Northern Spain Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Northern Spain tour packages
- What people love about Northern Spain Tours
- Travel Northern Spain your way
- Best tour companies for Northern Spain tours
- Popular Northern Spain Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your Northern Spain tour
- Northern Spain tours for every type of group
- Top Northern Spain travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern Spain
- Contact our Northern Spain travel experts
- What our customers ask about Northern Spain Tours & Trips
The best Northern Spain tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Spain travel expert at TourRadar
North of Spain & Portugal, 8 days
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“She interpreted everything for us well. She listened and she worked hard to make the tour a great experience for us.”
Dorothy, traveled in September
Covadonga Shrine, La Coruña's coastal charm, and Porto's Stock Exchange building await couples (56% of bookings). With comfortable coach travel featuring WiFi, local guides in Santiago and Porto, and 4-star accommodations like Santemar Hotel in Santander.
Duration 8 days Destinations Madrid, Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Covadonga, Oviedo, A Coruña, Santiago de CompostelaSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator VPT Tours From
- NZ$2,255
North of Spain & Portugal from Barcelona
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotels and meals in general good. The tour run on schedule.”
Roberto, traveled in October
Northern Spain's treasures range from the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to Santiago's Plaza del Obradoiro. Rest in 4-star accommodations like Santemar in Santander and Iberik Santo Domingo in Oviedo. Marvel at medieval Santillana del Mar, Porto's historic center, with optional cruises in Rias Bajas.
Duration 8 days Destinations Barcelona, Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Covadonga, Oviedo, A Coruña, Santiago de CompostelaSee all destinations Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator VPT Tours From
- NZ$2,255
Walking the Camino de Santiago
52 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Some of the hotels were outstanding.”
Suzanne, traveled in September
The path from Madrid to Santiago reveals Leon's stained-glass cathedral and Astorga's Gaudi-designed Bishop's Palace. Stone villages of O Cebreiro welcome travelers, who rest in traditional Galician farmhouses near Melide before joining fellow pilgrims at Santiago's cathedral.
Duration 12 days Destinations Madrid, Leon, Astorga, Molinaseca, O Cebreiro, Palas de Rei, Melide, Arzua, Santiago de Compostela Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From $4,390
8% Off- NZ$4,060You save $330
North Spain Discovery
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“She was knowledgeable, well organised, engaging and above all professional.”
Maree, traveled in May
Northern Spain's culinary scene unfolds from San Sebastian's pintxos bars to Logrono's wine cellars, with stays in central hotels. Take in Monte Igueldo's panoramic views, Pamplona's Gothic cathedral, and Madrid's Royal Palace. Suited for food enthusiasts aged 15+, priced at approx. $330 per day.
Duration 8 days Destinations Barcelona, Pamplona, San Sebastian, Logrono, Madrid Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,885
30% Off- NZ$2,719You save $1,166
Northern Spain Real Food Adventure
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Above and beyond my expectations, and a very good guide.”
Louise, traveled in May
This 10-day culinary tour stretches from Barcelona's La Boqueria Market to Santiago de Compostela. Perfect your Catalan paella and Basque pintxos skills, venture into medieval Laguardia's underground wine caves, and taste traditional Cocido Lebaniego in Picos de Europa National Park. Rated 4.5/5 for food, costs approx. $420 per day.
Duration 10 days Destinations Barcelona, Logrono, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Picos de Europa National Park, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $7,305
5% Off- NZ$6,940You save $365
What people love about Northern Spain Tours
- North of Spain & Portugal, 8 days
I enjoyed the spontaneous feel of this tour, however, I would have wished that some of the more traditional aspects had been followed. We weren't offered some of the promoted optional excursions, e.g., the trip on the Douro River. And there were no surprise treats such as a taste of an iconic food during a mandatory stop. (In another tour by Radar, the group tasted churros and chocolate, for instance). In addition, our delightful, benighted bus driver had no idea where he was going. Our tour leader had to give directions from his phone's GPS. I'm really not sure whose fault that might be. On the other hand, the hotels at which we stayed were stellar. The sights themselves were handled well. Through knowledgeable local tour guides and the stunning beauty of the northern bus route, we saw thrilling scenery and historic places of importance. Although our tour leader didn't run a terribly tight ship, he was nevertheless charming, flexible, and responsive. Above all, we had a good time!
- North of Spain & Portugal from Barcelona
great tour. Hotels and meals in general good. The tour run on schedule (thanks to Mario). Guides excellent. The driver was atentative and made sure things run smoothly. Thanks
- Walking the Camino de Santiago
Had a great time met some lovely people. Our guide was fantastic, very supportive and helpful.
Travel Northern Spain your way
Northern Spain's Picos de Europa gives hikers exactly what they're looking for - real mountain experiences with some properly challenging climbs. The Cares Gorge trail is a favorite among our groups, where paths cut right into rock walls that tower over 1000 meters high. Up in Sotres, Spain's highest village, you can follow old shepherd tracks and see how local cheese makers still practice their craft. The Camino de Santiago continues to draw walkers, with popular routes from Sarria or Tui covering the final 100km to Santiago. Many of our travelers tell us they prefer the Portuguese Way - it's quieter but just as rich in culture, taking you through lovely spots like O Porriño and Caldas de Reis where you can soak in the thermal springs.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursNorthern Spain packs quite a punch when it comes to mixing culture with outdoor activity. Following routes from Madrid through Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela, you'll see architectural gems like the Guggenheim Museum and then head out for proper hikes in the Picos de Europa National Park. Our travelers love exploring the Galician Rías Bajas - they're like Spanish fjords - before crossing into Portugal. Walking through La Rioja adds something special; you'll weave through vineyards and discover Laguardia's underground wine caves, really getting to know the area's heritage. Customers often mention how much they like having guided tours mixed with free time to wander places like San Sebastian's old town or Porto's riverside areas on their own.
The cycling routes in Northern Spain are some of our most popular offerings, and it's easy to see why. In Cantabria, you can pedal through Santillana del Mar's medieval streets and follow the coast to see Gaudi's El Capricho in Comillas. The ride down Miera Valley to Santander Bay is a particular favorite - you get mountains and sea views all in one go. Cyclists who've taken our Basque Country to Asturias route tell us they love watching griffon vultures circle above Sonabia's cliffs, and the mix of coastal and inland riding keeps things interesting. Our travelers consistently mention how much they appreciate the quality bikes we provide and the thoughtfully planned routes that keep you away from busy roads.
See all Bicycle toursExplore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Northern Spain. We have 13 adventures that vary from 4 days to 13 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
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More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Northern Spain tours
Based on what our travelers tell us, IberoCycle stands out for cycling tours in Cantabria - their bikes are really well maintained and you can tell they've put thought into mapping out the routes. People who've booked through G Adventures for the Camino de Santiago keep mentioning two guides in particular, Mercedes and Giulia, who get a lot of praise for how much they know about the trail and how they support the group. We've heard some mixed feedback about UnCommon Tours through TourRadar though. A few customers weren't happy with how the company communicated with them, and some found the places they stayed weren't quite what was shown in the tour descriptions. This seems to be specific to their Camino tours. The big difference we're seeing is in the consistency - IberoCycle and G Adventures maintain solid service levels across their tours, while UnCommon Tours has more ups and downs in terms of customer satisfaction. What's interesting is that the positive reviews focus on practical things like equipment quality and guide expertise, while the negative feedback tends to center around communication and expectation management rather than the actual cycling or walking experience.
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Popular Northern Spain Cruise Ships
Best places to start your Northern Spain tour
Most of our travelers kick off their Northern Spain journey from Madrid - 22 of them to be exact - while Barcelona sees 13 departures, Bilbao attracts 12, and Sarria and Leon welcome 7 and 6 travelers respectively. Since these routes fill up quickly in peak walking season, we've found booking about 130 days (4.5 months) ahead works best. While finding vegetarian options can be tricky on some parts of the route, our team has gotten pretty good at making it work without missing out on authentic local flavors. Our recent groups really love diving into the food scene, especially in the Basque Country and Galicia where fresh seafood and traditional dishes make perfect post-walk meals. The whole region feels wonderfully different from typical Spanish destinations - you'll find Celtic culture mixed with seaside traditions, green rolling hills and charming stone villages that tell stories of centuries past.
Northern Spain tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
84 tours in Northern SpainExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Northern Spain. We have 84 adventures that vary from 3 days to 33 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
32 tours in Northern SpainOur Northern Spain small-group tours create genuine connections, as travelers regularly tell us about the meaningful experiences they share along the way. The intimate Camino de Santiago groups particularly shine with guides like Mercedes and Giulia, who weave historical context into each pilgrim's personal journey. Food tours combine Barcelona market cooking sessions, San Sebastian pintxos explorations, and also visits to artisanal cheese producers in the Picos mountains. The small group size lets us make impromptu stops at local markets, family vineyards in La Rioja, and peaceful medieval towns along our route. Travelers appreciate how we balance structured activities with free time, whether exploring Bilbao's Guggenheim or joining local celebrations in Santiago de Compostela. Our walking tours from Sarria traverse the final 100km to Santiago, with carefully chosen lodgings each night, while culinary adventures take you shopping with local chefs, mastering Basque cooking techniques, and discovering the underground wine cellars of Laguardia.
Private / Personalized
36 tours in Northern SpainEnjoy the exclusivity of our Private Northern Spain tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace with over 36 itineraries to choose from.
Top Northern Spain travel itineraries to fit your plans
A week gives you time to really sink into the local scene. Our Camino walking tours cover the final 100km from Sarria to Santiago - just enough to earn your pilgrim certificate. You'll pass through Portomarin, a fascinating town that locals actually moved piece by piece to higher ground, and stop in Arzua where the local cheese is worth the walk alone. The Barcelona to Santiago routes mix city life with quiet countryside moments. Our travelers love joining traditional Galician fire drink ceremonies and watching the sun drop behind hilltop villages each evening.
Ten days lets us really dig into the food and wine scene. Starting in Barcelona, these routes wind through La Rioja's vineyards and into the heart of Basque cooking. Our guests particularly enjoy shopping with local chefs at markets like La Bretxa and learning to cook traditional dishes in San Sebastian kitchens. You'll taste your way through idiazabal cheese and txakoli wine tastings. What makes these trips special is how they mix it up - one day you're exploring modern art in Bilbao, the next you're tucking into traditional Cantabrian stew in Picos de Europa National Park.
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For a deep dive into Northern Spain, our two-week cycling tours on the Camino Frances start in St Jean Pied de Port. You'll tackle the tough Pyrenees crossing before cruising through La Rioja's vineyards. Rest days in Burgos and Leon give you time to explore Gothic cathedrals and sample local dishes. Our cyclists love how varied the route is - from peaceful Galician forest paths to the challenging climb up O Cebreiro. There's nothing quite like that final sunrise ride into Santiago de Compostela to complete your pilgrimage.
Demographics
Our food-focused tours in Northern Spain tend to be perfect for solo travelers, with the Northern Spain Real Food Adventure getting particularly great feedback. You'll join cooking classes in Barcelona and explore markets with local chefs who really know their stuff. There's plenty of time to get to know other travelers while walking through La Rioja's vineyards and trying pintxos in San Sebastian's old streets. Another route takes you from Madrid to León's Gothic cathedral and up to Oviedo, where the group gets together for traditional cider tastings. The Camino de Santiago routes work really well too - you'll find walking partners easily and share evening meals, but still get quiet moments during daily walks for your own thoughts.
The younger crowd loves our active Northern Spain tours that mix culture with outdoor activities. Several trips kick off in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter before heading to San Sebastian's surf spots. When we run tours through Bilbao, you get urban art at the Guggenheim and proper hiking in Picos de Europa National Park - the contrast really works according to our groups. Food and wine play a big part too, from Rioja tastings to seeing how they make Cabrales cheese. You'll find a good balance of guided stuff and free time, especially in university cities like Santiago de Compostela where you can check out local bars and restaurants.
Our older travelers often go for tours that balance comfort and real local experiences. The 8-day Northern Spain and Portugal tour is especially popular, with well-chosen hotels and carefully planned stops. The coastal drive from Santander to Bilbao is really pleasant and you get proper time in medieval spots like Santillana del Mar. There's no rush when visiting Santiago de Compostela's cathedral or Porto's old town. Our guides get lots of good feedback about their local knowledge and helpful attitude, plus having dinners included makes evenings easy and social. Many travelers tell us they like the optional trips to smaller villages - you can pick and choose based on how you're feeling that day.
Solo Travelers97 tours All tours for Solo Travelers- Couples45 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)8 tours
- Seniors (50+)55 tours
Best time to visit Northern Spain
- Summer 2025
Summer brings many visitors to Northern Spain for its diverse landscapes and milder Atlantic climate. Our small groups mix cultural highlights with outdoor activities - you might start by exploring Oviedo's pre-Romanesque churches, then spend afternoons taking in views from Picos de Europa National Park. Coastal routes are especially popular, offering fresh seafood in La Coruña's markets and drives along the Spanish Fjords. Travelers tell us they appreciate how we balance guided activities with free time to explore Santiago de Compostela's old quarter or join locals for evening pintxos in San Sebastian's narrow streets.
- 64 tours
- 74 tours
- popular 77 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall colors transform Northern Spain's wine regions and mountains, making it ideal for food and wine tours. Harvest season brings special activities in La Rioja's vineyards and chances to learn traditional wine-making in Porto's historic cellars. Our guests particularly enjoy autumn market visits, where you'll find mushrooms, chestnuts, seasonal produce and also local specialties. Walking tours feel different as temperatures drop - you can hike through colorful forests in the Picos de Europa and explore medieval villages like Santillana del Mar without summer heat. Many travelers mention appreciating the quieter atmosphere at major sites and experiencing local harvest festivals.
- popular 93 tours
- 84 tours
- 36 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in Northern Spain offers plenty to discover both inside and out during the cooler months. Small group tours cover multiple countries, taking you through Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and Barcelona's Gothic Quarter before heading north. You'll find yourself exploring Bilbao's covered markets and spending quality time in the Guggenheim Museum's grand galleries. Food tours work especially well in winter - you can warm up learning to cook in traditional Basque kitchens and explore Porto's historic wine cellars. Our customers tell us they love seeing medieval walls in places like Santillana del Mar without the summer crowds, and the hearty northern Spanish food tastes even better when it's cool - from rich Cantabrian stews, regional specialties and also fresh grilled seafood.
- popular 20 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring transforms our northern routes with green rolling hills and blooming fruit trees. Cycling becomes particularly good as temperatures warm - you'll ride through the Cantabrian Mountains, along the Ebro Reservoir shores and into quiet valleys where eagles circle above. Food enthusiasts join our Real Food Adventures to experience spring ingredients in local markets, from fresh asparagus, seasonal vegetables and also early cherries. Our travelers often mention watching fishermen bring in their daily catch in coastal towns like San Sebastian and Getaria. Wine tours through Rioja take on a special feeling in spring, with visits to family wineries and guided tastings that showcase local grape varieties.
- 22 tours
- 27 tours
- popular 30 tours
Contact our Northern Spain travel experts
Kristina
Expert in Northern Spain at TourRadar
Kristina is one of our seasoned Northern Spain Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern Spain tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Northern Spain Tours & Trips
What kinds of local experiences can you join in Northern Spain?
Up in the Basque Country you can dive into the evening txikiteo through Bilbao's Siete Calles where locals wander between bars trying amazing pintxos like bacalao al pil-pil with txakoli wine that's poured from way up high it's quite a sight. Over in Galicia there's this really mystical queimada ceremony in Santiago where they prepare this flaming aguardiente punch in clay pots while chanting old Galician spells. And if you're in Asturias you've got to experience traditional cider pouring at the historic sidrerías along Oviedo's Calle Gascona where they pour natural cider from about a meter high to get that perfect aeration.
What natural areas can you visit outside the cities in Northern Spain?
The Picos de Europa National Park spreads across Asturias Cantabria and León it's got these incredible limestone peaks deep gorges like the Garganta del Cares and ancient beech forests where Cantabrian brown bears roam. You can catch ALSA buses from Bilbao or Santander to Cangas de Onís to get there. Covadonga National Park is another gem with its glacial lakes historic basilica and the birthplace of the Spanish Reconquista you can hop on regular shuttles from Oviedo or join guided tours from Gijón. Near Bilbao there's the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve with protected wetlands and medieval fishing villages easily reached by the Euskotren coastal railway.
What are some less touristy routes for exploring Northern Spain?
The Rías Baixas route weaves through Galicia's stunning fjord-like inlets connecting historic ports like Pontevedra and Cambados where you'll find amazing albariño wine and fresh seafood markets. People love it because you get to see traditional mussel farming and oyster harvesting up close. Then there's the Camino Primitivo the original pilgrim route through Asturias it's perfect if you want more peace and quiet than the French Way with some challenging mountain passes and authentic villages like Salas and Tineo. For hikers the Transpirenaica GR-11 trail offers this beautiful mix of coastal views and mountain culture through the Basque Pyrenees.
Which places in Northern Spain are still kind of secret but totally worth visiting?
Laguardia in La Rioja is incredible with its network of medieval wine caves right under the cobblestone streets and family-run bodegas where you can taste centuries-old wines. Pedraza's this amazing fortified village that's kept its medieval character alive with torch-lit festivals and Spain's oldest working prison. The Santo Toribio de Liébana monastery in Cantabria holds the largest piece of the True Cross still around and gets spiritual visitors but stays pretty quiet. Castro Urdiales an old Roman port in Cantabria gives you Gothic architecture and amazing fresh seafood without the crowds you'd find in Bilbao.
What local foods should you definitely try in Northern Spain?
You've got to try polbo á feira the market-style octopus that's best in Melide's traditional pulperías where they've been making it the same way for centuries with olive oil paprika and rock salt. Up in the Cantabrian mountains there's cocido Lebaniego this hearty stew with local cecina that you'll find in mountain villages like Potes. San Sebastián's Old Town is amazing for innovative pintxos especially at places like La Cuchara de San Telmo where they put new spins on Basque classics. And don't miss Asturian fabada this incredible bean and pork stew that places like Casa Gerardo near Gijón have earned Michelin stars for making just the traditional way.