Embark on a culinary journey from Bilbao to Barcelona, savouring the rich flavours of northern Spain. From the pintxos bars of San Sebastian to the vineyards of Rioja and the bustling markets of Barcelona, this tour offers an immersive look at the diverse cuisine of this captivating region.
Breakfast: 6
Lunch: 2
Dinner: 2
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Bus
On Foot
Taxi
Train
4 nights premium hotel
3 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.
Welcome to Bilbao, the vibrant gateway to the Basque Country. Surrounded by green hills and a blend of modern and traditional architecture, this cultural hub is the perfect place to begin our journey. Upon arrival, there's time to settle in at leisure, with no planned activities until the evening.
At 6pm, 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. For those arriving early there's the chance to visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum (open until 7pm), a stunning work of art itself, housing world-class modern and contemporary collections.
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
After breakfast, we set off along the coast to the charming fishing village of Getaria. Here, we'll stop at a local fishery to learn about traditional anchovy canning, a staple of Basque cuisine, and take the opportunity to taste a few.
Then it's on to San Sebastian, a foodie paradise. We'll drive up to Monte Urgull for sweeping views before heading into the old town's narrow streets, packed with pintxos bars. These small, creative bites, a sort of 'Basque tapas', are a showcase of the region's passion for flavour, and we'll tuck into a variety over a relaxed (included) lunch.
The afternoon is free to explore, stroll La Concha promenade, relax on the beach, or take the funicular up Monte Igueldo for another scenic lookout over San Sebastian's iconic curving bay.
We return to Bilbao in the early evening.
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 to sample some of the famous wines.
After hearing about the history of the family business, we descend to the cellars to see the production line at work, including the testing of the wines in their various stages. The tasting comes next, with red and white on offer.
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, so we're likely to see wine on the menu from the producer we've just visited.
After a short drive we then arrive at The Church of Saint Mary of Eunate, a 12th-century Romanesque church located on the Camino de Santiago, or St. James Way, an ancient Christian pilgrimage route that leads to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, final resting place of Saint James. We plan to join the pilgrim route from Obanos village and walk a two-to-three kilometre (one-to-two miles) 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)
We enjoy a leisurely morning before diving into Pamplona's culinary culture on a food tour with our local expert. We'll visit the lively central market, sampling regional cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal delights, while learning about local traditions.
Given its location in the Navarre region, the Basque influence is strong, with robust, hearty flavours. Meat dishes are prominent with a focus on high quality beef and pork products, typically accompanied by a glass of Rioja.
There's time for final sightseeing before we head southeast to Zaragoza.
Arriving in the late afternoon, we'll take an orientation walk and visit the grand El Pilar Cathedral. With its Roman roots and Mudejar design, Zaragoza is a fascinating mix of old and new.
Hotel Catalonia El Pilar (or similar)
in Agramunt, home to the deliciously thick, traditional 'xocolata'. The word itself is comes from the Aztec name for chocolate and was brought back to Spain during the time of the Conquistadors. At a working factory, we'll see how chocolate is still pressed and wrapped by hand - and of course, we'll taste it too, paired with fresh churros.
Later, we ride the rack railway up to Montserrat, a dramatic mountain range with jagged peaks and a sacred Benedictine abbey perched high above the valley. There will be plenty of time to explore the monastery and soak in the sunset views over Catalonia.
Hotel Abad Cisneros (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
After breakfast, we make the short journey to Barcelona, dropping our bags before exploring the city on foot.
Our walking tour takes in the Gothic Quarter, trendy El Born, and the seaside district of Barceloneta. We'll visit historic food markets along the way and introduce you to some Catalan specialties.
The afternoon is yours to explore.
Amrey Sant Pau (or similar)
We begin our dayEnjoy a relaxed morning in Barcelona, you before we head to our hands-on paella-making class. You might want to check out Gaudí's Park Guell or visit the iconic Sagrada Familia (we recommend pre-booking, for further details see the optional activities section of the trip notes).
Together, we'll learn the secrets to preparing this iconic Spanish dish - from selecting the best ingredients to perfecting the socarrat, the golden crust at the bottom of the pan. After cooking, we'll sit down and enjoy the fruits (or rice!) of our labour at our farewell dinner.
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.
+8 (PCT)
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, Sagrada Familia. The official site is www.sagradafamilia-tickets.org. To ensure you are finished in time for the paella cooking class, we recommend a slot no later than 3pm. 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 three 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.
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. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before traveling.