Northern Spain Express

Barcelona – Montserrat – Lleida – Huesca. Leaving Barcelona this morning, we journey to the dramatic Montserrat mountain. This unique landscape is home to a Benedictine Monastery and Spain's revered Madonna and Child statue. We enjoy leisure time for lunch, and you can join an optional visit to the monastery or ride the cable car to the top of the mountain for panoramic views over Catalonia.

We continue our journey, making a stop in the quiet town of Lleida, renowned for its Roman heritage. There's free time for you to discover its ancient castle and cathedral independently. As day turns to evening we reach Huesca. The evening is free to wander the hilly town's medieval streets, discovering numerous churches and picturesque facades.

Please note: Pick up for this tour is at 8:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 9:00) - Barcelona Pick Up, Abba Sants Hotel, Barcelona.

Huesca – Monte Perdido National Park – Jaca – Huesca. Today we'll be outdoors and there will be some walking involved, so wear a good pair of shoes! Our first stop is Torla-Ordesa, the gateway to Monte Perdido National Park. Here we take in stunning cliffs, lush oak and pine forests, and stunning 1,700-meter-high views over the Pyrenees.

Journeying through the mountains to Jaca, we discover the only surviving Spanish star-shaped fortress. There is also time for you to savour some of Aragon's regional cuisine before we return to Huesca for the evening.

Huesca – Zaragoza – Haro. Arriving in enchanting Zaragoza in the morning, we take an included visit to the 11th-century Aljaferia Palace. After admiring its beautiful porticos, we have some free time to explore. Art lovers can search for Goya paintings, history enthusiasts can discover Roman remains, and foodies can savour chireta, a delicious local dish.

Our next stop is Tarazona, known for its stunning medieval Mudejar style architecture, blending Muslim and Christian elements. Moving on to the village of Haro, the evening is free to enjoy a glass or two of local La Rioja red wine.

Haro – San Sebastian – Pamplona – Haro. Today we explore the Basque Country, a region of unique traditions, stunning shores, and delectable cuisine. We begin in San Sebastian, a food lover's paradise that boasts the highest Michelin star density per capita. Enjoy lunch and stroll along the picturesque La Concha beach.

We then journey inland to Pamplona, known controversially for ‘the Running of the Bulls'. There is free time for you to stroll along the impressive walls of the town fortress before we return to Haro for the evening.

Haro – La Rioja – Haro. Today we embark on a scenic morning drive through La Rioja's gentle hills to Santo Domingo de la Calzada where there is free time to wander its medieval streets or explore the cathedral. Then we travel to a family run winery to savour the local flavours of its wine and snacks with an included wine tasting.

In the afternoon we visit San Vicente de la Sonsierra. We cross the medieval Ebro River bridge for stunning valley views from the castle on the other side. We return to Haro in the afternoon, with plenty of time to relax in the hotel, or head out for a final dinner in northern Spain.

Haro – Burgos – Real Sitio de San Ildefonso – Madrid. Say goodbye to La Rioja and journey to the region of Castile and Leon today. Our first stop is in Burgos, where we have a few hours to explore. You'll want to check out the cathedral, one of Spain's most spectacular.

After lunch in Aranda de Duero, a haven for wine and food enthusiasts, we head south to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, often called Spain's 'mini-Versailles.' We explore its opulent rooms and stunning grounds with an included ticket. We reach Madrid in the evening, where our tour comes to an end.

Please note: This tour finishes at 18:15 - Madrid Drop Off, Hotel Porcel Ganivet, Madrid.