10 day Barcelona and Northern Spain private tour

Rated 5 out of 5

Private tour description

This tour can also be enjoyed from Bilbao or San Sebastian to Barcelona. The tour as displayed ends in Bilbao, from where you can get easy flight connections.

We have designed this exclusive Barcelona and Northern Spain tour with a commitment to authenticity, inviting you to immerse yourself in the soul of northern Spain. The itinerary begins in Barcelona and continues through the renowned wine region of La Rioja and the gastronomic capital of San Sebastián, before concluding in the culturally vibrant city of Bilbao.

From world-class architecture and celebrated vineyards to stunning coastal landscapes and refined Basque cuisine, this itinerary brings together Northern Spain’s most emblematic highlights with carefully curated experiences that go beyond conventional tourist circuits.

  • Exclusive private travel experience, to enjoy at your own pace and comfort
  • Fantastic mixture of experiences: Barcelona´s architecture and mediterranean Spirit, Riojan wine country vibes, San Sebastian elegance and amazing gastronomy, and Bilbao´s character and outstanding Guggenheim museum
  • Excellent hotels, exceptional restaurants, and guided tours: carefully selected experiences that blend Northern Spain’s must-see landmarks with hidden treasures, giving you a complete and unforgettable journey.
  • Dedicated expert team to support your travel plans, with local guides offering insider knowledge and personalized recommendations
  • Almost all experiences, activities, and services during your stay are included, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience
  • Discover Northern Spain, from breathtaking architecture and world-class vineyards to Michelin-starred cuisine and vibrant cultural treasures

This Private tour from Barcelona to Northern Spain includes

Professional Guides

Expert and approachable local guides will accompany you during the key parts of the itinerary, sharing their knowledge and insights while also allowing you time to explore independently, creating a well-balanced experience between guided tours and personal discovery.

Transfers with quality vehicles

Transportation between cities included in the itinerary, except for the Barcelona - Rioja leg, which is covered by train. Airport pick-up and drop-off on the first and last days of the tour are also included. Train ticket from Barcelona to Rioja is included.

Top quality gastronomy

A total of 6 carefully selected meals is included, offering a full spectrum of culinary experiences: from tasting authentic tapas, enjoying traditional cuisine in local restaurants, to savoring the creativity of a Michelin-starred restaurant, ensuring a rich and diverse gastronomic journey.

Top cultural highlights and private tours with local experts

Tours of fantastic attractions to discover hidden gems, including a visit to the stunning Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Montserrat Monastery and the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao

Excellent hotels

9 nights of accommodation with breakfast at superb 4-star hotels carefully selected by our experts. All properties are centrally located and offer exceptional comfort, service, and quality.

Taxes, Tolls & services

21% Spanish Taxes (VAT). Complimentary water

5 private wine and food tours

- 1 Private guided tapas tour in Barcelona A privately guided tapas experience through Barcelona’s historic neighbourhoods, discovering traditional Catalan flavors. - 1 privtae tour to Montserrat and wine country near the monastery - 2 private wine & gastronomy tours in Rioja Across 2 privately guided tours, you will gain a comprehensive insight into one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. Each tour includes visits to selected wineries that showcase the diversity of Rioja winemaking, along with a superb gastronomic experience highlighting the best of local cuisine. Together, these tours provide an in-depth perspective on Rioja’s landscapes, traditions, innovative cellars, and exceptional wines. - Private tour of the French Basque Country from San Sebastián A privately guided excursion into the French Basque Country, featuring visits to Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Hondarribia. Discover elegant coastal towns, Basque culture on both sides of the border, and exceptional local gastronomy along the way.

Practical information & Dietary restrictions

You will receive your detailed itinerary approximately two weeks before the start of your tour. Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions so we can ensure all arrangements meet your needs.

Barcelona and Nothern Spain tour itinerary

This standard itinerary has been thoughtfully crafted for a seamless and enriching journey. At the same time, we know every traveler is unique, and we are delighted to adapt any part of the tour to ensure your experience is truly personal and memorable.

 

Day 1. Barcelona

Day 2. Barcelona

Day 3. Barcelona – Montserrat

Day 4. Barcelona – Rioja

Day 5. Rioja

Day 6. Rioja – San Sebastian

Day 7. San Sebastián

Day 8. San Sebastián – French Basque Coast

Day 9. San Sebastián – Bilbao

Day 10. End of Trip

DAY 1 - Barcelona
Upon arrival at Barcelona airport, your driver will transfer you to your centrally located 4* hotel. You will have some free time to settle in and explore the city at your own pace before embarking on a private tapas tour. During the tour, you will visit selected local bars and sample a variety of authentic Catalan and Spanish tapas, experiencing Barcelona’s culinary scene like a true local.
DAY 2 - Barcelona
On your second day in Barcelona you will enjoy a private guided tour of Barcelona’s top highlights, including entrance to the iconic Sagrada Família, allowing you to explore this architectural wonder without waiting in line. Your expert local guide will share insights into the city’s history, art, and culture, and provide suggestions for how to make the most of the rest of your day in Barcelona.
DAY 3 – Barcelona: Montserrat & Wine Experience
Today you will enjoy a private guided tour to Montserrat, the stunning mountain monastery just outside Barcelona. Explore the breathtaking landscapes, visit the monastery, and discover its rich history and cultural significance with the guidance of your local expert. In the afternoon, you will visit a winery for a fantastic wine tasting session, discovering the flavors of Catalonia and learning about the region’s winemaking traditions. This combination of natural beauty, culture, and gastronomy makes for a memorable day outside the city.
DAY 4 – Barcelona to Rioja
On day 4 of this private northerm Spain tour you will say goodbye to Barcelona and get ready to experience the charms of wine country. You will travel from Barcelona to the Rioja wine region by train, enjoying a comfortable and scenic journey through Spain. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a charming boutique hotel in Laguardia, one of Spain’s most beautiful medieval villages, where you will stay for the night. we will also provide recommendations so you can explore the best of Laguardia at your own pace, from its historic streets to local shops and viewpoints
DAY 5 – Rioja Wine & food Tour
Today your private guide will pick you up from your hotel for your first wine and gastronomy tour in Rioja. You will visit 3 carefully selected wineries, learning about the region’s winemaking traditions and tasting a variety of exceptional wines. The tour also includes a high-quality lunch featuring traditional Riojan products, allowing you to fully experience the flavors of the region. In addition, you will enjoy a guided visit to a charming traditional Riojan village, exploring its historic streets, local architecture, and cultural highlights. After the tour, your guide will return you to your hotel , giving you the opportunity to continue enjoying the City at your own pace.
DAY 6 - Rioja & Transfer to San Sebastián
On your last day in Rioja you will enjoy a second private wine and gastronomy tour in Rioja, featuring a carefully selected itinerary and different wineries from the previous day. This allows you to experience a broader perspective of the region, its diverse vineyards, and the unique flavors of Rioja wines. After the tour, you will be transferred in a private vehicle to San Sebastián, where you will check in to your hotel and have time to relax or explore the city’s charming streets and renowned culinary scene.
DAY 7 - Free Day in San Sebastián
Today is a free day to explore San Sebastián at your own pace. This elegant and aristocratic city is famous for its beautiful beaches, charming streets, and world-renowned gastronomy. We will provide personalized recommendations to ensure you don’t miss any of the city’s highlights, from the historic Old Town and its lively pintxos bars to scenic viewpoints and cultural landmarks. Whether you choose to stroll along La Concha beach, visit local markets, or enjoy a culinary experience, the day is yours to make the most of this stunning coastal city.
Day 8 - French Basque Country: Hondarribia, Biarritz & Saint-Jean-de-Luz
On the 8th day of the tour you will embark on a private tour of the French Basque Country, departing from San Sebastián. The tour includes visits to Hondarribia, Biarritz, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, offering an unforgettable experience of the region’s stunning landscapes, picturesque coastal towns, and charming streets. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, the tour is focused on gastronomy, allowing you to sample local specialties, regional wines, and traditional products along the way. Your private guide will provide insights into the culture, history, and culinary traditions of this unique cross-border region, making it a truly immersive experience.
Day 9 - Transfer to Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum
For the last day of tour we have prepared an amazing gastronomy experience which marks a grand finale to your incredible journey. You will be picked up from your hotel in San Sebastián by private transfer and taken to Bilbao, enjoy a private guided visit to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, exploring its extraordinary contemporary art collections and iconic architecture. To complement this cultural highlight, a gourmet lunch at a prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant has been included, offering a culinary experience of the highest level and showcasing the best of Basque cuisine. This carefully curated day brings together art, culture, and gastronomy, allowing you to end your trip in spectacular style. After the tour, you will have time to relax or continue exploring Bilbao at your leisure, reflecting on the exceptional experiences of your journey through Spain.
Day 10 - End your trip
Today, your journey comes to an end with a private transfer from your hotel in Bilbao to the airport. We hope your Barcelona & Northern Spain trip has been truly memorable, filled with breathtaking landscapes, exquisite gastronomy, remarkable wines, and unforgettable cultural experiences. May the highlights of Spain stay with you long after you leave, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon to explore even more of this incredible country!

Have a Question?

Have a look first at our Q&A section or contact us

Reviews

"We took this tour from Barcelona up to the north of Spain, and it was fantastic — exactly as described. Our guide Rodrigo in Rioja was easy to communicate with and flexible. Our second day in Rioja we enjoyed Andoni´s sense of humour, and were lucky to be with him also in Biarritz. We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Northern Spain"
The old and new cathedrals in Salamanca
Amy, Chicago

Map - Barcelona and Northern Spain tour

Share this tour

from €2900

(Price per person based on 4 people in your group)

Why with us and Terms

  • Dietary restrictions.  The tour can accomodate nearly all possible dietary restrictions. You will be requested to provide dietary restrictions through the booking process.
  • Can the itinerary be extended? Let us know about your ideas and we will try to adapt the itinerary to best suit your travel plans
  • Can I pay with Amex? You need to contact us to be able to book with Amex
  • Can I pay with a paypal account? You need to contact us if you wish to pay using Paypal

  • Can I have the name of the wineries we will visit? We do not advertise the names of the wineries visited and prefer not to provide them to ensure we keep the exclusivity of the tour to its maximum for our customers. We only visited small, top wineries that fit perfectly well into the schedule for the day.  

  • Can I propose which wineries to visit? We understand you may love some wines and would like to visit the winery where they are produced. We are happy to listen to your preferences but please bear in mind that some wines are great, but the wineries not worth visiting. Please bear also in mind that some wineries do not accept visits or are not available on many days. Lastly, visiting certain wineries may imply a huge detour. The local team is expert in wine country and will ensure your tour includes the best possible experience to fit the itinerary

Winetourismspain.com is the most secure, easy and best way to experience the fantastic wineries of Ribera del Duero and Rioja during your stay in Madrid. Not only can we save you the time and effort of organising your winery visits in English, we can also offer you the opportunity to explore the area in luxury and comfort with your own experienced wine expert guide for the day, and really get to know the wineries and high quality wines in the area.

We only work with the best guides and wine producers in Ribera del Duero and Rioja. We are experts in the region and our customers count on our knowledge to build the perfect tour on the chosen day.

You can make your reservation by selecting an available date from the calendar. Then select the number of people. To proceed to the payment page click “BOOK NOW”.

If you are booking well in advance and prefer to pay a 30% deposit to reserve your date, please contact us by clicking on Contact Us” and we can then send you a payment link for the deposit

If cancelled 30 days before the start of your trip, 15% of the total services cost will be deducted. For cancellations within 30 days of the starting date of the service, 30% of the total cost will be charged. Tours cancelled 7 days or less prior to the first day of your trip are non-refundable. We advise that you consider purchasing Trip Cancellation / Travel Insurance.

More tour to enjoy from Madrid

Check out some other tours that may also interest you

Torre del Oro next to the Guadalquivir river

Madrid to Seville 2 day private tour via Toledo

This private tour connects Madrid with Seville in the best possible way. The route between Seville and Madrid offers some hidden gems, unknown to the majority of travelers. With this 2-day tour, you will arrive to Seville from Madrid enjoying the spectacular city of Toledo, the Don Quixote windmills landscapes, gastronomy and culture on the way … Read More

Concha beach from mount Igueldo in San Sebastian

Madrid to San Sebastian or Bilbao Private Tour

An amazing private tour to connect Madrid with San Sebastian or Bilbao. We can’t think of a better way to travel from Madrid to San Sebastian! With this tour, we have combined 2 private day tours to 2 of Spain’s most famous wine regions: Rioja and Ribera del Duero. You will enjoy fantastic landscapes, wineries, gastronomy and historical sites. Be transported to the north of Spain in total comfort while enjoying and getting to know the essence of Spanish wine country … Read More

Frotress of Avila in Castilla, Spain

Ribera del Duero, Segovia, Salamanca & Ávila Private Tour

This private tour offers an unforgettable 3-day tour in which to discover the best old Castilla has to offer. You will discover the beautiful wine country of Ribera del Duero, enjoy the treasures of 3 of Spain´s most amazing cities: Sergovia, Avila, and Salamanca. All 3 cities were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Get ready to enjoy one of the world´s best-preserved Roman aqueducts, the fantastic walls of Avila and one of the world´s most beautiful squares in Salamanca. … Read More

Views of Cordoba

Andalusia private tour from Madrid – New 2025 itinerary highlights

Let us take you on a private tour through Andalusia from Madrid, where vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich traditions await. From the timeless beauty of Seville, Granada, Córdoba or Toledo, to lesser-known gems like the iconic windmills of La Mancha, this tour offers an inspiring blend of Spain’s highlights and hidden corners. We’ve designed an exceptional base itinerary with premium hotels, expert guides, and handpicked experiences—but we’re here to make it truly yours. Enjoy a great selection of activities: flamenco evening, a wine tasting in a family-run bodega, or a scenic meal with views of La Alhambra. Enjoy Andalusia in style with this superb private tour … Read More

  Yes    No