Compare Best of Northern Spain by G Adventures vs Barcelona City Explorer by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 4 days |
| Price From | $ 1,869 | $ 1,149 |
| Price Per Day | $ 234 | $ 287 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners | N/A |
| Description |
Spain has been described as less of a country than a collection of small nations all working together. Each region has its own distinct character, style, even language. This quick eight-day trip introduces you to Spain’s Basque and Catalan provinces the best way: through food, art, culture, and first-person contact. Vibrant Barcelona, unhurried San Sebastián, Bilbao’s fabulous architecture, Logroño's famous cuisine, cosmopolitan Madrid, and the mighty Pyrenees, all in just over a week? Yeah, we did that. Come find out how. |
Your adventure in the capital of Catalonia awaits! Spend days experiencing Spain's culture of leisure, while also exploring the breathtaking buildings and institutions sprinkled throughout the city. You can explore iconic museums, relax at the city's famous beaches, or visit the buildings designed by psychedelic architect Antoni Gaudí, whose influence can be felt at almost every major square and landmark. Along the way you'll eat tapas, sip on sangria, and maybe even hear some Spanish guitar played on the streets! |
Day 1 Barcelona
Arrive at any time. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this vibrant city.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.
Day 2 Barcelona/Pyrenees
Take the morning to explore beautiful Barcelona. Head to the Pyrenees region for 2 nights in a 'casa rural'. Enjoy home-cooked meals and hiking.
Explore a bit of Barcelona before an afternoon departure north. Travel to the Pyrenees by local bus and van to reach a 'casa rural', or converted farmhouse, near the town of Ainsa. Indulge in delicious local meals and time to explore the beautiful landscape.
Day 3 Pyrenees
Enjoy the day in the scenic Pyrenees. Opt for some hikes in the area or head to Ainsa to explore. Spend another night in the 'casa rural'.
Day 4 Pyrenees/Bilbao
Travel to Bilbao, the first stop in the unique Basque region of Spain. Arrive in the early afternoon. Opt to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.
Day 5 Bilbao/San Sebastian/Bilbao
Take a day trip to San Sebastian. Opt to take a pintxos (tapas) tour and learn about the fascinating culture of the area. Return to Bilbao for the night.
The real treat in this part of the country is the eating. Basque cuisine is famous in Spain and around the world, with many believing this is the best food in the country. While San Sebastián didn't invent tapas, they are well-acknowledged to have perfected them. Wander through the streets before lunchtime or in the evening and check out what each bar has on offer. Stop in each place for some wine or beer and sample their tapas (pintxos in Basque) selection. Move on to the next bar and repeat! Delicious seafood abounds here as well. Looking for more than just pintxos? Head to the harbour and hole up in a traditional simple tavern. Don't leave San Sebastián without trying the famous jamon iberico. The specialty drink in this area is called the Kalimotxo — half wine (usually red table wine) and half Coca Cola.Take some time to wander through the plazas, marvel at the buildings, and spot the art sprinkled throughout the city. And, as always, try the pintxos.
Day 6 Bilbao/Logroño
Travel to Logroño and enjoy an included wine tasting in the Rioja region.
With tons of churches, roman bridges, parks, plazas, and ancient buildings, there's no shortage of sights to be seen when wandering around this city.
Day 7 Logroño/Madrid
Travel to Madrid and enjoy free time in this capital city.
Day 8 Madrid
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.
Day 1 Welcome to Barcelona!
Upon arrival at the airport, enjoy a transfer to your hotel. After getting settled, take a stroll around the neighborhood and pop in at a local tapas bar; treat yourself to an assortment of snacks and nibbles that embody the flavors of Spain!
Day 2 Barcelona
Following breakfast, start your Barcelona adventure with a private guided tour. In the evening, head to the famous Magic Fountain and enjoy a spectacular water show, filled with music and vibrant colors which is sure to delight!
Day 3 Barcelona
You got a taste of the Sagrada Familia on your tour, now today's the day you might want to explore all the secrets and symbolism located within! Leave yourself a few hours as you may become entranced by the beauty and grandeur of this seemingly otherworldly building. Another must-see on your tour of Gaudi's famous works is the Park Güell, home to uniquely-shaped buildings covered with vibrantly-colored tiles. Time willing, you'll also want to walk through the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) today. Consider paying a visit to the 13th-century Gothic Cathedral, then continue onto the Museu Nacional d'Art Catalan, where you will find an impressive collection of medieval art. In the evening, take a stroll down the famous shopping street of Las Ramblas. Pick up a souvenir or two, or stop by the famous food market of Boqueria, where you'll find a variety of snacks and sips, from local fruits to gourmet candies to freshly caught fish!
Day 4 Depart Barcelona
After one final transfer, fly out of Barcelona Airport today.
