Secrets of Northern Spain

Your 9-day north Spain tour starts today! Upon arrival at Barcelona Airport, you need to get to the hotel downtown on your own.

► How to Get to the Hotel:
Take the Train R2N from the airport to Passeig de Gràci at the cost of around 5 euros. Getting off the train, it is only about 1 km away from the hotel. If you take too much luggage, it is recommended to take a taxi or hail a car directly, which costs about 25-30 euros. In Barcelona, Bolt, FREE NOW, and Cabify are all widely used at a cheaper price but Uber hasn’t really taken off at present.

After check-in at the hotel, decompress yourself at the hotel from the long-haul flight, or explore the city by yourself. Hereunder we recommend some activities to try in your free time.

► Activity Suggestion:
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is a good option for you to get an insight into the local culture of the Catalonia Region, which houses the best Romanesque collection including statues, paintings, and murals. Apart from the numerous art masterpieces, the museum located on the mountain of Montjuïc offers spectacular views overlooking the city. If you are interested in modern art, don’t forget to visit the Picasso Museum Barcelona to learn about the formative years of the great artist.

► Protect Yourself from Pickpockets
As one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, Barcelona has a serious problem with pickpockets. Visitors should be more cautious about their belongings.
1. Wear your backpacks on your front.
2. Keep the belongings close to you and some important documents should be buried deep in the bag.
3. Do not stand at the metro or bus entrance, as your mobile phone may be grabbed by robbers when the door is closing.
4. Do not put your mobile phone on the table when dining outside. Do not leave your valuables out of sight, especially when eating with friends.

Accommodation: Hotel Evenia Rosello, Barcelona (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your private guide will accompany you to visit the city’s most popular scenic spots. Your trip starts with the talented architect Antoni Gaudí’s 4 most famous works. The first one Park Güell, occupying more than 17 hectares, is one of Barcelona’s largest green spaces. Entering the playful park, the first thing to catch your sight is the famous mosaic lizard and then you will be amazed at the spiral towers, the winding bench and tree trunk-like columns. Waving goodbye to the interesting park and then you will be guided to Barcelona’s most famous church, Sagrada Familia. The astonishing building’s construction was commenced in 1882 but it remains unfinished till today. It features super towering spires and intricate facades telling the story of Jesus Christ. Next, we will move to Casa Batlló and Casa Mila, two modernistic buildings boasting swirling shapes, tile-covered façades, and curving designs. After that, you will have a glimpse at the city’s most popular food market. In Mercat de la Boqueria, you can see a wide range of local produce and snacks, like fruits, seafood, hams and various tapas. You can surely find your favorite dishes here.

In the afternoon, we will take a leisurely stroll around the Gothic area and stop by two ancient churches Barcelona Cathedral and Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar (the Cathedral of the Sea), two finest examples of Gothic-style buildings.

★ Special Arrangement: Enjoy a Fantastic Sunset Cruise
Finish the visit, and you will be escorted to Marina Port Vell, where you will board a ship for a 2-hour sunset cruise on the sea. Sipping a cup of soft drink, enjoying some tasty snacks, and you will be entertained by one of the most beautiful sunset views with Barcelona’s city skyline as the background.

As the cruise goes back to the port, you need to return to the hotel on your own. Walk southeast about 200 meters to Balmes - Rosselló to take Bus Line V15 to Pg Joan de Borbó. Get off and walk southwest about 150 meters to the hotel.

► Things to Know: Adjusting to Spanish Dining Times
For most visitors who first come to Spain, they may not be so accustomed to Spanish meal times. The lunch times in most Spanish cities are between 14:00 and 15:00. Many restaurants close after 15:00 for a noon break and reopen at 17:00, except for in large cities like Madrid and Barcelona. So make sure to check the opening times of the restaurants before making a reservation.

► Night Activity Recommendation: Experience the World’s Best Bar
As a city that never sleeps, Barcelona offers a vibrant night life. The core Gothic quarter and famous Las Ramblas Boulevard are lined with bars, where locals and visitors drink up all night. Referring to the world’s top 5 cocktail bars, Barcelona is home to two of them. In 2023, the bar Sips, with only 33 seats, has won the first place. The other one is Paradiso, which topped the list in 2022 and ranked fourth in 2023.
► Note: The above two bars are very popular and if you walk-in, you need to queue for a very long time. If you have any interest, please book online in advance.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Evenia Rosello, Barcelona (4 stars) or similar

★ Special Arrangement: Enjoy a Hands-on Cooking Experience!
You’ve undoubtedly tasted some delicious Spanish food over the past few days and this morning, to meet your curiosity, you will have a chance to learn how to cook traditional Spanish dishes on your own. The cooking class starts from 11:00 and lasts about 3 hours. Following the professional chef, you will cook 4 dishes including 2 tapas, a paella, and one dessert. You will then enjoy your own cooked delicious lunch along with a cup of local wine. Also, a written recipe and cooking tips will be given away.

Ride a Train to Pamplona (tickets booked and included)
After lunch, you need to get to Barcelona Sants Railway Station by yourself. From the hotel, walk northeast about 600 meters to take Metro Line 5 from Diagonal to Sants Estació. You need to spend about 4 hours on the train. After arrival, you can choose to take a taxi or Bus Line L16/ 17/ 21 from c/ Taconera (Iglesia San Lorenzo) to Avda. Gipuzkoa Rot. Cuatrovientos. Then walk east about 300 meters to reach the hotel, which is only about 2 km away from the train station. After check-in, take a rest at the hotel or get the first impression of the city by lingering around the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Maisonnave Pamplona (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your private guide will accompany you to experience the classic route of Pamplona’s most well-known San Fermin Festival, recalling the exhilarating and exciting Bull Run moment. Start with Plaza del Castillo (Castle Square), the heart of Pamplona’s old town, and then we will walk past Ayuntamiento de Pamplona to see the remarkable city hall building with sculptures across the roof. The next stop is Iglesia de San Saturnino (San Cernin), the old Catholic church that dates back to the 13th century. After that, visit Archivo Real y General de Navarra to see the impressive wooden model of the city. And then we will come to Portal de Francia to have a glimpse at the historical remains of an Old City Gate. Later climb to the Mirador del Caballo Blanco (White Horse Lookout), a good viewpoint where you can enjoy a stunning view of the city and city wall ruins. Your next stop would be Catedral de Pamplona, and you can enjoy a Gothic cloister and beautiful neoclassical façade. Next, we will move toward the famous Estafeta Curve, situated at the corner of Calle Estafeta and Calle Mercaderes. Featuring a 90-degree curve, this is where bulls will take for the second half of the run during San Fermín festivities. Today’s last stop is Plaza de Toros de Pamplona, also the bulls’ and runners’ final destination during the San Fermín Festival. Your walking tour ends here and the rest time is free for your own exploration.

► Things to Know: Festival of San Fermín
The week-long San Fermín Festival is the grandest fiesta held in Pamplona, famous all over the world for its incredible bull-running. From July 6th to 14th, the city is full of passion, joy and hospitability, offering lively concerts, colorful firework shows, various street entertainment, and happy family activities. Of course, the most eye-catching one is still the crazy bull-running. In summer, tens of thousands of tourists come to Pamplona to witness this thrilling folk activity. Domesticated bulls are released from the cowshed every day, followed by a large group of young men dressed in white pants and red belts, running wildly through the city to the bullring.

► Dining Recommendation: Taste Famous Basque Food - Pintxos!
As the typical food in the Basque Region, pintxos are highly popular in local people’s lives, and you can try them in nearly every local restaurant and bar. Highly similar to tapas, pintxos are not a certain food but an idea of what food can be. Referred to tapas, they are always small plates of food while pintxos are served with different kinds of meats and vegetables on bread, finally secured with a cocktail stick. Common ones include cod, beef, feta cheese, fried peppers, and so on. They are always designed to be small and bite-sized and that means you can try a lot of types at one time. Located in the city center, with an inviting environment and high quality service, the restaurant IRUÑAZARRA boasts 8 Navarra's award-winning pintxos! Each one is tasty and delicate and we especially recommend the following ones: Irati, Iruñanguilazarra, Setera, Itsasantxoa, and Croquetas. The average cost of every pintxo ranges from 2.5 to 4 euros.

Pamplona to San Sebastian by Train (tickets booked and included)
In the evening, you need to get to the railway station on your own in the way you come, by Bus Line L16/ 17/ 21. After 2 hours train journey, take Bus Line 19 from Urbieta 6 to Bera Bera 85 to the local hotel for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel San Sebastian (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide will lead you to take in the Parte Vieja (old town) of San Sebastian. The first stop is Ayuntamiento de San Sebastian (City Council of San Sebastian) and you can view the historical building with bullet holes on the walls, which were from the Spanish Civil War. Then you will be guided to Mercado de la Bretxa, the central city food market that dates back to 1871. Later, we will walk across the Konstituzio Plaza, a beautiful Spanish square surrounded by restaurants and shops. One interesting fact is that it used to be an old bullring for bullfights. Continue the visit to the city’s oldest church Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro and Iglesia de San Vicente, featuring a blending architectural style of Romanesque and Gothic. Afterward, we will move to San Telmo Museoa (San Telmo Museum), the best place to get an insight into the Basque culture and history through rich exhibits. Your old town walking tour will end at Monte Urgull, where you can enjoy fantastic sea views and the city skyline from the hill top. The rest day would be free for you and hereunder are some picks of things to do.

Activities Recommendation:
1. Sample Basque Cuisine in the World-famous Foodie Paradise
San Sebastian is known as the foodie capital in Europe and even in the world, undoubtedly the top place to taste delicious Basque dishes. Home to the most Michelin starred restaurants per capita, 3 of the 6 Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain are located here. Apart from upscale Michelin-starred restaurants, the affordable pintxos in various bars are also worth your try. Don’t miss the local specialties like beef and mutton, cod, Basque stew, cider, Chacorli, and Burgundy.
► Restaurants Recommended: 
Bodegón Alejandro: With an average cost of 35 to 65 euros, this is a nice and affordable Michelin starred restaurant offering traditional high quality Basque flavors.
Bar Sport: A top-class bar popular with locals serves a wide range of mouthwatering pintxos and perfect drinks.
La Vina: It is said the family bar boasts the best Basque cheese cake with a very creamy and soft taste.

2. Enjoy Sun-kissed Beaches
In the north of San Sebastian is the Atlantic Ocean, where there are three large and long beaches, great to enjoy your leisure time. They are respectively Ondarreta Beach with relatively fewer people, Concha Beach boasting one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and Zurriola known as the world's top surfing paradise. Just choose one according to your interests.

3. Pay a Visit to Bilbao
If time permits, you can take a bus for 1.5 hours to the nearby Bilbao, home to the Iconic Guggenheim Museum. You can not only be amazed at its unique chrome and metal architecture and rich contemporary art collections but also enjoy its high quality white sandy beaches. Taking a stroll around the Casco Viejo to taste local pintoxs is also worth trying.

Transfer to Logrono by Bus in the Evening (tickets booked and included)
From your hotel to Donostia-San Sebastian, Estación de Autobuses, walk southwest about 400 meters to take Bus Line 27 to Maria Cristina Zubia and then walk southeast about 300 meters to reach. After a 2-hour bus journey, you will arrive at Logroño, Estación de Autobuses. From there to your hotel, it is only about 1.2 km, convenient to reach by Bus Line 2/3.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NH Logrono Herencia Rioja (4 stars) or similar

★ Special Seat-in Coach Tour: Explore Vineyards & Enjoy Wine Tasting in La Rioja
As the capital of La Rioja, Logrono is surrounded by great wine regions. After breakfast, departing at around 10:15, you will take a bus to Rioja, following the guide to discover the historical medieval village of Laguardia, which dates back to the 10th century. Today, you can still see its complete medieval layout and explore the centuries-old fortified churches. After that, we will drive through vast La Rioja vineyards and you will be accompanied to visit one of the fine wineries to taste wine. Here you will also have a lunch of traditional La Rioja food. In the afternoon, we will go back to Logrono. The rest of the day is free on your own.

► Activities Recommended: Try a Pincho Hopping Tour like a Local
Logrono is in fact a hidden gem on the rite of passage of the pilgrimage road, boasting the most authentic pinchos (pintoxs) and trying an interesting pincho hopping tour is a must. Calle del Laurel in the city center is the most bustling and prosperous community and is well known for being lined with dozens of old bars and restaurants offering various delicious pinchos. Want to enjoy them like a local? Then just walk into one bar, grab a glass of beer and sample several kinds of pinchos and then hop to the next one to start a new round of tasting. It is possible to cover many flavors at just one night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: NH Logrono Herencia Rioja (4 stars) or similar

This day you will take an early train from Logrono to Spain’s capital city, Madrid. We have booked the train ticket for you and just get to the train station on your own. From the hotel, walk south about 200 meters to take Bus Line 4 to Plus Ultra and then walk southwest about 500 meters to the train station. It takes about 3.5 hours to arrive at Madrid Atocha Station. Upon arrival, you can take Metro Line 1 to Antón Martín and then walk northeast about 500 meters to your hotel in Madrid downtown. In the afternoon, it is free for you to stroll around to explore the city.

Activities Recommendation:
1. Visit Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
This museum boasts a great modern art collection from the 19th century till now. Star works include masterpieces of Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso, many of which tell the story of 20th-century Spain. The most famous one could be the anti-war painting Guernica by Picasso, which depicts the cruel and dramatic situation during the Spanish Civil War.
► Note: Before, it was not allowed to take photos in the museum, but now it is possible. What’s more, free entry is available after 19:00 and the museum opens till 21:00.

2. Stroll Around El Rastro Flea Market to Feel the Local Vibe
Address: Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores 19, Madrid, Spain (Easy to reach by metro & bus)
Timings: Every Sunday and national holidays: 9:00-15:00
Originating from the 1740s, the market offers a lot of second-hand antiques from clothing, pendants, handkerchiefs, scarves, coats, watches, bags, shoes, to porcelain, and home supplies. Sometimes you can also find new products and it’s interesting to discover some hidden treasures. It takes about 2-3 hours to visit the whole market. However, if your time is limited, roam around the "Plaza de Cascorro", which is considered the highlight of the market.
► Warm Tips:
1. The market could be very busy and crowded, and take good care of your belongings.
2. Most vendors here don’t accept credit cards, so prepare enough cash.
3. Bargaining is almost impossible. Only when it first opens or when it’s about to close, some vendors can negotiate prices.

► Dining Recommendation: Cerveceria / Bar La Campana
The history of the popular bar near Plaza Mayor can be dated back to the 19th century and it has been passed down for generations. The secret recipe for deep-fried squid from their ancestors was inherited. Although it is only a street food restaurant, its delicious calamari has attracted many celebrities, even the King of Spain, Felipe VI once patronized here to queue up for their calamari sandwiches. It only costs 4 euros for one fantastic sandwich. As the bar is so small, it may take several minutes to queue up to eat in and it is also possible to take away.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mercure Madrid Centro (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, your private guide will first accompany you to Plaza de Espana, located at the end of the prosperous Gran Via. After enjoying the great statue of the Spanish writer, Cervantes and his well-known characters Don Quixote and Sancho Panza in the central square, you will then be led to the opulent Royal Palace of Madrid with over 3,000 rooms. Though it is partially opened, you will have a chance to glimpse at Spain’s royal life in West Europe’s largest royal palace. Then head toward Catedral de la Almudena, a church opposite the palace. Featuring a neo-Gothic style interior and a neo-Romanesque crypt, it is a grand place of worship.Enjoy Tapas at Mercado de San Miguel
After the visit, we will go to Madrid’s most popular food market. It was constructed in 1916 but later rebuilt and reopened in 2019. It now has become a super food market offering all kinds of fresh food ingredients and various specialties from all over Spain. Though crowded at meal times, it is worth to have a stroll as you can taste from tapas, ham, seafood, paella, and hand-made ice cream. However, it may be hard to get a seat in busy times and you may need to stand to eat.
► Note: If you don’t like Mercado de San Miguel, the less touristy Mercado Anton Martin can also be arranged to you.

After lunch, we will stroll around the iconic city square Plaza Mayor surrounded by cafes. Later, you will explore one of the most important museums in Spain, Prado Museum, home to more than 8,600 paintings and over 700 sculptures. Here you can appreciate Velázquez’s Las Meninas and Goya’s Black Paintings and totally soak in their art world. Afterward, pass through the majestic Alcalá Gate and enter the beautiful El Retiro Park to escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, enjoying a peaceful time with gorgeous gardens, a tranquil lake, and fancy fountains. Today’s last destination is Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where you can have an insight into the world-famous football club, Real Madrid. After the visit, you will be escorted back to the hotel. 

► Night Activity Recommended: Experience Top Flamenco Show in Madrid
Known as the "immortal soul of Spain", flamenco has conquered countless audiences with its gorgeous flower-like dress, free bird-like dance postures, and light but energetic rhythmed steps. Experiencing a traditional flamenco performance in Madrid is an unforgettable experience. Tablao Flamenco Torres Bermejas is a historic bar offering brilliant flamenco performances for over 70 years. With the typical decoration style of the Alhambra, you can feel the passion on the scene. The powerful steps, beautiful guitar music, plus a singer’s melodious singing, all make a fantastic flamenco show. A ticket costs from 28 to 85 euros according to different timings and menus, and remember to book it in advance.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mercure Madrid Centro (4 stars) or similar

Your escorted Spain tour to Madrid from Barcelona comes to an end today and it’s time to say goodbye. After breakfast, you need to get to the airport on your own. From the hotel, walk north about 700 meters to take Bus Line 27 from Cibeles to the airport, which takes about 40 minutes and costs about 5 euros. Taking a taxi would be more time-saving but costs a little more. Generally, it takes about 30 minutes and costs around 30 euros. Wish you a nice journey home!

► Activity Recommended: Go Sightseeing at Toledo
If your time permits today, it is recommended to pay a short visit to the famous “City of the Three Cultures”, ancient Toledo. The historical city is located only about 80 km (50 mi) away from Madrid, convenient to reach by train in 40 minutes. Toledo has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 20th century and here you can enjoy extensive monumental old buildings influenced by three cultures of Christians, Muslims, and Jews, including centuries-old Gothic cathedrals, horseshoe-arched mosques, and medieval bridges.
Note: If you want to extend your vacation or have more ideas about your trip, please feel free to contact us!

Meal: Breakfast