Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain
Description
Summary
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.
Included
10 breakfasts
1 lunch
8 dinners
10 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels
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
The services of a guide is included
Transfers included
Destinations
Santander
Oviedo
BilbaoMap
Attractions
Urgull mendiko bista
Good Shepherd of San Sebastián Cathedral
La Fuentona
Muralla de Santander
Church of Santa María de la Corte
Sobrellano Palace
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Alderdi Eder Parkea
Cave of Altamira
San Telmo Ermita
Botin Centre
Sanctuary of Covadonga
Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana
Guggenheim Museum
Beach of La Concha
Cuevas del Mar
Manuel Barquín ParkDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao and Transfer to Santillana del Mar
- Santander
- Bilbao - Arrival day
- More
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.
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.
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
- More
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.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring the Central Massif of the Picos de Europa
- Llanes
- More
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.
Day 5 – Day 5: From Llanes to Ribadesella - A Walk in the Heart of the Picos de Europa
- Llanes
- More
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.
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.
Day 7 – Day 7: From Llanes to Santander and Bilbao
- Santander
- More
- Muralla de Santander
- Botin Centre
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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.
Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Bilbao and Bermeo
- Bilbao
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- San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- Guggenheim Museum
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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.
Day 9 – Day 9: From Bilbao to Zumaia and Zarautz
- Zumaia
- More
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.
Day 10 – Day 10: From Zumaia to San Sebastian
- Bilbao
- More
- 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.
Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from San Sebastian
- Bilbao - Departure day
- More
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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