Embark on a journey through Northern Spain, savouring Catalonia and the Basque region's rich cuisine, from San Sebastian's pintxos to Rioja's vineyards and Barcelona's markets. Moreover, witness the unique solar eclipse from our chosen Sierra de Prades location, dining al fresco as we await this spectacle.
Breakfast: 7
Lunch: 1
Dinner: 2
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Bus
On Foot
Taxi
Train
3 nights premium hotel
4 nights comfortable hotel
Moderate
Trip maximum 16 Explore Average 11
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Your journey commences in Bilbao, a city that seamlessly blends its industrial heritage with a vibrant cultural scene. Nestled amidst rolling green hills, Bilbao stands as the largest and most dynamic city in the Basque region. Upon arrival, you'll have the freedom to settle in at your leisure, with no planned activities until the evening.
At 6 PM, our tour leader will host a welcome meeting in the hotel reception, providing an opportunity to meet fellow travellers and receive an overview of the tour. Should you arrive early, consider exploring the iconic Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry, showcasing modern and contemporary art.
If you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will ensure you receive all the necessary information.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Bilbao Airport (BIO), which is around a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
Hotel Barcelo Nervion (or similar)
Grade: Premium Hotel
Following breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to San Sebastian, a city renowned for its culinary excellence. Our journey begins with a stop in Getaria, a coastal town famous for its anchovies. Here, we'll visit a local fishery to learn about traditional anchovy canning. Continuing to San Sebastian, we'll first ascend Monte Urgull for panoramic views of the city and its coastline. Afterward, we'll explore the old town, a maze of charming alleys and pintxos bars. These Basque-style tapas, known as pintxos, feature small snacks on bread, showcasing the region's fresh ingredients and innovative flavours. We'll take time to enjoy a wide variety over lunch. The afternoon offers various options: further exploration of the old town, relaxation on the beach, or a guided walking tour along La Concha promenade, featuring Eduardo Chillida's sculptures. An optional funicular ride to Monte Igueldo provides another stunning viewpoint. We conclude the day with a return journey to Bilbao.
This morning, we travel south by charter bus to La Rioja Alavesa, a Basque corner of the Ebro Valley that has a long tradition of producing quality Rioja wines. Our first stop this morning is at a local bodega to learn more about modern life as a wine producer in Rioja and a chance to sample some of the famous wines.
We stop in the village of Laguardia around lunchtime. This hilltop village dates back beyond the Romans to the Celts, and became an important medieval fortress whose walls still stand today. It is also a key player in the Rioja wine trade, the perfect place to enjoy a glass with your meal.
After a short drive we then arrive at The Church of Saint Mary of Eunate, a 12th-century Romanesque church known for its unique octagonal plan and surrounding cloister with 33 arches. It is also located on the Camino de Santiago or St. James Way, an ancient Christian pilgrimage route that leads to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and the final resting place of Saint James. We plan to join the pilgrim route from Obanos village and walk a short 2 to 3km section of the Camino to Puente La Reina. This town has been heavily influenced by the Pilgrim's Route, and devotees have crossed its medieval five-arched bridge since the 14th century.We then drive to Pamplona arriving in the early evening.
Hotel Maissonave (or similar)
This morning, we'll embark on a flavourful journey through Pamplona with a local expert leading our food tour. We'll have the chance to try a variety of regional specialties, gaining a true taste of the local culinary scene. Afterwards, we'll begin our journey south towards Reus, a drive of approximately four hours. En route we will stop for lunch. The historic city of Zaragoza is a good mid point, however at this time of year it can be extremely hot so your tour leader will assess the best options closer to the time. Upon our late afternoon arrival in Reus, we'll enjoy an introduction to the constellations and stargazing by an expert astronomer, who will also be with us for tomorrow's eclipse. This session will provide a foundation for understanding the night sky and build anticipation for the event ahead. Reus itself, the vibrant birthplace of Antoni Gaudí, awaits our exploration from our perfectly situated accommodation in the heart of the city.
Hotel Centre (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
Today, our journey takes us east towards the dramatic landscapes of Catalonia and the village of Siurana. Perched precariously atop a limestone cliff, this former Moorish stronghold was the last to fall in the region and upon arrival, we'll have time to explore its 9th-century castle, wander through the narrow, cobbled streets, and admire the ancient stone houses. As evening approaches, we'll make our way to the charming village of Prades our prime location for witnessing tonight's celestial spectacle. We'll take a short walk to a nearby vantage point in the Sierra, offering panoramic views, where a special picnic dinner featuring local Catalan delicacies awaits. As dusk deepens, we'll prepare to witness the solar eclipse, with the partial phase beginning around 7:30 pm, leading to the totality around 8:25 pm, lasting for almost two minutes. The partial eclipse will conclude around 8:46 pm, and we'll ensure everyone has certified eclipse glasses to enjoy this extraordinary event safely. Later in the evening, we'll transfer back to our accommodation in Reus.
Given the popularity of today's event, a level of flexibility is required to allow us the best viewing experience. We may need to head on to our viewing location earlier than planned in order to secure our spot.
Our journey takes us to Monistrol, where we'll ascend via rack railway to the Benedictine abbey of Monstserrat, a spiritual sanctuary nestled amidst a unique geological formation of jagged peaks. After visiting the monastery, take time to wander the area, soaking in the panoramic views of the Catalan landscape.
We then descend and continue on to Barcelona.
Amrey Sant Pau (or similar)
This morning we'll embark on a walking tour through the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and La Barceloneta, with the chance to explore historical food markets. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, with options including Park Guell or the Sagrada Familia (pre-booking recommended).
After a free afternoon we have a truly hands-on and delicious experience: a paella making class! We'll learn the secrets behind creating this iconic Spanish dish, from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the perfect socarrat - the crispy, slightly caramelized layer of rice that forms on the bottom of the pan as the paella cooks. Get ready to chop, stir, and savour the aromas as we collectively craft our very own authentic paella. This engaging culinary session will seamlessly transition into our farewell dinner, where we'll have the pleasure of enjoying the fruits (or rather, the rice!) of our labour.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Barcelona.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN), which is around a 30-45 minute drive away.
Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a Spanish trip - though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The high central plains suffer from fierce extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round. Spain's Islands, the Canaries and Balaerics, experience very mild winters and warm summers, making them ideal year round destinations.
+1
2 Pin Round
Roman Catholic
Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque
Bilbao - Guggenheim 15 Euros San Sebastian - Pintxos and Txakoli wine - approx. 27 Euros / Funicular 3 Euros Barcelona - Gaudi - ask Tour Leader for details of multi-entrance tickets Zaragoza - Aljaferia Palace 5 Euros, Pilar Cathedral 10 Euros. If over 65 years of age, it is worth carrying a colour photocopy of your passport as many sites give reduced entrance fees.
Temperatures drop at night and it can be cold at any time from November through April. Summer temperatures in Spain usually reach their peak between June and August. Lightweight cotton clothing is best from June to September, light rainwear may be needed at any time of year, and a warm fleece/light jacket is recommended for cooler evenings and nights especially at the beginning and end of the season.
Something you find comfortable for the walks around each of the towns and sights - good comfortable trainers or lightweight walking shoes. Sandals or similar for relaxing.
20Kg
One main piece of luggage and a daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own baggage - so don't overload yourself. Also bags will be required to fit into taxis and train compartments on a few occassions.
Bus, On Foot, Taxi, Train
During this tour, we spend four nights in comfortable-grade hotels and four nights in premium-grade hotels. Accommodation in Spain is generally good and you can expect to have all of the usual amenities. We stay in single and twin rooms equipped with air conditioning, WiFi and en-suite bathrooms. Some hotels will have extra amenities such as a restaurant or bar or a swimming pool. Please see your final documents for your departure's confirmed accommodation.
Our culinary journey through Spain will be a feast for the senses, starting with the rich Basque cuisine of Bilbao and San Sebastián, where pintxos and seafood reign supreme. In Rioja world-class wines paired with hearty local dishes are the order of the day while Zaragoza offers Aragonese specialities like roast lamb and local vegetables. Moving on to Montserrat brings us to traditional Catalan fare amidst stunning scenery, while Barcelona dazzles with its vibrant mix of classic and modern gastronomy, all complemented by excellent regional wines and olive oils.
Spanish cuisine offers a huge variety of flavours, influenced by diverse regions and cultures. From the tapas of Andalusia to the hearty stews of Catalonia each dish tells a story. Vegetarians are typically well catered for however in the more rural areas choices may be more limited, broadly speaking this holds true for vegans. Can you drink the water? It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day.
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Spain: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
No
Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.