From Barcelona to the Bay of Biscay

Your Spanish adventure begins with a flight to Barcelona. After settling into your hotel, you'll have time to explore the city, perhaps strolling along the famous La Rambla promenade or visiting the harbor. The day concludes with a group dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day two is all about immersing yourself in Barcelona's rich history and culture. You'll embark on a city walk through the Barri Gòtic district, visit the stunning La Seu Cathedral, and explore the famous Parc Güell and Sagrada Familia. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps with an excursion to the city hill Montjuïc and the Miró Gallery. You'll spend another night in your Barcelona hotel.

On day three, you'll journey to the world-famous Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, nestled high in the Montserrat mountain range. After a sightseeing tour of the monastery and a short hike to the peak of the Sant Jeroni mountain range, you'll take a cable car ride back to the monastery. The day ends with a drive to Espot in the Pyrenees, where you'll spend the night in a cozy mountain hotel.

Day four takes you to Catalonia's only national park, Parc Nacional d'Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici. You'll hike through a realm of over 80 karst lakes of glacial origin, surrounded by imposing mountain ranges, and through the Riu Escrita valley to a lake. After a day of exploration, you'll return to your hotel in Espot for another night.

Day five offers one of the most beautiful hikes in the central Pyrenees. You'll ascend past the Agulles d'Amitges rock needles to the Port de Ratera, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of mountain massifs, valleys, and lakes. After descending from the Saboredo hut, you'll transfer to the neighboring Aran valley for an overnight stay in a mountain hotel.

Day six takes you on a hike to the legendary lakes of the Aran valley, including Lake Obago and Estanh des Gargolhes. You'll also pass by the Estanh Mort, or 'Dead Lake'. The day concludes with a descent to the Refugi de Colomèrs, one of the most famous huts in the central Pyrenees. You'll spend another night in the Aran valley.

Day seven is a discovery tour through the enchanting Aran Valley. You'll walk along the River Garonne, winding your way through picturesque villages. Short stops, including a visit to the Romanesque church of Sant Andreu in Salardú, round off the hike. The day concludes with a panoramic drive to Torla, where you'll spend the night.

Day eight is a must for nature lovers. You'll spend the day in the heart of Ordesa National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The day's hike takes you to the Gradas de Soaso and Cola de Caballo waterfalls and into the Soaso basin. After a bus ride to the Pradera de Ordesa, you'll return to your hotel in Torla for the night.

Day nine begins with a short drive to the Pradera de Ordesa. You'll ascend through beech and red pine forest and continue along below the climbing walls of the Gallinero, with magnificent views of the Faja Pelay and the panoramic balconies of Punta Acuta. The day concludes with a bus ride back to Torla or an optional 2-hour descent along the Ara, one of the most natural rivers in the Pyrenees. You'll spend another night in Torla.

On day ten, you'll drive through the beautiful southern foothills of the Pyrenees to Bilbao on the Bay of Biscay. You'll stopover in Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, known for the 'San Fermines', the bull run made famous worldwide by Ernest Hemingway. After an extensive historical tour of the city, you'll continue your journey to Bilbao, where you'll spend the night.

Day eleven is all about exploring Bilbao. You'll stroll through the alleyways of the city's old town, visit the Santiago Cathedral, and marvel at the Guggenheim Museum, a world-famous masterpiece by star architect Frank O. Gehry. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps with a trip to the beach or an excursion to Portugalete to see the oldest transporter bridge in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll spend another night in Bilbao.

On the final day of your Spanish adventure, you'll be transferred to Bilbao airport for your flight home or to continue your journey independently. As you leave, you'll carry with you the unforgettable memories of a journey through the heart of Spain.