If you love to experience new places at full speed, this tailor-made trip is for you! Roll down the window of your rental car and enjoy the Spanish countryside from San Sebastian to Barcelona. Along the way, you will get to know Spain better and physically challenge yourself with cool activities such as surfing in San Sebastian and rappelling, hiking and rafting at Espot.

Your adventure begins at Bilbao Airport where you pick up your rental car on arrival and drive to San Sebastian on the northern Spanish Riviera. Here you can explore the vast sandy beaches scattered between mountain peaks with magnificent panoramic views. With your own instructor, you get to try surfing, which is something of a lifestyle here in San Sebastian.

The adventure continues to Espot which is located in a river valley in the Aigüestortes National Park in Estany de Sant Maurici, near the border with France. Experience nature in a little new way by testing rafting, rappelling and hiking in the enchanting surroundings. Finally, you drive to Barcelona to end the journey in one of Europe’s most exciting cities that offers from art and architecture to beach life with a lovely palm-clad promenade. To gain insight into both known and more hidden gems, you get a guided bike ride in Barcelona.

This travel proposal gives you experiences for both body and soul – and of course we can tailor the activities so this will be the perfect adventure for you!

Day 1: Departure from Scandinavia and arrival in San Sebastian in Spain

You fly to Spain with arrival later the same day at Bilbao Airport. Here you pick up your rental car and then drive about 1.5 hours to San Sebastian. The rest of the day you can spend relaxing, going for a walk in the city or recharging for the coming days’ surfing lessons.

Day 2: Surf lesson and time to explore San Sebastian

After breakfast, it’s time to jump on the surfboard. The Basque Country is a well-known surfing destination because the coast here offers conditions that every avid surfer demands; wind, waves and spectacular beaches. The surfing lesson takes place in the heart of San Sebastian, where you get private lessons based on your level by a qualified instructor who in 2 hours will do everything for you to experience the rush that surfers feel on top of a wave. If after your surfing lesson you want to experience San Sebastian from a different angle, you can rent a bike and explore the historic part of the city, Parte Vieja. The district is naturally bounded between the mouth of the river Urumea and the city’s cozy marina and was originally surrounded by the city wall. Small streets and alleys form a small maze around the beautiful Plaza de la Constitución – take the opportunity to explore the small unique shops along the streets and try the traditional Spanish dish pintxos; it is said that in San Sebastian you can get the best pintxos in all of the Basque Country! You can also spend the day setting out on the 10-kilometer-long St. James’ pilgrimage from San Sebastian to Pasai Bay. Here you walk along beautiful coastal landscapes, fields and forests. (F )

Day 3: Surf lesson and time on your own in San Sebastian

Today you continue to hone your techniques on the surfboard. Just like the day before, two hours of private lessons with your instructor are included. If you want to continue with physical activities after surfing, you can, for example, rent a kayak and paddle around the bay of La Concha Bay. Alternatively, you can take a walk along the promenade in the bay that stretches from the marina in the center to the foot of Monte Igueldo – a walk of just over 40 minutes. Feel free to take a break at the Miramar Palace, which was originally the “royal cottage” of the Spanish royal family. If you want to see more of the city, we recommend that you spend some time in the newer city center, which is as charming as the old town. Here you will find the impressive Buen Pastor Cathedral, which is the main attraction in this part of San Sebastien. Enjoy the architecture, shop and take a break in the idyllic park at Plaza de Gipuzkoa. (F )

Day 4: Drive your own rental car to Espot

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to leave San Sebastien. Drive approx. 5-6 hours to Espot which is located in a river valley with a large number of lakes in the vicinity. The highest part of the valley, located around Lake Sant Maurici and Mount Els Encantats, is part of the Aigüestortes National Park in Estany de Sant Maurici. Sprint is one of the two entrances to the national park and Lake Sant Maurici, and in this part of the park you can visit more than 20 ice lakes such as Ratera or Amitges, and also soaring mountains. The village of Espot is divided into two parts with the medieval tower worth visiting in the middle. The church of Santa Llogaia with its square tower is also an interesting sight and this church is mentioned in documents as far back as 839, where the village of Espot is also mentioned for the first time. ( F )

Day 5: Rappelling and adrenaline rush in the canyons at Sort

This morning you drive about 30 minutes from Espot to Sort, where you will get to try the day’s activity; rappelling. You are accompanied by the instructor to the place in the gorge that is the starting point and here you get an introduction to safety as well as basic instructions that give you the best conditions for you to have a wonderful experience. Rapelling is a descent that means celebrating down a rock wall or rock wall. It is a very special experience to protrude from a rocky ledge and then calmly jump down the vertical wall. However, you will always be in safe hands and equipped with the right equipment so that everything is under control. Remember to enjoy the ride up and down for as long as it lasts! If you need a relaxing walk to digest the many impressions of the adrenaline-filled experience, you can afterwards visit the area around Lago Negre de Cabanes or the heart of the Aigüestortes National Park in Estany de Sant Maurici. (F )

Day 6: Rafting in scenic surroundings at Llavorsi, Espot

Today you drive back to Sort which is the starting point for today’s 3 hour rafting trip. You meet up with your group in Sort and you are followed for the 30 minutes out to the typical Pyrenée village Llavorsi from where the rafting adventure begins. The experienced guides give you an indispensable introduction to safety and basic practice, before the rafting down the river begins. The first kilometers are a quiet descent, which allows you to get used to the river and the equipment. Later you will experience rapids with different strengths that give you both tingling and craving in the stomach. Also take in the scenery around the river, which in itself is extremely breathtaking. All in all, you should expect an experience with foam spray, beautiful nature and a wavy ride during the rafting 17 kilometers. After rafting, if you still have some energy left in your body, For example, you can go on a 2-hour guided tour on horseback, riding through forests and crossing rivers in an isolated valley in the Pyrenees, or why not hop on a mountain bike and cycle at your own pace through the stunning alpine landscape. If you have a craving for more water sports, you can go on a guided tour in an inflatable kayak. (F )

Day 7: Hiking and Aigüestortes National Park in Estany de Sant Maurici, Espot

With a hike of about 7 hours and 14.5 kilometers, today you get the opportunity to explore the eastern area of ​​the Aigüestortes National Park in Estany de Sant Maurici. You drive the short distance to the national park entrance, where you take a local 4-wheel drive taxi from the parking lot and into the park to the starting point of the hike. Today’s hike follows a classic route in the beautiful area around Sant Maurici where you can enjoy impressive views of Agujas de Amitges and the symbolic mountain Els Encantats which offers unique mountain flora and fauna. The area is enchanting with a landscape created by glaciers that today characterize the Pyrenees. You will also visit Lake Ratera and the majestic waterfall. Here is also time to take some nice deep breaths, relax and just enjoy the view of the lake. ( F)

Day 8: Drive to the coastal city of Barcelona

After enjoying your breakfast, it’s time to fasten your seatbelt and drive about 4 hours to Barcelona, ​​where you return the rental car. Barcelona is one of Europe’s largest cities and is characterized by both modern and historic buildings. This is not a city with big skyscrapers but instead a lively city with a unique atmosphere where you can get lost in the local markets, enjoy traditional and modern Spanish food at one of the city’s many restaurants and maybe end the evening by dancing salsa with the locals . ( F )

Day 9: Guided bike ride on the streets of Barcelona

Today you put on comfortable shoes and pack your water bottle before embarking on a 3-hour bike ride through Barcelona’s lively neighborhood in the company of your guide and a small group of other international travelers. You cycle through Gothic quarters, see the Olympic harbor and experience the iconic Sagrada Familia church. During the tour, the guide will tell you about Barcelona’s culture and important historical and famous places. You pass hidden gems loved by the locals – places you would not have discovered yourself. Among other things, the tour goes to the impressive Gothic church of Santa Maria del Mar, built on top of a cemetery. In the Middle Ages, the church was closer to the sea than it is today, hence the name “del mar” which means by the sea. Cycle through medieval streets to “The Born Cultural Center” which houses excavated city ruins from the 18th century. Cross the Parc de la Ciutadella while enjoying the picturesque landscape, the park’s greenery and its majestic fountains before arriving on the city’s promenade and exploring the Port Olímpic area around the harbor. The tour continues to Gaudi’s as yet unfinished masterpiece; the world-famous Sagrada Familia church. Here you will learn fascinating facts about the church’s unique mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. For another dose of gaudi magic, you will also see the whimsical architecture of Casa Batlló and Casa Mila. All you have to do is show up at the agreed place where you get a welcome drink, choose your bike and you also have the opportunity to store your bag so that after the bike ride you can continue to explore Barcelona on your own, with better knowledge of the city in your luggage ! ( All you have to do is show up at the agreed place where you get a welcome drink, choose your bike and you also have the opportunity to store your bag so that after the bike ride you can continue to explore Barcelona on your own, with better knowledge of the city in your luggage ! ( All you have to do is show up at the agreed place where you get a welcome drink, choose your bike and you also have the opportunity to store your bag so that after the bike ride you can continue to explore Barcelona on your own, with better knowledge of the city in your luggage ! (F )

Day 10: On your own in Barcelona

Today you decide for yourself what you want to see and do. You may want to take another bike ride around enticing Barcelona or take a siesta on the white sandy beaches, weather permitting. Those interested in football must not miss the world-famous stadium Camp Nou, which is FC Barcelona’s home ground. Take a guided tour of the stadium FC Barcelona’s museum and souvenir shop, or perhaps go to one of the matches to experience for yourself the unique and overwhelming atmosphere. If you are interested in art, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the city’s many art museums where you can view works by artists such as Picasso, Miró, Dalí and Tápies. And if you want to experience Barcelona in full bloom, take a walk along “La Rambla” where you will meet everything from jugglers to inflorescences. Barcelona is a city with lots of opportunities. ( F)

Day 11: Departure from Barcelona and return home

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to head to the airport on your own, from where you will fly back to Scandinavia after your adventure in Spain. Arrival time back in Scandinavia at the airline and its flight times. ( F )

Overnight stays

Three nights in a double room in a standard hotel in central San Sebastian
Four nights in a double room in a standard hotel in central Espot
Three nights in a double room in a standard hotel in central Barcelona