Northern Spain: Basque Country, Rioja and Madrid

Welcome to Northern Spain – a land of timeless charm, world-class wines and vibrant heritage.

Small Group Journey
9 Days

Journey Highlights & Signature Inclusions

From the elegance of San Sebastián’s coastline to the storybook streets of Salamanca, discover dramatic landscapes, ancient cathedrals, and celebrated culinary traditions. Over 9 days, journey through the Basque Country, Rioja and Castile, and uncover the rich soul of Spain, where every destination reveals a deeper layer of Spain’s beauty and spirit.

  • 8 nights in exquisite 4 and 5-star hotels
  • 8 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L)
  • Guided sightseeing of San Sebastián, Pamplona, Burgos, Salamanca, Toledo and Madrid
  • Txacoli and Pinto Wine Tasting in San Sebastián
  • Funicular ride to Mount Igueldo overlooking San Sebastián
  • Visit two La Rioja wineries including a delicious wine tasting lunch
  • Salamanca guided tour includes discovery of Salamanca University’s secrets and legends
  • Traditional tapas lunch in Madrid
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites of Burgos Cathedral, the old town of Salamanca and Toledo
  • Entrance to Pamplona Cathedral, Burgos Cathedral, Salamanca University, Toledo Cathedral and Alcazar and Royal Palace of Madrid
  • Tour Director accompanying group
  • Deluxe VIP transport
  • Airport transfers on first day
  • Note: hotel city taxes, if applicable, are not included.

Discover The Itinerary

Explore your itinerary in detail, featuring carefully selected hotels, unique experiences, and premium inclusions designed to elevate your travel experience.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

Day 1: San Sebastián

Welcome to Spain’s Basque Country, a captivating region celebrated for its rugged coastline, vibrant culture, and world-renowned culinary scene. Arrive in San Sebastián to your beautiful hotel and unwind with an evening at leisure.

Hotel Catalonia Donosti

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Day 2: San Sebastián

Enjoy a guided tour of elegant San Sebastián, a coastal gem known for its Belle Époque architecture, golden beaches and deep-rooted Basque identity. Discover the city’s highlights including the lively Old Town, picturesque La Concha Bay and charming local markets. Along the way, enjoy a tasting of regional Txakoli and Pinto wines, followed by a welcome lunch with wine at a local restaurant. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore more of the city at your own pace.

Hotel Catalonia Donosti

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

Meals Included

Day 3: San Sebastián – Pamplona – Logroño (Rioja wine region)

Begin the day with a scenic ride on the Monte Igueldo Funicular, offering breathtaking panoramic views over San Sebastián’s La Concha Bay and the Cantabrian coastline. Continue inland to Pamplona, famously known for the Running of the Bulls and rich in medieval charm. Enjoy a guided walking tour through its historic heart, including a visit to the striking Gothic Pamplona Cathedral, whose impressive cloister is among the most beautiful in Europe. In the afternoon, travel to the world-renowned Rioja wine region and settle into your elegant accommodation.

Áurea Palacio de Correos

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included
Image from Flickr by Ruben Holthuijsen

Day 4: Logroño (Rioja region) – Laguardia – Logroño (Rioja region)

Today, embark on a full-day exploration of the celebrated Rioja wine region, one of Spain’s most prestigious Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) areas. Known for its bold reds crafted from the Tempranillo grape, Rioja combines centuries-old wine traditions with modern innovation. Visit two local wineries for wine tastings, one inclusive of lunch with wine. Visit the fortified hilltop town of Laguardia, renowned for its underground wine cellars and medieval architecture, with independent time to stroll its charming, cobbled streets and soak in its storybook atmosphere before returning to your hotel.

Áurea Palacio de Correos

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

Meals Included
Image by Vitya_maly from GoodFon.com

Day 5: Logroño (Rioja region) – Burgos – Salamanca

Travel west to Burgos, a city steeped in history and birthplace of the legendary El Cid. Enjoy a guided tour with admission to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Saint Mary, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture famed for its soaring spires and ornate facades. Continue to Salamanca, one of Spain’s most beautiful Renaissance cities, and check into your stunning accommodation.

Hospes Palacio de San Esteban

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included
Image by Maxima from GoodFon.com

Day 6: Salamanca

Start they day with a guided tour one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, uncovering its hidden stories. Afterwards enjoy a local lunch with wine. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore the golden sandstone streets at your own pace.

Hospes Palacio de San Esteban

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

Meals Included

Day 7: Salamanca – Toledo – Madrid

Depart for the hilltop city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “City of Three Cultures” for its historical blend of Christian, Jewish and Muslim influences. Enjoy a guided tour with visits to the Alcázar and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral. In the afternoon, continue to Madrid where the evening is at your leisure.

Hotel NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

Day 8: Madrid

Today’s guided tour of Spain’s vibrant capital includes the Royal Palace, Europe’s largest functioning royal residence and a symbol of Spanish heritage and power. Afterwards, celebrate the journey with a closing tapas lunch paired with local wines, an iconic Spanish tradition of small share plates reflecting the country’s regional diversity and social spirit.

Hotel NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

Meals Included

Day 9: Madrid

If you are not extending your stay with us in Southern Spain or Portugal, your tour ends on hotel check-out.

Breakfast

Meals Included

Upcoming Departures

San Sebastián Commences

Madrid Concludes
Commences Concludes Price   Spots Left Updates  
Saturday, 18 April 2026 Sunday, 26 April 2026 $9,490 AUDTwin share per person +$3,900 AUDSingle Supplement
Saturday, 02 May 2026 Sunday, 10 May 2026 $9,890 AUDTwin share per person +$3,900 AUDSingle Supplement
Sunday, 17 May 2026 Monday, 25 May 2026 $9,890 AUDTwin share per person +$3,900 AUDSingle Supplement
Sunday, 07 June 2026 Monday, 15 June 2026 $9,890 AUDTwin share per person +$3,900 AUDSingle Supplement
Saturday, 20 June 2026 Sunday, 28 June 2026 $9,890 AUDTwin share per person +$3,900 AUDSingle Supplement
Saturday, 04 July 2026 Sunday, 12 July 2026 $9,890 AUDTwin share per person +$3,900 AUDSingle Supplement
Saturday, 29 August 2026 Sunday, 06 September 2026 $9,890 AUDTwin share per person +$3,900 AUDSingle Supplement
Saturday, 12 September 2026 Sunday, 20 September 2026 $10,090 AUDTwin share per person +$3,900 AUDSingle Supplement
Saturday, 26 September 2026 Sunday, 04 October 2026 $10,090 AUDTwin share per person +$3,900 AUDSingle Supplement
Saturday, 10 October 2026 Sunday, 18 October 2026 $9,490 AUDTwin share per person +$3,900 AUDSingle Supplement

Feel free to contact us with any questions or to learn more about crafting your perfect journey with Ormina Tours.

Enjoy your private itinerary

Experience the ultimate in personalised travel with Ormina Tours’ private itineraries. Tailored to your preferences, these journeys offer complete flexibility, from your choice of destinations and activities to your pace of travel.

  • Depart on any date you choose
  • Fully Customisable
  • Unique Activities
  • Comfort and Privacy
From: Get a Free Quote FIT: Private driver

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Ormina Tours provide?

Ormina Tours provides land services in Europe. We cover most of Europe and are continually expanding. If your destination is uncommon, please contact us to confirm availability.

We offer Small Group Journeys on set departure dates (max. 10 guests for 2025 and max. 12 guests for 2026), tailored private journeys (full F.I.T. services), and booking and coordination of accommodation. From airport transfers to fully customized European travel, we cover everything, except flights

Where is Ormina Tours based, and do you serve clients worldwide?

We are an Australian company with offices in Sydney and Perth, as well as a team in Europe to ensure seamless service delivery. While based in Australia, we cater to clients globally and partner with over 250 travel agents across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

When is the best time to visit Europe, and do your tours operate year-round?

Europe offers charm year-round. May and September are popular for Australians, while beach destinations are busiest in August. Most Small Group Journeys run between April and October, while private journeys are available year-round. Early planning (at least 6 months) is recommended for busy regions like the Amalfi Coast.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, we require all clients travelling to have travel insurance as this is a requirement for Tour Operators Insurances, otherwise guests must sign a release and discharge of liability waiver for us to accept the booking. If you need assistance arranging insurance, just ask.

Do you cater to travellers with mobility challenges?

We tailor all journeys to our client’s travel preferences and needs, including any mobility challenges whether it is special vehicles, travel scooters, hotel rooms with accessible showers and hoists. We also have expertise on most attractions and towns to know which are more accessible than others.

With our Small Group Journeys, any significant mobility challenge requires an accompanying minder/helper to attend on the tour as it is not always possible for our Tour Directors, drivers and guides to offer continuous care in a group environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

What is the group size, and what happens if only two people book the tour?

Our Small Group Journeys are designed for a maximum of 10 guests (12 guests in 2026) to ensure an intimate experience. A minimum of 2 guests is required to guarantee departure (4 guests in 2026).

Should fewer than four guests be booked, you will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the same itinerary as a private journey at a preferential rate, giving you the confidence and certainty to book in advance. If you do not wish to undertake the small group journey itinerary as a private journey and we advised within the require deadline as disclosed, we will provide you with a full refund.

What is included and excluded in a Small Group Journey?

Our itineraries include accommodation, transportation, guided activities, and meals as marked – B (breakfast), L (lunch), or D (dinner). Exclusions typically include flights, city taxes, personal expenses, and any items not explicitly listed in the itinerary.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is optional but appreciated for exceptional service. After booking you will be provided with some tipping guidelines should you choose to do so.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each guest can bring one standard checked bag and one carry-on. Please inform us if you need to bring extra luggage.

What is a private journey?

Private journeys (named City Breaks and Regional Discoveries) are not tours with other people. They are suggested itineraries for the city/region that can be fully customised with prearranged services, allowing independent exploration.

Can I choose my hotel?

For private itineraries, we recommend hotels in our itineraries, we can certainly work to accommodate your preferences.

Hotels are set for Small Group Journeys but you can opt to upgrade your room.

What currency are your tours priced in?

Tours (that is our Small Group Journeys) are priced in AUD for Australian residents, NZD for New Zealand residents, and USD for US residents. Other nationalities will pay in AUD unless otherwise arranged.

Prices are fixed once paid in full. In rare cases of significant currency fluctuations, unpaid bookings may be subject to price adjustments. If this occurs, we will contact you or your travel agent to advise you and you will have the option to either pay the full tour price by a certain date or accept the increase.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, though credit card fees may apply. Domestic wire transfers are also accepted.

What deposit is required?

Deposit amounts vary on the size of the booking and whether the booking includes tickets and admissions that maybe non-refundable or non-transferable after purchase. Full payment is due 3 months before your first service date.

Can I change or cancel my booking after making a deposit?

Changes incur a $100 fee per request unless additional services are added. Cancelling more than 50% of services is considered a cancellation, and fees will apply.
Any cancellation made by you prior to your travel (including any changes to your departure date) will result in the following cancellation fees:

Days of notice from notification to first date of service:

  • 91+ days: Loss of deposit
  • 90–75 days: Loss of Booking Deposit and 50% of the balance of the Tour Price
  • 75 days or less: Loss of Booking Deposit and 100% of the balance of the Tour Price

We always advise our clients to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations.

What are Ormina Tours’ COVID-19 guidelines?
  • Follow local laws, wear masks, and maintain social distancing as required.
  • Do not travel if you are symptomatic, recently exposed, or COVID-positive.
  • Stay updated on airline and country-specific protocols.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Reach out to our team for personalised assistance and start planning your next European adventure with Ormina Tours.