Madrid and the Basque Country with Lourdes
Duration
8 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Start city
Madrid
Available
April 2025 / October 2025
Cities to visit: Madrid; Segovia; Pedraza; Bilbao; Portugalete; Guernica; San Sebastian; Bordeaux; Lourdes; Roncesvalles; Pamplona
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
Day
Madrid - Enjoy some free time until the start of the city tour.
04:00 p.m. – Panoramic tour of Madrid. Please note that the start time may vary depending on the group´s arrival times. The sights visited during the tour will also depend on traffic conditions and the season. The tour will last approximately two and a half hours. You’ll visit Cibeles, Puerta de Alcalá, Retiro Park, Serrano, La Castellana, Plaza de Colón, Paseo del Prado, the exterior of the Prado Museum, Atocha, and the Royal Palace. The tour will end in Plaza Mayor, an area famous for its tapas bars. Our guide will accompany you through the area and share tips on where to find the best restaurants.
Note: On some occasions, the city tour may take place in the morning.
04:00 p.m. – Panoramic tour of Madrid. Please note that the start time may vary depending on the group´s arrival times. The sights visited during the tour will also depend on traffic conditions and the season. The tour will last approximately two and a half hours. You’ll visit Cibeles, Puerta de Alcalá, Retiro Park, Serrano, La Castellana, Plaza de Colón, Paseo del Prado, the exterior of the Prado Museum, Atocha, and the Royal Palace. The tour will end in Plaza Mayor, an area famous for its tapas bars. Our guide will accompany you through the area and share tips on where to find the best restaurants.
Note: On some occasions, the city tour may take place in the morning.
Madrid - Free day. We suggest you visit the Prado Museum or go shopping in the city center. Our guides will offer you optional activities, such as an excursion to the historic city of Toledo or attending a Flamenco Tablao show.
Total distance covered: 450 km.
Scenery: Tilled hills of the Castile plateau; lush and green landscapes in the Basque Country.
Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestone streets.
08:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll depart from Madrid, heading into the scenic lands of Castile, with its beautiful mountain landscapes.
10:00 a.m. - Segovia. Upon arrival, we’ll take a scenic route around the city to reach Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, a viewpoint from which you’ll enjoy the best views of the Alcazar of Segovia, the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Maleficent’s castle in Sleeping Beauty, along with its impressive walls. We’ll then park near the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, built in the 1st century and used until 1973, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have free time to explore the old town, have lunch, and visit the Plaza Mayor, where you can see the cathedral and the Alcazar.
02:00 p.m. - Departure from Segovia. We’ll continue along scenic roads that offer a closer look at the charming villages and landscapes.
02:45 p.m. - Pedraza. Enjoy some time in this village, often regarded as one of the most beautiful in Spain. This well-preserved medieval town boasts cobblestone streets, historic buildings, a charming Plaza Mayor, and a 13th-century fortress.
04:15 p.m. - Departure from Pedraza. We’ll continue our journey toward the Basque Country.
08:30 p.m. - Bilbao. Enjoy free time in the old town, famous for its many taverns and bars where you can try the renowned “pintxos.”
09:30 p.m. - Transfer to the hotel.
Scenery: Tilled hills of the Castile plateau; lush and green landscapes in the Basque Country.
Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestone streets.
08:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll depart from Madrid, heading into the scenic lands of Castile, with its beautiful mountain landscapes.
10:00 a.m. - Segovia. Upon arrival, we’ll take a scenic route around the city to reach Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, a viewpoint from which you’ll enjoy the best views of the Alcazar of Segovia, the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Maleficent’s castle in Sleeping Beauty, along with its impressive walls. We’ll then park near the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, built in the 1st century and used until 1973, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have free time to explore the old town, have lunch, and visit the Plaza Mayor, where you can see the cathedral and the Alcazar.
02:00 p.m. - Departure from Segovia. We’ll continue along scenic roads that offer a closer look at the charming villages and landscapes.
02:45 p.m. - Pedraza. Enjoy some time in this village, often regarded as one of the most beautiful in Spain. This well-preserved medieval town boasts cobblestone streets, historic buildings, a charming Plaza Mayor, and a 13th-century fortress.
04:15 p.m. - Departure from Pedraza. We’ll continue our journey toward the Basque Country.
08:30 p.m. - Bilbao. Enjoy free time in the old town, famous for its many taverns and bars where you can try the renowned “pintxos.”
09:30 p.m. - Transfer to the hotel.
Total distance covered: 127 km.
Scenery: Basque Country, with industrial cities set against beautiful, green, and mountainous landscapes. Traditional Basque farmhouses can be seen dotting the mountainsides.
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a guided tour of Bilbao and its estuary, where the striking architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, the old town and the medieval center stand out. There will be free time for lunch and a stroll in this city, full of vibrant streets and a cathedral. We recommend dining at La Ribera Market, offering stands with traditional Basque cuisine in a boat-shaped structure along the river.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Bilbao. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey.
03:15 p.m. - Guernica. Arrival and time for a stroll in this town, the birthplace of the Basque people, but sadly also known for being the site of one of the most tragic massacres of the Spanish Civil War, famously depicted in Pablo Picasso´s painting. Here, you’ll see the Tree of Gernika, beneath which the Basque Country was granted its autonomy during the Middle Ages.
04:45 p.m. - Departure from Guernica. We’ll continue our scenic route through the mountains.
06:15 p.m. - Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía). We’ll stop in one of the most beautiful towns in the Basque Country, known for its beaches, ancient walls, maritime atmosphere, and historic center with its unique grid-patterned cobblestone streets. You’ll have free time to explore and enjoy dinner in the old town.
08:45 p.m. – Departure from Hondarribia.
09:15 p.m. - San Sebastián / Donostia. Arrival in the elegant capital of Gipuzkoa. Our hotel is usually located atop Monte Igueldo, offering one of the most breathtaking views of the illuminated city below.
Scenery: Basque Country, with industrial cities set against beautiful, green, and mountainous landscapes. Traditional Basque farmhouses can be seen dotting the mountainsides.
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a guided tour of Bilbao and its estuary, where the striking architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, the old town and the medieval center stand out. There will be free time for lunch and a stroll in this city, full of vibrant streets and a cathedral. We recommend dining at La Ribera Market, offering stands with traditional Basque cuisine in a boat-shaped structure along the river.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Bilbao. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey.
03:15 p.m. - Guernica. Arrival and time for a stroll in this town, the birthplace of the Basque people, but sadly also known for being the site of one of the most tragic massacres of the Spanish Civil War, famously depicted in Pablo Picasso´s painting. Here, you’ll see the Tree of Gernika, beneath which the Basque Country was granted its autonomy during the Middle Ages.
04:45 p.m. - Departure from Guernica. We’ll continue our scenic route through the mountains.
06:15 p.m. - Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía). We’ll stop in one of the most beautiful towns in the Basque Country, known for its beaches, ancient walls, maritime atmosphere, and historic center with its unique grid-patterned cobblestone streets. You’ll have free time to explore and enjoy dinner in the old town.
08:45 p.m. – Departure from Hondarribia.
09:15 p.m. - San Sebastián / Donostia. Arrival in the elegant capital of Gipuzkoa. Our hotel is usually located atop Monte Igueldo, offering one of the most breathtaking views of the illuminated city below.
Total distance covered: 240 km.
Scenery: Lush, wooded areas in the Basque Country transition to the vast pine forests of France´s Landes region, eventually giving way to vineyards as we approach Bordeaux.
In the morning, after soaking in the stunning views of San Sebastián Bay from Mount Igueldo, we’ll head to the Miramar Palace and its lovely gardens. You’ll then have some free time to relax on the large beach, stroll along the boulevards, and enjoy lunch in the old town, famous for its lively “pintxos” bars and vibrant atmosphere—a hotspot for food lovers, where each of the bars has its own speciality and style. We´ll include a traditional Basque cuisine pintxo experience, accompanied by a drink.
04:15 p.m. – Departure from San Sebastián. We’ll cross into France through the Basque Country, traveling through the Landes region with its pine forests and lakes. As we near Bordeaux, we’ll be welcomed by the region’s renowned vineyards.
07:15 p.m. - Bordeaux. Our guide will give a brief introduction to the city. You’ll then have free time to explore, and we suggest taking a walk through the city center.
Scenery: Lush, wooded areas in the Basque Country transition to the vast pine forests of France´s Landes region, eventually giving way to vineyards as we approach Bordeaux.
In the morning, after soaking in the stunning views of San Sebastián Bay from Mount Igueldo, we’ll head to the Miramar Palace and its lovely gardens. You’ll then have some free time to relax on the large beach, stroll along the boulevards, and enjoy lunch in the old town, famous for its lively “pintxos” bars and vibrant atmosphere—a hotspot for food lovers, where each of the bars has its own speciality and style. We´ll include a traditional Basque cuisine pintxo experience, accompanied by a drink.
04:15 p.m. – Departure from San Sebastián. We’ll cross into France through the Basque Country, traveling through the Landes region with its pine forests and lakes. As we near Bordeaux, we’ll be welcomed by the region’s renowned vineyards.
07:15 p.m. - Bordeaux. Our guide will give a brief introduction to the city. You’ll then have free time to explore, and we suggest taking a walk through the city center.
Total distance covered: 270 km.
Scenery: Picturesque vineyard landscapes.
Take time to savor the center of Bordeaux, which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Prepare to be captivated by the "Water Mirror" and explore the historic old town with its charming pedestrian streets and 11th-century cathedral. Later, you´ll have free time to stroll along the Garonne River banks, lined with quaint restaurants perfect for lunch, or if you wish, you can visit Cité du Vin, an impressive interactive museum that delves into the history and production of wine.
02:00 p.m. Departure from Bordeaux. We will continue our journey towards the Pyrenees.
05:30 p.m. - Arrival in Lourdes. Time to visit the Sanctuary. We recommend attending the candlelight procession, typically held at 9 p.m. from late March to late October. Dinner included.
Scenery: Picturesque vineyard landscapes.
Take time to savor the center of Bordeaux, which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Prepare to be captivated by the "Water Mirror" and explore the historic old town with its charming pedestrian streets and 11th-century cathedral. Later, you´ll have free time to stroll along the Garonne River banks, lined with quaint restaurants perfect for lunch, or if you wish, you can visit Cité du Vin, an impressive interactive museum that delves into the history and production of wine.
02:00 p.m. Departure from Bordeaux. We will continue our journey towards the Pyrenees.
05:30 p.m. - Arrival in Lourdes. Time to visit the Sanctuary. We recommend attending the candlelight procession, typically held at 9 p.m. from late March to late October. Dinner included.
Total distance covered: 575 km.
Scenery: Beautiful mountain landscapes in the morning. Picturesque villages along the route.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Lourdes. We’ll cross the Pyrenees, the natural border between France and Spain, with its snow-capped peaks visible for much of the year and breathtaking landscapes.
09:30 a.m. - Sallent de Gállego. Just near the French border, we’ll make a brief stop to explore this charming Aragonese Pyrenean village, known for its Gothic church and medieval stone bridge.
10:15 a.m. - Departure Sallent. We’ll continue our journey through the mountains.
11:45 a.m. - Huesca. We’ll have time for a stroll and a coffee in the historic center of this provincial capital, where highlights include the cathedral and the 12th-century Abbey of San Pedro el Viejo with its beautiful Romanesque cloister.
01:00 p.m. - Departure from Huesca.
02:00 p.m. - Zaragoza. We’ll stop in the bustling capital of Aragon for lunch, explore the historic district, and visit the impressive Plaza del Pilar, home to both the Cathedral and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
04:30 p.m. - Departure from Zaragoza.
09:00 p.m. - Madrid. Arrival at the end of the day.
Scenery: Beautiful mountain landscapes in the morning. Picturesque villages along the route.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Lourdes. We’ll cross the Pyrenees, the natural border between France and Spain, with its snow-capped peaks visible for much of the year and breathtaking landscapes.
09:30 a.m. - Sallent de Gállego. Just near the French border, we’ll make a brief stop to explore this charming Aragonese Pyrenean village, known for its Gothic church and medieval stone bridge.
10:15 a.m. - Departure Sallent. We’ll continue our journey through the mountains.
11:45 a.m. - Huesca. We’ll have time for a stroll and a coffee in the historic center of this provincial capital, where highlights include the cathedral and the 12th-century Abbey of San Pedro el Viejo with its beautiful Romanesque cloister.
01:00 p.m. - Departure from Huesca.
02:00 p.m. - Zaragoza. We’ll stop in the bustling capital of Aragon for lunch, explore the historic district, and visit the impressive Plaza del Pilar, home to both the Cathedral and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
04:30 p.m. - Departure from Zaragoza.
09:00 p.m. - Madrid. Arrival at the end of the day.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
From
USD 1,122.00