Northern Spain Small Group Tours
See yourself exploring Northern Spain's routes? Check out Basque Country's pintxos bars, Bilbao's Guggenheim through Cantabria's Santillana, Picos de Europa, and Asturias' cider culture. These northern territories run from Pyrenees foothills along the Atlantic coast. San Sebastian, Santander, Oviedo, A Coruña - autonomous regions where Celtic bagpipes and Basque language meet Iberian culture throughout green Atlantic-facing landscapes.
10 best Northern Spain small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Spain travel expert at TourRadar
- North Spain Discovery
- Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain
- San Fermin Running of the Bulls: Closing Ceremony from Barcelona
- Camino de Santiago From Oviedo - 16 days
- Savoring Northern Spain: A Gourmet Escape
- Northern Spain Road Trip
- Camino (Francés) QB Luxury VIP ~ Guided *COACH*TREK*
- Camino de Santiago From Lugo - 7 days
- Camino de Santiago The French Way - 8 days
- La Rioja - The Descent of the River Ebro Self-Guided Cycling Tour
North Spain Discovery
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“For those wanting independent travel but also to be with a group it's a perfect combination.”
Simone, traveled in June
Small groups of 8-12 travelers receive dedicated attention while discovering Northern Spain's highlights. Visits include family-run bodegas in Laguardia, local pintxos bars in San Sebastian, and cultural experiences from Pamplona's Gothic cathedral to Logrono's wine cellars.
Duration 8 days Destinations Barcelona, Pamplona, San Sebastian, Logrono, Madrid Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$2,585
Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Very enjoyable and would like to go again.”
richard, traveled in September
The limited size of 12 travelers provides intimate access to Northern Spain's highlights, from Bilbao's Guggenheim to Picos de Europa's trails. Groups visit local cheese makers in Cabrales and receive personal guided tours in medieval Santillana del Mar.
Duration 11 days Destinations Bilbao, Santander, Covadonga, Oviedo, Picos de Europa National Park, Bulnes, Las Arenas de Cabrales, Sotres, Fuente De, ZumaiaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Yellowwood Adventures Ltd From
- US$3,069
Groups of up to 50 international travelers aged 18+ gather at Stoke Travel's campsite in Northern Spain, creating a festival vibe with shared beer pong tournaments and poolside yoga. Large group dynamics help you connect during daily shuttle rides to Pamplona and 8:00am bull runs.
Duration 4 days Destinations Barcelona, Pamplona Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch Group Size Max Group Size 50 Group Type Group Operator Stoke Travel From
- US$517
This self-guided walking adventure along the Camino Primitivo is designed for solo travelers seeking personal reflection, with the flexibility to walk at your own pace across 16 days. Starting in Oviedo and ending in Santiago de Compostela, you'll stay in a mix of basic hotels, hostels, and guesthouses while covering about 290 km through Northern Spain. Daily luggage transfers allow you to trek unencumbered through mountain villages like Pola de Allande, crossing the Puerto del Palo summit and descending to the Salime Reservoir Dam before reaching the UNESCO-listed cathedral in Santiago's Plaza del Obradoiro.
Duration 16 days Destinations Oviedo, Grado, Salas, Tineo, Pola de Allande, Berducedo, Grandas, Lugo, Melide, ArzuaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator On The Go Tours From $2,385
15% Off- US$2,027You save $358
Duration 10 days Destinations Madrid, Soria, Pamplona, La Rioja, San Sebastian, Bilbao, San Vicente de la Barquera, Asturias, Las Arenas de Cabrales, Museo del Prado Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 2 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
15% Off- US$839
Built for 2-4 travelers, this private self-guided tour gives you complete flexibility without big coach group limits. Your rental car and Worldee App provide turn-by-turn navigation and audio commentary to find hidden spots like inland beach Playa de Gulpiyuri at your own pace.
Duration 8 days Destinations Santiago de Compostela, Miraz, Cape Finisterre, Fisterra, A Coruña, Asturias, Cudillero, Luarca, Picos de Europa National Park, CovadongaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
15% Off- US$521
Groups cap at 10 people max, so you'll get a more personal feel walking through Northern Spain's medieval towns and pilgrimage spots. The intimate size means flexible pacing during the 100km trek from Sarria to Santiago, with a luxury coach handling support throughout.
Duration 14 days Destinations Pamplona, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Roncesvalles, Zubiri, Puente la Reina, Estella, Viana, Logrono, Najera, Santo Domingo de la CalzadaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator Climbing Mountains From $15,803
10% Off- US$14,223You save $1,580
This self-guided pilgrimage works for solo walkers and small groups of up to 14, offering a personal walk along the Camino de Santiago from Lugo to Santiago de Compostela. You'll start at Lugo's UNESCO-listed Roman walls and trek 26.5 km on Day 2 through peaceful Galician farmland to A Ponte de Ferreira. The route then covers 20 km to Melide where you join the famous French Way. A 19.3 km walk to O Pedrouzo follows, and the intimate group size allows for quiet reflection and meaningful connections with fellow pilgrims before reaching Plaza del Obradoiro.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lugo, Melide, Arzua, Pedrouzo, Lavacolla, Santiago de Compostela Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator On The Go Tours From $940
15% Off- US$799You save $141
Walk solo or with up to 13 others on this self-guided route through Northern Spain's pilgrimage trails. You'll stay in private rooms at basic hotels, hostels, and guesthouses along the way, and there's 24-hour emergency support if you need it.
Duration 8 days Destinations Santiago de Compostela, Sarria, Portomarin, Palas de Rei, Melide, Arzua, Pedrouzo Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator On The Go Tours From $1,080
15% Off- US$918You save $162
Duration 8 days Destinations Reinosa, Polientes, Medina de Pomar, Frias, Haro, Laguardia Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, German, Italian, French Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator IberoCycle Tours From
15% Off- US$1,354
Reviews of Small Group tours to Northern Spain
- North Spain Discovery
Our tour guide, Carlos Sanchez, took our trip to the next level. He knew every popular bar, restaurant, and pincho! He was attentive to each person's individual wants and needs throughout the entire trip. Because of him, this was one of the best guided tours I've ever been on!
What our customers ask about Northern Spain Small Group Tours
What is the typical size of small group tours in Northern Spain?
Small group tours in Northern Spain generally include 8-16 travelers making it easy to navigate San Sebastian's local pintxos bars and explore the Rioja wine region without feeling crowded. The limited group size works especially well for Camino de Santiago tours where guests can fully appreciate historic landmarks like the Cathedral of Burgos and stay in characteristic hotels such as the Hotel Gaudi in Astorga. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Our small group size made the experience much more intimate and allowed us to really get to know our fellow travelers while exploring Northern Spain's hidden gems."
What type of accommodation can I expect on small group tours in Northern Spain?
Guests stay in locally owned properties ranging from the historic Hotel Los Agustinos in Haro to boutique countryside hotels along the Camino routes. Santiago de Compostela offers stays at places like the Hotel Loop INN while Logrono features the Hotel F&G. These smaller accommodations connect travelers to local culture in ways large hotel chains cannot. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The carefully selected small hotels gave us a real sense of local hospitality and culture especially in the Rioja region where we stayed in converted historic buildings."
How does the dining experience differ on small group tours in Northern Spain?
The limited group size means easier access to family restaurants in San Sebastian's Old Town and along Logrono's tapas streets. Groups move freely between traditional sidrerias in the Basque Country and small wineries in La Rioja without needing reservations. A TourRadar traveler shared: "With our small group we could spontaneously stop at local markets in Pamplona and enjoy authentic pinxtos bars in San Sebastian without overwhelming the venues - it felt like dining with friends rather than being part of a tourist crowd."
What are the transportation advantages of small group tours in Northern Spain?
Tours use 16-20 seat minibuses that can navigate narrow village streets in places like Laguardia and access remote parts of the Camino de Santiago. The smaller vehicles allow quick stops at mountain viewpoints in the Pyrenees or family wineries in La Rioja. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Our small group size meant we could easily navigate the narrow streets of medieval towns like Burgos and make spontaneous photo stops along the beautiful Cantabrian coastline."
What is the best time of year to take a small group tour in Northern Spain?
The prime touring season runs April through October with May June and September offering the best conditions. Spring brings mild temperatures and smaller crowds at major sites like Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Fall coincides with wine harvests in regions like Rioja. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "We went in September and had perfect weather for walking the Camino plus we got to experience the wine harvest festivities in La Rioja which added an amazing cultural element."
How much walking/physical activity is involved in Northern Spain small group tours?
Activity levels vary but most tours include 4-6 hours of daily walking or cycling. Camino de Santiago routes cover 15-25km per day on mixed terrain while food and culture tours in Bilbao and San Sebastian focus on city walks with rest stops. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The pace was perfect - challenging enough to feel accomplished but with time to stop and enjoy views of the Picos de Europa mountains or linger over pintxos in San Sebastian's old town."