Start your cultural immersion trip in the heart of the city's Gothic Quarter. Here you can explore Barcelona's history and see well-preserved Gothic-style buildings, including the Barcelona Cathedral and the Palace of Catalan Music. The narrow medieval streets and lively squares are full of shops, restaurants, and cafes perfect for soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Take a train to Bilbao to visit the futuristic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture designed by Frank Gehry. The museum boasts a collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by artists such as Jeff Koons, Richard Serra, and Anish Kapoor. Guided tours are available to enhance your experience.
Head to the intimate village of Laguardia, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. The medieval walled city center has narrow streets lined with traditional houses, churches, and aristocratic palaces dating back to the Middle Ages. It is an excellent place to enjoy some of the region's best wines and gastronomy.
Arrive in Pamplona during the San Fermín festival, which takes place annually in July. This famous festival is known worldwide for the daily running of the bulls, also called the "encierro." Besides watching the bulls, the city hosts many other traditional events, such as parades, concerts, and fireworks.
Take a day trip to the coastal city of San Sebastián, famous for its golden beaches and world-renowned cuisine. The city has a rich history, evidenced by its architecture, including the Gothic-style Basilica of Santa María del Coro and the Miramar Palace. Stroll around La Concha Bay and grab a pintxo or two in the Old Town.
Journey to Loyola, a small village of significant religious importance. This is the birthplace of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order. Visit the incomparable Basilica of Loyola, the imposing castle, and the museum where his history is detailed. In addition to its places of worship, the town offers stunning natural landscapes and hiking opportunities.
Travel to La Rioja, the most famous and celebrated wine region in Spain. There are many wineries to visit, but consider going to Marques de Riscal, with its distinctive avant-garde style, or explore the medieval town of Haro, known for its wine heritage, having more than 10% of the vineyard area of the entire Rioja region. Indulge in delicious wines and dine on some of Spain's best cuisine.
Spend your last day in Pamplona visiting its world-class museums and enjoying its cultural activities. The Pamplona Cathedral is one of the city's gems, with its Gothic-style architecture and superb collection of religious art. Others worth exploring include the Museum of Navarra, the Planetarium of Pamplona, and the Palace of the Kings of Navarra.
For this trip, plan on hopping on trains and buses periodically throughout your journey. Car rentals are also available, and taxis are another option for those who do not want to drive. Consider the Eurail Pass to save on train ticket costs. Travel time and costs are estimated in Time and Costs section.
If you have more time, consider visiting other nearby destinations, such as Madrid or the French Basque Country. For those with less time, eliminate one of the destinations, such as the Guggenheim Museum or Loyola. Remember, the San Fermín festival takes place annually in July, so book your trip accordingly.
The nearest airport to Pamplona is Pamplona Airport (PNA), located about 4 miles (6.5 km) from the city center. Other major airports convenient to Pamplona include Bilbao Airport (BIO), located 74 miles (119 km) from Pamplona, and Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ), located about 98 miles (158 km) away.