Flavours of Northern Spain: Madrid to Bilbao
About the Trip
September 22 – October 2, 2026 | 11 Days
From Madrid’s grand boulevards to the coastal beauty of San Sebastián, this 11-day journey immerses you in Spain’s vibrant culture. Discover world-renowned art at the Prado, explore the medieval streets of Logroño and savour the region’s finest tapas and wines. In the Basque Country, visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, tour a traditional cider house and take in breathtaking coastal views. Along the way, uncover royal palaces, historic cathedrals and charming villages, all while indulging in Spain’s legendary gastronomy. With expert guides, unique experiences, and a perfect balance of sightseeing and leisure, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of Northern Spain.
Member Exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours.
- Plaza Premium Lounge pass†
- 50 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Extraordinary Experience
CAA has curated an exceptional experience unique to your tour. Details of this experience are listed below:
Immersive Basque Cider House Tour
Step into the rich heritage of Basque cider making with an exclusive visit to Petritegi Cider House, a historic gem dating back to 1526. Wander through lush apple orchards, where you’ll learn about local apple varieties and the art of natural pollination. Discover the time-honoured techniques of crafting natural cider with traditional presses—pure, unfiltered and deeply rooted in Basque culture. Raise your glass straight from the kupela (barrel) and taste the fruits of this centuries-old craft, all while enjoying warm hospitality and a true taste of Basque life.
Package Includes:
- Airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Madrid, and return from Bilbao to Toronto or Winnipeg
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Madrid
- 2-night stay in first-class accommodation in Logroño
- 2-night stay in first-class accommodation in San Sebastian
- 2-night stay in first-class accommodation in Bilbao
- 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 tastings and 4 dinners
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking tour director throughout
- Destination transfers
Flavours of Northern Spain: Madrid to Bilbao
Activity Level: Moderate. Sip, savour and stroll through the beautiful landscapes of Northern Spain on this 11-day tour from Madrid’s masterpieces to Bilbao’s iconic sights
Day 1
Depart on your overnight flight to Madrid.
Day 2
Madrid – Upon arrival meet your local guide and driver and transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3
Madrid – Explore Madrid’s iconic landmarks aboard your comfortable coach. Begin at the Prado Museum, then continue to the Royal Palace of Madrid. (B)
Day 4
Madrid – Enjoy a leisurely day to explore Madrid on your own. Rejoin the group this evening for an authentic flamenco show and dinner. (B/D)
Day 5
Logroño – Transfer to Logroño, the heart of La Rioja wine region, where you’ll discover the essence of Spanish cuisine with a guided tapas tour. (B/L/T)
Day 6
Logroño – Set out on a walking tour through Logroño’s charming streets. Visit Plaza del Espolón, admire the 16th-century architecture of the Concatedral de la Redonda and explore the exterior of Museo de la Rioja. Conclude with a local tapas dinner, drinks included. (B/D)
Day 7
San Sebastian – Travel to San Sebastian, stopping for a visit to the Chillida Leku Museum. Later, enjoy a guided tapas tour through San Sebastian’s Old Town. (B/D)
Day 8
San Sebastian – Immerse yourself in Basque tradition with a visit to Petritegi Cider House to learn about cider-making techniques and enjoy a tasting straight from the barrel. (B/L/T)
Day 9
Bilbao – Journey along the Basque Coast to Bilbao for a guided city tour and a visit to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. (B)
Day 10
Bilbao – Discover Getxo and the iconic Bizkaia Bridge. Ride a panoramic elevator to the pedestrian walkway, 45 metres above ground, for sweeping views of the Abra. Conclude with a unique gondola river crossing. (B)
Day 11
Transfer to the Bilbao airport for your return flight to Toronto or Winnipeg. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner | T - Tasting
Terms & Conditions
*All CAA Member prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Plaza Premium Lounge is based on one voucher per person and applies to departures from Canadian airports where applicable. Subject to availability
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊ CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2026. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. CAA Extraordinary Explorations packages are 100% non-refundable at final payment. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking.
Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark cruise ships and coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging. International transportation vehicles and facilities may not meet accessibility standards.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart on your overnight flight to Madrid.
Day 2
Madrid
Upon arrival meet your local guide and driver and transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3
Madrid
Explore Madrid’s iconic landmarks aboard your comfortable coach. Begin at the Prado Museum, renowned for its unparalleled collection of Spanish paintings from the 11th to 18th centuries, featuring masterpieces by El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Titian, Van Dyck and Rembrandt. Continue to the Royal Palace of Madrid, a stunning example of 18th-century architecture. Visit highlights including the ornate Throne Room, the majestic Hall of Halberdiers, the Royal Chapel and more. (B)
Day 4
Madrid
Enjoy a leisurely day to explore Madrid on your own. Rejoin the group this evening for an authentic flamenco show and dinner. (B/D)
Day 5
Logroño
Transfer from Madrid to Logroño, the heart of Spain’s renowned La Rioja wine region. Here you’ll discover the essence of Spanish cuisine with a special tapas tour (known as pintxos in the local Basque dialect). You’ll spend two hours with an expert guide, learning little-known cultural facts and local legends while stopping at bars and markets known for their signature small plates. (B/L/T)
Day 6
Logroño
Set out on a walking tour through Logroño’s charming streets. Visit Plaza del Espolón, its surrounding gardens and Calle Portales, the historic centre’s lively hub. Admire the 16th-century architecture of the Concatedral de la Redonda and explore the exterior of Museo de la Rioja to learn about the region’s rich heritage. Conclude with a tapas dinner near your hotel, drinks included. (B/D)
Day 7
San Sebastian
Travel to San Sebastian, stopping for a visit to the Chillida Leku Museum. This unique museum is itself a great work of art, where monumental steel and granite sculptures harmonize with the landscape’s beech, oak and magnolia trees. Later, enjoy a guided tapas tour through San Sebastian’s Old Town, sampling local delicacies. (B/D)
Day 8
San Sebastian
Immerse yourself in Basque tradition with a visit to Petritegi Cider House. Explore apple orchards, learn about cider-making techniques and enjoy a tasting straight from the barrel. (B/L/T)
Day 9
Bilbao
Journey along the Basque Coast to Bilbao for a guided city tour and a visit to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry, this titanium-clad sculptural masterpiece is an architectural icon and the city’s most recognizable landmark. (B)
Day 10
Bilbao
Discover the enchanting town of Getxo and the iconic Bizkaia Bridge. Begin with a panoramic elevator ride to the pedestrian walkway, 45 meters above ground, for breathtaking views of the Abra. As you stroll across the impressive deck, you'll get an up-close look at the intricate workings of the gondola, including the carriage, motors and cables. Descend via the elevator and enjoy a unique river crossing in the bridge's gondola. (B)
Day 11
Transfer to the Bilbao airport for your return flight to Toronto or Winnipeg. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner | T - Tasting