Embark on a journey through Northern Spain, savouring Catalonia and the Basque region's rich cuisine, from San Sebastian's pintxos to Rioja's vineyards and Barcelona's markets. Moreover, witness the unique solar eclipse from our chosen Sierra de Prades location, dining al fresco as we await this spectacle.
Breakfast: 7
Lunch: 1
Dinner: 2
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Bus
On Foot
Taxi
Train
2 nights comfortable hotel
5 nights premium hotel
Moderate
Trip maximum 16 Explore Average 11
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Your journey begins in Barcelona, a city famed for its unique architecture, vibrant culture, and bustling atmosphere. Upon arrival, you'll have time to settle in and explore at your own pace, as there are no activities scheduled until the evening.
There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive at any time. Our tour leader will meet us in the reception area of the hotel at 6pm for a welcome meeting. If you arrive later, they'll catch you up as soon as possible.
For those requiring an airport transfer, please note that the most convenient airport is Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN), located approximately 30-45 minutes from the hotel. If you are unable to attend the welcome meeting, our tour leader will ensure you receive all the essential information.
Amrey Sant Pau (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
This morning we'll embark on a walking tour through the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and La Barceloneta, with the chance to explore historical food markets. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, with an options including Park Guell or the Sagrada Familia (pre-booking recommended, details can be found in the optional activity section of your trip notes). After a free afternoon we have a truly hands-on and delicious experience: a paella making class! We'll learn the secrets behind creating this iconic Spanish dish, from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the perfect socarrat - the crispy, slightly caramelized layer of rice that forms on the bottom of the pan as the paella cooks.
Our journey takes us to Monistrol, where we'll ascend via rack railway to the Benedictine monastery atop Montserrat. After exploring this spiritual sanctuary and its surroundings, we continue our journey to Valls, just outside Tarragona. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool before an introduction to the constellations and stargazing by a local astronomer, who will be with us for the eclipse tomorrow. This preview of the cosmos will enhance our appreciation for the extraordinary experience to come.
Hotel Felix (or similar)
Grade: Premium Hotel
Today, our route takes us through the captivating Catalan countryside to the historic hilltop village of Siurana. Once the final Moorish bastion in Catalonia, it invites exploration of the ancient 9th-century castle and the charming network of narrow, cobbled streets, and the timeless beauty of its stone houses. As the day transitions into evening, we'll make our way to the Sierra de Prades, just outside the village of the same name, to witness the anticipated solar eclipse. Here, we take a short walk to a prime spot where we'll enjoy a specially prepared picnic dinner featuring local culinary delights, perfectly timed as the partial phase of the eclipse begins around 7:30 pm. We'll have our protective eclipse glasses ready as we await the main event: the totality, starting at approximately 8:25 pm and lasting for a remarkable two minutes. Following the conclusion of the partial eclipse around 8:46 pm, we will transfer back to our accommodation in Valls, near Tarragona.
Given the popularity of today's event, a level of flexibility is required to allow us the best viewing experience. We may need to head on to our viewing location earlier than planned in order to secure our spot.
Heading west, we begin the long drive to Pamplona. En route we will stop for lunch. The historic city of Zaragoza is a good mid point, however at this time of year it can be extremely hot so your tour leader will assess the best options closer to the time.
We'll arrive in Pamplona in the late afternoon where we are joined by a local guide for a food tour. We'll experience the authentic flavours of Navarre as we explore bustling markets and traditional tabernas, tasting regional specialties like hearty stews and strong local cheeses.
Hotel Maissonave (or similar)
Our day begins with a visit to the historic Church of Santa Maria de Eunate. From here, we'll step onto the ancient Camino de Santiago, embarking on a 3km walk along this renowned pilgrimage route to the charming town of Puente la Reina. In Puente la Reina, we'll take time to stroll around the village, seeing the famous five-arched bridge, crossed by religious travellers since the 14th century.
Continuing our journey, we arrive in the village of Laguardia around 1 pm, with time for lunch in the village centre.
In the afternoon, we'll visit one of the other main wineries in the region, the Marques de Caceres, where a tour and tasting session will showcase three of their wines. Finally, we'll continue our drive to Bilbao, where we'll settle in for the evening.
Hotel Barcelo Nervion (or similar)
This morning, we'll drive to the charming coastal town of Getaria, where we'll immerse ourselves in the local anchovy tradition with a tasting experience. From Getaria, we continue to San Sebastian, arriving just before midday.
Upon arrival, our Tour Leader will take us on a walking tour of the old town. This will include a walk up Monte Urgull, where we'll see the remains of the castle and enjoy wonderful mirador viewpoints. We'll then descend into the old town itself, where we'll indulge in a delicious pinxos lunch, accompanied by the region's crisp txakoli wine.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You might choose to explore the beautiful La Concha Bay, or perhaps take a trip up Monte Igueldo for panoramic views before we head back to Bilbao for our final evening.
Our tour concludes after breakfast at our hotel in Bilbao. As there are no planned activities today, you are welcome to depart at any time. For those requiring an airport transfer, please note that the most convenient airport is Bilbao Airport (BIO), located approximately 20 minutes from the hotel.
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.
+1
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 - ask Tour Leader for details of multi-entrance tickets 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 four 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.
Spanish cuisine offers a huge variety of flavours, influenced by diverse regions and cultures. From the tapas of Andalusia to the hearty stews of Catalonia each dish tells a story. Vegetarians are typically well catered for however in the more rural areas choices may be more limited, broadly speaking this holds true for vegans. Can you drink the water? It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day.
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. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.