Name: Basque Country, Rioja, the Pyrenees, and Northern Spain 2023
Brand: DHTour
SKU: 1
Price: $3,050pp
Availability: InStock

Basque Country, Rioja, the Pyrenees, and Northern Spain: 2 nts Huesca, 3 nts Haro

On this tour, you experience the mountainous heights, historical sights, and tasty delights of Northern Spain.

In the hills of the Pyrenees, you discover the ancient Roman defences of Jaca and the restorative natural spectacles in the Monte Perdido National Park. Throughout the rolling landscapes of La Rioja and the Basque country, you sample the traditional wines and dishes that have earned the two regions dozens of foodie awards. And in the cities and towns of these regions, you marvel at Mudéjar style buildings, grand cathedrals, and even discover Spain’s ‘mini-Versailles’.

Join this trip, enjoy the tales from your guide, and discover the everlasting beauty of Northern Spain.

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS / MAX 16 GUESTS

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book this small group tour Basque Country, Rioja, the Pyrenees, and Northern Spain.

Tour Details

Places you explore

Montserrat Monastery – Feel the serenity of the old Benedictine priory perched on the slope of a magnificent mountain

La Rioja – The famously delicious wines here perfectly compliment the views of the Cantabrian Mountains

Monte Perdido National Park – Soaring peaks, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls adorn this biosphere reserve in the Pyrenees

Aljafería Palace – The roofs, coffered ceilings and ornate patterns of this 11th-century palace are as beguiling as they are beautiful

Burgos – Walk in the shadow of the soaring Gothic cathedral and admire this majestic city, once the capital of the old kingdom of Castille

San Sebastián – The top beach town in the Basque region is known as both a surfer’s paradise and a foodie heaven

Pick Up Location & TIme

Barcelona (Google Map)
9:00am – Hotel Evenia Rocafort, C. de Rocafort, 23, 25, 08015 Barcelona, Spain

Drop off Location & Time

Madrid (Google Map)
6:15pm – Hotel Porcel Ganivet, C. de Toledo, 111, 113, 28005 Madrid, Spain

Price Includes

5 nights 3/4 star hotel accommodation
Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
Air conditioning as standard
Daily breakfasts
The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
Entrance to Aljafería Palace
Entrance to Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture and Winery for a tasting and tour
Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso

Meals

5 breakfasts
0 lunches
0 dinners
0 teas

Price Excludes

Entry fees to visitor attractions/Optional Activities
Airfare
Transfers
Pre / Post hotel nights
Driver / Tour Leader gratuity is at your discretion
Travel Insurance

What to Expect

Explore in 16 seat mini-coaches, always taking the scenic route, you have great views through large windows, and you’re free to sample the local tipple without worrying about driving. Our driver-guides are famous for their knowledge, facts, quirky stories, history, and fairy-tales. They truly take you beyond the guidebooks and into your adventure. You make your trip your own. We provide the timetable; and you can choose where you want to eat and which attractions you pay to see. So, if you want to skip a castle and read your book by a mountain view, you can.

A good night’s sleep is often needed for a good day of travel. So we’ve hand-picked three-star to four-star hotels in remote coastal villages, bustling towns, and mountain valleys. Your accommodation is included in the tour price.

Most people can comfortably enjoy our tours, but it’s worth bearing in mind that we often include optional short walks in scenic locations. Please also be aware that many of the old European towns are built on steep hills with cobbled lanes, and you may have to carry your own luggage at times.

We’ve arranged experiences for you on your tour. The ‘included activities’ are already booked and paid for as part of your trip, whereas you can purchase ‘optional activities’ while on your tour. You also have free time in many destinations to pick and choose which attractions you visit.

Pack comfortable shoes for walks up to beautiful views. Carry swimwear and a towel for swimming spots. Your holiday’s more fun when you protect yourself from the sun.

Itinerary

Basque Country, Rioja, the Pyrenees, and Northern Spain

Day 1Barcelona - Montserrat - Lleida - Huesca

Marvel at sculptures and mountainous scenery at the monastery of Montserrat
Delve into Lleida, one of the most ancient towns in Catalonia

It’s time to contrast the bravado of Barcelona with the serrated peaks of Montserrat. This majestic mountain with strangely shaped crags is home to a Benedictine Monastery and one of Spain’s most venerated statues of the Madonna and Child. At your stop here, you can enjoy lunch, contemplate the life of monks and hermits, and explore the magnificent basilica.

You continue deep into the mountains of Catalonia and visit Lleida. This is one of the oldest towns in the region and is steeped in Roman history. It’s a little off the beaten track and you have time to discover its castle and cathedral.

As the evening settles in, you arrive in Huesca. You overnight here for two evenings and have plenty of time to amble around the medieval streets discovering the many churches and façades of this hilly town.

Optional Activities: Entrance to Montserrat Monastery and a choice of activities at Montserrat including cable car to the top of Montserrat and opportunity to watch the performance of the Montserrat Boys Choir

Accommodation: Hotel Pedro I de Aragón or similar, Huesca

Day 2Huesca - Torla-Ordesa - Jaca - Huesca

Let the perfect panoramas of the Pyrenees take your breath away
Step back in time and discover the ancient walls of Jaca

Put on your adventure hats and get ready for nature. This morning, you travel to Torla-Ordesa, the gateway to the Monte Perdido National Park.

From here, you explore crumbling cliffs, forests of oaks and pines, and vertical views up to 1,700 metres tall. There may be a little walking involved, so make sure you’re wearing good footwear. It’s worth it to see a few of the most scenic views in all the Pyrenees.

You leave Torla behind and head through the mountains to Jaca. Here, you can explore the perfectly preserved ‘star-shaped’ fortress, find out about the regional cuisine of Aragón, and tick off more quintessential Spanish cathedrals.

You travel back to Huesca and arrive in the early evening. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Pedro I de Aragón or similar, Huesca

Day 3Huesca - Zaragoza - Tarazona - Haro

Survey a fusion of Islamic and Gothic style architecture at the Aljafería Palace
Gaze at gorgeous Goya paintings in Zaragoza

Zaragoza in Aragón looks as enchanting as it sounds. You travel here in the morning and have tickets to the 11th-century Aljafería Palace included in your tour.

After you’ve admired the patterned porticos of the beautiful palace, you have free time to explore the city. Art lovers can search for Goya paintings; history geeks can seek out Roman remains; and foodies can sample chireta, a local and delicious haggis type dish.

You then travel to Tarazona. This town boasts medieval Mudéjar style architecture: a glorious fusion of the ancient Muslim and Christian aesthetic ideals. Your neck will ache from all the staring up in wonder.

You arrive in Haro in time for your first glass of local La Rioja red wine. This wine-soaked village is your overnight location for three evenings. (B)

Included Activities: Entrance to Aljafería Palace

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro

Day 4Haro - San Sebastián - Pamplona - Haro

Tantalise your tastebuds with the regional flavours of the Basque Country

Today, you explore the Basque country, a land of curious customs, incredible coasts, and fabulous flavours.

Your first stop is San Sebastián, a foodie heaven with the highest number of Michelin stars per capita. You have time here to grab lunch and check out the beautiful blonde beach.

You travel back inland to Pamplona. This town is famous for San Fermin, ‘the Running of the Bulls’. Fortunately, you aren’t going to have to run anywhere, instead you can stroll around the town’s splendid fortress walls and relax.

In the early evening, you travel back to Haro. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro

Day 5Haro - Santo Domingo de la Calzada - San Vicente de la Sonsierra - Haro

Take in the rustic villages and rolling green hills of La Rioja region
Sample famous La Rioja wine from the place it’s produced

In the morning, you embark on a scenic ride amongst the gentle hills of La Rioja region to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where you can wander the network of medieval streets or take the opportunity to visit the cathedral.

A visit to the La Rioja region wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local produce and your next stop is a family run winery, for wine tasting and snacks.

From here you continue to the village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra. Cross the medieval bridge over the Ebro river and take in the amazing views over the valley from the castle.

In the afternoon, you arrive back in Haro with time to rest and do whatever you please.

(B)

Included Activities: Visit and tasting at Bodegas Lecea, a Rioja winery

Optional Activities: Entrance to Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Los Agustinos or similar, Haro

Day 6Haro - Burgos - Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso - Madrid

Cherish the stunning Cathedral of Burgos
Stroll the exquisite grounds of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso

You wave goodbye to La Rioja and travel to the region of Castile and León.

Your first stop is in Burgos, where you have a few hours to admire one of the most spectacular cathedrals in all of Spain and check if the local flavours can compete with your favourite dishes from La Rioja and the Basque regions.

You head further south to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. Your included ticket to this stunning structure lets you wander through the rooms of Spain’s ‘mini-Versailles’ and wonder how much the gardening bill must be for its gorgeous grounds.

As the sun sets, you arrive in the country’s capital, Madrid. (B)

Included Activities: Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso

Dates and Prices - Hotel accommodation

Departure Dates and Days	Double/Twin (pp)	Single Rate
2023: April 17	$3,050	$3,500
2023: May 1, 15, 29	$3,140	$3,590
2023: June 12, 26	$3,190	$3,710
2023: July 10, 24	$3,140	$3,659
2023: August 7, 21	$3,140	$3,659
2023: September 4, 18	$3,190	$3,710
2023: October 2, 16	$3,190	$3,710

All guaranteed departures.

Pricing

Pricing is per person (pp) based on twin/ double occupancy.
Rates are in $ CAD.

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline.

Notes
Mobility: All of our tours involve walking and require our guests to board and disembark our vehicles several times a day making this tour unsuitable for those with reduced mobility.

Luggage: You’re restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.

Want to extend your stay in Barcelona and/or Madrid? Ask us for a hotel package.

Map

Photos

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Basque Country, Rioja, the Pyrenees, and Northern Spain 2023

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