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Signature: Northern Spain's Ancient Caves, Basque Coast & La Rioja
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Length
8 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Bilbao (Spain)
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Ends in
San Sebastian / Donostia (Spain)
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Available Tour Start Dates
APR 24, 2027 to OCT 6, 2029
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
National Geographic
Exceptional exploration led by renowned experts, offering rare, private access to the world's most storied sites - all defined by an unparalleled level of service and comfort., Small GroupGroup trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$7,799.00
Contact Us for a Special Price!
Overview
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.
Visited During Tour
Bilbao (Spain) | Haro (Spain) | San Sebastian / Donostia (Spain) | Santillana del Mar (Spain)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
Accommodations
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Signature: Northern Spain's Ancient Caves, Basque Coast & La Rioja tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code ESBRNS-11386
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Day
1Bilbao
Your expedition begins in the Basque Country's cultural hub of Bilbao. Upon your recommend arrival time before 14:00, 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 Nervion 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.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Guided Tour of Guggenheim Museum
Discover the icon that transformed the art world with a curated guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. This architectural deep-dive explores Frank Gehry's titanium-clad genius, from the monumental outdoor sculptures to the soaring, light-filled atrium.
Welcome Dinner in Guggenheim Museum
Initiate your journey into Basque country with a Welcome Dinner at the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Accommodations: Hotel Carlton Bilbao -
Day
2Bilbao/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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Caves del Castillo & Monedas Guided Visit
Embark on a profound "Origin of Art" tour through the caves of Puente Viesgo. Led by an archeologist you will explore El Castillo, home to the world's oldest hand stencils and enigmatic red symbols, and Las Monedas, a subterranean cathedral of crystal formations and Ice Age charcoal sketches.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Parador de Santillana del Mar -
Day
3Santillana del Mar
Immerse yourself in a day of architectural wonders, starting in Comillas at El Capricho de Gaudi. 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Seminario de Comillas Visit
The Seminario Pontificio (or Major Seminary) in Comillas, Spain, is a historic, late-19th-century Neo-Gothic and Mudejar-style building in Cantabria, originally founded in 1890 by Pope Leo XIII to train priests.
Visit to Villa El Capricho de Gaudí
Discover the whimsical style at El Capricho de Gaudi, one of the very few buildings designed by the legendary architect outside of Barcelona. This vibrant summer villa is a masterpiece of Orientalist and Neo-Mudejar style.
Accommodations: Parador de Santillana del Mar -
Day
4Santillana 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Altamira Caves Expert Led Tour
While the original cave is strictly preserved to protect its fragile environment, an expert-led tour takes you through the Neocave at the Altamira Museum-a world-class, millimetric reconstruction-and the surrounding archaeological landscape.
Cueva del Pendo Guided Visit
Explore the grandest stage of prehistoric life at Cueva del Pendo, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its cavernous interior and its stunning 25-meter-long Red Frieze.
Private Wine Tasting and Lunch at CVNE Winery
A private wine tasting and family-style lunch at CVNE (Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana) is widely considered the "holy grail" of Riojan wine tourism. The whole experience is an immersion into a winemaking dynasty. By dining in one of their historic rooms, you are stepping out of the modern world and into a space where time is measured in decades, not minutes.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Eurostars Los Agustinos -
Day
5Haro
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Local Guide Atapuerca
A visit to the Yacimientos de Atapuerca (Atapuerca Archaeological Sites) near Burgos, Spain, is a guided tour of one of the world's most important UNESCO World Heritage sites for human evolution.
Wine Tasting at Bodegas Marqués de Riscal
Experience the fusion of tradition and futurism with a sommelier-hosted tasting at Marques de Riscal. Set against the backdrop of Frank Gehry's architectural masterpiece, this elite session offers a deep-dive into the estate's 160-year history of wine making excellence.
Accommodations: Eurostars Los Agustinos -
Day
6Haro/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 Sebastian. Known for its Belle Epoque 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Pamplona Guided Tour
Walking the route of the Encierro (Running of the Bulls) in Pamplona is a journey through 875 meters of adrenaline-soaked history.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodations: Hotel De Londres y de Inglaterra -
Day
7San 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Walking & Food Tour of San Sebastián
A foodie walk in San Sebastian is a mission-driven experience where every pintxo you enjoy helps provide a meal for someone in need through their local community enterprise.
Accommodations: Hotel De Londres y de Inglaterra -
Day
8San 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Departure Transfer
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Signature: Northern Spain's Ancient Caves, Basque Coast & La Rioja tour:
Bilbao
Hotel Carlton Bilbao
Location
Bilbao
Bilbao, Spain
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Haro
Eurostars Los Agustinos
Location
C. San Agustín, 2
Haro, Spain-26200
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
San Sebastian
Hotel De Londres y de Inglaterra
Location
Zubieta Kalea, 2, Donostia
San Sebastian, Spain-20007
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
Santillana del Mar
Parador de Santillana del Mar
Location
Plaza Ramon Pelayo
Santillana del Mar, Spain-39330
Other Details
- Hotel as shown or similar (G Adventures may replace it with a similar property)
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Signature: Northern Spain's Ancient Caves, Basque Coast & La Rioja tour:
Group Size
Max. 21, Avg. 15
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, BilbaoSignature Moment: Caves del Castillo & Monedas Guided Visit, Puente ViesgoYour Foodie Moment: Private Wine Tasting and Lunch at CVNE Winery, HaroYour Foodie Moment: Walking & Food Tour of San Sebastian, 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 Gaudi, 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 Marques 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.
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.
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers.When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.
Accommodation Summary
Hotel (7 nights)
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Group Leader
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert
What is the role of the group leader during this trip?
Every National Geographic Signature departure is accompanied throughout by a dedicated National Geographic Expedition Leader, whose purpose is to ensure a seamless experience so you can fully immerse yourself in the destination. Your Expedition Leader offers deep insight into the landscapes you traverse, suggests enriching independent activities, recommends exceptional local dining venues, and connects you with our community friends along the way. Rather than acting as conventional guides, they possess a broad, sophisticated understanding of the historical, cultural, religious, and social tapestry of the region. To offer the ultimate perspective, we complement their expertise with specialist local guides whose deep regional knowledge adds profound depth to specific sites—delivering a masterfully balanced exploration.
International Flights
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.
Transportation
Private Vehicle, Walking
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Checklist
Conservative Dress:o Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)o Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso 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)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Smart Dress:o Smart outfit (For evenings out)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
What are the packing guidelines and luggage restrictions?
When deciding what to pack, considerations will vary based on your specific itinerary, the regions you are visiting, and the season in which you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend packing thoughtfully and keeping your luggage to one checked bag at a manageable weight to facilitate seamless transitions throughout your expedition.In addition to your primary luggage, you will also require a small day pack or shoulder bag. This smaller bag is essential for keeping your camera, water, and personal items close at hand during day walks, excursions, and daily explorations.
Service Level
Luxury: Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.
What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?
To ensure a seamless and elevated experience throughout your National Geographic Signature departure, gratuities have been fully taken care of for all included meals, activities, and luggage porterage.On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day. Tipping is neither required nor expected for your National Geographic Expedition Expert.For the independent moments on your itinerary, tipping is generally not expected across Central Asia. However, should you wish to reward exceptional service during independent dining or activities, a modest gratuity of 3–5% is entirely appropriate and warmly received by local community members.
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by G Adventures. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by G Adventures (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.