Experience the Solar Eclipse in Northern Spain & Andorra: Barcelona, La Rioja & the Basque Country - 13 Days

Highlights

• Sample small bites on a guided tapas walk through Barcelona's Gothic Quarter
• Hike through Andorra's UNESCO-listed Vall del Madriu-Perafita-Claror
• Discover a melting pot of history and culture in Zaragoza
• Sip your way through the wineries of La Rioja (and pause to watch the solar eclipse)
• Follow the Bay of Biscay coast between San Sebastián and Bilbao

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Evening Tapas Walk

Welcome to Spain! You'll arrive in Barcelona, the capital of the Catalonia region, one of Spain's 17 autonomous communities. This famous city is known for its golden beaches, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. It's the food you'll enjoy first, as upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and meet a guide for a walking tapas tour. The word "tapas" literally translates to "tops," and you can find these small plates (designed to be shared) at bars, bodegas, and tabernas (taverns) throughout the country.

During this three-hour culinary experience, you'll walk around Barcelona's favorite neighborhoods, like the Gothic Quarter, ducking into alleys and popping in at local tapas spots to taste various dishes. As you go, your expert guide will share tips and insider knowledge regarding which dishes to try. At each stop, you'll pair your bites with sips of local wine, beer, or nonalcoholic drinks. Even better, with each plate and glass, your guide will reveal fascinating insights into Barcelona's history and culture.

Day 2: City Tour & Sagrada Família Visit, Explore Barcelona's Markets

After breakfast, you'll start your day with a guided tour of Barcelona, which includes its greatest monument, La Sagrada Família—a spectacular Roman Catholic church and UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. During this half-day excursion, you'll see some of the city's most emblematic spots and hidden corners, including the Gothic Quarter and Eixample, while learning about Gaudí and his jaw-dropping masterpiece, which is still under construction.

After you've worked up an appetite sightseeing, take a self-guided tour around some of Barcelona's most buzzing markets to taste local delights. Stroll around the busy stalls of La Boquería, located just off La Rambla, and pop by the Mercat de Santa Caterina, one of the city's oldest markets, renowned for its striking modernist architecture and diverse array of products. End at the Mercat de la Concepció, a locals' favorite tucked away in the Eixample district, where you'll find a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere and plenty of seasonal produce, flowers, artisanal bread, pastries, and gourmet treats. 

Day 3: Day Trip to Montserrat & Penedès Wine Country

Meet your driver and venture into the Catalonian countryside today, starting with a stop at Montserrat. Explore the Santa Maria de Montserrat Benedictine Monastery, Catalonia's monastic center, to see the famous "Black Virgin," a sculpture many believe was carved in Jerusalem in the early days of Christianity, located in the basilica. You'll also have time to visit the Museum of Montserrat, a treasure trove of archaeology, modern painting, and sculpture. There are many trails within this magnificent mountain setting where you can see spectacular views over the plains of Catalonia.

If you don't want to walk, take one of the mountain railway lines or the cable car to see splendid views of the area. After lunch, continue through scenic back roads into the Penedès wine-growing region, where you'll visit a renowned family-run winery to tour their cellars, see the winemaking process, and taste three exceptional wines—white, red, and sparkling—paired with Catalan snacks.

Day 4: Drive to Andorra & the Pyrenees 

It's time to pick up your rental car and start your road trip, striking out north from Barcelona toward the tiny, mountainous independent principality that lies near the border of France and Spain. The scenic drive takes about 2.5 hours, and it's a scenic journey that stretches from the Mediterranean coast into the dense forests and unspoiled nature of the Pyrenees. Break up the drive with a stop in Vic, a charming town with a well-preserved medieval quarter, and pause in Ripoll, home to the impressive Monastery of Santa Maria, considered the cradle of Catalan culture.

You'll also pass through La Seu d'Urgell, where the Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria and surrounding mountain views offer a peaceful break. Finally, ascend into Andorra, where the landscape shifts to Alpine villages and towering peaks. Continue to the country's capital (and largest city), Andorra la Vella, nestled in the central Gran Valira valley and surrounded by dramatic Pyrenees peaks. Spend the rest of your day getting to know this modern, outdoorsy city, or make the most of your surroundings by hopping back in the car to explore the surrounding mountain lakes. 

Day 5: Hike the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley

Spend today immersed in one of Andorra's greatest natural treasures, the UNESCO-listed Vall del Madriu-Perafita-Claror. This glacial valley lies about 1.5 hours east of Andorra la Vella, and its isolated setting (the only access is on foot via a historic stone road) means its wildflower meadows, highland forests, and Alpine lakes remain pristine. Wildlife flourishes here, including chamois, roe deer, wild boars, marmots, and pine martens, and the valley is also home to important cultural heritage, like the traditional stone borda huts still used by a small community of shepherds.

Pack your walking boots, water, and snacks, then set off from one of the trailheads for a day of gentle hiking and wildlife spotting. The Entremesaigües trail is a good choice for casual walkers, following a beautiful 2.5-mile (4 km) loop through woodlands, crossing small glacial streams via well-maintained footbridges. When you've worked up an appetite, head back to town for dinner to sample Andorran specialties like escudella (a white bean stew) and trinxat (fried mashed potatoes, cabbage, and bacon).

Day 6: Drive to Zaragoza, Explore Aragon's Capital

Return to Spain today when you get back on the road and drive roughly 3.5 hours south toward Zaragoza, the capital of the northeastern Aragon region. This historic powerhouse spans the mighty Ebro River and offers a fascinating blend of Roman ruins, Islamic palaces, and Baroque cathedrals to explore. When you've settled at your hotel, you'll have the remainder of the afternoon free to embark on a self-guided walk.

Start in the historic center at Plaza de España to see remnants of the ancient Roman city, then head to the Plaza de San Felipe, an elegant square lined with medieval and Renaissance architecture. Wind throught the streets of El Tubo, the city's tapas area, and pause to admire the grandiose Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, with its ornate ceiling frescoes painted by Goya. Next door, the UNESCO-listed Catedral del Salvador is a perfect melting pot of Baroque and Mudéjar styles, built atop the remains of an Islamic mosque.

Day 7: Drive to La Rioja, Afternoon Logroño Walking Tour

Another day of driving takes you 1.5 hours northwest and into La Rioja, one of the premier wine-growing regions of Spain. Encompassing seven famous valleys blanketed in vineyards, this beautiful province is most known for producing delicious tempranillo wines. La Rioja is also home to UNESCO-listed monasteries and iconic medieval castles like Castillo de Sajazarra and Castillo de Aguas Mansas. Your destination today is Logroño, the thriving regional capital known for its culinary prowess and as an important stop along the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. 

Get settled at your hotel, then join a local guide for a stroll around the historic Old Town. You'll pass fascinating remnants of the city's ancient past, which dates back to pre-Roman times, admire medieval walls and Renaissance churches, and learn about the city's deep connection to the Camino de Santiago. End on Calle del Laurel, a narrow alleyway lined with delicious eateries where you can part ways with your guide and try some of the region's best pintxos (Basque-style tapas) and La Rioja wines.

Day 8: Full-Day La Rioja Wine Tasting Experience & Solar Eclipse

Despite its smaller size, La Rioja might be Spain's most renowned wine region and the perfect place for winery tours and tastings. Today, you'll join a local for a full-day immersion in the region's wine heritage as you visit three wineries, including one dating back to the 16th century. See how their wine is still made using the traditional "stepping of the grapes, and taste how the aging process is affected by different types of oak barrels. 

At each stop, you'll get a glimpse into the winemaking process, from cultivation to bottling. Walk through the production facilities and vines, learn how to swirl and sip to extract the flavors, and identify the different aromas and tastes. Break up your vineyard visits with a traditional La Rioja lunch, tasting regional dishes accompanied by more wines—this time the little-known labels and varieties only locals drink. Toward the end of the day, your guide will help time the experience perfectly so you can pause to experience the 2026 solar eclipse, which follows a narrow path of totality across La Rioja.  

Day 9: Drive to San Sebastián & the Basque Country

Get back on the road today and continue two hours north, winding through the Basque Country to reach San Sebastián. Surrounded by lush hillsides on the Bay of Biscay, this sophisticated coastal town is known for its exciting dining scene, sweeping sandy beaches, and grand architecture. You'll have the remainder of the day free to explore, so drop your bags and take a ramble through the cobblestone streets of the Parte Vieja (the Old Quarter), known for its maze of churches, pintxos bars, and buildings dating back to the early 19th century.

Pop into ornate cathedrals and coffee shops, then stroll along the promenade to Playa La Concha. This 1.5-mile (2.4 km) stretch of sand curves out from the wider avenues and Belle Époque buildings of Centro (the New Town) in the shape of a seashell. The beachfront promenade is also a great place to return to at dusk to watch the sunset and the city lights flicker on. After dark, return to the Parte Vieja for some pintxos, the Basque Country's dainty version of tapas, paired with delicious local wines.

Day 10: Hondarribia Mountain, Winery & Old Town Tour

See more of the Basque Country today when you join your guide and leave San Sebastián behind for a while to explore the region's hilltop forts and sweeping vineyards. Start with a scenic transfer 30 minutes east to the walled coastal town of Hondarribia on the French border. Here you'll take a three-hour guided hike to the top of Mount Jaizkibel, where you'll discover the ruinous Guadalupe Fort, once a Spanish Civil War prison, and enjoy views over the Bay of Txingudi.

Afterward, reward yourself with a trip to a nearby winery for a private tour, learning about the entire production process and discovering the region's distinctive txakoli, a dry, almost sparkling white. Finish with a tasting session and snacks, then head back to Hondarribia for a guided walk through the Old Town to the marina with its brightly-colored houses. Stop for some tapas before returning to San Sebastián for your final night in the city.

Day 11: Drive to Bilbao via Scenic Coastal Route

Take your time on the jaw-dropping coastal drive to Bilbao today, cruising west along the northern Atlantic coast with views of the sparkling Bay of Biscay. The drive takes just over an hour, but you might want to stretch your legs with a stop at the quaint beach towns of Zumaia and Getaria, where you can wander their golden beaches and buzzing harbors. When you pull into Bilbao, drop off your rental car, check into your hotel, and put your feet up. If you're ready to start exploring, get your bearings with a self-guided walk.

Once an industrial port city, Bilbao today is a thriving cultural hub, as evidenced by the star of the show: the awe-inspiring Guggenheim Museum. Stroll along the banks of the Nervión River to get your first look at this architectural marvel, then head over to the Ribera Market, the largest covered market in Europe. End with a walk through the Casco Viejo (Old Town) area with its 700-year-old buildings. Finish the day by indulging in Bilbao's finest pintxos, hopping from bar to bar and tasting everything from lamb skewers and oxtail croquettes to cheese and mushroom pancakes.

Day 12: Guggenheim Museum Visit, Free Afternoon

No visit to Bilbao is complete without visiting the Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture by the legendary Frank Gehry. This glimmering titanium structure looks more like a sculpture than a building, with its sleek lines sensually curving in apparent defiance of physics. During a three-hour visit, you'll explore the museum's 258,300 square feet (24,000 sq m) of space, which houses a treasure trove of works from great artists such as Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Jeff Koons, Louise Bourgeois, and Eduardo Chillida.

This afternoon is free to spend however you like. If you're keen to explore more of the city, start at Plaza Moyua to admire the architecture of the 19th-century Txabarri Palace, then walk toward the eastern side of the river and cross the Arenal Bridge to view the 18th-century San Nikolas Cathedral and the Teatro Arriaga. If you have more time, stroll through one of the city's parks, such as the hilly Parque Etxebarria with views over the city, or Casilda Iturrizar, which is filled with gardens and fountains.

Day 13: Depart Bilbao

Your epic 13-day adventure through northern Spain draws to a close today. When the time comes, your driver will pick you up and take you to the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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