Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain

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Description

Summary

Starts
Bilbao
Duration
11 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the stunning landscapes and rich history of Northern Spain. This multi-day tour offers an immersive exploration of the autonomous regions of Cantabria, Asturias, and the Basque Country. From the medieval town of Santillana del Mar to the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, you'll discover a diverse array of attractions. Experience the thrill of a cable car ride to the Fuente de Glacier, marvel at the architectural wonders of Oviedo, and enjoy the coastal charm of San Sebastian. Along the way, you'll savor traditional Spanish cuisine, visit a local liquor winery, and even have the chance to walk the famous 'Flysch' coastal pathway. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and an English-speaking guide included, this tour promises a hassle-free and enriching travel experience.

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Included

10 breakfasts

1 lunch

8 dinners

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10 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels

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Covadonga Basilica and lakes

Regions of Asturias, Cantabria & the Basque Country

Guided walking tours in Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao & San Sebastian

Coastal walking on GR121 (8km)

Explore the Picos de Europa Central Massif & Iconic Naranjo de Bulnes peak

Gastronomic delights: Cabrales cheese, tapas lunches & pintxos tour

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The services of a guide is included

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Transfers included

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Destinations

Photo of Santander city beach aerial panoramic view.Santander
Photo of the Cathedral of Oviedo, Spain, was founded by King Fruela I of Asturias in 781 AD and is located in the Alfonso II square.Oviedo
Photo of aerial view of Bilbao, Spain city downtown with a Nevion River, Zubizuri Bridge and promenade. Mountain at the background, with clear blue sky.Bilbao
Zumaia

Map

Attractions

Monte Urgull mountain and port aerial panoramic view in San Sebastian or Donostia city in Spain.Urgull mendiko bista
Good Shepherd of San Sebastián Cathedral, San Sebastián, Donostialdea, Gipuzkoa, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainGood Shepherd of San Sebastián Cathedral
photo of La Fuentona in Ruente, Spain.La Fuentona
Muralla de Santander, Santander, Cantabria, SpainMuralla de Santander
Church of Santa María de la Corte
Sobrellano Palace, Comillas, Costa Occidental, Cantabria, SpainSobrellano Palace
photo of green Rocky Mountains, coastline scenery, morning view of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Spain.San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Photo of Alderdi Eder gardens is beautiful gardens along the bay in San Sebastian, Spain .Alderdi Eder parkea
photo of the Altamira Caves, Cantabria. Spanish rock art. It is the highest representation of cave painting in Spain.Cave of Altamira
San Telmo Ermita, Zumaia, Urola-Kosta, Gipuzkoa, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainSan Telmo Ermita
Centro Botin, Santander, Cantabria, SpainCentro Botín
Sanctuary of Covadonga, Cangas de Onís, Asturias, SpainSanctuary of Covadonga
Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, Camaleño, Liébana, Cantabria, SpainMonastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana
Photo of Guggenheim, Bilbao, museum, modern art, Spain.Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Beach of La Concha, San Sebastián, Donostialdea, Gipuzkoa, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainBeach of La Concha
photo of beautiful morning at Playa de Cuevas del Mar beach in Llanes, Asturias, Spain.Cuevas del Mar
photo of Manuel Barquín Park in Torrelavega, Spain.Manuel Barquín Park

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao and Transfer to Santillana del Mar

  • Santander
  • Bilbao - Arrival day
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Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival in Bilbao, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the picturesque town of Santillana del Mar. Depending on your arrival time, you can freshen up, relax, or explore the town independently. In the evening, meet your English-speaking Spanish guide for a briefing, a welcome drink of local cider, and your first traditional Spanish dinner. Overnight stay will be at the Hotel Altamira (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Cantabria - From Santillana del Mar to Espinama

  • Llanes
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  • Sobrellano Palace
  • Cave of Altamira
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Today, we'll explore the highlights of Cantabria, starting with the magnificent Santillana del Mar. Visit the Collegiate Church & Cloisters of Santa Juliana and the NeoCave of Altamira. Then, we'll move to Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera before heading to our final destination in Espinama. Overnight stay will be at the Hostal Remoña (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: From Espinama to the Heart of the Mountains

Day 3: From Espinama to the Heart of the Mountains

  • Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana
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After breakfast, we'll head into the heart of the mountains to the Fuente De cable car for a scenic ascent. At the top, enjoy stunning views and a short tour. We'll then visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana and a local liquor winery. Overnight stay will be at the Hostal Remoña (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring the Central Massif of the Picos de Europa

  • Llanes
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Today, we'll explore the Central Massif of the Picos de Europa. We'll make a stop at the Pozo de la Oración to see the iconic peak of the National Park. We'll then drive to the towns of Poncebos and Sotres before heading to Arenas de Cabrales for lunch. Our final destination for the day is the charming town of Llanes. Overnight stay will be at the Hotel Paraíso or Hotel La Finca La Mansión (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: From Llanes to Ribadesella - A Walk in the Heart of the Picos de Europa

  • Llanes
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Today's walk starts from Lake Ercina in the heart of the Picos de Europa mountain range. We'll head up to the top of La Reblagas and then on to the beautiful Bricial Majada. After the walk, we'll stop in Covadonga to visit the church and the Saint Cave. In the afternoon, we'll stop in Ribadesella, a lovely small town on the coast. Overnight stay will be at the Hotel Paraíso or Hotel Finca La Mansión (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: From Llanes to Oviedo and Cudillero

  • Oviedo
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  • Church of Santa María de la Corte
  • Ecomuseo de Somiedo
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Today, we'll visit FAPAS, the most important association for biodiversity and nature conservation in Asturias. Then, we'll move to Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, where we'll visit the Oviedo Cathedral and the Church of Santa Maria del Naranjo. In the afternoon, we'll drive down to the coast to visit the delightful town of Cudillero. Overnight stay will be at the Hotel Paraíso or Hotel Finca La Mansión (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: From Llanes to Santander and Bilbao

  • Santander
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  • Muralla de Santander
  • Centro Botín
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After breakfast, we'll visit the highlights of Santander, including the Sardinero Beach, the Magdalena Palace, and the Santander Cathedral. In the afternoon, we'll enjoy a leisurely boat trip to explore the Bay of Santander before crossing into the Basque Country and heading to Bilbao. Overnight stay will be at the Hotel Barceló Bilbao Nervión or Hotel Hesperia (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Bilbao and Bermeo

  • Bilbao
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  • San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
  • Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
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After breakfast, we'll visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Then, we'll head to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an islet on the coast of Biscay. In the afternoon, on the way back to Bilbao, we'll visit the lovely Basque town of Bermeo. Overnight stay will be at the Hotel Barceló Bilbao Nervión or Hotel Hesperia (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: From Bilbao to Zumaia and Zarautz

  • Zumaia
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Today, we'll walk the well-established and stunning Flysch coastal pathway. For those that are not so keen on the walk, you have the option to head straight to Zumaia and explore or relax until the rest of the group joins you. You may also fancy a trip to the coastal town of Zarautz. Overnight stay will be at the Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca or Sercotel Hotel Europa (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: From Zumaia to San Sebastian

  • Bilbao
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  • Urgull mendiko bista
  • Loretopea
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Today, we'll head to the fantastic city of San Sebastian. We'll enjoy a guided walking tour around the main sites of the city including the Plaza de la Constituzion, Old Town (La Parte Vieja), and fishing port at the foot of the Urgull Mountain. We'll end the morning with a private pintxos tour, accompanied by a specialist in Basque gastronomic culture. Overnight stay will be at the Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca or Sercotel Hotel Europa (or similar). Meals included: Breakfast.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from San Sebastian

  • Bilbao - Departure day
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Your adventure has come to an end - it must be time to plan your next holiday! Enjoy breakfast before your transfer to Bilbao for your journey home. Meals included: Breakfast.

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