4x the ultimate northern Spain itineraries

Northern Spain is one of the country's hidden gems, where misty mountains blend into rugged coastlines, and food creativity is at its best. With these four northern Spain itineraries, you'll get to explore this often-overlooked region, from the pintxos bars in San Sebastián to the ancient caves in Cantabria. If you’ve always thought Spain was just about sangria and flamenco, Northern Spain will change your mind.  Get ready for lush landscapes, hearty meals, and a completely unique side of Spanish culture.

Trip #1: Five days in Barcelona

Experience the best of Barcelona in just five days with this 5 day itinerary. You'll get a perfect mix of must-see sights and hidden gems, giving you a real feel for Catalonia's capital.  From Gaudí's architectural wonders to the spiritual heights of Montserrat, and from bustling markets to serene vineyards, experience the city's vibrant culture and the region's natural beauty. 

Itinerary overview

On this five-day trip, you'll get to fully explore Barcelona and its nearby areas. You'll start on day one with a relaxed walk down Las Ramblas and a visit to the famous La Boqueria market. Day two is spent visiting Gaudí’s masterpieces, where you'll see the iconic Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, and Casa Vicens. On the third day, you’ll head to the stunning Montserrat Monastery and then enjoy a wine tasting at Albet i Noya winery in Penedés. Day four mixes adventure and sightseeing as you ride an electric bike up Montjuïc Mountain, take a cable car, and go on a boat tour along Barcelona’s coast. The trip wraps up on day five with free time to grab last minute souvenirs before heading home.

Trip tip: if you're ready to see Barcelona, let our local travel experts design a custom trip for you.

Day 1

• Transfer to hotel
• Free time in Barcelona: Stroll down Las Ramblas and visit La Boqueria market

Day 2

• Visit the Sagrada Familia Basilica with a guided tour
• Explore Park Güell
• Walk down Paseo de Gracia to see La Pedrera
• Visit Casa Batlló
• End the day with a visit to Casa Vicens

Day 3

• Depart Barcelona for Montserrat Monastery
• Attend the Boys' Choir performance
• Visit the Montserrat Museum
• Tour Albet i Noya winery in Penedés
• Wine tasting and traditional Catalan lunch at the winery

Day 4:

• Start with an electric bike ride to Montjuïc Mountain
• Take a Cable-car ride for panoramic views
• Enjoy a boat tour along Barcelona's seashore
• Visit La Sagrada Familia for an exterior tour
• End the day with a walk down Passeig de Gracia

Day 5

• Free time in Barcelona
• Departure

Looking for more inspiration for your trip? Check out our Spanish itineraries.

Trip #2: Basque Country

This Basque Country itinerary gives you a perfect blend of city life, stunning nature, historical sites, and amazing food and wine across the Pyrenees. It takes you off the usual tourist trail, showing you a side of Spain that most travelers don't get to see. You'll explore everything from medieval villages and prehistoric sites to cutting-edge wineries and Michelin-starred meals. It’s a fantastic way to spend your time in Northern Spain. Have more time? Combine this trip with the trip above.

Itinerary overview

On the first day, you’ll arrive in Barcelona and drive to Vielha, where you can explore its charming old town and admire the Romanesque architecture before enjoying some traditional Aranese cuisine. The second day takes you on a day trip to Andorra la Vella, where you can explore historical sites, take in stunning mountain views, and do some duty-free shopping. Afterward, you’ll head back to Vielha to unwind at a thermal spa.

On the third day, you’ll drive to the Irati Forest, with a stop in Roncesvalles along the way. Here, you can hike, appreciate the natural beauty, and visit the picturesque village of Ochagavía. The fourth day is spent in Elizondo, where you’ll explore palaces, museums, and nearby historical sites including the prehistoric stone circles at Azkilarrea.

On the fifth day, you’ll head to Pamplona to experience its famous bull-running culture, Gothic architecture, and local pintxos. The trip wraps up on the sixth day in La Rioja's wine country, where you’ll visit the Vivanco Museum and the cutting-edge Marqués de Riscal winery, ending with a wine-pairing dinner in Haro.

Trip tip: our tailor made trip service makes traveling easy by taking care of the planning and booking. 

Day 1

• Arrive in Vielha and check into your accommodation.
• Visit Vielha's old town.
• Visit the Sant Miquèu church.
• Enjoy a traditional Aranese dinner.

Day 2

• Drive to Andorra la Vella
• Visit the Casa de la Vall
• Take the Tristaina Solar del Nord cable car for panoramic mountain views.
• Shop duty-free at Pyrénées Andorra department store.
• Return to Vielha and relax at the Termas Baronía de Les thermal spa.

Day 3

• Drive to Irati Forest, stopping at Roncesvalles to visit the Royal Collegiate Church.
• Hike the Ochagavía-Irabia Reservoir trail in Irati Forest.
• Visit Ochagavía and its 13th-century church.
• Check into your accommodation near Irati Forest.

Day 4

• Start in Elizondo, exploring its palaces and the Baztan Museum.
• Visit the medieval tower house in Amaiur/Maya village.
• See the prehistoric stone circles at Azkilarrea.
• End the day with dinner at Santxotena restaurant in Elizondo.

Day 5

• Walk the famous bull-running route on Calle Estafeta in Pamplona.
• Visit the Gothic Santa María Cathedral.
• Explore the Ciudadela fortress and its surrounding parks.
• Enjoy pintxos hopping in the old town

Day 6

• Drive to Haro, stopping at the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture en route.
• Visit the avant-garde Marqués de Riscal winery in Elciego.
• End the day with a wine-pairing dinner at Terete restaurant in Haro.
• Transfer to airport

Have the capacity for a longer trip? Explore our 10-day itineraries in Spain.

Trip #3: Castilian castles

Get ready for a luxurious journey through Spain’s castle-filled heartland on this Castilian Castles trip. You’ll explore the Castile region, where medieval fortresses overlook stunning landscapes, and take your time discovering historic spots like Rioja Alavesa, Albarracín, and Alarcón. Climb castle towers, indulge in truffle-infused meals, and feel like the hero of your own medieval adventure.

Itinerary overview

This week-long Spain trip kicks off with your arrival in Madrid on the first day. You'll then visit the medieval town of Ávila and the stunning university city of Salamanca, known for its beautiful main square and charming old town. On day two, you'll head to Zamora to explore its Romanesque churches and cathedral before continuing to Burgos for an overnight stay. The third day takes you through the scenic Rioja wine region, ending with a tour of the Royal Palace in Olite.

Day four brings you to Zaragoza, where you'll visit its impressive basilica and cathedral. Afterward, you’ll travel to the quaint town of Albarracín, famous for its ancient walls, cathedral, and museum.

On the fifth day, you'll explore Mora de Rubielos, a town known for its castle, Gothic church, and truffle-based dishes. The day wraps up in Alarcón, where you'll stay in a historic 8th-century castle hotel.

Day six is all about the grand Belmonte Castle near Cuenca, where you’ll enjoy guided tours, museum visits, and a scenic lunch, before returning to Alarcón for some downtime. Finally, on the seventh day, you'll head back to Madrid for your departure.

Trip tip: let our local travel experts handle the details so you can enjoy your Castilian Castles trip fully.

Day 1

• Arrive at Madrid International Airport.
• Drive 2 hours to the medieval town of Avila, associated with Saint Theresa.
• Sightseeing in Avila and take a break to stretch your legs.
• Continue your drive to Salamanca, home to Spain’s oldest university.
• Enjoy lunch at Salamanca's stunning main square.
• Explore the picturesque old town.
• Check into your hotel

Day 2

• Drive to Zamora and explore some of its Romanesque churches.
• Visit the 12th-century Zamora Cathedral.
• Tour the Church of San Juan de Puerta Nueva.
• See the Romanesque Church of Santiago del Burgo.
• Continue to Burgos in the afternoon.
• Explore Burgos briefly.
• Check into a hotel in Burgos.

Day 3

• Drive through the famous Rioja wine region, situated between the Ebro River and Cantabria Mountains.
• Admire the landscapes of forests, mountains, lakes, and rivers along the way.
• Continue to Olite and check into your hotel.
• End the day with a tour of the Royal Palace of Olite.

Day 4

• Drive to Zaragoza for a tour of the Basilica complex and cathedral.
• Continue to Albarracín in the afternoon.
• Explore Albarracín and enjoy local cuisine.
• Walk the ancient city walls for panoramic views.
• Visit the Albarracín Cathedral.
• Tour the Diocesan Museum.
• Check into a hotel in Albarracín.

Day 5

• Drive to Mora de Rubielos, famous for its gastronomy.
• Visit the imposing Castle of Mora de Rubielos.
• Tour the Gothic-style Colegiata de Santa María.
• Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring local black truffle dishes at Restaurante Venta La Puebla.
• Continue your journey to Alarcón and check into the historic 8th-century castle hotel.
• Take an evening stroll around the medieval town and its walls.

Day 6

• Drive to the stunning Belmonte Castle, near the town of Cuenca.
• Take a guided tour of the 15th-century castle.
• Visit the Castle Museum to learn about medieval warfare.
• Enjoy lunch with a view at the castle's restaurant.
• Return to your hotel in Alarcón.
• Relax with a spa treatment at the Parador or enjoy a sunset walk along the Júcar River.

Day 7

• Drive to Madrid International Airport.
• Drop off your hire car and catch your departure flight.

You'll find even more ideas for your week-long vacation in Spain in our 7-day itineraries.

Trip #4: Cities, Mountains, and Beaches of Northern Spain

If you’re looking for something different from the usual tourist spots in southern Spain, this Cities, Mountains, and Beaches of Northern Spain road trip is a great choice. Instead of the crowded southern coast, you’ll head north to explore stunning landscapes and rugged beaches. It’s an ideal trip for anyone who wants to enjoy incredible food while taking in the natural beauty of northern Spain.

Itinerary overview

This 10-day northern Spain itinerary begins in San Sebastián. On day one, you'll explore the charming Old Town and enjoy pintxos (Basque tapas). Days two and three are dedicated to enjoying the coastal landscapes, engaging in outdoor activities, and discovering Basque culture at the San Telmo Museum.

On day four, you'll drive to Pamplona for a guided tour of its main attractions, followed by an evening tapas crawl in Logroño. Day five focuses on Logroño’s vineyards, where you'll take part in a wine tasting before heading to Burgos for a tour of its renowned cathedral.

The second half of your journey begins in Oviedo on day six, where you'll explore the town squares and sample regional cuisine. Day seven takes you on an exciting trip to Picos de Europa National Park for a cable car ride and a guided hike. Days eight and nine are reserved for Bilbao, where you'll visit museums, explore the historic center, and admire the modern architecture. The trip concludes with a scenic river cruise along the Nervión River before your return home on day ten.

Tip trip: don't sweat the details and book this trip today.

Day 1

• Arrive at San Sebastián Airport.
• Transfer to your hotel.
• Take a leisurely walk along La Concha Beach promenade, followed by dinner at a traditional Basque sidrería (cider house) in the Old Town.

Day 2

• Discover San Sebastián by strolling through a combination of fishermen's houses in the Old Town and modern districts like Gros.
• Enjoy the natural scenery with a hike up Monte Urgull for panoramic views of the city.
• Embark on a pintxos tour in the Old Town, sampling local delicacies at various bars.

Day 3

• Drive in a rental car from San Sebastián to Pamplona (1 hour).
• Tour Pamplona's iconic sights: Chapel of San Fermin, Pamplona Cathedral, and Diocesan Museum.
• Continue driving to Logroño (about 1 hour).
• Enjoy a traditional Riojan dinner at Calle Laurel, known for its concentration of tapas bars.

Day 4

• Explore the vineyard region of Logroño with a guided bike tour through the vineyards.
• Visit one of the ancient wine cellars, the Centennial Cellar.
• End the morning with a wine tasting session.
• Relax with a spa treatment at a local wine therapy spa.
• Attend a Rioja wine and food pairing workshop.

Day 5

• Visit the Mercado de San Blas for local produce and souvenirs.
• Drive from Logroño to Burgos (about 1.5 hours).
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Burgos Cathedral.
• Stroll along the Paseo del Espolón and enjoy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in modern Castilian cuisine.

Day 6

• Drive 2 hours from Burgos to Oviedo.
• Explore Oviedo's famous squares: Cathedral Square, Square of Alfonso II, Plaza de Trascorrales, Constitution Square, and Daoíz y Velarde.
• Enjoy gastronomic tastings along the tour, sampling local cheeses, fabes, seafood, and traditional desserts.
• Attend a traditional Asturian folk music performance at a local venue.

Day 7

• Drive 3 hours from Oviedo to Picos de Europa.
• Take a cable car ride to 1850 meters above sea level in five minutes.
• Have a picnic lunch with stunning mountain views, followed by a guided hiking tour of the area.
• Relax at a mountain lodge with a traditional Cantabrian dinner.

Day 8

• Drive from Picos de Europa to Bilbao (about 3 hours).
• Return the rental car.
• Visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.
• Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Nervión River.

Day 9

• Explore Bilbao's historical center and take the Artxanda funicular for panoramic views.
• Visit the Guggenheim Museum, a cultural landmark of the region.
• Attend a Basque cooking class, learning to prepare local specialties, followed by dinner with your creations.

Day 10

• Do some last-minute shopping at the local artisan markets.
• Transfer from your hotel to the airport.
• Depart from Bilbao.