Signature: Northern Spain's Ancient Caves, Basque Coast & La Rioja

Signature: Northern Spain's Ancient Caves, Basque Coast & La Rioja

• Trip code: 474X024
• Dauer: 8
• Stil: National Geographic Signature

Where prehistoric caves meet avant-garde architecture and sun-drenched vineyards, Northern Spain is a land of extraordinary contrasts. Trace the ancient roots of human creativity, savour the culinary soul of the Basque Coast, and connect with the experts and communities keeping these remarkable traditions alive.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Checklist

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert

Group Size Notes

Max. 21, Avg. 15

Highlights

Discover prehistoric art alongside a site archaeologist during a private cave visit, Savour Basque flavours on a walking tour supporting the Eat One Feed One social enterprise project in San Sebastian, Explore historic Rioja wineries featuring designs by Gustave Eiffel and Frank Gehry

Introduction

Where prehistoric caves meet avant-garde architecture and sun-drenched vineyards, Northern Spain is a land of extraordinary contrasts. Trace the ancient roots of human creativity, savour the culinary soul of the Basque Coast, and connect with the experts and communities keeping these remarkable traditions alive

Meals Included

7 Frühstück, 6 Mittagessen, 6 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD80-105 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Bilbao nach San Sebastian

Transport

Private Vehicle, Walking

What's Included

Dein Welcome-Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bilbao
Signature Moment: Caves del Castillo & Monedas Guided Visit, Puente Viesgo
Dein Foodie-Moment: Private Wine Tasting and Lunch at CVNE Winery, Haro
Dein Foodie-Moment: Walking & Food Tour of San Sebastián, San Sebastian. Arrival and Departure Transfers. Guided tour of Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Bilbao. Welcome Dinner in Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Bilbao. Visit to Seminario Pontificio (or Major Seminary), Comillas. Visit to Villa El Capricho de Gaudí, Comillas. Altamira Caves Guided Private tour led by an expert, Altamira. Cueva (Cave) del Pendo Guided Visit, Escobedo. Yacimientos de Atapuerca Visit, Atapuerca. Visit Bodegas Marqués de Riscal for a wine tasting hosted by a sommelier, Elciego. Pamplona guided Walk, Pamplona. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Bilbao

Your expedition begins in the Basque Country's cultural hub of Bilbao. Upon arrival, you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert and fellow travellers for a welcome presentation that sets the stage for the heritage and history ahead. Step out into the evening air for a short orientation walk through the city’s revitalized streets, where the scent of the Nervión River mingles with the buzz of local life. Savour a guided visit and dinner inside the world famous Guggenheim Museum where you start toasting your northern Spanish discovery

Day 2 Bilbao/Santillana del Mar

Travel into the heart of prehistoric Spain to the UNESCO-listed caves of Castillo and Monedas. Here, you enjoy a private group visit led by a site archaeologist, whose expertise brings the ancient Paleolithic art and prehistoric culture to life in the cool, still air of the caverns. After a local lunch, the landscape shifts as you arrive in the medieval village of Santillana del Mar. Spend the afternoon wandering cobblestone streets lined with golden-hued stone buildings and artisan shops. As the sun sets, settle into your historic parador for dinner, feeling the weight of centuries in this timeless coastal village

Day 3 Santillana del Mar

Immerse yourself in a day of architectural wonders, starting in Comillas at El Capricho de Gaudí. Marvel at the vibrant ceramic sunflower tiles and innovative use of light that define this early masterpiece of Catalan Modernism. Following a traditional lunch, continue to the Seminario Pontificio de Comillas, a grand 19th-century neo-Gothic complex that stands as a testament to the town’s historic prominence. The red-brick towers and intricate carvings reflect a period of immense architectural ambition. Return to Santillana del Mar for a relaxing evening, where the quiet of the medieval square invites reflection on the day’s cultural immersion

Day 4 Santillana del Mar/Haro

Depart the coast for the extraordinary Cueva de Altamira, often called the "Sistine Chapel" of prehistoric art. Within the meticulous replica, stand in awe of ancient paintings that remain a marvel of human creativity. After exploring the monumental friezes of Cueva de El Pendo, the landscape transitions into the rolling, vine-covered slopes of La Rioja. Arrive at a storied family estate that has guarded its vineyards since 1879. Step inside the remarkable Eiffel Cellar, designed by Gustave Eiffel, where the scent of aging oak fills the vaulted, historic space. Your day ends in the town of Haro, the heart of Spain’s celebrated viticultural region, where the local wine culture is felt in every bustling tavern and sun-drenched plaza

Day 5 Haro

Journey deep into human history at the Atapuerca archaeological sites, a UNESCO World Heritage location that has reshaped our understanding of early evolution in Europe. Walk through the excavation areas where some of the continent's oldest hominin remains were discovered. After lunch, the focus shifts to the future of winemaking at a world-renowned estate. Explore the historic bottle cellars before standing in awe of the avant-garde "City of Wine" complex. Designed by Frank Gehry, its shimmering titanium ribbons flow like wine against the Riojan sky, perfectly blending storied tradition with bold, contemporary design

Day 6 Haro/San Sebastian

Travel to Pamplona, the historic capital of Navarra, globally renowned for its medieval architecture and lively old quarter. Join a guided walking tour to explore the city’s main landmarks, feeling the energy of the streets famous for the Running of the Bulls. Savour an authentic pintxos lunch in the heart of the old town before continuing to the elegant seaside city of San Sebastián. Known for its Belle Époque architecture and golden beaches, the city’s deep Basque identity is felt in every plaza. As evening falls, breathe in the salt air of Concha Bay and prepare to dive into the culinary soul of this coastal gem

Day 7 San Sebastian

Start the day on an immersive walking tour with a meaningful twist. Led by a community-based social enterprise initiative, you’ll explore the city's culinary highlights while supporting a project that provides meals to those in need. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps browsing the charming coastal boutiques or joining your Expedition Leader for a stroll up Monte Urgull. From the summit, the breathtaking views of the turquoise bay and the city’s red roofs provide a stunning backdrop. Conclude your expedition with a celebratory farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sharing memories of the past week

Day 8 San Sebastian

Your expedition through Northern Spain concludes this morning. Enjoy a final breakfast as the light glints off the Atlantic waters before your included transfer to the airport where your expedition concludes. Whether heading home or further afield, you carry with you the echoes of ancient caves and the lingering finish of Rioja’s finest vintages

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Bilbao

Day 2 Bilbao/Santillana del Mar

Day 3 Santillana del Mar

Day 4 Santillana del Mar/Haro

Day 5 Haro

Day 6 Haro/San Sebastian

Day 7 San Sebastian

Day 8 San Sebastian