Itinerary
10 Days – 9 Nights
DAY 1 – MADRID
- Arrival at Madrid. Meet your driver and transfer to the hotel.
- Rest of the day at leisure.
- Overnight at the hotel in Madrid.
DAY 2 – MADRID
Narrow, cobbled streets leading to bustling squares and breathtaking historical architecture hidden around every corner maintain the cities quaint, Spanish vibe, yet its new metropolitan infrastructure and modern enhancements really represent Madrid’s present, and future, as Spain’s most important city. The principal monuments: Calle Mayor, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa, the Royal Palace, the Cibeles Fountain, Neptune Fountain and the Puerta de Alcalá, Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana, Barrio Salamanca, Plaza de Castilla as well as the commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Walking guided half day tour of Madrid.
- Afternoon free.
- Overnight at the hotel in Madrid.
DAY 3 – MARID > ZARAGOZA
- Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
- Transfer from the hotel to Madrid train station.
- Train trip from Madrid to Zaragoza.
- Upon arrival in Zaragoza. Meet your driver and transfer to the hotel.
- Check in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
- Overnight at the hotel in Zaragoza.
DAY 4 – ZARAGOZA
Zaragoza is a monumental historical heritage site. The heritage of its four ancestral cultures flourishes in its streets. Its main attraction, the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, is the symbol of the city and Zaragoza’s second cathedral. Inside, you can find beautiful works by Francisco de Goya and the revered carving of the Virgen del Pilar. An essential part of a visit to the Basilica is the climb to the lookout tower of San Francisco de Borja. A few steps away is the Cathedral of El Salvador, the city’s main historic temple and a leading example of Aragonese Mudéjar art, awarded the World Heritage designation by the UNESCO. Inside, it also houses one of the best collections of Flemish tapestries from the 15th-17th centuries. Also essential is the beautiful Aljafería Palace, an 11th-century Islamic fortress, built as a pleasure palace for the kings of the taifa of Saraqusta. The palace, whose Mudéjar art was declared a World Heritage site in 2001, continues to surprise its visitors with the unexpected beauty of its Arabic style so far north into Spain.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Walking guided half day tour of Zaragoza.
- Afternoon free at leisure.
- Overnight at the hotel in Zaragoza.
DAY 5 – ZARAGOZA > LA RIOJA > LOGROÑO
This region is closely linked to the famous Way of Saint James pilgrim route and has a whole host of cultural attractions. Apart from its capital, Logroño, you’ll be able to explore other places such as Santo Domingo de la Calzada and its cathedral, San Millán de la Cogolla, site of the Suso and Yuso monasteries, declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO, and known for being the birthplace of the first written words in the Spanish language.
Culture and wine together make an unbeatable combination. And add to that some amazing natural attractions… In La Rioja you’ll find Mediterranean forests, high-mountain areas, lunar landscapes.
In LaGuardia (Basque: Guardia) is another medieval town in the Basque Country, this one surrounded by walls and surrounded by vineyards. There are still two towers of the medieval castle from the 17th century. It is a pleasure to walk along the walls and cobbled streets. LaGuardia’s main curiosity, however, lies underground. There are several tunnels and chambers that, according to what is believed, initially served as a refuge against enemy attacks. Later, discovering that they were excellent for fermenting wine, they were turned into cellars, where the famous Rioja Alavesa wine is kept today.
- Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
- Departure from Zaragoza in direction of Logroño with visit of La Rioja, where you can find an amazing places, villages, and vineyards.
- Regular guided visit of a family-owned winery with wine tasting.
- Traditional Riojan lunch with drinks included in Laguardia
- Continue to Logroño.
- Overnight at the hotel in Logroño.
DAY 6 – LOGROÑO
Logroño is a border city and its evolution throughout history has a lot to do with this circumstance: The remains of the wall and the El Revellín cube and the fleurs-de-lis on its shield are proof of its value. Do you want to know why? In addition to the border, it is a meeting place for cultures and religions, it is a must do on “The main street in Europe”, the Camino de Santiago. Which passes by Santa María de la Redonda cathedral. We have medieval legends, a rich religious life and dramatic stories of the Inquisition, streets with names of trades and houses that families of Sephardic origin inhabited. The great local figures of the 19th century were statesmen of Spain. They will mark the transformation of the city, and the city will build the monuments of General Espartero and the statue of D. Práxedes Mateo Sagasta, etc.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Meet your guide and driver and departure for a half day visit Logroño.
- Afternoon free day at leisure.
- Overnight at the hotel in Logroño.
DAY 7 – SALINAS ANAÑA > VICTORIA > BILBAO
The Salado de Añana is situated on an ancient sea that dried up more than 200 million years ago. The salt that was deposited at the bottom of the sea came to the surface due to a geological phenomenon called the diapiric process. Thanks to this geological phenomenon, the salt water (or brine) arises in a natural and constant manner, into salt pans, and as it becomes exposed to the sun and wind on the evaporation platforms, changes into salt.
Victoria-Gasteiz boasts a charming blend of history, culture, and green spaces. Explore its well-preserved medieval old town, dotted with elegant plazas and historic landmarks like the Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa Maria. Wander through the lush gardens of Florida Park or cycle along the picturesque paths of the Green Belt, which encircles the city. Discover Vitoria’s culinary scene, known for its pintxos bars offering delicious Basque cuisine and fine wines. Experience the lively atmosphere of its festivals, such as the Fiestas de la Virgen Blanca, which celebrates the city’s patron saint with music, dance, and revelry.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Departure from the Logroño in direction of Bilbao passing the Valle Salado de Añana and Victoria
- Regular visit of the Salt flats of Añana.
- Continue to Victoria-Gasteiz, which is a capital of the Basque Country.
- Continue to Bilbao.
- Check in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
- Overnight at the hotel in Bilbao.
DAY 8 – BILBAO
Bilbao: staggering architecture, a venerable dining scene and stunning landscapes just outside the city center: Bilbao is one of the great treasures of the Basque Country, from architecture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and a vibrant culture.
The commercial area of Gran Vía and Azkuna Zentroa. We will arrive to the old part of the city, and we will be able to walk through the Casco Viejo and we will go to the Mercado de la Ribera to visit one of the oldest markets in the city where the activity is still going on today.
Visit of the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao and begin your tour admiring the museum’s eccentric exterior; designed by Canadian American architect Frank Gehry, the distinctive structure caused quite a stir among European architects upon completion.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Walking guided half day tour of Bilbao with entrance at the Guggenheim Museum.
- Meet your guide and departure from the hotel for a guided walking tour of Bilbao during the morning.
- Afternoon free at leisure.
- Overnight at the hotel in Bilbao.
DAY 9 – BILBAO > ZUMAIA > GETARIA > ZARAUT > SAN SEBASTIAN > BILBAO
In Zumaia, , a medieval town, we will be astonished by the magnificence of the church of San Pedro, a gothic church dating from the 13th century. The building looks like a fortress, without any decorative elements on its exterior walls. Inside, this one-nave church can be named as one of the most beautiful gothic constructions of the Basque Country. In fact, an altarpiece by Juan de Antxieta was declared National Monument.
Walking down the narrow and steep streets of the Old Town, we will discover other relevant buildings, such as Zumaia and Ubillos palaces or Olazabala and Goikotorre houses.
Getaria is a quaint fishing village and the birthplace of distinguished figures like Juan Sebastián Elcano and Cristóbal Balenciaga. During the Middle Ages and later, when harpoons were still thrown by hand, the village’s inhabitants hunted whales, as its coat of arms shows. The route through the village is very picturesque, with its mediaeval houses, the harbor, and the walk to Getaria lighthouse. Home to the 15-century Gothic Church of San Salvador, it is also a place of cultural interest. It is of great historic importance, as it was the site of the General Council of 1397, which declared Guipuzcoa a province. Getaria harbor has an infrastructure ideal for fishing and tourism. ‘The Getaria mouse’ is a small peninsula that ends at the mount of San Anton and took its name from its peculiar shape. The village is joined to the ‘mouse’ by a dyke, which is two quays of the fishing harbor. A narrow road climbs to the top of the mount of San Anton, from where there is a magnificent view of the mountains and the sea. But if Getaria is famous for anything, it’s for its txakolí of undoubted quality, which has given rise to the Getariako Txakolina Denomination of Origin.
The town of Zarauz in the province of Guipúzcoa combines its excellent beach with an interesting historic quarter. The local cuisine is one of the most exquisite and famous in the whole Basque Country. This ancient settlement of whale hunters became an important tourist village in the 19th century. Its elegant beach, the longest in the province, has a quiet promenade on the shore of the Cantabrian Sea, decorated with numerous vanguard sculptures. Zarautz’s waves make it a paradise for surf lovers. The city centre has some features that will surprise the visitor, such as the Gothic tower of Luzea, the medieval church of Santa María la Real, and the Renaissance palace of Narros. This city has numerous ancestral homes, and Portu Palace from the 16th century, on the shore of the Cantabrian Sea. Other cultural activities available include a visit to the Basque Museum of Photography, and to the Zarautz Museum of Art and History.
The city of San Sebastián, also known as Donostia, lies along a white sandy bay between the Urgull and Igeldo hills. San Sebastián has undeniable allure, from its venerable dining scene to its grand architecture and packed cultural calendar. Enjoy a panoramic visit to Monte Igeldo by road to enjoy the marvellous views of the Bay of La Concha.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Meet your guide and driver and departure towards to Zumaia.
- Continue to Getaria, located on the coast of Guipuzcoa.
Proceed to Zarauz. - Continue to San Sebastián.
- Return to Bilbao.
DAY 10 – BILBAO
- Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
- Departure from the hotel in direction of Bilbao airport.
Price Includes
- 2 nights in Madrid accommodation in bed & breakfast basis.
- 2 nights in Zaragoza accommodation in bed & breakfast basis.
- 2 nights in Logroño accommodation in bed & breakfast basis.
- 3 nights in Bilbao accommodation in bed & breakfast basis.
- Private transfer in Madrid from the airport to the hotel.
- Private walking guided half day tour of Madrid.
- Private transfer in Madrid from the hotel to the train station.
- Train trip from Madrid to Zaragoza.
- Privat transfer in Zaragoza from the train station to the hotel.
- Private walking guided half day tour of Zaragoza.
- Private Tour to La Rioja with a regular visit of a wine cellar and traditional lunch in LaGuardia (no guide service).
- Private half day guided tour of Logroño.
- Private full day tour to Salinas Anaña (guided regular tour), Vitoria and transfer to Bilbao (no guide service).
- Private walking guided half day tour of Bilbao with the Museo Guggenheim.
- Private full day guided tour of Zumaia, Getaria, Zarautz and San Sebastian.
- Private transfer in Bilbao from the hotel to the airport.
Price Does Not Include
- Meals and beverages;
- Porterage service;
- Personal expenses;
- Tips or gratuities;
- Other services not mentioned in the program.
Hotels
Our prices are based on 4 Star hotel category.
Customize
These tours are examples of some of the places to visit and the sights and activities you can experience. They are completely customizable to your time and budget. Please use the “Design Your Own” form to start planning your next vacation with us!
