Northern Spain Road Trip Adventure Tour

Barcelona is a city of breathtaking architecture and stunning Mediterranean scenery. The medieval quarter brings the past to life and the vibrant ambiance of La Rambla highlights the heart of modern local life. Your flight will land at El Prat Airport, where your private transfer will meet you upon arrival. After settling into the comforts of your hotel, your guide will take you on a private tour of the city for a grand introduction of the garlic aromas of pan con tomate in historic La Boqueria Market to the surreal towers of La Sagrada Familia basilica standing over 557 feet tall.

After breakfast, you will travel by train to Girona to wander the web of medieval walls and the winding cobbled lanes. Modernista mansions will glint in the Mediterranean light along the banks of the Onyar River, which divides the historic center from the contemporary business district. The Baroque facade of the cathedral crowns 86 steps that climb over ancient Roman foundations. The Museu d’Historia dels Jueus displays artifacts related to one of Spain’s largest Jewish quarters, with a rare 11th-century ritual bath and preserved 13th-century home highlighting local heritage alongside an original 15th-century document ordering the expulsion of Jews from Spain.

The day in Barcelona is yours to enjoy the natural beauty, architectural grandeur, and intriguing ambiance. Floral aromas will drift from the flower stalls along the streets. You can visit the concert hall Palau de la Musica Catalana to explore the Modernista style found in the bright colors and choral decorations. The auditorium holds up to 2,200 people and floods with natural light pouring through the stained-glass panes and skylight throughout the day. You can also visit Montjuic and wander along the walls of the fortress that crowns the summit at nearly 670 feet above sea level.

You will begin your road trip after breakfast with a drive into the Pyrenees to reach Aran Valley. The unique landscape possesses a temperate Atlantic climate while surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks that reach up to 9,842 feet above sea level. After settling into your luxury accommodation with a view of the lush hillsides, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. In the town of Vielha, you will find a sprawl of stone and slate houses anchored around the Gothic Sant Miqueu Church. The black-spired roof will punctuate the skyline imitating the surrounding summits.

At breakfast, you will find the aromas of cafe con leche filling the dining room of your accommodation alongside the scent of fresh pastries soaked in honey. Your guide will meet you in the lobby eager to lead you on the collection of paths winding through the Pyrenees and around Aran Valley. Wildflowers will blossom along the hillside glowing a bright yellow and exuding a floral aroma. The rushing waters of the Unhola River will act as a soundtrack while you pass grazing horses to reach antique villages like Bagergue, whose Romanesque church rises out of the town center.

During your drive to San Sebastian, you can enjoy the scenery at your pace and travel through the Basque region of France to stop at Biarritz. The seaside city shimmers with elegant villas from the belle epoque and the stunning stretch of beach known as of the Grande Plage. Colorful 1920s-style tents and beach chairs line the golden sand as the water laps at the shoreline. You can also stop in Bayonne to find preserved medieval ramparts and half-timbered buildings. Indulge in the diversity of L’atelier du Chocolate, where you can watch chocolate being made and sample luscious creations.

The elegant ambiance of San Sebastian abounds from the golden beaches, framing hills, fragrant floral gardens, and terraced seaside promenade. After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel eager to introduce you to the mouthwatering cuisine of the region on an authentic pintxos tour. The aromas of grilled octopus and slowly cooked oxtail will drift through the streets and engage your senses. You will stop at a selection of traditional bars serving small plates accompanied by the complementary flavors of wine or customary Basque cider. You can also sample the delicious simplicity of a tortilla Espanola, an omelet made with potato.

Your guide will take you to explore the historical towns that rise out of the vineyards of the La Rioja wine region. You will reach the town of Laguardia that is situated on a rocky hilltop overlooking the surrounding landscape. The walled town center hosts cobbled lanes that lead to the impressive Santa Maria de los Reyes church, which boasts a 14th-century Gothic doorway. You will visit a selection of wineries to enjoy tasting the unique varieties of regional wine. You can also sample a Tempranillo blend to find hints of dried cherries, sea salt, and aged balsamic.

After breakfast, you will drive to the Asturias and stop in the enchanting town of Santillana del Mar. This gem of medieval architecture shines with colorful cobbled streets and houses decorated with flower-filled balconies. The sunlight will glint against the tanned stone and brick facades that date back to the 16th century. You can wander along the cobblestones of the main street to find noble houses built between the 15th and 18th centuries, as well as the 12th-century Romanesque church. Outside of town stands the Altamira Caves, which host Spain’s finest collection of prehistoric art that date back 35,000 years.

The prestige of Asturias will emanate from the verdant hillsides and dramatic coastline. The pre-Romanesque architecture reflects the history of the region with modest but unique remnants of early medieval design that date back 1,300 years. Exploring the beauty of the community will take you to Lastres, a quaint fishing village. The water shimmers turquoise while traditional fishing boats wade in the port. Three-story homes made from stone and wood with windows looking out to the upper verandas. The cobbled lanes cascade down the hillside leading to the shore where the aromas of grilling seafood fill the air.

After arriving in Bilbao, you will return your car and delight in a guided tour around the treasured Basque city. The architecture reflects in the waters of the Nervion River, while the culinary landscape symbolizes the vibrant culture. After exploring the old city, known as the Seven Streets, you will discover the wonders displayed inside the Guggenheim Museum. The exterior embodies the canopies, cliffs, and promontories of the surrounding landscape while the interior captures artistic inspiration in works like Louise Bourgeois' Maman, a canopy that resembles a skeletal spider and represents a mother’s desire to form a protective embrace.

The atmospheric old quarter of Bilbao boasts charming streets lined with restaurants and boutique shops. The aromas of tortilla Espanola and freshly brewed coffee will drift out of the cafes as life returns to the city along the banks of the Nervion River. Your private transfer will meet you in the hotel lobby after breakfast and escort you to Bilbao Airport, where you will have plenty of time to check-in for your flight home.