Northern Spain Unveiled:

San Sebastián, Bilbao, Pamplona, Zaragoza & Madrid

 
Scenic view of San Sebastián's coastline, featuring lush green islands in turquoise waters, a golden sandy beach, and a vibrant cityscape under cloudy skies.

Day 1 - Welcome to San Sebastián

Your journey begins in effortless comfort. A private driver greets you at San Sebastián Airport and whisks you to Hotel Lasala Plaza, a refined 4-star haven overlooking the shimmering Bay of La Concha.

Settle into the Basque lifestyle: stroll along the elegant promenade, feeling the soft Atlantic breeze and admiring the bay’s sparkling waters. Wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where the enticing aroma of pintxos drifts from charming bars, and boutique shops and artisanal markets invite discovery. Pause at a seaside café for a refreshing drink or take in panoramic views from Monte Urgull, where history and sweeping vistas combine to welcome you to this captivating city.

Day 2 - off the beaten path private tour

Today, experience San Sebastián from perspectives few visitors ever see. With your expert guide, enjoy a half-day private tour combining E-bike and walking, tailored to your interests and guided by their deep local knowledge. Discover panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Bay of La Concha, stroll past elegant Belle Époque architecture, and explore tucked-away squares, bustling markets, and charming local corners where the city’s character truly comes alive. Along the way, your guide can highlight hidden gems, from vibrant street art to historic landmarks, ensuring the route is customized to your preferences. Maybe you will be interested in savoring the flavors of San Sebastián with tastings of traditional pintxos, local cheeses, and other Basque delicacies chosen by your guide. The city reveals itself slowly, beautifully, and authentically, just for you.

A wooden bar counter displays a variety of colorful tapas including skewered bites, fried snacks, and vibrant appetizers, creating a lively and inviting scene.
A serene landscape of rolling green hills and scattered houses under a clear blue sky in Basque Country Spain. A majestic mountain looms in the background, exuding tranquility.

Day 3 - Taste, Discover, and Savor the rural Basque Country

Leave the coast behind for a day of immersive Basque rural life. Travel into the Pyrenean mountains, where sweeping vistas of verdant valleys and rugged peaks set the stage for discovery. Meet passionate artisan producers, from cheesemakers and chocolatiers to charcuterie masters, and savor regional specialties crafted entirely by hand, each bite reflecting centuries of tradition. Enjoy a sumptuous farmhouse meal, prepared with the generosity, care, and authenticity that define Basque hospitality, perfectly paired with select local wines. This is more than a tour; it is a rare cultural immersion, a journey into the flavors, stories, and soul of the Basque countryside, experienced in comfort and style. Return to San Sebastián for your final night, enjoying a dinner overlooking the beach as the sun sets over La Concha Bay, casting a golden glow over the water and the city.

Day 4 - A final morning by the sea & arrival in bilbao

Spend one last morning savoring San Sebastián’s iconic beaches: stroll along La Concha for timeless elegance, relax by the calm waters of Ondarreta, or soak in the lively energy of Zurriola, where local surfers carve the waves.

Then travel in private comfort to Bilbao, where your home for the next few nights, The Artist – Grand Hotel of Art, awaits. More than a 5-star hotel, it is a creative masterpiece. Facing the Guggenheim Museum, this author-designed property immerses you in Bilbao’s artistic heartbeat, offering luxurious accommodations and exceptional cuisine that reflect the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Scenic view of a sunlit river in Bilbao, lined with colorful historic buildings. An arched pedestrian bridge crosses the water, conveying a serene atmosphere.
The Guggenheim in Bilbao, a modern, metallic architectural structure with curved forms stands beside a calm river under a clear blue sky. A tall glass tower looms in the background.

Day 5 - Guggenheim Masterpieces & Michelin-Starred Indulgence

This morning is dedicated to Bilbao’s iconic treasures. Your private guide brings the Guggenheim Museum’s contemporary marvels to life, revealing the stories behind its striking architecture and celebrated artworks. Afterward, indulge in a Michelin-starred lunch, where the bold creativity of Basque cuisine is showcased in every dish, offering a feast for both the eyes and the palate. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the Nervión River, exploring the vibrant Casco Viejo with its narrow streets, lively plazas, and tapas bars.

Day 6 - The Basque Coast: Legends, Waves & History

This is a day of contrasts and breathtaking beauty. On a private guided tour, climb to the legendary hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, admire the world-class waves of Mundaka, and explore the powerful history behind Guernica. Your guide will drive you to visit the dramatic landscapes of “Dragonstone” from Game of Thrones, a charming historic fishing village, and the vistas that inspired Picasso. The day culminates with a six-course tasting menu in a 17th-century rural house, accompanied by a delicious regional lunch, creating an unforgettable journey rich in culture, gastronomy, and spectacular scenery.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a small, rocky island with a winding stone path leading to a hilltop chapel. The surrounding ocean is calm, with soft waves, under a cloudy sky.
Vibrant vineyard in Rioja under a clear sky, with a historic church and mountains in the background, conveying a serene and picturesque rural setting.

Day 7 - La Rioja: Wine experience

Venture into the sun-drenched vineyards of La Rioja for a private wine experience. Discover a region where timeless tradition meets understated elegance, with rolling vineyards, historic wineries, and a relaxed, refined atmosphere that makes every tasting feel special. Visit renowned wineries, meet winemakers, and taste exceptional vintages at their source. Enjoy a gourmet lunch among the rolling vineyards, paired with local wines

After a day in Rioja, return to Bilbao to spend your final evening enjoying a relaxed dinner overlooking the Nervión River or in one of the city’s refined restaurants, reflecting on a journey of culture, scenery, and gastronomy.

Day 8 - altamira museum then pamplona

On the way to Pamplona in a private transfer, explore the extraordinary Altamira Museum and Neocave, home to the world’s most accurate reproduction of the original prehistoric cave. Marvel at Paleolithic paintings—bisons, deer, horses—that have inspired the world for over 35,000 years.

Arrive in Pamplona and check into your 5-star hotel in the city center. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through cobbled streets, historic ramparts, and lively squares.

View from a circular pavilion with ornate ceiling in the center of Pamplona, overlooking a vibrant city square. Classic buildings with glowing lights line the plaza, evoking a lively evening mood.
Historic stone building in Pamplona with ornate statues and flags beneath a clear blue sky. Crowded plaza flanked by colorful buildings, creating a lively atmosphere.

Day 9 - Pamplona at your pace

Enjoy a full day exploring Pamplona exactly as you wish, discovering a city that offers a harmonious blend of history, art, and tranquil urban spaces, all within easy walking distance. Begin your morning at the Museo de Navarra, home to an impressive collection ranging from Roman mosaics and medieval frescoes to contemporary Basque art. Continue with a gentle walk through the Ciudadela, a magnificent 16th-century star-shaped fortress now transformed into a park dotted with sculptures, galleries, and shaded lawns—perfect for a quiet moment of reflection.

In the Old Town, retrace the iconic route of the Running of the Bulls, passing the City Hall square and winding through lively medieval streets lined with cafés and pintxo bars. You may also visit the Cathedral of Santa María la Real, admired for its serene cloister and neoclassical interior. Spend the afternoon wandering charming plazas, browsing local boutiques, or enjoying a leisurely drink in Plaza del Castillo, the city’s historic living room. Pamplona invites you to slow down, savor its atmosphere, and uncover its authentic character at your own pace.

Day 10 - Next step: Zaragoza

A private transfer takes you smoothly to Zaragoza, where history and modern life intertwine. Check into your centrally located 4-star hotel, perfectly situated to explore the city’s treasures. Begin your discovery of a city where Roman ruins, Moorish palaces, and soaring Gothic towers stand alongside lively tapas streets and bustling squares. Spend the afternoon strolling through sunlit plazas, admiring the Ebro River’s gentle curves, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of a city steeped in culture and tradition.

In Zaragoza, a majestic cathedral with multiple spires illuminated at night, reflecting in a calm river. An arched stone bridge is in the foreground, under a deep blue sky.
The Aljafería Palace, a historic stone castle with crenelated towers and arches stands majestically at sunset, surrounded by manicured lawns and trees, under a vibrant sky.
 

Day 12 - Travel to your final stop…madrid!

Travel in style aboard a first-class train to Madrid. Check into your incredible 5-star hotel, Hotel Único Madrid, an elegant 19th-century palace located in the heart of the Golden Mile, perfectly situated for exploring the city’s premier attractions, yet tucked away with a local feel. 

Enjoy a free afternoon discovering Madrid at your own pace. Visit a world-class museum such as the Reina Sofía, wander through the manicured paths of Retiro Park, or sample gourmet tapas in chic neighborhood taverns. You might also browse designer boutiques along Serrano Street, relax with a coffee in a historic plaza, or take in the city’s vibrant street life and charming squares. Welcome to Madrid!

 
Royal palace Madrid a facade with intricate architecture, framed by tall evergreens and statues. Reflective pool in foreground under a clear blue sky.

Day 14 - Day Trip to Toledo & Consuegra

Today offers a full day of beauty, culture, and refined discovery. Begin in Toledo, a city of gilded spires and labyrinthine streets where Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage has shaped centuries of art and architecture. With your private guide, explore masterpieces such as the Gothic Cathedral, the Alcázar, and the serene Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, each revealing a different facet of the city’s extraordinary past.

Continue to Consuegra, where the legendary windmills of Don Quixote rise elegantly above the plains. Stroll among these timeless silhouettes, step inside a beautifully preserved mill, and take in sweeping views of Castile’s dramatic landscape. A day of cultural richness and unforgettable scenery, experienced in comfort and style.

A grand art gallery in the Prado Museum in Madrid with high arched ceilings features large, framed paintings on both sides. The serene atmosphere invites quiet reflection.

Day 16 - farewell to Madrid

It is time to say farewell to Madrid’s vibrant atmosphere. Pack your bags, meet your private driver, and transfer to Madrid Airport. You depart with memories of extraordinary landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable flavors. Spain at its finest awaits your recollection. Safe travels!

Day 11 - Explore zaragoza with an expert guide

This morning, join your private guide for an immersive journey through Zaragoza’s Old Quarter. Explore Roman foundations, medieval streets, and Baroque masterpieces, uncovering the city’s millennia-old story through its most beautiful monuments and hidden corners. Wander through the Plaza del Pilar, admire the breathtaking Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, and step inside the Aljafería Palace, a Moorish jewel with ornate halls and lush gardens - your guide will tailor the route to your interests. In the evening, enjoy a memorable gastronomic experience, whether sampling the city’s finest tapas paired with local wines, or dining at a refined restaurant overlooking the illuminated Ebro River, where the city’s historic skyline is transformed by soft evening light.

 
A sunlit square in Madrid with a large domed cathedral, surrounding historic buildings, and bustling crowds. Mountains are visible in the background.

Day 13 - Old Madrid & The Royal Palace

What better way to discover Madrid than with a private local guide just for you? Your guide will lead you through the soul of the city, wandering atmospheric old streets, hidden plazas, and lively neighborhoods where centuries-old traditions still thrive. Marvel at grand squares such as Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, and admire the majestic Royal Palace, one of Europe’s most impressive royal residences, with its opulent halls, lavish frescoes, and exquisite gardens. Along the way, explore the Almudena Cathedral, tucked-away courtyards, and artisan shops, all while learning the stories that bring Madrid’s history and culture vividly to life.

 
Panoramic view of Toledo, Spain, featuring historic buildings with a prominent cathedral and alcazar. A serene river and lush greenery surround the city.
 

Day 15 - Prado Museum Discovery

Your final full day is devoted to artistic excellence. With your private expert, explore the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Bosco, Titian, and more, brought to life with insight and stories that deepen your appreciation. In the evening, enjoy a refined farewell dinner at one of Madrid’s acclaimed restaurants, followed by options for a rooftop nightcap, live jazz in an intimate lounge, or a moonlit stroll through the elegant streets of Salamanca. This is a stylish and memorable conclusion to your journey.

 
A picturesque view of Madrid at sunset, featuring historic buildings with ornate architecture. The sky is a vibrant mix of pink and orange hues.