Where prehistoric caves meet avant-garde architecture and sun-drenched vineyards, Northern Spain is a land of extraordinary contrasts. Trace the ancient roots of human creativity, savour the culinary soul of the Basque Coast, and connect with the experts and communities keeping these remarkable traditions alive.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bilbao
Signature Moment: Caves del Castillo & Monedas Guided Visit, Puente Viesgo
Your Foodie Moment: Private Wine Tasting and Lunch at CVNE Winery, Haro
Your Foodie Moment: Walking & Food Tour of San Sebastián, San Sebastian. Arrival and Departure Transfers. Guided tour of Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Bilbao. Welcome Dinner in Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Bilbao. Visit to Seminario Pontificio (or Major Seminary), Comillas. Visit to Villa El Capricho de Gaudí, Comillas. Altamira Caves Guided Private tour led by an expert, Altamira. Cueva (Cave) del Pendo Guided Visit, Escobedo. Yacimientos de Atapuerca Visit, Atapuerca. Visit Bodegas Marqués de Riscal for a wine tasting hosted by a sommelier, Elciego. Pamplona guided Walk, Pamplona. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Discover prehistoric art alongside a site archaeologist during a private cave visit, Savour Basque flavours on a walking tour supporting the Eat One Feed One social enterprise project in San Sebastian, Explore historic Rioja wineries featuring designs by Gustave Eiffel and Frank Gehry.
How large will the group be?
Max. 21, Avg. 15
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private Vehicle, Walking
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotel (7 nights)
Itinerary
Bilbao
Your expedition begins in the Basque Country's cultural hub of Bilbao. Upon arrival, you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert and fellow travellers for a welcome presentation that sets the stage for the heritage and history ahead. Step out into the evening air for a short orientation walk through the city’s revitalized streets, where the scent of the Nervión River mingles with the buzz of local life. Savour a guided visit and dinner inside the world famous Guggenheim Museum where you start toasting your northern Spanish discovery.
Bilbao/Santillana del Mar
Travel into the heart of prehistoric Spain to the UNESCO-listed caves of Castillo and Monedas. Here, you enjoy a private group visit led by a site archaeologist, whose expertise brings the ancient Paleolithic art and prehistoric culture to life in the cool, still air of the caverns. After a local lunch, the landscape shifts as you arrive in the medieval village of Santillana del Mar. Spend the afternoon wandering cobblestone streets lined with golden-hued stone buildings and artisan shops. As the sun sets, settle into your historic parador for dinner, feeling the weight of centuries in this timeless coastal village.
Santillana del Mar
Immerse yourself in a day of architectural wonders, starting in Comillas at El Capricho de Gaudí. Marvel at the vibrant ceramic sunflower tiles and innovative use of light that define this early masterpiece of Catalan Modernism. Following a traditional lunch, continue to the Seminario Pontificio de Comillas, a grand 19th-century neo-Gothic complex that stands as a testament to the town’s historic prominence. The red-brick towers and intricate carvings reflect a period of immense architectural ambition. Return to Santillana del Mar for a relaxing evening, where the quiet of the medieval square invites reflection on the day’s cultural immersion.
Santillana del Mar/Haro
Depart the coast for the extraordinary Cueva de Altamira, often called the "Sistine Chapel" of prehistoric art. Within the meticulous replica, stand in awe of ancient paintings that remain a marvel of human creativity. After exploring the monumental friezes of Cueva de El Pendo, the landscape transitions into the rolling, vine-covered slopes of La Rioja. Arrive at a storied family estate that has guarded its vineyards since 1879. Step inside the remarkable Eiffel Cellar, designed by Gustave Eiffel, where the scent of aging oak fills the vaulted, historic space. Your day ends in the town of Haro, the heart of Spain’s celebrated viticultural region, where the local wine culture is felt in every bustling tavern and sun-drenched plaza.
Haro
Journey deep into human history at the Atapuerca archaeological sites, a UNESCO World Heritage location that has reshaped our understanding of early evolution in Europe. Walk through the excavation areas where some of the continent's oldest hominin remains were discovered. After lunch, the focus shifts to the future of winemaking at a world-renowned estate. Explore the historic bottle cellars before standing in awe of the avant-garde "City of Wine" complex. Designed by Frank Gehry, its shimmering titanium ribbons flow like wine against the Riojan sky, perfectly blending storied tradition with bold, contemporary design.
Haro/San Sebastian
Travel to Pamplona, the historic capital of Navarra, globally renowned for its medieval architecture and lively old quarter. Join a guided walking tour to explore the city’s main landmarks, feeling the energy of the streets famous for the Running of the Bulls. Savour an authentic pintxos lunch in the heart of the old town before continuing to the elegant seaside city of San Sebastián. Known for its Belle Époque architecture and golden beaches, the city’s deep Basque identity is felt in every plaza. As evening falls, breathe in the salt air of Concha Bay and prepare to dive into the culinary soul of this coastal gem.
San Sebastian
Start the day on an immersive walking tour with a meaningful twist. Led by a community-based social enterprise initiative, you’ll explore the city's culinary highlights while supporting a project that provides meals to those in need. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps browsing the charming coastal boutiques or joining your Expedition Leader for a stroll up Monte Urgull. From the summit, the breathtaking views of the turquoise bay and the city’s red roofs provide a stunning backdrop. Conclude your expedition with a celebratory farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sharing memories of the past week.
San Sebastian
Your expedition through Northern Spain concludes this morning. Enjoy a final breakfast as the light glints off the Atlantic waters before your included transfer to the airport where your expedition concludes. Whether heading home or further afield, you carry with you the echoes of ancient caves and the lingering finish of Rioja’s finest vintages.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
