The Secrets of Northern Spain
6 day tour
From the heights of the Pyrenean mountains to the depths of red Rioja wine, this tour lets you discover the highlights of Spain.
Tour Highlights
Montserrat Monastery - Feel the serenity of the old Benedictine priory perched on the slope of a magnificent mountain
La Rioja - The famously delicious wines here perfectly compliment the views of the Cantabrian Mountains
Monte Perdido National Park - Soaring peaks, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls adorn this biosphere reserve in the Pyrenees
Aljafería Palace - The roofs, coffered ceilings and ornate patterns of this 11th-century palace are as beguiling as they are beautiful
Burgos - Walk in the shadow of the soaring Gothic cathedral and admire this majestic city, once the capital of the old kingdom of Castille
San Sebastián - The top beach town in the Basque region is known as both a surfer's paradise and a foodie heaven
Your journey
On this tour, you experience the mountainous heights, historical sights, and tasty delights of Northern Spain.
In the hills of the Pyrenees, you discover the ancient Roman defences of Jaca and the restorative natural spectacles in the Monte Perdido National Park. Throughout the rolling landscapes of La Rioja and the Basque country, you sample the traditional wines and dishes that have earned the two regions dozens of foodie awards. And in the cities and towns of these regions, you marvel at Mudéjar style buildings, grand cathedrals, and even discover Spain’s ‘mini-Versailles’.
Join this trip, enjoy the tales from your guide, and discover the everlasting beauty of Northern Spain.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 23:45 (tour departs at 00:00) - Abba Sants Hotel, C/ de Numancia, 32, 08029, Barcelona,
00:00 - Madrid Drop Off, Hotel Porcel Ganivet, Madrid,
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
- Pack comfortable shoes for walks up to beautiful views
- Transport in a luxury mini-coach with a local driver
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking guide
- 5 nights in a 3-4 star hotels with continental breakfast
- Entrance to Aljafería Palace
- Visit and tasting at a Rioja winery
- Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso
- Meals, unless listed above
- Attractions, unless specified above
Itinerary
Day 1
- Marvel at sculptures and mountainous scenery at the monastery of Montserrat
- Delve into Lleida, one of the most ancient towns in Catalonia
It’s time to contrast the bravado of Barcelona with the serrated peaks of Montserrat. This majestic mountain with strangely shaped crags is home to a Benedictine Monastery and one of Spain’s most venerated statues of the Madonna and Child. At your stop here, you can enjoy lunch, contemplate the life of monks and hermits, and explore the magnificent basilica.
You continue deep into the mountains of Catalonia and visit Lleida. This is one of the oldest towns in the region and is steeped in Roman history. It’s a little off the beaten track and you have time to discover its castle and cathedral.
As the evening settles in, you arrive in Huesca. You overnight here for two evenings and have plenty of time to amble around the medieval streets discovering the many churches and façades of this hilly town.
Optional Activities
- Entrance to Montserrat Monastery
- A choice of activities at Montserrat including cable car to the top of Montserrat and opportunity to watch the performance of the Montserrat Boys Choir
Accommodation
Hotel Pedro I de Aragón or similar, Huesca
Day 2
- Let the perfect panoramas of the Pyrenees take your breath away
- Step back in time and discover the ancient walls of Jaca
Put on your adventure hats and get ready for nature. This morning, you travel to Torla-Ordesa, the gateway to the Monte Perdido National Park.
From here, you explore crumbling cliffs, forests of oaks and pines, and vertical views up to 1,700 metres tall. There may be a little walking involved, so make sure you’re wearing good footwear. It’s worth it to see a few of the most scenic views in all the Pyrenees.
You leave Torla behind and head through the mountains to Jaca. Here, you can explore the perfectly preserved ‘star-shaped’ fortress, find out about the regional cuisine of Aragón, and tick off more quintessential Spanish cathedrals.
You travel back to Huesca and arrive in the early evening.
Accommodation
Hotel Pedro I de Aragón or similar, Huesca
Day 3
- Survey a fusion of Islamic and Gothic style architecture at the Aljafería Palace
- Gaze at gorgeous Goya paintings in Zaragoza
Zaragoza in Aragón looks as enchanting as it sounds. You travel here in the morning and have tickets to the 11th-century Aljafería Palace included in your tour.
After you’ve admired the patterned porticos of the beautiful palace, you have free time to explore the city. Art lovers can search for Goya paintings; history geeks can seek out Roman remains; and foodies can sample chireta, a local and delicious haggis type dish.
You then travel to Tarazona. This town boasts medieval Mudéjar style architecture: a glorious fusion of the ancient Muslim and Christian aesthetic ideals. Your neck will ache from all the staring up in wonder.
You arrive in Haro in time for your first glass of local La Rioja red wine. This wine-soaked village is your overnight location for three evenings.
Included Activities
- Entrance to Aljafería Palace
Accommodation
Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro
Day 4
- Tantalise your tastebuds with the regional flavours of the Basque Country
Today, you explore the Basque country, a land of curious customs, incredible coasts, and fabulous flavours.
Your first stop is San Sebastián, a foodie heaven with the highest number of Michelin stars per capita. You have time here to grab lunch and check out the beautiful blonde beach.
You travel back inland to Pamplona. This town is famous for San Fermin, ‘the Running of the Bulls’. Fortunately, you aren’t going to have to run anywhere, instead you can stroll around the town’s splendid fortress walls and relax.
In the early evening, you travel back to Haro.
Accommodation
Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro
Day 5
- Take in the rustic villages and rolling green hills of La Rioja region
- Sample famous La Rioja wine from the place it’s produced
In the morning, you embark on a scenic ride amongst the gentle hills of La Rioja region to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where you can wander the network of medieval streets or take the opportunity to visit the cathedral.
A visit to the La Rioja region wouldn't be complete without sampling the local produce and your next stop is a family run winery, for wine tasting and snacks.
From here you continue to the village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. Cross the medieval bridge over the Ebro river and take in the amazing views over the valley from the castle.
In the afternoon, you arrive back in Haro with time to rest and do whatever you please.
Included Activities
- Visit and tasting at Bodegas Lecea, a Rioja winery
Optional Activities
- Entrance to Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Accommodation
Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro
Day 6
- Cherish the stunning Cathedral of Burgos
- Stroll the exquisite grounds of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso
You wave goodbye to La Rioja and travel to the region of Castile and León.
The first stop is in Burgos, where you have a few hours to admire one of the most spectacular cathedrals in all of Spain and check if the local flavours can compete with your favourite dishes from La Rioja and the Basque regions.
You'll have free time for lunch in Aranda de Duero, a paradise for lovers of fine wine and food.
Next, you head further south to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. Your included ticket to this stunning structure lets you wander through the rooms of Spain’s ‘mini-Versailles’ and wonder how much the gardening bill must be for its gorgeous grounds.
As the sun sets, you arrive in the country’s capital, Madrid.
Included Activities
- Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay two nights in Huesca and three nights in Haro. For examples of the accommodation, please see the tour itinerary.
How does the accommodation work?
A good night’s sleep is often needed for a good day of travel.
So we’ve hand-picked three-star to four-star hotels in remote coastal villages, bustling towns, and mountain valleys.
Your accommodation is included in the tour price; and when you book your trip, you can choose whether you want a double room, a twin room, or a single room.
Are there any extra accommodation costs?
The price you see is for all your tour accommodation and for the tour itself. It also includes a tourist tax. This figure is based on shared accommodation. When you're booking your tour and select a single room, an additional single room supplement will be added to the price.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to take this tour?
You may need a Schengen Visa to travel throughout Europe. Check the official tourism website of the country you’re visiting for up-to-date and reliable information. Travel between countries is easy because there are no passport checks at the borders.
Are the tours suitable for people with mobility issues?
Most people can comfortably enjoy our tours, but it's worth bearing in mind that we often include optional short walks in scenic locations. Please also be aware that many of the old European towns are built on steep hills with cobbled lanes, and you may have to carry your own luggage at times.
So that we can ensure you're comfortable travelling with us, please let us know about any special requirements or needs at the time of booking. If you have any more questions, simply email tours@rabbies.com .
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
Europe's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure and avoid contributing to congestion issues, we start our trip from hotels located conveniently on the edge of cities. We choose hotels with good public transport connections to the city centre, so you can enjoy your evening explorations.
To make your tour more convenient, you can add an optional pre and post-departure accommodation in the hotel we use as a pick up or a drop off point.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before your departure time. Unfortunately, we’re unable to wait for you if you’re late due to vehicle restrictions. But depending on your situation, we may be able to help you catch up with your tour.
What are your cancellation policies?
We have a cancellation period of 42 days for our Europe tours. If you cancel your trip before this period, we give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this time frame, you’re liable for the cost of the tour package.
We understand how disappointing it is when you have to cancel a trip with us, so please contact our friendly team who will try their best to resell your ticket and refund you.
Click here to view full terms and conditions.
What is a guaranteed departure?
It's simple: you book, you go. This means we'll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.
Can routes change?
Your friendly driver and guide are passionate about the places they visit and know all the local gossip. This means your tour itinerary can change a little due to festivities, attraction opening hour changes, and spontaneous photo opportunities.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable mini-coaches offer a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
We like to keep our coaches small, nimble, and odour free. This means we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you frequently stop in local towns and villages for comfort breaks.
Do you take children on your tours?
We're unable to permit children under 16 years old on our Europe tours due to the nature of the activities that are included.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy your trip to Europe. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of stops to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
What are 'included activities' and 'optional activities'?
We've arranged experiences for you on your tour. The 'included activities' are already booked and paid for as part of your trip, whereas you can purchase 'optional activities' while on your tour. You also have free time in many destinations to pick and choose which attractions you visit.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to pack or bring along food on the mini-coach. We stop in small European towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
What should I do if I have too much luggage?
It’s more enjoyable to travel with light luggage. You can take less by cleaning clothes along the way. Most hotels provide affordable laundry service.
But if you're travelling with more than 20kg, don't worry! There are left luggage facilities close to the majority of our departure points, and courier companies who could ship your excess luggage on to your chosen destination. Our team are happy to help if you need any suggestions or recommendations.
Should I tip the driver and the guide?
Let's be honest, our drivers and guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We highly recommend you take out travel insurance, so you can enjoy a stress-free journey.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you book a tour with us. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we run into any issues. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
Our packages are covered by the Package Travel Regulations. For full details of your key rights please click here.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com, or check out our full FAQs.
Restrictions
This tour is exclusively for passengers aged 18 years and over due to the inclusion of a distillery visit and alcohol tasting. This means children are not permitted on this tour.
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.