This route around the North of Spain begins in Bilbao, the heart of Basque gastronomy and home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. It winds along the Cantabrian coast, admiring dramatic cliffs, lush landscapes, and discovering the prehistoric wonders of Altamira.
Indulge in Asturias, land of the Picos de Europa, historic fishing villages and flavorful cuisine, from fresh seafood to traditional fabada and artisanal cheeses.
In the final days, arrive in Santiago de Compostela, the legendary pilgrimage city, where history and tradition come alive around its magnificent cathedral.
Here’s What You’ll Experience
- Discover Northern Spain’s cultural treasures from Bilbao to Santiago.
- Explore prehistoric wonders at Altamira, El Pendo, and the caves of El Soplao.
- Marvel at dramatic mountain landscapes in Fuente Dé and Covadonga.
- Experience authentic northern gastronomy, from Asturian and Cantabrian flavors to Galician regional dishes along the way.
Journey from Bilbao to Santiago through Cantabria and Asturias, exploring prehistoric caves, coastal towns, and mountain sanctuaries. Visit Altamira, Covadonga, Gijon, and Oviedo before entering Galicia, blending culture, nature, regional gastronomy, and tradition across Northern Spain
Welcome to BILBAO !! After checking into your hotel, take the rest of the day to explore the city or simply relax—your exciting and unforgettable adventure begins tomorrow!
- Accommodation: Luxury heritage 4-star hotel or higher.
Begin your journey in Bilbao, a vibrant city where cutting-edge architecture blends with rich Basque heritage.
Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary art and modern design. Wander through the lively Casco Viejo (Old Town), sampling traditional Basque pintxos in its bustling bars and taverns.
In the evening, explore the historic Santiago Cathedral before riding the Artxanda funicular for breathtaking panoramic views over the city and the Nervión River.
- Accommodation: Luxury Heritage Hotel 4-star or higher
- Meals: Breakfast
- Activities: Guggenheim Museum (Admission tickets included)
Depart Bilbao in the morning to visit Puente Bizkaia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a marvel of engineering. Cross its transporter bridge for breathtaking views of the Nervión River before continuing along Spain’s northern coast.
Arrive in Santoña, renowned for its world-famous anchovies, and enjoy a guided tasting experience, discovering the artisanal techniques behind this delicacy.
The journey continues along the stunning coastline to Santander, where you’ll have time to relax on Sardinero Beach or explore the elegant Palacio de la Magdalena. End the day with a seafood dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Cantabria.
- Accommodation: Luxury heritage 4-star hotel or higher
- Meals: Breakfast
- Tasting: Anchovies tasting
Travel back in time as you visit two of the region’s most remarkable prehistoric sites. Begin at Cueva El Pendo, where a guided tour unveils extraordinary Paleolithic cave art, offering insight into life during the Stone Age.
Next, explore the Altamira Museum, home to the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art.” Discover a meticulous replica of the original Altamira Cave, where 15,000-year-old paintings depict ancient
hunting scenes.
In the afternoon, arrive in Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s most beautiful villages. Stroll through its cobblestone streets, admire historic architecture, and savor local delicacies like
cocido montañes for dinner or sobaos pasiegos for dessert.
- Accommodation: Hotel Spa San Marcos / Hotel Casa del Marques / Casa La Organista etc..
- Meals: Breakfast
- Activities: El Pendo cave / Altamira Museum cave
Begin the day in Comillas, a coastal town famed for its modernist architecture.
Stroll through its historic streets and visit landmarks like the elegant Palacio de Sobrellano and El Capricho, a whimsical masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi the visionary architect behind Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia.
Next, venture into the depths of the earth with a guided tour of the El Soplao Cave, one of the world’s most extraordinary geological wonders.
Explore the dazzling formations that have captivated geologists and visitors alike.
After a fulfilling afternoon, continue on to Potes, a charming town nestled in the Picos de Europa mountains. Spend the evening exploring its picturesque streets and enjoy a cozy dinner at a local restaurant where you can taste Cantabrian specialties in a rural setting.
- Accommodation: Rural Hotel 4-star or higher
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Activities: El Soplao cave
Start the day with peace and tranquility in Potes, enjoying breakfast surrounded by stunning mountain views. The adventure continues with a cable car ride to Fuente De, which ascends nearly 1,900 meters to offer breathtaking vistas of the Picos de Europa.
Cross into Asturias and uncover one of its greatest gastronomic treasures—cheese. Visit a Cabrales cave, where artisans age this famous blue cheese to perfection.
Enjoy an included tasting, discovering its bold flavors and traditional production methods.
In the late afternoon, arrive in Cangas de Onis, the former capital of the Kingdom of Asturias.
Stroll through this historic town and admire the iconic Roman Bridge, where the Victory Cross hangs proudly, symbolizing the region’s deep heritage.
- Accommodation: Rural Hotel 4-star or higher
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Activities: Cable car ride
- Tasting: Cabrales cheese tasting
Good morning, Asturias! Today’s journey takes us to some of the region’s most iconic landmarks.
Just outside Cangas de Onis, we arrive at Covadonga, a place of deep history and spirituality. Visit the Basilica, a striking neo-Romanesque church set against the stunning Picos de Europa.
Nearby, explore the Holy Cave, home to a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Covadonga and the legendary site where King Pelayo began the Reconquista.
Next, ascend to the breathtaking Covadonga Lakes, where pristine waters reflect the rugged mountain landscapes. Enjoy time for a peaceful walk and unforgettable photos before heading to Arriondas for a hearty Asturian lunch, where local flavors take center stage.
In the afternoon, continue to Ribadesella, a charming coastal town. Stroll along the Paseo de la Grua for panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea or unwind at Santa Marina Beach.
If you’re still hungry after lunch, seaside dinner options featuring local seafood are available, including grilled calamari and pixin (monkfish), all paired with Asturian cider.
- Accommodation: Hotel Villa Rosario / Rural Hotel 4-star or higher / etc..
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After a hearty breakfast, begin the day at Tito Bustillo Cave, one of Europe’s most remarkable prehistoric art sites. A guided tour unveils vivid Paleolithic paintings of animals, dating back over 14,000 years. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cave offers a fascinating glimpse into early human life and artistic expression.
Next, travel inland to Nava to visit the Museum of Cider, dedicated to one of Asturias’ most iconic products. Witness a live demonstration of escanciar, the traditional art of pouring cider, before enjoying an included tasting session featuring different varieties of Asturian cider.
For lunch, stop at a traditional sidreria, where you’ll indulge in Asturian specialties such as fabada asturiana and chorizo a la sidra.
In the afternoon, continue to Villaviciosa, the heart of Asturias’ cider region, known for its apple orchards and relaxed atmosphere.
- Accommodation: Rural Hotel 4-star or higher
- Meals: Breakfast
- Tasting: Cider tasting
Start the day with a traditional Asturian breakfast in Villaviciosa, then depart for the vibrant coastal city of Gijon. Wander through the Cimavilla Quarter, the city’s oldest neighborhood, where colorful facades and narrow streets exude charm and history.
Continue to San Lorenzo Beach and stroll along the Paseo del Muro, a scenic promenade offering spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea. For lunch, enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant.
In the afternoon, travel to Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. Visit the San Salvador Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, home to the Camara Santa, which holds priceless medieval relics. Then, head to Naranco Hill to admire the Pre-Romanesque churches, 9th-century architectural gems that reflect Asturias’ medieval heritage.
End the day on Calle Gascona, Oviedo’s famous sidreria street, where you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner of fabada asturiana or cachopo, paired with freshly poured Asturian cider.
- Accommodation: Luxury heritage 4-star hotel or higher
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Journey into the peaceful mountain town of Taramundi, renowned for its blacksmithing and knife-making traditions.
Explore the Ethnographic Museum of Os Teixois, an open-air museum where traditional hydraulic mills and water-powered workshops bring Asturias’ rural past to life.
This immersive experience offers a glimpse into centuries-old craftsmanship and self-sufficient village life.
For lunch, indulge in a traditional meal at a caseria, where local specialties such as caldo and pan de Taramundi showcase the area’s rustic flavors.
In the early evening, enjoy free time to hike scenic trails through lush landscapes or simply unwind in this tranquil mountain retreat before having a cozy dinner in a traditional Taramundi tavern, savoring regional delicacies like fabes con almejas or lomo de ternera asturiana, perfectly paired with local wine or cide
- Accommodation: La Rectoral
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Activities: Ethnographic Museum
Begin your final day on the road with breakfast in Taramundi, then journey to the historic city of Lugo.
Explore its imposing Roman Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 3rd century, which fully encircle the old town. Walk along the elevated pathway for breathtaking city views.
The day ends upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela, where, after checking into the hotel, the rest of the afternoon will be free to explore its ancient old town.
- Accommodation: Parador de los Reyes Catolicos / San Francisco Hotel / Etc..
- Meals: Breakfast
Our last day is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Santiago de Compostela. A guided tour of the Santiago Cathedral and the Portico of Glory will reveal the historical and spiritual significance of this pilgrimage site. We’ll continue with a leisurely exploration of the old town, stopping at local bars for tapas and visiting the Monastery of San Martin.
In the afternoon, we head to Monte do Gozo, where pilgrims first see the cathedral’s spires. We wrap up the day with a farewell dinner, enjoying Galician seafood, meat, or “caldo gallego”, paired with world famous Albariño or Ribeiro wine.
- Accommodation: Parador de los Reyes Catolicos / San Francisco Hotel / Etc..
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
- Activities: Portico of Glory guided tour
It’s time to say goodbye after an unforgettable journey through Spain. After breakfast, we’ll arrange your private transfer to the airport, train station, or your next destination—ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure.
¡hasta pronto!
- Meals: Breakfast
Travel Perks
- 12 nights in a luxury heritage 4-star hotel / Rural hotel or higher
- Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch & 4 Dinners
- 3 Tasting experiences: Anchovies, Cabrales cheese and Cider
- Admission tickets to Altamira cave and El Soplao cave
- Admission ticket to Portico of Glory at Santiago Cathedral
- Experiences and knowledgeable guides
Not Covered
- Single Supplement (available if required)
- Entry to museums and other attractions is not included unless specifically stated as part of a travel perk
- City Tax: Some City Councils may introduce a tourist tax that has to be paid directly at the hotel
- Meals and beverages other than those specified
- Everything which is not clearly specified under inclusions
