I'm doing my first Rick Steves tour of the Basque Country of Spain and France starting July 10th. Before I join the group I'd like to go to Barcelona for a few days on my own. I'm wondering if anyone else has done this and has suggestions for me. I've looked at the possibility of taking a train from Barcelona in the morning to Zaragoza and staying 1 night and then taking a train to Biarritz the following day and then a bus ride into Bayonne. The train ride from Zaragoza to Biarritz involves two transfers. Is this difficult to do or are there well marked signs so I don't miss my connections? Also do the buses from Biarritz to Bayonne run on a regular basis? Since I'm traveling in peak tourist season would it be ok to buy train tickets a day in advance or should I plan it out sooner?
My other option is to fly from Barcelona to Biarritz and take the bus to Bayonne. Is Zaragoza worth a one night stay? I love the history of places and architecture but would I just be better off taking my time in Barcelona? I will be arriving in Barcelona on July 4th and the tour starts on July 10th. Any other suggestions/ideas would be greatly appreciated!