to some of the best tapas bars in the whole of Spain, all crammed into its small medieval centre. After checking in to your accommodation for tonight, the rest of the day is free to explore. Stroll the streets of this favourite stop for pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela, a handsome city of medieval fortifications, where much work is being done to restore it to its full glory. This evening, head out on an included 'txikiteo' of pintxos: a Basque-style tapas crawl that will fill your senses (and stomach) with the unique tastes of the region. Don’t forget to wash them down with a signature fizzy white wine, known as a txakoli. The tapas bars right around the medieval Old Town compete to get your business which means incredibly high standards, so be ready to eat well.

Day 6 Logrono

Logrono is central to Spain’s wine industry, and their tradition of winemaking dates back to the first Phoenician settlers back in the 11th century BC. The city is not only surrounded by vines but has always treated wine with great respect. It is hard to imagine, but in 1635 the traffic of metal-wheeled carriages was forbidden in Old Town by law, as it was feared that vibration caused would disturb the wines resting in cellars below. Today you’ll head out on an included winery visit to enjoy sampling wines made from the indigenous grapes of La Rioja, Garnacha, Tempranillo, Viura and Malvasia at a local bodega. Visit the wine museum (season depending) to learn more about this region's famous tipple. If the weather is on your side, stroll through enchanting vineyards and learn what goes on behind the scenes.

Day 7 Madrid

Journey on the bus or train to Madrid this morning, which should take between 4 and 5 hours. On arrival, after checking in your hotel, set off for an orientation walk with your group leader. There is plenty to do and see in Madrid and you’ll have time to explore at your own pace. Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) gives a great panoramic perspective of western art history. Perhaps wander through the pristine gardens of Real Jardin Botanico and then delve deeper into the art of the city at Museo Reina Sofia and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. If you're lucky enough for your trip to fall on match day, you could don a white t-shirt and head to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to watch the mighty Real Madrid.

Day 8 Madrid

With no activities planned for the final day, you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there's limited time for sightseeing in Madrid, it's recommended that you make arrangements to stay an extra couple of days to see all you can in the city. We’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Itinerary: 13 Day France & Spain: History, Culture & Wine

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Spain
Depart for Barcelona, Spain

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Barcelona
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Barcelona! Transfer to your hotel. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a light dinner at a local restaurant. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - Visit Montjuic, Cooking Class
The day starts with a visit to the Montjuic recreational area housing the National Palace, built as the central pavilion for the 1929 International Exhibition. Montjuic is home to the Olympic complex, a number of sports facilities built for the 1992 Summer Olympics, and at its center is the impressive Olympic Stadium. Afterwards, take part in a step by step paella cooking class to prepare a meal in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. For lunch, savor your own creation! The afternoon is at leisure
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Tuesday - Discover Gaudi's Architecture
This artistic city is renowned for the famous works of Gaudi, the master architect. Visit Gaudi's legendary and still unfinished fanciful masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, a colossal church that was first started in 1882. Along the Paseo de Gracia, view the unique La Pedrera (Casa Mila) with its stone like facade and Casa Batllo, which appears to have been constructed from skulls and bones. Visit Parc Guell, where the colors and expressions of Gaudi's work are boldly displayed. Afterward, stop at the Els Encantes, the largest flea market in Barcelona and one of the oldest markets in Europe, dating back to the 14th century. Over 500 vendors display their wares, ranging from antique furniture to secondhand clothes. Balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Wednesday - Girona, Figueres Dali Museum, Travel to Carcassonne
Depart for Girona, northern Catalonia's largest city. The historic quarter, with its ancient arcade houses and cobbled streets, is crowned by a magnificent cathedral on the eastern bank of the River Ter. In the Old City, Arabic-style bathhouses and the preserved Call (medieval Jewish Quarter) are all enclosed by defensive Roman walls. Continue to the small Catalonian city of Figueres, where Salvador Dali was born, and visit the famous Dali Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist himself. The extended collection of his work covers Dali's entire career and highlights some of his most outstanding artistic creations. Departing Spain, cross into France, skirting the Mediterranean coast to the Pyrenees. Arrive at the impressive fortified walled city of Carcassonne. This evening, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Carcassonne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Thursday - Carcassonne City Tour, Local Game of Petanque
This morning, explore enchanting Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perched on a rocky hilltop surrounded by ancient towers and turrets, with expansive views of the city below. A guided walk takes you along the cobbled streets to the St. Nazaire Basilica, adorned with magnificent stained glass and intricate carvings, featuring both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Play a local game of Petanque with your fellow travelers and browse the tiny shops selling medieval wares. Later, depart the city and drive east to the medieval town of Mirepoix. View the 14th century fortified gate and some remains of the town's walls. Marvel at one of the finest surviving arcaded market square, bordered by colorful half-timbered houses dating from the 13th to 15th centuries. Admire the facades of some of the houses, featuring typical medieval wood carvings. Afterward, drive back to Carcassonne
Overnight: Carcassonne
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Friday - Toulouse Sightseeing en Route to St. Emilion
After breakfast, depart for St. Emilion. Along the way, stop for an orientation tour of Toulouse, the regional capital. Known as the Pink City, on the river Garonne, Toulouse is known latterly for its modern aircraft and space rocket manufacturing. View the Capitole Square and City Hall, which is organized around the Henry the fourth courtyard, adorned with the French king's statue. Visit the Saint-Sernin Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built from the 11th to the 14th centuries, and a major stop on the pilgrimage route of St. James. It is one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe. After lunch, continue the drive that takes you to the French wine country around Bordeaux. In this fertile area, viticulture was first introduced by the Romans and further intensified in the Middle Ages. The tradition was carried on by the monk Emilion who was the very first to begin commercial wine production in Bordeaux
Overnight: Bordeaux
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Saturday - Bordeaux City Tour, Wine Tasting
Today discover Bordeaux nestled on the Garonne River. Distinguished for the wines that bear its name, Bordeaux is considered by connoisseurs to be among the best wine producers in the world. This bustling city with its 18th century buildings has been totally revitalized with a lively waterfront area with chic boutiques and cafes. A guided tour will show you the gargoyle adorned La Fleche St. Michel tower, one of the tallest medieval stone towers in France. At the vast Place des Quinconces, view the inspirational Girondins Monument. In the historic Old Town, view the Grand Theatre and continue to the Triumphal Arch, a monumental landmark erected to celebrate the reign of the Roman Empire. There will be time to independently explore the cosmopolitan city and perhaps stroll the Rue St. Catherine. After a specially arranged wine tasting of fabulous Bordeaux wines, return to the town of Bordeaux. Spend free time to wander on your own in this delightful town before enjoying a dinner this evening at a local restaurant
Overnight: Bordeaux
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Sunday - Biarritz, San Sebastian
Journey to the elegant coastal town of Biarritz. Once a whaling and fishing town, it was totally transformed into a resort for royalty and the rich and famous when Napoleon III and his Spanish wife Eugenie built their palace here. Continue to the stunning seaside resort of San Sebastian, encircled by leafy mountains and sandy beaches looking out onto sparkling bays. Often called the "Pearl" of northern Spain, in this coastal gem, view the gorgeous architecture and the lovely plazas and flower-filled parks that dot the city. Then, travel west to the extraordinary Basque city of Bilbao, home to the glittering Guggenheim Museum. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Monday - Bilbao's Old Quarter, Guggenheim Museum
In Bilbao, visit the heart of the Casco Viejo, the city's charming Old Quarter, with its original seven streets dating back to the early 1400s. View the 14th century Gothic Cathedral de Santiago with its impressive Renaissance entryway. The day's highlight is your visit to the astonishing Guggenheim Museum*. Designed by architect Frank O. Gehry, the structure is dominated by his inspired use of flowing canopies, ship shapes, towers and flying fins, all gleaming with titanium tiles. Considered one of the 20th century's most influential architectural masterpieces, the museum houses the world's most important collections of avant-garde art
*For May departures, the Guggenheim Museum will be unavailable
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Tuesday - Wine Tasting in Rioja, Madrid
Marvel at the scenery of green fertile valleys, dramatic mountains and picturesque villages as you approach the beautiful wine region of Rioja. Here, visit a traditional Spanish winery (bodega) and walk through the lush vineyards. At the cellar, enjoy a wine tasting followed by a delectable lunch. Then, travel to extraordinary Madrid
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12, Wednesday - Madrid City Tour
Your introduction to Madrid's striking architecture begins at grand Plaza de Cibeles Square, a neoclassical complex of marble sculptures and spectacular fountains that have become an iconic symbol for the city. View the ornate 18th century Royal Palace, Europe's second largest. Then, on to the world-renowned Prado Museum, one of the finest art museums in the world - you'll stand before masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and other important Spanish artists. Afternoon is at leisure or join the optional tour of Toledo. Take a walking tour among the most famous monuments, visiting the St. Tome Church with its El Greco masterpiece and Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue with its beautiful Moorish architecture, the oldest synagogue in Europe still standing. Tonight, bid adios to Madrid and your Tour Manager at dinner
Optional: Tour of Toledo (PM)
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Thursday - Depart Spain
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

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