Daily Itinerary

Day 1
Bienvenido. Welcome to Bilbao. Arrive and check in to your fabulous, central hotel. If you don’t feel like a big dinner tonight why not head to El Vina Del Ensanche, for the authentic Bilbao tradition at a great Pintxos bar. This has one of the best-tasting menus around.

Day 2
After Breakfast and a wake-me-up Coffee, you’ll meet your Bilbao Greeter and set off on your carefully planned day tour. Whether you want to visit The Guggenheim, Museo De Bellas Artes, the Old Town, or discover more local haunts, like Market La Ribera, the Bilbao Greeters are there to help.

Day 3
Today you might like to get acquainted with the Metro, designed by Sir Norman Foster, or the two beautiful theatres - Arriaga and Campos Eliseos. End the day with a visit to the Zubizuri Bridge and the nearby Funicular which takes you to the picturesque Artxanda Lookout. These are the best views of the city and the surrounding hills. There are a number of great restaurants to choose from for your final dinner here, perhaps try the Mina Restaurante, Bascook or Agape Restaurante.

Days 4 to 6
Collect your hire car from Downtown Bilbao and drive an easy hour to your La Rioja hotel. This is arguably the wine capital of Spain, where local wineries (bodegas) range from the authentic, traditional cellars to major commercial producers. Some that are worth visiting include Marqués de Riscal, Bodegas Ysios and Lan Winery. Why not ask your hotel for a picnic lunch hamper and set down amidst a vineyard. What could be lovelier in autumn?

Rioja is home to the Vivanco Wine Museum which houses centuries-old vessels, farming tools, and great works of art with audiovisual aids to learn about the history and future of wine. Be sure to visit the villages of La Guardia and Cenicero where ancient wine-making rituals continue to this day. It’s fabulous to stroll the old cobblestone streets and be immersed in this culture. Rioja delivers amazing food to go with all that amazing wine! Swanky gastropubs rub shoulders with decades-old family establishments serving their delicious stew recipe for the past hundred years and it works.

There are plenty of non-wine related activities. The area is home to two of the oldest Monasteries in Spain, the Suso and Yuso Monasteries. The Santiago Pilgrimage route cuts through this region – a reminder of centuries of European history. If you prefer to leave the car, you can hire a bike to cycle the path, or soar high above this lush countryside in a Hot Air Balloon.

Days 7 to 11
Keeping your time in the car to a minimum, it’s a short 90min drive this morning to picturesque San Sebastian. Check in to your charming hotel and return the rental car at your leisure. These next 5 days are non-driving days as you join in the festivities of Euskal Jaiak. San Sebastian is famed year-round for its Cider Houses, Pintxos and renowned gourmet restaurants. Being here at harvest time is even more special.

Every day you will experience the ultimate in Basque food, culture and sports.

Cider Day or Sagardo Eguna in Basque, is in many ways the most important event in the local calendar. in 2019, it is scheduled for 07 September, the day before you leave!

To keep you healthy and to help work off those many Pintxos, we have included a half day, small group Way of St James Walk. You’ll head out of town and enjoy wonderful views from the bay across to the city, before making your way along the coastal St James Way.

Day 12
You’ll be sad to bid San Sebastian farewell. Will you miss drinking Cider straight from the ancient wooden barrels? Or perhaps you’ll reminisce to friends about those scrumptious Pintxos?

Your train leaves early this morning enroute to Pamplona, where you will stay overnight. Pamplona is often overlooked by tourists, except in July during the famous Bull Run. Which is a shame, because the city has stunning stone paved streets and a historic town centre with foundations dating back to 75-74BC. The historic Gothic-style Church of Saint Nicholas also served as a Fortress of sorts. The Pamplona Cathedral and Cloisters are remarkable examples of 15th Century Gothic architecture. Navarre (Pamplona) was where the Spanish civil war began. Today you can visit a memorial to the fallen, and a memorial to Francoa, The Monumento a los Caídos . After the war, it was the visiting pilgrims on the Way of Saint James who led the economic re-birth of Pamplona.

Days 13 to 15
Your arrival in Madrid paves the way for visits to the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia and Palacio Real.

Flamenco is a must whilst in Spain and we would highly recommend Teatro Flamenco in Madrid or Lorca Poeta Flamenco. We recommend to stay in the Salamanca area of Madrid, since it is a refined, older neighbourhood with lovely tree-lines boulevards. It is an easy 30min stroll (or a 12min taxi ride) to the Plaza Mayor. Barrio Salamanca has an abundance of good restaurants and bars at your doorstep, and excellent shopping of course!

We have included a Skip-the-Line Prado and Royal Palace Pass, and also a 2 day Hop-On-Hop-Off ticket so that you can make the most of your time in the attractive Spanish capital.

Days 16 to 17
After Breakfast check out of your Madrid hotel and make your way to Atocha Station for the 2.5hr journey to Seville. Many people describe Seville as their ‘spirit city’. Seville is a rare beauty and the starting point for your magical 7 day journey through the region of Andalucía. In Seville you will be treated to a guided walk through the Santa Cruz, which includes a flamenco show and a locally-guided tapas tour. You will have your own time in Madrid, to simply wander through Maria Luisa Park and the Plaza Espana. Or visit the timeworn Royal Alcázar, built as a fortress around 850AD. Wander through the indoor bazaar, Mercado de Triana (market) to sample delicious local produce. You would certainly have seen Plaza Espana in movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Wind and The Lion, The Dictator and several more. The Plaza was constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American World Fair and is a masterpiece of architecture and cultural homage.

Day 18
This morning you will be met by your Private Driver to commence your touring through Andalucía. You will journey south to the city of Jerez de la Frontera, renowned for its dry sherry production and ‘dancing’ horses from the world famous School of Equestrian Art. Continue on to the whitewashed village of Arcos de la Frontera for a free afternoon and evening.

Day 19
A scenic drive today as you travel from the pretty village of Arcos to Grazalema. You’ll travel on the White Villages Route, so-called for its charming whitewashed villages along the way. Grazalema is considered one of the ‘purest’ white villages, nestled in the foothills of the Natural Reserve. Continue on to Ronda and have some free time. You should visit the Plaza de Toros de Ronda arena , the city’s imposing bullring, also the spiritual home of all bullfighting in Spain. Ronda’s main feature is the immense Tajo or Chasm - a geological cleft in the rock that plunges about 100m deep. You have a free evening with the driver at your disposition. Overnight at the Parador Nacional in Ronda is a special treat. The Parador delivers the most spectacular views of the Puente Nuevo (new bridge) and in the distance to the Tagus River.

Days 20 to 21
Ronda is renowned for its natural beauty and some premier walks. Some are short, others are longer. We would encourage you to rise early on your departure day so that you can fit in some outdoor time. Talk to your hotel about which walk suits you best, they will give you directions. You can liaise with your driver regarding your departure time. Your drive to Granada via Antequera is 2.5hrs total so you have some leeway today.

In the afternoon you will arrive in Granada and bid farewell to your driver.

Your two nights in Granada will be spent in the middle of the action, just a 3min walk from the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, close to restaurants and cafes. And all only an easy 20min walk to the Alhambra.

The morning after your arrival in Granada, you will meet your guides for a private tour of the Alhambra Palace and Gardens of the Generalife. The afternoon is free to explore Granada. Perhaps take a stroll through the Arab quarter, which is somewhere completely different in the middle of Granada, yet bound to be the perfect end to the day. Granada is a celebration of Moorish Spain.

Days 22 to 25
Talk to us about your departure flight to Mallorca. You might be keen to get to the island early, or you might prefer an afternoon departure to allow the time to rent a car and make a quick visit to Cordoba.

Mallorca is known as the ‘Star of the Mediterranean” and we have left you free time to discover this jewel.

A hire car is included from Airport to Airport so you can visit those beautiful beaches with their azure waters and hidden coves, and the striking Tramuntana mountains. You’ll have plenty of time to combine lazing around authentic cafes with your sightseeing – this is the perfect way to do Mallorca! Your departure day is a Sunday, which is a great day for a visit to the markets in Pollensa. A 3pm flight to Barcelona gives you time for this.

Day 26
Welcome to Barcelona! Leave the best to last, why not! Barcelona is a treasure of a city. The Gothic quarter and Gaudi Masterpieces are visions of artistic and architectural triumph, but it is the Catalonian spirit running through its veins that makes Barcelona unique.

Day 27
Get acquainted with Gaudi on your first full day in Barca. Your 5.5hr Complete Gaudi small group tour sets off at 8.45am and covers Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo and Park Guell. No other tour offers such a deep insight into Gaudi’s life and work. In the afternoon you could take a drink to the terrace of your hotel, and follow this with a special dinner in the restaurant. Both have unsurpassed views of the Gothic Cathedral and the busy square below.

Day 28
Choose either 10am or 5pm for your Market tour with Paella cooking class. Today you visit authentic local markets, accompanied by a chef, and then return to the cooking studios where the culinary fun begins. You will make both Sangria and Paella, and then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labour. This 4hr tour will ensure you return with skills to impress friends and family with your very own Sangria and Paella night. Ole!

Day 29
Head out of Barcelona today on the train to Girona. In just under 45mins you will arrive here, and can set off to discover Girona. Start out early, say 7.30am so you have ample time to visit the famous Jewish Quarter. Walk on the medieval walls (Passeig de la Muralla) and take in views of the Onyar River from either Pont Pedra or the Eiffel Bridge.

Leave Girona and head to Figueres, a mere 15mins on the train. This is the birth place of Salvador Dali, and is home to Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dalí, a large museum designed by Dalí himself. The Museum is open from 10am until 5.15pm daily. (public and religious holidays excepted).

You can take a direct train back to Barcelona, it only takes 55mins. Or perhaps take a taxi to Cadaques and dine in a small seafront restaurant on the Costa Brava. This would need to be an early dinner because the last train leaving Llanca station for Barca is 8.27pm. If you have started in Barcelona early, reached Figueres by noon you may well be in Cadaques around 3 or 4pm. Perfect.

Day 30
Today you can opt for a rest day or stroll along Las Ramblas in search of gifts to take home. If you are up for more adventure, then an optional afternoon trip to Monserrat may tempt.

Day 31
When you check out of your hotel your “See. Spain.” Quest comes to an end. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr Seuss.

Not ready to go home yet?

You can continue travelling by adding free time, extending your journey or enjoying another Quest.
We will help fit Quests and extra travel together to ensure you take advantage of your already included airfares and the add-on component pricing.