11-Nights Northern Spain Gems: Bilbao, Rioja & Coast - Custom Groups of 10+ from $5,200

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Bilbao

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at the Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our Tour Manager and driver, who will be waiting to assist you. Once you arrive, check in and take some time to settle into your room. The afternoon will be yours to enjoy at leisure—perhaps explore the local surroundings, relax at the hotel, or simply unwind after your journey. In the evening, you will meet your Tour Manager and driver in the hotel lobby to begin the evening’s activities. We hard to a charming rooftop restaurant that offers stunning views of the Madrid skyline. Here you’ll enjoy a specially curated menu featuring four starters, a main course, and dessert. Accompanying the meal will be a selection of wine paired with the meal to enhance the dining experience.

Accommodation: Barcelo Bilbao Nervion or similar

Meal(s): Dinner

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before meeting with your Tour Manager and driver in the hotel lobby to begin the day’s excursion to Bermeo, a picturesque fishing town with a rich history. Bermeo, once the capital of Bizkaia in the Middle Ages, is renowned for its maritime charm and historical significance. Enjoy a tour with your Tour Manager with visits to Sukarrieta and Txatxarramendi Island, both located within the stunning Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Once back in the city, you’ll have time at your leisure to enjoy lunch on your own before you reconvene with your Tour Manager to embark on a half-day guided tour of Bilbao, lasting up to three hours. This tour will include both a panoramic and walking exploration of the city, offering a comprehensive overview of its unique architecture, culture, and history. A highlight of the afternoon is a visit to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, where you will enjoy an immersive art experience with included entrance tickets and whisper guides for a more enriching tour. After the tour, the evening will be yours to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.

Meal(s): Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a stunning coastal landmark. Enjoy a guided tour of the island, climbing its famous 241 steps to the hermitage while learning about its history and breathtaking views. Continue the journey to San Sebastián, immerse yourself in the rich culinary tradition of the city with a Pintxos Tour for lunch, guided by local experts. The tour, lasting approximately three hours, will take you into the gastronomic heart of the city—the "old town"—where you’ll discover a vibrant world of pintxos, or Basque tapas. With the guidance of experienced locals, you’ll navigate the seemingly endless variety of pintxos, sampling some of the freshest, most flavorful creations. Expect to enjoy 4–6 carefully selected pintxos, each perfectly paired with cider or local wines, at four to five different stops. These mouthwatering bites could range from fresh prawns and squid to tender beef or pork. Each pintxo stop will offer a blend of traditional and modern flavors, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. The remainder of the day will be at leisure, providing you with the perfect opportunity to explore San Sebastián at your own pace. Dinner will be on your own, allowing you to continue discovering the city’s renowned gastronomic delights. In the evening, enjoy a Sunset Cruise along the Bay of Biscay. Once aboard, embark on a serene two-hour cruise along the beautiful Bay. This enchanting journey offers stunning views of the San Sebastián coastline, the picturesque bay, and the dramatic fjord of Pasajes. This experience promises to be a memorable highlight of your trip, offering a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty and culinary delights.

Accommodation: Abba San Sebastian or similar

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, included as part of your stay, before a morning visit to La Concha Beach and Monte Igueldo. Enjoy stunning coastal views and take a ride on the historic funicular to the top of Monte Igueldo, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas of San Sebastián. Depart for Santander on a scenic journey before you check in to your hotel and take some time to settle in. The early afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure—whether exploring the charming streets, relaxing, or indulging in a local café. Lunch will be on your own, allowing you to discover Santander’s culinary delights at your own pace. Later, reconvene with your Tour Manager, a local guide from Santander, and your driver for a guided exploration of the city. The panoramic tour will take you along the elegant Paseo de Pereda, stopping at the picturesque Sardinero Beach and the iconic Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, where you can take in the breathtaking ocean views and capture memorable photos. Returning to the city centre, you’ll enjoy a walking tour through the tranquil Pereda Gardens, culminating at Centro Botín, a contemporary cultural hub. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Whether you choose to explore more of Santander, unwind at your hotel, or dine at one of the city’s inviting restaurants, the night is yours to savor. Dinner will be on your own, providing the perfect opportunity to experience the flavors of the region.

Accommodation: Bahia or similar

Meal(s): Breakfast

After breakfast embark on a short journey to Santillana del Mar, a charming medieval town. Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Santillana del Mar that includes a walking exploration of this historic town, known for its cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved architecture. A highlight of the visit is the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, where you’ll gain exclusive access with included entrance tickets and whisper guides to enhance your experience.

Following the tour, you’ll have free time to wander through Santillana del Mar at your leisure. Take this opportunity to explore its quaint shops, relax in a café, or enjoy lunch on your own at one of the local eateries. Continue your journey to Cudillero, a picturesque fishing village renowned for its colorful houses cascading down the hillsides. The journey offers a scenic view of the northern Spanish countryside. You’ll explore Cudillero with your Tour Manager and stroll through its charming streets as you take in the stunning coastal scenery. Afterward, you’ll have free time to enjoy the village at your own pace and savour dinner on your own, perhaps sampling the fresh seafood for which the area is famous. Later, you depart for Oviedo, the capital of Asturias.

Accommodation: NH Principado or similar

Meal(s): Breakfast

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before you depart for Covadonga, a sacred and historic site nestled in the mountains of Asturias. Upon arrival, get a guided tour of Covadonga. This visit includes the Royal Site of Covadonga, featuring the Sanctuary, Cave, and Basilica. These landmarks hold significant religious and cultural importance and are set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Picos de Europa. Return to Oviedo with another scenic drive an then enjoy leisure time for lunch, allowing you to sample the local cuisine at your own pace in one of Oviedo’s many charming restaurants or cafés. Reconvene for a guided walking tour to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant architecture. Highlights include a visit to the Cathedral of San Salvador, with entrance tickets and whisper guides included to enhance your experience. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a key landmark in the city. Following the tour, depart Gijón, a coastal city with a rich culinary tradition. Here you will get a unique and interactive cooking class for dinner. Under the guidance of a professional chef, you’ll prepare a menu of three dishes and a dessert, enjoying each course as it is created. The cooking class is set in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging conversation, laughter, and the enjoyment of good food and wine.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Start your day with breakfast before you begin your journey to Ribadeo. The drive will offer picturesque views of northern Spain’s lush landscapes before you arrive at the stunning Las Catedrales Beach (Cathedrals Beach), famous for its dramatic rock formations and natural arches sculpted by the sea. You will have time at leisure to explore the beach at your own pace, taking in its unique beauty and snapping unforgettable photos. Continue to Lugo, meet a local guide for an insightful guided tour that will take you through the historic city centre, including its impressive Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A highlight of the tour is a visit to local cider taverns, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of cider and Galician cheeses, a perfect way to experience the region’s culinary heritage. After the tour, enjoy leisure time for lunch on your own, with many options to savor traditional Galician cuisine. Afterwards, Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the day. The rest of the day is at your leisure, giving you the opportunity to relax or begin exploring the city’s historic charm. Dinner will be on your own, allowing you to sample Santiago de Compostela’s vibrant culinary scene.

Accommodation: San Francisco Hotel Monumento or similar

Meal(s): Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out. The hotel will conveniently store your luggage during the morning activities, allowing you to explore freely. At 9:00 AM, meet your Tour Manager, a local guide from Santiago de Compostela, and your driver in the hotel lobby to begin a half-day guided tour of this historic city.

Over the course of three hours, enjoy a panoramic and walking tour through Santiago’s charming streets and landmarks. A highlight of the tour is the visit to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where you’ll have included entrance tickets and whispers for a more immersive experience. This iconic cathedral, the destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, is a masterpiece of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Today is a full day to enjoy Santiago de Compostela as you wish!

Meal(s): Breakfast

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel and checking-out you will transfer to the train station, to board a high-speed train to Madrid.

Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and have free time for lunch before meeting a local guide for a half-day guided tour of Madrid. The tour will include a walking exploration of the historic city centre and a visit to the Royal Palace.

A highlight of the tour is the Royal Palace, one of Europe’s most impressive palaces. With guided commentary through whisper headsets, you’ll explore its grand halls, opulent chambers, and beautiful gardens while gaining insight into Spain’s royal history. The walking tour will focus on Hapsburg Madrid, showcasing the city's most significant architecture from that period. It will include stops at Plaza de España, Plaza de Oriente, the Royal Palace and its gardens, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol. Afterwards, return to the hotel where you have the rest of the evening at leisure and dinner on your own.

Accommodation: Emperador or similar

Meal(s): Breakfast

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, the day is free to explore Madrid at leisure. You can take this time to visit iconic landmarks, browse local shops, or simply relax and soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere. Lunch will be on your own, allowing you to choose from the many excellent dining options available. This evening, head to Tablao Las Carboneras, a renowned flamenco venue located near Plaza Mayor and the San Miguel Market. Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring a tapas menu, which includes six varieties of typical Spanish tapas and dessert, with drinks included. This intimate dining experience sets the stage for an authentic cultural evening. The flamenco show begins as you are finishing up dinner. The stage is set inspired by the traditional café cantantes of the past, Tablao Las Carboneras showcases high-quality flamenco performances. The setting is enhanced by displays of photography, paintings, and sketches from renowned national and international flamenco artists, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. There is no better way to end your journey of Northern Spain!

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Say a fond Adios to your Tour Manager and Driver as you have the chance to savour a final taste of Madrid’s culinary delights before boarding your flight home.

Meal(s): Breakfast