Spain Holidays (fly-drive):
Bilbao + San Sebastian + La Rioja + Barcelona + Catalonia
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1: Bilbao to San Sebastian
Start your touring holiday by flying with British Airways from London to Bilbao. Pick up your hire car on arrival and drive west to San Sebastian. If your flight arrives in the morning you might like to visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, before starting your journey in earnest.
Days 2 & 3: In San Sebastian
You have two days to enjoy San Sebastian. Spend your time here exploring the delights of the city, with its beautiful sandy beaches, grand architecture and renowned gastronomic dining scene. The long Playa de la Concha beach is a long stretch of sandy beach and gentle water, whilst surfers can often be seen on the powerful waves at Playa de la Zurriola. Head up Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo to enjoy some of the best views over the coastline, or take a boat out to the Isla de Santa Clara for an afternoon getaway.
Back in the city centre, spend the hours discovering the elegant Art Nouveau buildings, beautiful parks and plazas and ornate bridges. Continue your wanders into the cobblestone streets of the Old Town before returning to your hotel to relax.
You might like to consider using your hire car to visit more of the surrounding area as well as the city. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a must-do for anyone with an interest in modern art, whilst driving for around 40 minutes eastwards will take you across the French border to the charming resort town of St-Jean-de-Luz. Closer at hand, you will find the nearby towns of Zarautz, Getaria and Zumaia offer a glimpse of life in this area, away from the crowds.
The Villa Soro does not have its own restaurant, however the choice of venues is practically limitless. Food is truly an art form here whether you’re enjoying a light bite of fresh oysters and local Txakoli wine by the beach, indulging in a decadent tasting menu in a Michelin-starred dining room, or touring the pintxo bars that are liberally scattered through the streets of the Old Town. First rate ingredients from the coast and countryside are combined with the culinary creativity of Basque chefs, to give an experience unlike any other.
Day 4: San Sebastian to La Rioja
Today you drive from the coast, heading southwest and inland to the region of La Rioja. For the most scenic route, you might like to travel via Beasain, which will take you through the natural parks of Aizkorri-Aratz and Aralar. For those with a greater interest in history over scenery, it is also possible to take a slight detour and visit the city of Pamplona on the way.
As you approach the Ebro Valley the landscape opens up and you approach your hotel through a sea of vineyards that reach to the far hills.
Day 5: In La Rioja
Villabuena (Eskuernaga in the Basque language) is a traditional wine village in the heart of La Rioja. The village sits on the banks of the River Herrera and has several interesting buildings such as the parish church of San Andrés and the hermitages of San Torcuato and Santa María. Visit the village on the 15th May or 30th November to see the festivities of these local saints’ days.
Villabuena is famed for its production of top-quality wines and there are 48 wineries found here, giving the town a claim to having the most wineries per inhabitant of anywhere in the world. Your hotel can organise a walking tour of some of the local wineries, giving guests the opportunity to sample these excellent vintages whilst learning more about wine production and life in this region.
The nearby village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, situated on the Saint James pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, has numerous quiet streets and peaceful plazas that make for a thoroughly relaxing few hours excursion. For a taste of the more lively nearby towns, Logrono makes a very fulfilling day out. We recommend visiting the Concatedral de Santa Maria de la Redonda, whose main façade was designed to resemble an altarpiece. The two front towers, known as Las Gemelas, or ‘the twins’, were built in the Baroque style and inside there is a painting of the crucifixion by Michelangelo. The Santo Sepulcro in one of the cathedral’s chapels is unusually detailed in tortoiseshell, silver, and wood.
This stay in Villabuena de Alava offers an insight into a pocket of culture that forms and maintains one of Spain’s most famous industries.
Day 6: La Rioja to Lleida
Today you follow the River Ebro past Logrono, and skirt the border with the neighbouring region of Navarre, to reach Tudela. The most direct route to Lleida continues into the region of Aragon, a medieval kingdom with crusader-like castles and Romanesque churches. We recommend stopping for lunch in the region’s capital city, Zaragoza. Overlooking the Ebro River, the iconic Nuestra Senora del Pilar draws pilgrims and tourists alike to worship and admire the multiple domes of this grand Baroque basilica.
Evidence of the region’s turbulent past can be seen in the Mudéjar-style landmarks which showcase a unique combination of Islamic and Gothic architecture. Perhaps the best example of this is the Aljafería, the 11th century Moorish Palace and the Cathedral of the Saviour which dates back to the 12th century. Aside from its stunning monuments, Zaragoza also has one of the best tapas and bar scenes in the country and is an ideal stopping point for lunch. Continue your journey this afternoon to arrive in Lleida.
Day 7: In Lleida
Lleida is one of the oldest towns in Catalonia and original settlements here date back as far as the Bronze Age. Over its long history the town has been ruled by the Romans, Visigoths and Moors before being conquered by Barcelona in 1149. Your stay here gives you a chance to explore more of this eclectic history and the marks left on modern-day Lleida. The Parador is exceptionally well located for your time here, with a pedestrianised street on one side and access to the garage on the other.
A short walk of up to 10 minutes will bring you to the Old Cathedral (La Seu Vella), the “New” Cathedral and the twisting streets of the Old Town. La Seu Vella stands sentinel over the city and is well worth a visit to learn more about its history. Originally the site of a Visigothic cathedral, it was rebuilt in 832 as a mosque under the Moors.
In 1149 it was then re-consecrated as a cathedral and began a significant expansion. Part of the complex, the King’s Castle, is particularly important as it has played host to many key episodes in Catalonian and Spanish history over the years. The structure has almost no evidence of Islamic architecture now, but has beautiful Gothic features as well as offering fantastic views over the city.
Back in the main town, spend the rest of your time exploring the Eix Comercial de Lleida pedestrianised street, with its shops set inside striking buildings. Spots worth visiting include the Plaza de la Paeria, where you will find the 13th century town hall, and Cathedral square with the “new” Neoclassic cathedral and Hospital de Santa María convent. For those looking for a break, take a stroll along the quiet riverbanks or the tree-lined Rambla de Ferrán.
Day 8: Lleida to Torrent
Drive east from Lleida and head further into Catalonia. We suggest visiting the Monastery of Montserrat on the way to your final hotel. Taking its name from the jagged mountain on which it stands, this Benedictine monastery holds a special place in the hearts of Catalans. Here you will find the shrine of the Black Madonna of Montserrat, patron saint of the region.
The exact date of the founding of the monastery is unclear, but religious life here certainly reaches back as far as the ninth century when hermit monks lived in solitary chapels, one of which still exists in the monastery’s garden. Montserrat draws visitors of all faiths and none and is highly recommended to people of all interests.
Many pilgrims visit the mountain as a spiritual experience to see the Madonna, the Santa Cova and attend mass. However, just as many visit to hear the famous boys’ choir, learn about the flora and fauna of the natural park and enjoy the walking trails over the mountain. The choir usually performs twice each day and there is also an art museum and audio-visual museum with more information about Montserrat. It is a further 2 hour drive from here to your hotel where you arrive in the evening.
Days 9 & 10: In Catalonia
Your last stop on this trip is the Mas de Torrent, a haven of rustic tranquillity in a luxurious converted farmhouse. From arrival, guests will notice the very special ambience created by the lovely grounds, where cypress trees climb upwards and bougainvillea blossom, adding a fresh vibrancy to the authentic architecture. The main building dates from 1751 and is at the heart of the estate, with its original facade, interior arches and sloping rooftop.
The hotel has bikes that guests can use to explore locally, visiting the unspoilt towns and villages that are scattered across the Emporda region. The town of Pals can be reached in 10 minutes by car, or by bike for those feeling more energetic.
Pals is a medieval walled enclosure which has been lovingly restored and visitors can still admire the Torre de les Hores, which remains from the old castle. Pals has regular markets, festivities, fairs and concerts as well as an amazing living nativity scene in the Christmas period.
A drive of about 15 minutes from your hotel heading westwards will bring you to the Catalan coastline, where rugged cliffs hide beautiful sandy beaches and coves.
For those wanting to squeeze a bit more in then the nearby city of Girona is worth a visit. Girona is not only known for its ancient architecture and museums but it’s also great for shopping with a host of markets and craft fairs. Visit El Lleó, the city’s food market, to try local produce from fresh seafood to fruit and cheese. If visiting on a Tuesday or Saturday then the Ribes del Ter market is a must-see. Located in Devesa Park this open-air event is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs.
Day 11: Torrent to Barcelona and home
Say goodbye to your hosts after breakfast and make your way south to Barcelona for your flight home. If time permits, you might like to take the slower road along the coast, perhaps stopping for lunch in one of the many towns and villages you pass through. Drop off your car at the airport and fly back to the UK. Additional nights in Barcelona can be added, for those who would like to explore Catalonia’s capital.
PRICING
Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. Local car hire and flights from London are included, with regional departures on request.
We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.
Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including recommended routes and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your holiday.
It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance, vehicle breakdown cover and an appropriate driving licence. The AA and the FCO should also be consulted.