Your Local Specialist Travel Advisors For Custom Tours in Spain & Portugal
12 nights tour Barcelona, Basque Country, Cantabria & Madrid
Prices from 5040 EUROS PER PERSON
Your Local Specialist Travel Advisors For Custom Tours in Spain & Portugal
Prices from 5040 EUROS PER PERSON
Trip Overview:
This 12-night private tour begins in Barcelona, the lively Mediterranean capital of Catalonia. Explore the city’s vibrant architecture, including the iconic works of Antoni Gaudí, and take a day trip to the Montserrat Monastery followed by a visit to a local winery. From there, travel by high speed train and then self-drive car...
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Trip Summary:
BARCELONA (3 nts) - LAGUARDIA RIOJA (2 nts) - SAN SEBASTIAN (2 nts) - SANTANDER (2 nts) - MADRID (3 nts) with sidetrips to MONTSERRAT and TOLEDO ...
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Access:
This tour is available year-round with daily departures. Start: Barcelona International Airport End: Madrid International Airport May also be done in reverse, starting in Madrid and ending in Barcelona. Please note: Totally Spain does not arrange international flights, allowing you the flexibility to book flights th...
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Barcelona, Spain
Arrive at Barcelona El Prat Airport, where your private driver will be waiting to greet you in the arrivals hall. From here, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your elegant 4-star hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city.
Barcelona is, without question, one of Europe’s most captivating destinations. Its unique identity is shaped by Catalan Modernisme, a dazzling architectural movement brought to life by visionary figures such as Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. The city’s streets are adorned with striking buildings, monumental public art by Joan Miró, and museums that span the centuries — from Roman artefacts to the masterpieces of Picasso and Dalí.
This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Settle in and begin exploring at your own pace. We recommend a gentle stroll through the atmospheric Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), with its medieval lanes and historic charm. From there, wander onto the vibrant Las Ramblas boulevard, a lively tree-lined promenade known for its street performers and iconic atmosphere. Just off Las Ramblas, don’t miss the chance to dip into the colourful Boqueria Market — a feast for the senses and a perfect introduction to Barcelona’s rich culinary scene.
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Barcelona, Spain
After a delicious buffet breakfast, meet your expert private guide and driver for a captivating introduction to Barcelona’s world-renowned modernist architecture. Today’s tour focuses on the genius of Antoni Gaudí, the foremost figure of the Catalan Modernisme movement.
Begin with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s most ambitious and awe-inspiring creation. This extraordinary Christian temple, still under construction, has become one of Barcelona’s most recognisable landmarks. Gaudí dedicated himself entirely to the project from 1915 until his death in 1926, even living on-site during his final year. His remains rest in the crypt of the basilica. The evolving nature of the Sagrada Família makes every visit a unique and moving experience.
Continue to the whimsical Parc Güell, famous for its vibrant mosaic animals, sinuous architecture, and panoramic views over the city. Gaudí made the park his home from 1906 to 1925, and his former residence now houses the Gaudí House Museum.
Next, explore the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, where Gaudí left his mark on several distinctive private residences. Among these, you’ll see Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) — a masterpiece of flowing stone and wrought iron. Casa Milà’s interior will be visited on your own following the guided portion of the tour.
The afternoon is at leisure, giving you time to relax, shop, or continue exploring at your own pace.
This evening, join a guided small-group tapas tour — a perfect way to dive into Barcelona’s vibrant culinary scene. With all food and drinks included, your local guide will lead you through a curated selection of the city’s most authentic bars and taverns, sharing insights into Catalonia’s tapas traditions, local wines, and the history of the neighbourhoods you’ll be discovering. It’s a fun, flavourful, and enriching experience that brings the culture of Barcelona to life.
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Barcelona - Daytrip to Montserrat & Winery, Spain
Today you’ll embark on a small-group day trip (maximum 16 participants) from Barcelona to visit the majestic Monastery of Montserrat, followed by a visit to a renowned local winery. You’ll make your own way to the central meeting point, although a private transfer can be arranged if preferred.
Your day begins with a journey to Montserrat, the most iconic mountain in Catalonia, known for its dramatic jagged peaks and breathtaking natural beauty. As you travel, your guide will introduce you to this “sacred mountain”, where nature, religion, and Catalan identity come together. On arrival, enjoy a short walk to the monastery, taking in the panoramic views and the sense of spiritual serenity that Montserrat is famed for.
Afterwards, continue to a picturesque winery located just minutes from Montserrat — one of the region’s most historic and beautiful estates. Here, you’ll learn about the winemaking process, explore the castle grounds, and discover the cellars where the wines are aged. The visit concludes with a guided tasting of the estate’s wines, paired with a selection of local tapas.
Return to Barcelona in the late afternoon. The evening is at leisure, giving you time to relax or enjoy the city at your own pace.
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Laguardia, Spain
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Barcelona Sants train station, where you’ll board the high-speed train to Logroño, the lively capital of Spain’s famed Rioja wine region.
Upon arrival, collect your rental car, which you’ll use to explore this celebrated wine country over the coming days. From Logroño, it’s just a short and scenic drive to your accommodation in Laguardia, one of Rioja’s most picturesque medieval villages.
Laguardia is a 13th-century walled town perched above a sea of vineyards. Its honey-coloured stone streets are straight from a film set — especially evocative around mealtimes, when the aromas of local cuisine drift temptingly through the air. But the real marvel lies underground: an extensive network of some 300 ancient wine caves, stretching beneath the cobbled lanes and larger in area than the town itself.
To protect these fragile, tunnelled foundations, the town centre is almost entirely pedestrianised — with only grape-laden tractors allowed through during harvest season. This makes for a wonderfully relaxed and walkable village atmosphere. All around, the vineyards of Rioja extend in every direction, offering a stunning natural frame to this timeless hamlet.
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Laguardia, Spain
Today is dedicated to immersing yourself in the wine culture and gastronomy of Rioja, one of Europe’s most prestigious wine regions.
Begin with a visit to a traditional winery in Laguardia, located in an ancient wine cave hidden beneath a historic house that once belonged to a renowned Spanish writer of fables. This atmospheric cellar offers a window into centuries-old winemaking traditions still alive in the heart of the village.
Later, continue to a contemporary winery set in the rolling vineyards just 10 kilometres from Laguardia. After a guided tour of the estate and its cutting-edge facilities, sit down to enjoy a leisurely wine-pairing lunch, thoughtfully prepared to showcase the region’s flavours alongside its acclaimed vintages.
Return to Laguardia at your own pace. If time and weather allow, consider a scenic drive to the Balcón de La Rioja (Rioja Balcony) — a stunning vantage point offering panoramic views over the patchwork of vineyards that stretch across the valley.
Would you prefer to relax and leave the driving to someone else today? A private driver-guide can be arranged to accompany you throughout the day. Please ask us for details.
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San Sebastian, Spain
After breakfast, drive north into the heart of the Basque Country, heading for the celebrated coastal city of San Sebastián — a place of refined elegance, culinary prestige, and stunning natural beauty, set on one of the most picturesque bays in the world.
Known as Donostia in Euskera (the Basque language), San Sebastián is gracefully wrapped around the shell-shaped La Concha Bay, with its golden beach and backdrop of lush hills. Since the late 19th century, when it became a favourite summer retreat of the Spanish aristocracy, the city has maintained its reputation as Spain’s most stylish seaside resort. More recently, it has earned global acclaim as a mecca of modern gastronomy.
Explore the charming Parte Vieja (Old Town) — a vibrant maze of streets rebuilt after the great fire of 1813. Highlights include the 19th-century Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), the San Telmo Museum, and the lively Plaza Mayor. Most importantly, this quarter is world-famous as the birthplace of pintxos (pronounced pin-chos) — exquisitely crafted Basque tapas that overflow from the counters of nearly every bar. Choosing just one is no easy task!
Enjoy a stroll along the elegant La Concha promenade, a favourite spot for people-watching, sea views, and relaxing like a local. At the western tip, discover one of Spain’s greatest modern sculptures — Eduardo Chillida’s Peine de los Vientos (Wind Comb), where the sea meets art. Just nearby, take the funicular railway up Mount Igueldo for breathtaking views across the bay and cityscape.
If time allows, unwind at La Perla Thalassotherapy Spa, located right on the beachfront. The indoor seawater pools, hydrojets, and tranquil setting offer a perfect moment of relaxation.
This evening, dive into the city's gastronomic scene with a small-group pintxos tour in the Old Town, led by a knowledgeable local guide. While pintxos are everywhere in San Sebastián, knowing where to go — and what to try — takes insider expertise. Tonight, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable culinary journey, hopping between traditional taverns and modern bars, sampling everything from fresh prawns and line-caught baby squid to chargrilled steak — each paired with local cider, Txakoli, or regional wines. It’s an immersive, delicious way to experience San Sebastián like a local.
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San Sebastian, Spain
Today, prepare to roll up your sleeves and enjoy a truly immersive gastronomic experience as you take part in a Basque cooking class, designed to connect you with the culinary traditions of Northern Spain.
Surrounded by the bounty of the sea and mountains that define the Basque landscape, you’ll explore the region’s deep-rooted food culture — shaped by generations of fishermen, shepherds, and home cooks. During this hands-on culinary journey, you’ll learn how to prepare a variety of iconic Basque dishes, inspired by both the coastal fishing villages and the mountain towns of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia.
Your expert chef will guide you through each step, sharing not only the techniques and ingredients, but also the stories and traditions behind every recipe — bringing the rich culinary heritage of the Basque Country vividly to life.
At the end of the class, gather with your fellow participants around a rustic wooden table to savour the fruits of your labour. Enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared lunch, thoughtfully paired with local wines. Each guest will also receive printed recipes to take home — a perfect souvenir to recreate the flavours of the Basque Country in your own kitchen.
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Santander, Spain
This morning, check out from your hotel and drive just over an hour west to the dynamic city of Bilbao, the cultural and economic heart of the Basque Country.
Explore the city at your leisure, beginning with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum, for which entrance tickets are included. This spectacular building, designed by Frank Gehry, is one of the most celebrated works of contemporary architecture in the world and houses an outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art.
After your museum visit, enjoy a stroll along the pedestrianised riverbank, passing striking modern landmarks and leafy promenades. Continue into the charming Casco Viejo (Old Quarter), with its traditional taverns, boutiques, and lively atmosphere — a great spot to stop for lunch at your leisure.
Bilbao’s compact size makes it ideal for walking, with most highlights within easy reach on foot.
In the late afternoon, continue driving west into the lush region of Cantabria, arriving in its elegant seaside capital, Santander, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Like San Sebastián, Santander was once a favoured summer retreat of Spanish royalty, who would stay at the splendid Palacio de la Magdalena, overlooking the iconic Sardinero Beach. The city is gracefully set along the Bay of Santander, recognised as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and offers a blend of belle époque charm, natural beauty, and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
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Santander, Spain
The Cantabria region is home to some of Spain’s most remarkable cultural and natural treasures, and today you'll experience one of its most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
After breakfast, drive inland to the spa town of Puente Viesgo, nestled in lush green hills. Here you’ll visit the famous Cave of El Castillo, one of the Monte Castillo cave complex perched above the town.
Discovered in 1903, El Castillo offers a profound journey into prehistoric life, revealing how both Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens lived, hunted, and expressed themselves. The guided tour explores approximately 275 metres of the cave, which houses more than 225 animal figures — including bison, stags, goats, horses, and mammoths — as well as over 50 depictions of the human form. Some paintings have been dated to over 40,800 years ago, making this one of the oldest known sites of cave art in the world.
After your visit, we recommend enjoying lunch in Puente Viesgo, before continuing your journey to the coastal town of Comillas.
Charming and full of character, Comillas is home to one of the few works by Antoni Gaudí to be found outside Catalonia: El Capricho. This whimsical, colourful building is a brilliant example of early Gaudí, blending oriental influences, nature-inspired forms, and his unmistakable style.
Later, return to Santander, where you’ll drop off your rental car and return to your hotel for the evening.
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Madrid, Spain
This morning, enjoy a private transfer to Santander train station, where you’ll board the train to Madrid, travelling comfortably across the Spanish interior.
Upon arrival at Madrid’s central station, you’ll be greeted by your private driver, who will transfer you directly to your centrally located hotel, where you will spend the next three nights.
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a city that stands at the very heart of the country — geographically, culturally, and politically. It’s a vibrant, sophisticated metropolis that balances cosmopolitan energy with a deep sense of historic charm and elegance.
Among its many highlights are the Prado Museum, with masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco; the nearby Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, housed in the 19th-century Villahermosa Palace; and the Reina Sofía Art Centre, home to modern works by Picasso, Dalí, and Miró.
Other key sights include the 18th-century Royal Palace, the bustling Puerta del Sol, the sprawling El Rastro market held on Sundays, and the peaceful, leafy Retiro Park, ideal for a gentle stroll, people-watching, or admiring local performers and artists.
To help you make the most of your time, we will provide our Totally Spain City Guides for Madrid — curated to highlight the best cafés, bars, restaurants, museums, parks, and more. Your Totally Spain agent will also make personal recommendations tailored to your final choice of hotel and group size.
We’re happy to assist with restaurant reservations and booking attractions in advance to help you avoid queues and ensure a smooth experience.
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Madrid, Spain
After a delicious buffet breakfast, meet your expert local guide at your hotel for a private walking tour of historic central Madrid.
You’ll explore many of the city’s most iconic streets and squares, including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Santa Ana, and the elegant Plaza Mayor. A stop at the vibrant Mercado de San Miguel offers a taste of one of Madrid’s most famous food markets, where you can take in the sights, smells, and flavours of the capital’s gastronomic scene.
Your guide will then lead you to Plaza de la Villa and Plaza de Oriente, two of the most beautiful historic spaces in Madrid. From there, continue to the Royal Palace, built on the site of a former Moorish alcázar. Completed in 1764, the current palace boasts an astonishing 3,418 rooms, with interiors that reflect the evolving tastes and styles of Spain’s monarchs over the centuries.
In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Prado Museum at your leisure, using the pre-booked tickets we’ve included to skip the queues. Housed in a neoclassical building dating from 1785, the Prado displays an outstanding collection of European art from the 12th to 19th centuries, featuring works by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, Bosch, Titian, Van Dyck, and Rembrandt, among others.
This evening, dive into Madrid’s lively culinary scene with a guided small-group tapas tour. With all food and drinks included, you’ll be led by a knowledgeable guide through some of the city’s most authentic bars and taverns, sampling regional wines and speciality tapas at each stop. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the history of tapas, the styles unique to Madrid and other parts of Spain, and the neighbourhoods you’ll be exploring.
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Daytrip to Toledo, Spain
This morning, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to Madrid’s Atocha train station to board the high-speed train to Toledo, a journey of just over 30 minutes into the heart of Castilla-La Mancha.
Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your expert local guide, who will accompany you by taxi to the scenic Cigarrales district, famed for its magnificent panoramic views over the city of Toledo and the winding Tagus River.
Set dramatically on a rocky outcrop almost entirely encircled by the river, Toledo is one of Spain’s most extraordinary cities — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich multicultural past. Once the capital of the Visigothic kingdom, and later an important centre of coexistence between Christians, Muslims, and Jews, the city’s skyline is a mosaic of churches, mosques, synagogues, palaces, and medieval walls.
Your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the old city, sharing the story of Toledo’s three cultures and pointing out its most iconic sites, including Zocodover Square, the Church of Santo Tomé, the Transito Synagogue, Santa María la Blanca, and the stunning Toledo Cathedral (entrance included).
After the tour, enjoy some free time for lunch and independent exploration, whether you wish to wander the winding lanes, browse traditional crafts like Damascene metalwork, or simply soak up the historic atmosphere.
Later in the afternoon, return to Madrid by high-speed train, for your final evening in Spain.
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Departure,
After a relaxed breakfast, your private driver will collect you from your hotel and provide a comfortable transfer to Madrid International Airport for your departure flight.
We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of your journey through Barcelona, Rioja, the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Madrid, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Spain again in the future.
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Final Note
Please keep in mind that this itinerary can also be enjoyed in reverse, beginning in Madrid and finishing in Barcelona, depending on your preferences or flight arrangements.
This tour can also serve as a flexible template for a fully customised trip — days can be added, shortened, or adjusted to suit your personal interests, pace, and schedule. Simply let us know your preferences, and we’ll be delighted to tailor the experience to make it uniquely yours.
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Time Travel in Cantabria
Cantabria Cave Paintings
Gaudi in Cantabria - El Capricho
San Sebastian - Northern Spain's Gem
Best Cities in Spain
Northern Spain – What to See & Do
What To Do in Madrid
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Accommodation (based on 2 people sharing)
Meals
Transport
Private Guided Tours
Pre-Booked Entrance Tickets
Group Guided Tours
Special Highlights
Other
NOT INCLUDED
Flights, Personal Travel Insurance, Porterage (not commonly available in Spain), Tips, Meals, drinks or hotel extras other than those described above. Anything else not specified above.
Please note that in Catalonia/ Barcelona they charge visitors a tourist tax per night which is not included. It must be paid locally at your hotel. See here link for more details but note that this is for informational purposes only and may be subject to change without notice.
Prices from
5040 EUROS PER PERSON
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