Is the trip available on July 12?

We do not have a July departure for this tour. We have our June 22nd 2025 departure and then we pick back up in September.

Northern Spain Explorer (New)

8 days

•

From Bilbao to Barcelona

4.4

12 traveler reviews

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The group size of 6 was perfect for being able to develop close friendships. Lastly, the lodging and transportation taken care of was so welcome.
Keith, traveled in September
5.0
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Plan your adventure:

Operator: Explore!
In-depth Cultural: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 7 - 16
Ages 16+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Bilbao
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Barcelo Nervion)
Optional Activities
- Visit Guggenheim (available Sundays up to 7pm)
Landmarks
Guggenheim Bilbao
Day 2
Bilbao to San Sebastian
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Barcelo Nervion)
Included Activities
- Visit fishery in Getaria and learn about traditional anchovy canning
- Explore Monte Urgull castle remains and viewpoints
- Explore San Sebastian old town
Optional Activities
- Txacoli wine tasting with selected Pintxos for lunch
- Walking tour of Playa de la Concha promenade and beach
- Funicular ride up and down Monte Igueldo
- Explore old town or relax by the beach
Landmarks
Getaria
Monte Urgull
Playa de la Concha
Eduardo Chillida sculptures
Monte Igueldo
Day 3
San Sebastian to La Rioja Alavesa to Pamplona
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Maissonave)
Included Activities
- Visit local bodega and taste Rioja wines
- Photo stops at Ysios and Marques de Riscal bodegas
Optional Activities
- Visit Cathedral of Santa Maria
- Visit Citadel
- Visit City Walls
- Walking tour with tour leader around Pamplona
Landmarks
La Rioja Alavesa
Ysios
Marques de Riscal
Cathedral of Santa Maria
Citadel of Pamplona
Day 4
Pamplona to Olite to Zaragoza
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Catalonia El Pilar)
Included Activities
- Walk 2-3km section of Camino de Santiago from Obanos to Puente La Reina
- Visit Pamplona medieval old quarter and cathedral
- Visit Olite royal castle
- Walking orientation tour of Zaragoza including El Pilar cathedral
Landmarks
Obanos
Puente La Reina
Cathedral of Santa Maria
Olite Castle
El Pilar Cathedral
Day 5
Zaragoza to Montserrat
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Hotel Abad Cisneros)
Included Activities
- Visit traditional chocolate maker in Agramunt and taste artisan chocolate
- Train journey to Montserrat Monastery through mountain scenery
Optional Activities
- Explore Montserrat Monastery
- Explore surrounding hills
- See Escolania Choir performance (if available)
Landmarks
Agramunt
Montserrat Monastery
Day 6
Montserrat to Barcelona
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Amrey Sant Pau)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Gothic Quarter
- Walking tour of El Born neighbourhood
- Walking tour of La Barceloneta neighbourhood
- Visit covered food markets
Optional Activities
- Visit Park Güell
Landmarks
Gothic Quarter
El Born
La Barceloneta
Park Güell
Day 7
Barcelona
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Amrey Sant Pau)
Included Activities
- Guided visit to La Sagrada Familia
- Walking tour of Eixample neighbourhood
- Visit Placa d'Espanya
- Metro ride to Montjuic hill
- Walking tour ending at old quarter near Rambla
Landmarks
La Sagrada Familia
Eixample
Placa d'Espanya
Montjuic
La Rambla
Day 8
Barcelona
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
Guggenheim Bilbao

Landmarks
Getaria
Monte Urgull
Playa de la Concha
Eduardo Chillida sculptures
Monte Igueldo

Landmarks
La Rioja Alavesa
Ysios
Marques de Riscal
Cathedral of Santa Maria
Citadel of Pamplona

Landmarks
Obanos
Puente La Reina
Cathedral of Santa Maria
Olite Castle
El Pilar Cathedral

Landmarks
Agramunt
Montserrat Monastery

Landmarks
Gothic Quarter
El Born
La Barceloneta
Park Güell

Landmarks
La Sagrada Familia
Eixample
Placa d'Espanya
Montjuic
La Rambla

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Hotel Barcelo Nervion
Hotel
Days 1, 2
Hotel Maissonave
Hotel
day 3
Hotel Catalonia El Pilar
Hotel
day 4
Hotel Abad Cisneros
Hotel
day 5
Amrey Sant Pau
Hotel
Days 6, 7

Operated by

Explore!

4.5

(8,631 reviews)

Number of tours

589

Age Range

16 to 85 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

96%

Explore Worldwide has over 40 years’ experience in creating expert-led small...

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Other

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

4.4

Overall rating based on 12 Reviews

Itinerary
4.3
Transport
3.9
Guide
4.9
Accommodation
4.2
Food
4.3
Tour Operator
4.5

Keith
September 26th, 2025
5
This was my first tour, having always traveled solo, and I was pleasantly surprised. The group size of 6 was perfect...
This was my first tour, having always traveled solo, and I was pleasantly surprised. The group size of 6 was perfect for being able to develop close friendships and having all the lodging and transportation taken care of was so welcome. Lastly, the guide, Renske, is truly a natural. I don't think she could have been any better, throughout the trip. She was always in good spirits, and would go out of her way to answer questions, even researching when she didn't know the answer. Top notch all around!Show more
Traveled in September 2025
Reply from: Explore!
Thank you for taking the time to leave such wonderful feedback. We are so glad your first group tour was such a positive experience and that your Tour Leader Renske made it extra special. We hope this is the first of many adventures with us.
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A
Liz
March 27th, 2023
4
Barcelona was magical. I knew I'd be interested but I was blown over. La Sagrada Familia is like something out of a...
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Traveled in March 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Barbra
April 1st, 2023
4.3
Visiting the Guggenheim Bilbao and exploring the tiny streets of LaGuardia
Traveled in March 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Ljiljana
May 7th, 2023
4.3
I loved it all, especially Bilbao and secrada famillua in Barcelona!
Traveled in April 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Robert
July 24th, 2023
4.8
The talk about the church door in Laguardia. The amazing variety of pinches. The food in San Sebastian especially....
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Traveled in July 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Julie
October 2nd, 2023
4.5
Highlights were Madrid San Sebastian and Barcelona. Really enjoyed the town of Zaragoza and wished to have spent...
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Traveled in September 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Sandie
October 4th, 2023
4.8
The full day of mini visits en-route to Zaragoza was great nd the town itself an absolute gem.
Traveled in September 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Richard William Adam
November 9th, 2023
3.8
The Sagrada Familia. We had an excellent guided tour of it.
Traveled in October 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Catherine
November 8th, 2023
3.8
the people, tour guide and seeing areas that we do not normally see. Guide at Sagrada Familia very good.
Traveled in October 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Linda
October 21st, 2023
5
Beautiful Spain Great sights Excellent food to sample Wonderful guide Good pace each day We love Spain, a good...
Beautiful Spain Great sights Excellent food to sample Wonderful guide Good pace each day We love Spain, a good sample of cities and small towns to experience the culture and history. Congenial group of travelers.Show more
Traveled in September 2023