10-Day Northern Spain Tour Packages
Think northern Spain deserves more attention than Barcelona and Madrid? It does! The north offers Basque Country with San Sebastián's beaches and cuisine, Bilbao's Guggenheim and old town, and Galicia's Santiago de Compostela and coastal beauty. Experience Asturias' dramatic coastline and cider culture, possibly Picos de Europa for hiking, and the Rioja wine region. Northern Spain's greener, has distinct cultures, and an incredible food scene.
Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Northern Spain tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Spain travel expert at TourRadar
Camino de Santiago Encompassed
Northern Spain's charm spans 10 days across 8 distinct locations from Madrid to Santiago. Walk 100km through medieval towns like Sarria, Portomarin, and Melide, spending 6 days on the historic Camino trail.
10 Days in Northern Spain, incl. San Sebastian and Zarautz
Northern Spain unfolds over 10 days from Zarautz to San Sebastian. Daily surf lessons, traditional Basque sidra tastings, and pintxos tours fill your days. Wander Getaria's medieval streets and admire Zumaia's dramatic cliffs, while staying in a charming hillside farmhouse.
- Day 1
Arrival in Zarautz
Pick-up is available at San Pelaio train station in Zarautz at 9 AM, 1 PM, or 7 PM. Book at least 24 hours ahead. You'll stay in a converted farmhouse surf house in the Basque hills. Start with your first surf lesson at Zarautz beach, which has a gentle beach break perfect for beginners. Watch the sunset from the hilltop behind the house.
- Days 2-3
Surfing & San Sebastian
Start your mornings surfing at Zarautz beach. The waves are cleanest early in the day. After lunch visit Zumaia's dramatic coastline, where Game of Thrones filmed Dragonstone scenes. Take a walking tour through San Sebastian's Old Town, which has more Michelin stars per capita than any other city. Join the evening pintxos crawl but remember to pace yourself. The Old Town has over 200 pintxos bars.
- Days 4-5
Beach Life & Local Culture
Your daily surf lessons continue. You should be catching waves on your own by now. Mix up your beach time with volleyball and local hikes. Walk the coastal trail to Getaria. It takes about 2 hours and offers beautiful views. Visit a traditional Basque cider house (sidrerias) for dinner. Learn to catch the cider stream as it shoots from the barrel.
- Days 6-7
Mountain Views & Relaxation
Start your morning hiking in Pagoeta Nature Park. You'll get panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay. The trails can be steep so wear good shoes and bring water. Spend afternoons surfing or try paragliding. Evenings are for movie nights at the house or exploring San Sebastian's bars. Look for bars in the Gros neighborhood if you want to avoid tourist crowds.
- Days 8-9
Advanced Surfing & Culture
You'll be ready for bigger waves now. Your instructors will guide you to spots that match your skill level. Take a trip to Getaria, a fishing village known for grilled fish and txakoli wine. Watch the sunset from Monte Igueldo for amazing bay views. Finish your trip with a traditional Basque dinner.
- Day 10
Departure
Have a final breakfast before your mid-morning drop-off at San Pelaio Station. As one traveler shared: "Loved it so much I added extra nights while I was there." Book your transfers early and plan extra time during summer when trains get crowded.
10 Days in Spain, incl. Barcelona and Madrid
Barcelona to Madrid unfolds over 10 days across 5 major cities, featuring 3-night stays in Barcelona's NH Collection Constanza, San Sebastian's Barceló Costa Vasca, and Madrid's Meliá Princesa. Includes UNESCO site visits to Burgos Cathedral and Segovia's Alcazar Palace.
- Days 1-3
Barcelona
Start your Spanish adventure in Barcelona. Visit Sagrada Família before 9 AM to beat the crowds and experience optimal lighting. A recent visitor shared: "The morning sun streaming through the colorful windows creates an otherworldly atmosphere you won't want to miss." Your afternoons are perfect for wandering through the Gothic Quarter's medieval streets and Las Ramblas. Skip the taxis and use the metro - it's quicker during busy hours and has clear English signage.
- Day 4
Barcelona to San Sebastián
Take a morning train to San Sebastián. The 5.5-hour journey passes through Pamplona where you can stop for lunch and walk along Estafeta Street, famous for its bull runs. You'll reach San Sebastián by late afternoon, just in time to explore the pintxos bars in Lo Viejo (Old Town). The bars are busiest from 7:30-9:30 PM. Look for spots slightly away from the main squares for the best food.
- Day 5
Bilbao Day Trip
Catch an early bus to Bilbao (75 minutes) to visit the Guggenheim Museum. Book tickets online to avoid lines and arrive at opening time (10 AM) for the best photos of the building. Take the funicular up Monte Artxanda for city views before returning to San Sebastián for another evening of excellent food.
- Day 6
San Sebastián
Take a morning stroll along La Concha beach before the crowds arrive at 10 AM. You might enjoy a quick trip to Saint-Jean-de-Luz in France, just 30 minutes away by bus. Back in San Sebastián watch the sunset from Monte Igueldo for beautiful views of the bay.
- Days 7-10
Madrid & Surroundings
The train to Madrid takes 5.5 hours through Burgos. Stay near Plaza Mayor or Barrio de las Letras to be close to main attractions. Visit the Prado Museum after 4 PM when it's less crowded. Plan a morning trip to Segovia by high-speed train (30 minutes). Visit the Alcázar early to avoid walking in afternoon heat.
Northern Spain 10 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Camino de Santiago Encompassed
San Sebastian: Surf & Party Hostel, 10 Days
Easy Pace Spain (Small Groups)
Easy Pace Spain (Classic)
Northern Spain 10 Days
Madrid & Northern Spain Loop - 10 days
Barcelona & Northern Spain to Madrid - 10 days
10D Barcelona & Nothern Spain
Camino de Santiago · Way of St. James · French Way · From O Cebreiro to Santiago de Compostela
8-Day North of Spain from Barcelona
What people love about 10-day Northern Spain tours
- Camino de Santiago Encompassed
Enjoyable tour. Excellent tour guide and fun group.
- San Sebastian: Surf & Party Hostel, 10 Days
Loved it so much I added on extra nights while I was there, couldn’t ask for better staff who did everything and then some to make it perfect.
The whole experience, from start to finish was was wonderful and very worthwhile. While it is possible to walk without guidance, it would have taken away the ability to fully be present. The guide, Mario Navarro truly was top notch, giving just the right amount of support to each participant! Many thanks to him and to Exodus/ Tour radar for and exceptional experience ?
Trekking the Camino de Santiago
