Northern Spain Private Tour

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Why You Should Go

Spain is a country composed of romantic languages, energized people, vast landscapes, a deep-rooted culture, and a unique history. Due to its large size, it’s no surprise that the many corners of Spain have their own individual characteristics. Northern Spain is comprised of winelands, big cities, pintxos, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. This culturally diverse region encompasses many fascinating regions, from green Galicia to the Basque country with some of Europe’s best city beaches, the Navarra kingdom full of beautiful scenery, the popular Rioja vineyards, and the dramatic Pyrenees.

We love this itinerary for its perfect combination of the spotlights of Spain in Barcelona and Madrid to the laid-back and less touristy San Sebastian and wine regions of La Rioja and Ribero del Duero. If you are looking to experience the “must do’s” of Spain paired with some of the spectacular hidden gems, this itinerary will check all your boxes!

Best Travel Time: Spring Summer Fall

*The average cost of our fully comprehensive itineraries ranges from USD $4,000 – $6,000 per COUPLE per DAY. All of our private tour itineraries are inclusive of all luxury accommodations, private guide/driver throughout, meals as specified, INTERNAL air flights/rail/private transfers, & all taxes/service fees.

View through an open window with shutters of the sandy beach, rocky coastline and whitewashed town of Calella de Palafrugell, Spain, on the Costa Brava coast as the sun sets.

Sample Itinerary

15 Days

Each private luxury tour is custom to the wishes of each client. This itinerary is a sample. Partnering with our long-established relationship with United Airlines, our sister company, TRAVNET, may provide competitive Polaris/Business Class international airfare, along with mileage points conversion.

1

Day 1

Fly to Barcelona
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.

Sagrada Familia and Barcelona skyline at sunrise, aerial view. Catalonia, Spain
Aerial View of Barcelona inc. Sagrada Familia
2

Day 2

Arrive Barcelona
Upon Arrival in Barcelona, you will be privately transferred to your hotel. Architecturally striking Barcelona is not only among our favorite cities in Europe, it’s one of our favorite cities in the world! In addition to having some of the best-preserved medieval/Gothic monuments/sites worldwide, Barcelona proudly features the many art treasures of its genius native son, Antoni Gaudi.

Meals:
Accommodations: The Mercer or The Majestic Hotel and Spa

Entrance to public park Park Guell on a sunny day, Barcelona, Spain
Entrance to Parc Guell
3

Day 3

Barcelona Full-Day Private Tour
After breakfast, a day of Gaudi will commence discovering his incomparable architectural masterpieces. Along with visiting the massive and still to be complete Sagrada Familia, you’ll visit his surreal park La Pedrera, Casa Batllo, and Parc Guell. This evening, enjoy a private cooking class with an expert chef, beginning at a local market to collect ingredients for your meal. Cheers!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: The Mercer or The Majestic Hotel and Spa-

Stall at La Boqueria Market, Barcelona, Spain
Stall at La Boqueria Market, Barcelona
4

Day 4

Full-Day Excursion to Girona and Figueres
Today, travel outside Barcelona with your private guide and driver to discover. Girona pre-dates the Romans and has been amazingly subjected to 25 sieges throughout its history. We fully understand why “Game of Thrones” has chosen this as one of its filming locations! The setting is quite unique with ancient, arcaded houses along the rivers, quaint cobbled streets, medieval baths, and an extensive and well-preserved Call (medieval Jewish quarter). Figueres houses the museum of its native son Dalí, the most visited sight in Spain after Madrid’s Prado and Bilbao’s Guggenheim(!).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: The Mercer or The Majestic Hotel and Spa

Romanesque Bridge in Besalú – Girona Spain
Romanesque Bridge, Girona
5

Day 5

Transfer Barcelona to San Sebastian (+Stop in Zaragoza En Route)
Today, meet a private driver and embark on your journey to San Sebastian. As the drive is quite far, we will arrange a stop halfway in Zaragoza for lunch and time to stretch your legs and explore! Zaragoza is home to the most Moorish architecture in Spain outside of Andalusia, so is a real treat for this area. The region of Aragon was once its own kingdom, meaning it has lots of history and landmarks to visit, such as the Moorish Palace and Grand Museum. Enjoy! After your visit, continue to your hotel in San Sebastian.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Maria Cristina

Zaragoza city in Spain
Aerial view of Our Lady of the Pillar, Zaragoza
6

Day 6

Half-Day Tour of San Sebastian + Evening Food Tour
After breakfast at your hotel, a private guide and driver will meet you and journey along with you as you spend the morning discovering San Sebastian. Often known as the best place to seek refuge during Spain’s colder months, San Sebastian is home to stunning beaches and inventive, high-quality cuisine. Visit the Old Town area, as a trail takes you to Castillo de la Mota, a 12th-century medieval castle. Afterwards, continue to the end of the Bay to see Chillida’s most celebrated sculpture Comb of the Winds, which has become an iconic symbol of this stunning city. As the gastronomic capital of Spain, it would be inconceivable to travel to San Sebastian and not try as many arrays of food as possible! Similar to tapas, the point of the pintxos is to “sample” an item, so that one may eat more variation versus a large plate of one meal.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Maria Cristina

San Sebastian and Santa Clara Island at sunset
San Sebastian at Sunset
7

Day 7

Full-Day Excursion to France
Due to San Sebastian’s unique location, today you will have breakfast in Spain and lunch in France! With your private guide and driver, visit the Spanish-influence French towns of Saint Jean de Luz, Bayonne, Biarritz, Sare, and Ascain. Bon voyage!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Maria Cristina

Biarritz, France. View of the famous stone bridge Rocher du Basta, cityscape and coastline with sand beaches and port for small boats. Golden hour. Holidays in France.
Biarritz, France
8

Day 8

Transfer San Sebastian to La Rioja
This morning after breakfast at your hotel, meet a private driver in the lobby and transfer in the comfort of your private vehicle to your hotel in the La Rioja region, approximately two hours away.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Marques de Riscal

Landscapes and vineyards in Rioja alavesa.
Landscapes of La Rioja
9

Day 9

Private Touring of the La Rioja Region
Travel though some of the most beautiful parts of Spain’s wine country during your overview of the Rioja region. Begin at the spectacular wine museum of Dinastía Vivanco for a privately guided tour. From here, travel to a fine wine connoisseurs’ haven, Barrio de la Estacion in Haro (the wine capital of this region!). You will enjoy a wine tasting of some iconic names such as Lopez de Heredia, Muga, CVNE, and La Rioja Alta. You may also wish to visit the charming hilltop town of Laguardia, which enjoys superb views over the vineyards. Finally, make your way past some of the most prestigious vineyards, such as Abalos or San Vicente de Sonsierra, until you reach the unusual Baigorri winery whose cellars are situated deep inside a man-made hill(!). Enjoy a tasting with a local expert and learn about the region’s wine. A stop for lunch will be included.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Marques de Riscal

Wine corks
Rioja Wine Cork
10

Day 10

Transfer La Rioja to Ribera del Duero (+Winery Stop En Route)
This morning, following breakfast at your hotel, meet your private driver in the lobby and transfer to the Ribera del Duero Wine Region (drive time is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes). To break up the drive, enjoy a stop at one of our favorite wineries en route!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena

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Spa/Pool Facilities at Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena
11

Day 11

Private Touring of the Ribera del Duero Region
Known as one of Spain’s most reputable wine regions, Ribera del Duero is the place to be to discover and taste some of the best Spanish wines available. The region is most famous for its heavy bodied red wines, both bold and bright in character, although there are some rosé wines produced and even some small amounts of white wine (which was not permitted to be done previously!). *Winery visits in this region will be based off of the travelers’ preferences.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena

Vineyard field with blue sky and white clouds in the region of Ribera del Duero.
Vineyard in the region of Ribera del Duero
12

Day 12

Transfer Ribera del Duero to Madrid (+Winery Stop En Route)
This morning, following breakfast at your hotel, meet your private driver in the lobby and transfer to your hotel in Madrid (drive time is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes). To break up the drive, enjoy a stop at one of our favorite wineries en route for one last wine tasting paired with a delicious lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid

Palacio Real in Madrid, Spain.
Royal Palace of Madrid
13

Day 13

Full-Day Private Tour of Madrid
This morning, following breakfast at your hotel, meet your private guide and driver for an exciting day of exploring Spain’s capital city. Madrid’s broad sweep of architectural history provides a glorious backdrop to city life, from medieval mansions and royal palaces to Spanish contemporary architecture. Few cities can boast an artistic pedigree quite as pure as Madrid’s, home to three fabled art museums: the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia. Enjoy!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid

Panoramic view of Gran Via, Madrid, Spain.
Aerial View of Madrid
14

Day 14

Full-Day Private Excursion to Toledo
A city full of rich Jewish history and the center of Jewish Spain during the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries, Toledo is described as one of Spain’s most magnificent cities. It is known as the “City of the Three Cultures” thanks to the uneasy co-existence of Christians, Jews, and Muslims for several centuries. Explore its narrow, cobbled streets and visit the cathedral, an impressive example of medieval Gothic architecture (and considered one of Spain’s finest!) the elaborately decorated Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca, and the Church of Santo Tomé, housing El Greco’s most famous painting “Burial of Count Orgaz.”

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid

Toledo at Sunset, Spain.
Toledo
15

Day 15

Transfer to Madrid Airport + Fly Home

Spain, Madrid, Street Plaque. Calle de Madrid
Street Sign, Madrid

Hotels

The Mercer Barcelona is a boutique luxury hotel in the heart of the historic Gothic Quarter. With just 28 rooms and suites, the hotel offers a personal and tranquil experience in the middle of the hustle and bustle of this busy city! Upon entering, you are greeted by a unique design that features exposed stone from the original building, welcoming colors, and a stunning glass structure with a seating area in the middle offering natural light and greenery. Rooms vary in layout but all have the essence of the natural architecture of the building that has been refurbished to give guests a unique experience while also catering to modern needs. The location’s advantage is its proximity to main attractions within walking distance and a quieter sleep away from the loud streets and areas. You will love your stay at this top-notch boutique hotel and appreciate the historic features, with a feel of staying in an ancient ruin with luxurious amenities!

The Mercer

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The Mercer Barcelona is a boutique luxury hotel in the heart of the historic Gothic Quarter. With just 28 rooms and suites, the hotel offers a personal and tranquil experience in the middle of the hustle and bustle of this busy city! Upon entering, you are greeted by a unique design that features exposed stone from the original building, welcoming colors, and a stunning glass structure with a seating area in the middle offering natural light and greenery. Rooms vary in layout but all have the essence of the natural architecture of the building that has been refurbished to give guests a unique experience while also catering to modern needs. The location’s advantage is its proximity to main attractions within walking distance and a quieter sleep away from the loud streets and areas. You will love your stay at this top-notch boutique hotel and appreciate the historic features, with a feel of staying in an ancient ruin with luxurious amenities!

Although on the bigger side at 276 rooms, we cannot ignore the opulence of the Majestic Hotel & Spa in Barcelona. The location, for starters, is unbeatable with high-end shops in every direction, as well as walkable landmarks nearby (lots of Gaudi!). Rooms have recently been given a nice modern facelift, with fresh whites and neutral colors and are accented by marble bathrooms. We recommend taking some time at the hotel to checkout the small rooftop pool, a nice place to relax and soak in stunning views of this gorgeous city (if the pool is too busy, there is a terrace and bar up here as well!). Be sure to reserve time as well to enjoy the hotel’s award-winning spa! A fitness center is also available on-site.

The Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona

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Although on the bigger side at 276 rooms, we cannot ignore the opulence of the Majestic Hotel & Spa in Barcelona. The location, for starters, is unbeatable with high-end shops in every direction, as well as walkable landmarks nearby (lots of Gaudi!). Rooms have recently been given a nice modern facelift, with fresh whites and neutral colors and are accented by marble bathrooms. We recommend taking some time at the hotel to checkout the small rooftop pool, a nice place to relax and soak in stunning views of this gorgeous city (if the pool is too busy, there is a terrace and bar up here as well!). Be sure to reserve time as well to enjoy the hotel’s award-winning spa! A fitness center is also available on-site.

Built in the magnificent Belle Epoque style, the Hotel Maria Cristina is San Sebastian’s unbeatable luxury property. With 136 rooms overlooking the Urumea River, the favorable central location makes for remarkable views over the water and city. Guest rooms are chic with a hint of modern flavor and offer all necessary amenities with marble bathrooms. Food lovers will really enjoy their stay here, as there is a stylish restaurant serving Asian fare, a stunning breakfast room, cocktail bar, and an entire culinary center with a gourmet cooking shop. Unfortunately, the hotel does not have a spa or pool, but we fully feel the other unique amenities make up for this. Happy eating!

Hotel Maria Cristina

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Built in the magnificent Belle Epoque style, the Hotel Maria Cristina is San Sebastian’s unbeatable luxury property. With 136 rooms overlooking the Urumea River, the favorable central location makes for remarkable views over the water and city. Guest rooms are chic with a hint of modern flavor and offer all necessary amenities with marble bathrooms. Food lovers will really enjoy their stay here, as there is a stylish restaurant serving Asian fare, a stunning breakfast room, cocktail bar, and an entire culinary center with a gourmet cooking shop. Unfortunately, the hotel does not have a spa or pool, but we fully feel the other unique amenities make up for this. Happy eating!

Reflecting the unique style of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the contemporary luxury Hotel Marques de Riscal was also designed by Frenk Gehry and is architecturally one of a kind. The hotel offers 43 comfortable rooms and suites, each decorated in a warm and comfortable style. The 1 Michelin star Marques de Riscal restaurant serves haute cuisine in its dramatic designer interior. For a more relaxed dining experience, guests can enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist in their Bistro 1860 restaurant. Guests looking to relax and un-wind with a glass of fine wine or cocktail can try out their wine bar or roof top Lounge Library. Leisure facilities include a 1400 square meter spa area and 24-hour fitness center. Set amongst vineyards dating back to 1862, this is the ideal hotel for guests seeking contemporary living in an attractive setting.

Hotel Marques de Riscal

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Reflecting the unique style of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the contemporary luxury Hotel Marques de Riscal was also designed by Frenk Gehry and is architecturally one of a kind. The hotel offers 43 comfortable rooms and suites, each decorated in a warm and comfortable style. The 1 Michelin star Marques de Riscal restaurant serves haute cuisine in its dramatic designer interior. For a more relaxed dining experience, guests can enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist in their Bistro 1860 restaurant. Guests looking to relax and un-wind with a glass of fine wine or cocktail can try out their wine bar or roof top Lounge Library. Leisure facilities include a 1400 square meter spa area and 24-hour fitness center. Set amongst vineyards dating back to 1862, this is the ideal hotel for guests seeking contemporary living in an attractive setting.

Located in the heart of Ribera del Duero wine region, the stunning hotel Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena is housed in one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in Europe. Stylishly converted, the Monastery of Santa Maria de Valbuena is home to Castilla y Leon’s first five-star spa. With an area exceeding 2,000 square meters (21,530 square feet), the spa boasts no less than 16 treatment rooms, several thermal pools, a children’s pool and water with special restorative properties, the benefits of which were first recognized by the Cistercian monks in the 12th century when they used the water to irrigate their vineyards. The hotel also features an exclusive a-la-carte restaurant offering both traditional and modern cuisine created from the highest quality local products. The impressive spa facilities and therapeutic waters of this establishment, together with its unique architecture and historic charm, provide a wonderful base for your relaxing stay in Ribera del Duero.

Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena

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Located in the heart of Ribera del Duero wine region, the stunning hotel Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena is housed in one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in Europe. Stylishly converted, the Monastery of Santa Maria de Valbuena is home to Castilla y Leon’s first five-star spa. With an area exceeding 2,000 square meters (21,530 square feet), the spa boasts no less than 16 treatment rooms, several thermal pools, a children’s pool and water with special restorative properties, the benefits of which were first recognized by the Cistercian monks in the 12th century when they used the water to irrigate their vineyards. The hotel also features an exclusive a-la-carte restaurant offering both traditional and modern cuisine created from the highest quality local products. The impressive spa facilities and therapeutic waters of this establishment, together with its unique architecture and historic charm, provide a wonderful base for your relaxing stay in Ribera del Duero.

Known as one of the city’s most iconic luxury properties, we cannot ignore the elegance and charm this 104-year-old hotel offers its guests. Designed to look like a palace (and a staff that will treat you like royalty!), the high-end interiors and top-notch atmosphere have made it a popular accommodation choice for many celebrities and notables. The location is unbeatable, sitting just next to Retiro Park and overlooking the Prado Museum (as well as being within walking distance to most of the city’s main attractions. Rooms are decorated in a classic style with a modern touch, featuring bright whites and dark woods. Deessa is the on-site fine dining option, boasting two Michelin Stars, as well as two casual dining options and, our favorite part, a full champagne bar(!). Be sure to relax at the hotel’s spa, with one of the most beautiful indoor pools in the city. A fitness center is also available for use 24-hours a day.

Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid

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Known as one of the city’s most iconic luxury properties, we cannot ignore the elegance and charm this 104-year-old hotel offers its guests. Designed to look like a palace (and a staff that will treat you like royalty!), the high-end interiors and top-notch atmosphere have made it a popular accommodation choice for many celebrities and notables. The location is unbeatable, sitting just next to Retiro Park and overlooking the Prado Museum (as well as being within walking distance to most of the city’s main attractions. Rooms are decorated in a classic style with a modern touch, featuring bright whites and dark woods. Deessa is the on-site fine dining option, boasting two Michelin Stars, as well as two casual dining options and, our favorite part, a full champagne bar(!). Be sure to relax at the hotel’s spa, with one of the most beautiful indoor pools in the city. A fitness center is also available for use 24-hours a day.

Request Custom Itinerary

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Thank you for your interest in Kipling & Clark. We look forward to serving you!


Please note we specialize in global private luxury travel, including private guides and drivers throughout,

high-quality accommodations, inclusive of safari lodges and ryokans, in-country rail/air, and all taxes/service fees.


Dependent on destination and seasonality, our comprehensive private tour costs are upward of USD 5K-6K per couple per day.

                                         (312) 351-3121

                            rlynch@kiplingandclark.com



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Location

Overview

Temperature
Highs: Mid 70’s
Lows: High 40’s
Area
505,990 SQ KM
195,364 SQ MILES
Capital
Madrid
Population
46.7 Million
Language
Spanish (Castilian), Catalan and its variant Valencian, Gallego (Galician), Euskera (Basque)
Currency
Euro

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