Northern Spain Tours & Trips
Have you ever thought about walking the famous Camino de Santiago through medieval towns and rolling hills? Northern Spain is a treasure trove of experiences. Think of the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the pintxos bars that line the streets of San Sebastian, the majestic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, and the riverside allure of Porto. Ready to explore?
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David • traveled in June, 2025
Itinerary was good. Guide was excellent. Hotels a problem. These basic 2-star pñaces are below what I have experienced with Explore in the past. You are dropping well below your previous standards and are overcharging if this is the expectation. Sad.
Walking the Camino de Santiago (from Madrid to Cape Finisterre) - M
Mark • traveled in November, 2025
Layed back cruisy paced
8-Day North of Spain from Barcelona - KM
Kim • traveled in October, 2025
This was a great little tour! I didn’t have much time after finishing my Camino, and saw this tour and it was just the right amount of time for me to zip up to see Bilbao and San Sebastián before heading home. The participants were mostly Spanish speaking, but Europamundo had an English speaking guide for myself and another couple. Maria was spectacular! She took the time to share history of the places we were visiting and always ensured I felt included in the tour. I’m pretty independent, but she ensured I got my bearings in each town and had great suggestions for things to see. She is an absolute treasure, and I would take another Europamundo tour just to have her as a guide again!! Everything ran smoothly and on time, the hotels were comfortable (I had an amazing view at my San Sebastián hotel!) and the places we visited were great. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour, and again, cannot speak highly enough about Maria!!
Basque Country from Madrid (7 destinations)
Traveler Photos & Videos from Northern Spain tours
Walk the Camino de Santiago
ErinJAJavier
Walking the Camino de Santiago (from Madrid to Cape Finisterre)
8-Day North of Spain from BarcelonaAmy
Camino de Santiago EncompassedBrittanyDNDeborah
Green Spain From Barcelona
Camino de Santiago (Francés) Guided *CYCLE* Tour/Packing/MTB (All Inclusive)Bob
Camino de Santiago (Francés) Guided *TREK* (All Inclusive)ErinJNJaroslav
8-Day North of Spain
Asturias and GaliciaJesus
The North Trail, Self-driveIsabelRKRoman
Northern Spain (Classic, End Barcelona)
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Trekking the Camino de SantiagoSharon
Table of contents
- The best Northern Spain tour packages
- Travel Northern Spain your way
- Best tour companies for Northern Spain tours
- Popular Northern Spain Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your Northern Spain tour
- Discover Northern Spain tours for every budget
- Northern Spain tours for every type of group
- Top Northern Spain travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern Spain
- Contact our Northern Spain travel experts
- What our customers ask about Northern Spain Tours & Trips
The best Northern Spain tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Spain travel expert at TourRadar
8-Day North of Spain from Barcelona
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a great experience. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking.”
Gerard, traveled in July
Northern Spain's treasures range from the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to Santiago's Plaza del Obradoiro. Rest in 4-star accommodations like Santemar in Santander and Iberik Santo Domingo in Oviedo. Marvel at medieval Santillana del Mar, Porto's historic center, with optional cruises in Rias Bajas.
Duration 8 days Destinations Barcelona, Zaragoza, Pamplona, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Covadonga, Oviedo, A CoruñaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator VPT Tours From $1,403
15% Off- US$1,192You save $210
Walking the Camino de Santiago (from Madrid to Cape Finisterre)
53 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Some of the hotels were outstanding.”
Suzanne, traveled in September
The path from Madrid to Santiago reveals Leon's stained-glass cathedral and Astorga's Gaudi-designed Bishop's Palace. Stone villages of O Cebreiro welcome travelers, who rest in traditional Galician farmhouses near Melide before joining fellow pilgrims at Santiago's cathedral.
Duration 12 days Destinations Madrid, Leon, Miraz, Astorga, Molinaseca, Villafranca, Villafranca del Bierzo, O Cebreiro, Las Herrerias, SarriaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
15% Off- US$2,900
Basque Country from Madrid
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I thoroughly enjoyed this tour, and again, cannot speak highly enough about Maria!!”
Kim, traveled in October
Northern Spain's architectural wonders range from Segovia's UNESCO Aqueduct to Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum. Medieval Pedraza's fortress stands proud, while San Sebastián's Mount Igueldo offers spectacular views, and Burgos's Gothic cathedral inspires over 3 memorable days.
Duration 3 days Destinations Madrid, Segovia, Bilbao, Portugalete, San Sebastian, Burgos Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
15% Off- US$534
Green Spain From Barcelona
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary could be tweaked a little to give more time at Sans Sebastián. Great hotels and food.”
Elizabeth, traveled in May
Architectural wonders await from Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum to medieval Santillana del Mar. Rest at 4-star hotels like Silken Amara Plaza and Santemar, with daily breakfast and guided excursions.
Duration 4 days Destinations Barcelona, Zaragoza, Pamplona, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Covadonga, Oviedo, SalamancaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator VPT Tours From $704
10% Off- US$634You save $70
Camino de Santiago (Francés) Guided *CYCLE* Tour/Packing/MTB (All Inclusive)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Camino de Santiago is an amazing physical, mental, and spiritual experience. It is a trip of a lifetime.”
Bob, traveled in October
Follow the legendary Camino Francés cycling route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela over 14 days. Tackle challenging ascents like O Cebreiro (1,335m) and discover UNESCO sites including Burgos Cathedral. Stay in authentic hostels and monasteries while enjoying included Pilgrim dinners. Perfect for serious cyclists aged 18-70 covering 779.5km through medieval villages and eucalyptus forests.
Duration 14 days Destinations Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Roncesvalles, Pamplona, Logrono, Belorado, Burgos, Carrion de los Condes, Leon, Astorga, PonferradaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Climbing Mountains From $6,991
10% Off- US$6,292You save $699
Trekking the Camino de Santiago
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good company and plenty of laughs! Seeing people of all ages doing this pilgrimage, some not for the first time and some not very able.”
Ruth, traveled in July
The spiritual path across Northern Spain's Galician hills leads past Iron Age forts at Castromaior and 12th-century bridges in Ribadiso. This moderate 9-day trek includes Hotel Villajardín stays in Portomarin and concludes at Santiago's cathedral with the impressive Botafumeiro ceremony.
Duration 9 days Destinations Samos, Sarria, Portomarin, Palas de Rei, Melide, Arzua, Pedrouzo, Santiago de Compostela Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $2,242
20% Off- US$1,800You save $442
Trekking in Spain - Picos de Europa
46 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great walks in beautiful scenery.”
Paul, traveled in September
The Picos de Europa beckon from Bilbao. Hike through Sotres, wander medieval Potes, and ride the Fuente Dé cable car. Authentic stays at Hotel Rural Casa Cipriano complement local experiences like Cabrales cheese tasting.
Duration 8 days Destinations Bilbao, Sotres, Las Arenas de Cabrales, Bulnes, Potes, Fuente De, Poncebos Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From $1,520
20% Off- US$1,210You save $310
Madrid and North of Spain
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Was a great tour with very good tour guides.”
Judith, traveled in November
Gothic cathedrals and cultural treasures await over 5 days from Madrid, with guided tours of León's masterpiece and Oviedo's 9th-century marvel. The Altamira Cave Museum and medieval Santillana lead to Bilbao's Guggenheim district and authentic pintxos. Comfortable stays and daily breakfasts included at approx. $110 per day, suitable for travelers aged 3+.
Duration 5 days Destinations Madrid, Leon, Oviedo, Covadonga, Santander, Bilbao Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
20% Off- US$613
Duration 8 days Destinations Barcelona, Zaragoza, Pamplona, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Covadonga, Oviedo, Santiago de CompostelaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $1,780
35% Off- US$1,157You save $623
Northern Spain Real Food Adventure
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The choices of excursions and food was superb. The guest chefs were excellent.”
Diana, traveled in May
This 10-day culinary tour stretches from Barcelona's La Boqueria Market to Santiago de Compostela. Perfect your Catalan paella and Basque pintxos skills, venture into medieval Laguardia's underground wine caves, and taste traditional Cocido Lebaniego in Picos de Europa National Park. Rated 4.5/5 for food, costs approx. $420 per day.
Duration 9 days Destinations Barcelona, Logrono, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
35% Off- US$5,200
Travel Northern Spain your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Northern Spain tours
Based on what our travelers tell us, IberoCycle stands out for cycling tours in Cantabria - their bikes are really well maintained and you can tell they've put thought into mapping out the routes. People who've booked through G Adventures for the Camino de Santiago keep mentioning two guides in particular, Mercedes and Giulia, who get a lot of praise for how much they know about the trail and how they support the group. We've heard some mixed feedback about UnCommon Tours through TourRadar though. A few customers weren't happy with how the company communicated with them, and some found the places they stayed weren't quite what was shown in the tour descriptions. This seems to be specific to their Camino tours. The big difference we're seeing is in the consistency - IberoCycle and G Adventures maintain solid service levels across their tours, while UnCommon Tours has more ups and downs in terms of customer satisfaction. What's interesting is that the positive reviews focus on practical things like equipment quality and guide expertise, while the negative feedback tends to center around communication and expectation management rather than the actual cycling or walking experience.
Popular Northern Spain Cruise Ships
Best places to start your Northern Spain tour
Most of our travelers kick off their Northern Spain journey from Madrid - 22 of them to be exact - while Barcelona sees 13 departures, Bilbao attracts 12, and Sarria and Leon welcome 7 and 6 travelers respectively. Since these routes fill up quickly in peak walking season, we've found booking about 130 days (4.5 months) ahead works best. While finding vegetarian options can be tricky on some parts of the route, our team has gotten pretty good at making it work without missing out on authentic local flavors. Our recent groups really love diving into the food scene, especially in the Basque Country and Galicia where fresh seafood and traditional dishes make perfect post-walk meals. The whole region feels wonderfully different from typical Spanish destinations - you'll find Celtic culture mixed with seaside traditions, green rolling hills and charming stone villages that tell stories of centuries past.
Discover Northern Spain tours for every budget
Northern Spain tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Northern Spain travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers167 tours- Couples123 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)25 tours
- Seniors (50+)51 tours
Best time to visit Northern Spain
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in Northern Spain offers plenty to discover both inside and out during the cooler months. Small group tours cover multiple countries, taking you through Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and Barcelona's Gothic Quarter before heading north. You'll find yourself exploring Bilbao's covered markets and spending quality time in the Guggenheim Museum's grand galleries. Food tours work especially well in winter - you can warm up learning to cook in traditional Basque kitchens and explore Porto's historic wine cellars. Our customers tell us they love seeing medieval walls in places like Santillana del Mar without the summer crowds, and the hearty northern Spanish food tastes even better when it's cool - from rich Cantabrian stews, regional specialties and also fresh grilled seafood.
- 16 tours
- popular 20 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring transforms our northern routes with green rolling hills and blooming fruit trees. Cycling becomes particularly good as temperatures warm - you'll ride through the Cantabrian Mountains, along the Ebro Reservoir shores and into quiet valleys where eagles circle above. Food enthusiasts join our Real Food Adventures to experience spring ingredients in local markets, from fresh asparagus, seasonal vegetables and also early cherries. Our travelers often mention watching fishermen bring in their daily catch in coastal towns like San Sebastian and Getaria. Wine tours through Rioja take on a special feeling in spring, with visits to family wineries and guided tastings that showcase local grape varieties.
- 57 tours
- 113 tours
- popular 125 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer brings many visitors to Northern Spain for its diverse landscapes and milder Atlantic climate. Our small groups mix cultural highlights with outdoor activities - you might start by exploring Oviedo's pre-Romanesque churches, then spend afternoons taking in views from Picos de Europa National Park. Coastal routes are especially popular, offering fresh seafood in La Coruña's markets and drives along the Spanish Fjords. Travelers tell us they appreciate how we balance guided activities with free time to explore Santiago de Compostela's old quarter or join locals for evening pintxos in San Sebastian's narrow streets.
- popular 131 tours
- 125 tours
- 115 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Fall colors transform Northern Spain's wine regions and mountains, making it ideal for food and wine tours. Harvest season brings special activities in La Rioja's vineyards and chances to learn traditional wine-making in Porto's historic cellars. Our guests particularly enjoy autumn market visits, where you'll find mushrooms, chestnuts, seasonal produce and also local specialties. Walking tours feel different as temperatures drop - you can hike through colorful forests in the Picos de Europa and explore medieval villages like Santillana del Mar without summer heat. Many travelers mention appreciating the quieter atmosphere at major sites and experiencing local harvest festivals.
- popular 128 tours
- 113 tours
- 18 tours
Contact our Northern Spain travel experts
Joseph
Expert in Northern Spain at TourRadar
Joseph is one of our seasoned Northern Spain Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern Spain tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Northern Spain Tours & Trips
What kinds of local experiences can you join in Northern Spain?
Up in the Basque Country you can dive into the evening txikiteo through Bilbao's Siete Calles where locals wander between bars trying amazing pintxos like bacalao al pil-pil with txakoli wine that's poured from way up high it's quite a sight. Over in Galicia there's this really mystical queimada ceremony in Santiago where they prepare this flaming aguardiente punch in clay pots while chanting old Galician spells. And if you're in Asturias you've got to experience traditional cider pouring at the historic sidrerías along Oviedo's Calle Gascona where they pour natural cider from about a meter high to get that perfect aeration.
What natural areas can you visit outside the cities in Northern Spain?
The Picos de Europa National Park spreads across Asturias Cantabria and León it's got these incredible limestone peaks deep gorges like the Garganta del Cares and ancient beech forests where Cantabrian brown bears roam. You can catch ALSA buses from Bilbao or Santander to Cangas de Onís to get there. Covadonga National Park is another gem with its glacial lakes historic basilica and the birthplace of the Spanish Reconquista you can hop on regular shuttles from Oviedo or join guided tours from Gijón. Near Bilbao there's the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve with protected wetlands and medieval fishing villages easily reached by the Euskotren coastal railway.
What are some less touristy routes for exploring Northern Spain?
The Rías Baixas route weaves through Galicia's stunning fjord-like inlets connecting historic ports like Pontevedra and Cambados where you'll find amazing albariño wine and fresh seafood markets. People love it because you get to see traditional mussel farming and oyster harvesting up close. Then there's the Camino Primitivo the original pilgrim route through Asturias it's perfect if you want more peace and quiet than the French Way with some challenging mountain passes and authentic villages like Salas and Tineo. For hikers the Transpirenaica GR-11 trail offers this beautiful mix of coastal views and mountain culture through the Basque Pyrenees.
Which places in Northern Spain are still kind of secret but totally worth visiting?
Laguardia in La Rioja is incredible with its network of medieval wine caves right under the cobblestone streets and family-run bodegas where you can taste centuries-old wines. Pedraza's this amazing fortified village that's kept its medieval character alive with torch-lit festivals and Spain's oldest working prison. The Santo Toribio de Liébana monastery in Cantabria holds the largest piece of the True Cross still around and gets spiritual visitors but stays pretty quiet. Castro Urdiales an old Roman port in Cantabria gives you Gothic architecture and amazing fresh seafood without the crowds you'd find in Bilbao.
What local foods should you definitely try in Northern Spain?
You've got to try polbo á feira the market-style octopus that's best in Melide's traditional pulperías where they've been making it the same way for centuries with olive oil paprika and rock salt. Up in the Cantabrian mountains there's cocido Lebaniego this hearty stew with local cecina that you'll find in mountain villages like Potes. San Sebastián's Old Town is amazing for innovative pintxos especially at places like La Cuchara de San Telmo where they put new spins on Basque classics. And don't miss Asturian fabada this incredible bean and pork stew that places like Casa Gerardo near Gijón have earned Michelin stars for making just the traditional way.