Best of Northern Spain

This tour focuses on three of the most beautiful and distinctive regions in Spain: the Basque Country, La Rioja and Catalonia.

Begin in San Sebastian, an elegant seaside resort near the border of France that is the gastronomic capital of the Basque Country. Tour the picturesque old town, and browse local produce and fish markets. Basque cuisine is generally considered to be Spain’s finest and on this tour you will have ample opportunity to sample the local specialties. Take a class at a private cooking club, and enjoy a private tasting of the region’s delicious pintxos—the Basque version of tapas—and Txakoli, a local, slightly sparkling white wine.

Next, transfer to Bilbao, one of the most architecturally progressive towns in Spain. Visit the Guggenheim Museum, a stunning building of swooping titanium curves designed by Frank Gehry. After a private tour of the museum’s art collection, perhaps enjoy dining in its Michelin-starred restaurant. Also visit other interesting architectural and cultural sites in Bilbao before continuing to La Rioja, one of the world’s most renowned winemaking regions. Spend two nights in the heart of La Rioja at the Hotel Marques de Riscal, a luxury hotel with distinctive architecture designed by Frank Gehry and a wine therapy spa offering treatments using vine and grape seed extracts. On a private day excursion, visit Laguardia, a beautiful medieval walled village with wine caves under its cobblestone streets and impressive views of the nearby hills. Tour surrounding vineyards and enjoy wine tastings at bodegas (wineries) designed by celebrated modern architects such as Santiago Calatrava and Zaha Hadid.

Fly to Barcelona, one of Europe's most dynamic centers of modern design and cutting-edge cuisine. Discover Gaudi’s fantastical structures such as Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo or the hillside Parc Guell. Visit some of the city’s excellent museums, such as the Picasso Museum or Miro Museum. Stroll along Las Ramblas—Barcelona’s most famous boulevard—and explore the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter and La Ribera. If desired, explore the city’s shopping districts, stopping at upscale boutiques along the broad Passeig de Gracia and design shops in the stylish Born and Raval neighborhoods. Also visit the city’s leading food markets, including the Santa Caterina Market and La Boqueria Market.

Finally, conclude your tour on the Costa Brava, the heartland of Catalonia, where the region’s unique culture is apparent in its cuisine, architecture and language. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali and home to the fascinating Dali Theatre-Museum, and Port Lligat, the tiny port near windswept Cadaques that served as both inspiration and home to Dali. Also visit Girona, with its beautifully preserved cathedral, Arab baths and old Jewish quarter. On an optional excursion, perhaps tour some of the many charming medieval villages that dot the countryside.