Northern Spain Small Group Tours
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10 best Northern Spain small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Spain travel expert at TourRadar
- Walking the Camino de Santiago
- Bilbao and Santander, Self-drive
- The North Trail, Self-drive
- Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain
- Santiago de Compostela
- Camino de Santiago From Oviedo - 16 days
- Spain & Portugal Real Food Adventure
- Grand Cycling Tour of Cantabria & Asturias.
- Green Spain & Picos de Europa Self-Guided Cycling Tour
- La Rioja - The Descent of the River Ebro Self-Guided Cycling Tour
Small groups share Northern Spain's Camino from Leon through Galicia. Memorable meals await in Melide's pulperias and pilgrim stamps in medieval churches. The path winds through the Cordillera Cantabrica mountains, staying in converted watermills and parish houses along the ancient route to Santiago.
Duration 11 days Destinations Leon, Molinaseca, O Cebreiro, Samos, Sarria, Portomarin, Lestedo, Palas de Rei, O Coto, MelideSee all destinations Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$5,040
This Basque Country adventure welcomes solo travelers through Northern Spain. Small groups stay at 4-star Silken hotels while uncovering hidden gems from Guernica's historic sites to Comillas' modernist architecture.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bilbao, Gernika-Lumo, San Sebastian, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Comillas Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Destination Services Spain From $1,291
15% Off- NZ$1,097You save $194
A private Seat Ibiza or upgraded Seat Leon takes you through Northern Spain's hidden treasures. The flexible itinerary connects Bilbao's urban sophistication with San Sebastián's coastal charm and Logroño's wine culture, perfect for couples or families seeking authentic Spanish experiences.
Duration 7 days Destinations Bilbao, San Sebastian, Logrono, Burgos, Santander Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Destination Services Spain From $1,380
15% Off- NZ$1,173You save $207
Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Very enjoyable and would like to go again.”
richard, traveled in September
The limited size of 12 travelers provides intimate access to Northern Spain's highlights, from Bilbao's Guggenheim to Picos de Europa's trails. Groups visit local cheese makers in Cabrales and receive personal guided tours in medieval Santillana del Mar.
Duration 11 days Destinations Bilbao, Santander, Covadonga, Oviedo, Picos de Europa National Park, Bulnes, Las Arenas de Cabrales, Sotres, Fuente De, ZumaiaSee all destinations Age Range up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Yellowwood Adventures Ltd From
15% Off- NZ$4,957
An intimate group of 8 ventures through Northern Spain's highlights, uncovering Galicia's Celtic heritage and coastal cliffs. Small vehicle access enables unique stops at Combarro's traditional hórreos and Santiago de Compostela's cathedral.
Duration 3 days Destinations Porto, Santiago de Compostela, Combarro Age Range 11 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Portuguese, French, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Schultz Portugal From
15% Off- NZ$1,478
Duration 16 days Destinations Oviedo, Grado, Salas, Tineo, Pola de Allande, Berducedo, Grandas, Lugo, Melide, ArzuaSee all destinations Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator On The Go Tours From $4,045
20% Off- NZ$3,236You save $809
Duration 17 days Destinations Barcelona, Logrono, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Picos de Europa National Park, Oviedo, A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Lisbon Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$13,250
Grand Cycling Tour of Cantabria & Asturias.
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Great accommodations, route maps, and luggage transfer. Picos de Europa is a beautiful part of the world.”
Jeannine, traveled in May
Groups of 4-15 riders roll through Northern Spain's highlights. The small size enables exclusive stays in country inns and personal experiences in Cantabrian villages. Routes stretch from coastal Santillana del Mar through the Picos de Europa, with flexible 36-62km daily routes and customizable start dates for groups of 4+.
Duration 13 days Destinations Santillana del Mar, Comillas, San Vicente de la Barquera, Puentenansa, Pechón, Llanes, Ribadesella, Las Arenas, Poncebos, PotesSee all destinations Age Range 15 to 82 year olds Operated in English, Portuguese Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator IberoCycle Tours From
20% Off- NZ$2,744
Small groups of 4-10 cyclists wind through Northern Spain's highlights. From medieval Santillana del Mar to mountain-ringed Potes, daily routes of 35-39 miles maintain an easy pace with full vehicle support and charming rural accommodations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Santillana del Mar, San Vicente de la Barquera, Potes, Fuente De, San Roque de Riomiera, Lierganes, Somo, Santander, Santona Age Range 10 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Portuguese Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator IberoCycle Tours From
20% Off- NZ$1,746
Small groups wind through Northern Spain's diverse terrains. The route from Reinosa to Laguardia covers 25-97km daily, passing through Montesclaros Monastery and Valderredible Valley. Perfect for intimate exploration of medieval towns and wine regions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Reinosa, Polientes, Medina de Pomar, Frias, Haro, Laguardia Age Range 15 to 80 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator IberoCycle Tours From
20% Off- NZ$2,188
Reviews of Small Group tours to Northern Spain
- North Spain Discovery
Before I arrived on this tour I thought my highlights would be Barcelona and San Sebastian but honestly, I enjoyed every moment of the holiday! The food and drink in this region is excellent and relatively cheap compared to the UK. You don't spend much time on the tour at the start in Barcelona or at the end in Madrid so I would recommend booking at least an extra night pre/post tour to be able to both great cities. Pamplona has a nice historical old town with some nice walks. San Sebastian is just the place to go to for foodies but is also a nice place in its own right! Logrono is the capital of the La Rioja region so you know you'll get to taste some good wine. I will definitely be coming back to this region! For the tour overall, I felt that we didn't really need 2 nights in Logrono and could have done with either an extra night in San Sebastian to visit Bilbao or a night in Bilbao itself. And that's taking into account the included evening tour of Logrono and the winery tour activities. Beware the 4hr + coach journey from Logrono to Madrid. Our tour leader, Maria Christina did a great job considering that she had to take over at short notice. She organised all our public transport and organised the optional meals, selecting some very decent restaurants. I definitely think she made the trip more enjoyable! I had great fun on this trip and hopefully have made some good friends for life!
- Walk the Camino de Santiago
all went smoothly and our CEO was delightful
- "Camino de Santiago" (Way of St James): French Way from Sarria -100 km
I enjoyed the Camino de Santiago tour with Tourradar. The baggage collection was always on time and 4 out of the 5 hotels booked were amazing. Definitely would recommend
What our customers ask about Northern Spain Small Group Tours
What is the typical size of small group tours in Northern Spain?
Small group tours in Northern Spain generally include 8-16 travelers making it easy to navigate San Sebastian's local pintxos bars and explore the Rioja wine region without feeling crowded. The limited group size works especially well for Camino de Santiago tours where guests can fully appreciate historic landmarks like the Cathedral of Burgos and stay in characteristic hotels such as the Hotel Gaudi in Astorga. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Our small group size made the experience much more intimate and allowed us to really get to know our fellow travelers while exploring Northern Spain's hidden gems."
What type of accommodation can I expect on small group tours in Northern Spain?
Guests stay in locally owned properties ranging from the historic Hotel Los Agustinos in Haro to boutique countryside hotels along the Camino routes. Santiago de Compostela offers stays at places like the Hotel Loop INN while Logrono features the Hotel F&G. These smaller accommodations connect travelers to local culture in ways large hotel chains cannot. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The carefully selected small hotels gave us a real sense of local hospitality and culture especially in the Rioja region where we stayed in converted historic buildings."
How does the dining experience differ on small group tours in Northern Spain?
The limited group size means easier access to family restaurants in San Sebastian's Old Town and along Logrono's tapas streets. Groups move freely between traditional sidrerias in the Basque Country and small wineries in La Rioja without needing reservations. A TourRadar traveler shared: "With our small group we could spontaneously stop at local markets in Pamplona and enjoy authentic pinxtos bars in San Sebastian without overwhelming the venues - it felt like dining with friends rather than being part of a tourist crowd."
What are the transportation advantages of small group tours in Northern Spain?
Tours use 16-20 seat minibuses that can navigate narrow village streets in places like Laguardia and access remote parts of the Camino de Santiago. The smaller vehicles allow quick stops at mountain viewpoints in the Pyrenees or family wineries in La Rioja. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Our small group size meant we could easily navigate the narrow streets of medieval towns like Burgos and make spontaneous photo stops along the beautiful Cantabrian coastline."
What is the best time of year to take a small group tour in Northern Spain?
The prime touring season runs April through October with May June and September offering the best conditions. Spring brings mild temperatures and smaller crowds at major sites like Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Fall coincides with wine harvests in regions like Rioja. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "We went in September and had perfect weather for walking the Camino plus we got to experience the wine harvest festivities in La Rioja which added an amazing cultural element."
How much walking/physical activity is involved in Northern Spain small group tours?
Activity levels vary but most tours include 4-6 hours of daily walking or cycling. Camino de Santiago routes cover 15-25km per day on mixed terrain while food and culture tours in Bilbao and San Sebastian focus on city walks with rest stops. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The pace was perfect - challenging enough to feel accomplished but with time to stop and enjoy views of the Picos de Europa mountains or linger over pintxos in San Sebastian's old town."