Day 1 San Sebastián

Start your day with a traditional Spanish breakfast featuring fresh churros dipped in thick, velvety hot chocolate or a flaky croissant paired with a strong espresso. If you prefer savory food, try the local favorite tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelet), a comforting classic made with potatoes and eggs. Take a private guided tour of this charming and elegant city, discovering its Old Town (Casco Antiguo) as you wander cobblestone streets, marvel at Art Nouveau-style buildings, and learn how San Sebastián became a favorite summer destination for European aristocracy and the bourgeoisie. Explore iconic landmarks such as San Vicente Church and the Basilica of Santa María del Coro.

Pause for a pintxo crawl at lunchtime, sampling local favorites like txangurro (spider crab), gilda skewers, and bacalao pil-pil.

In the early evening, as the sun begins to set, join the locals on a leisurely stroll along La Concha promenade, soaking in sweeping views of the bay and its surrounding hills. End your day with an unforgettable Basque dinner featuring grilled txuleta steak or fresh seafood, paired with a crisp txakolí wine, at one of the city’s renowned Michelin-starred restaurants or cozy family-run eateries.

Day 2 San Sebastián (La Rioja)

Directly after breakfast, set out for La Rioja, Spain’s celebrated wine region known for its rolling vineyards and world-class wines. Begin your day with a guided visit to a prestigious winery, where you’ll tour the cellars, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy a tasting of their finest vintages.

After the winery, head to the charming village of Laguardia, perched atop a hill with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. Explore its medieval streets, underground wine caves, and historic landmarks, such as the Church of Santa María de los Reyes, featuring an intricately carved Gothic portal.

For lunch, indulge in a traditional Rioja meal at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like patatas a la riojana (potatoes stewed with chorizo) or roasted lamb paired with a robust Rioja red wine.

In the afternoon, visit a modern architectural masterpiece, such as the striking Ysios Winery or the renowned Marqués de Riscal designed by Frank Gehry. These wineries blend innovation with tradition and offer breathtaking photo opportunities.

Conclude your visit with a scenic drive through the vineyard-covered countryside before heading back to San Sebastián. For dinner, unwind at a cozy pintxos bar to toast a perfect day in La Rioja with a glass of txakolí.

Day 3 Santander

Following breakfast, set out from San Sebastián and head west along the picturesque Basque coastline. Your first stop is Gaztelugatxe, famously known as “Dragonstone” from Game of Thrones. Take a hike up the winding stone steps to the tiny hermitage perched on a rocky islet, soaking in the stunning ocean views along the way. The climb is invigorating, but the breathtaking vistas at the top make it well worth the effort.

After your hike, continue to Bilbao for a private tour of the Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of modern architecture by Frank Gehry. Explore its innovative exhibits and learn about the city’s transformation into a cultural hub. For lunch, savor Basque specialties like bacalao al pil-pil or chuletón at a nearby riverside restaurant.

In the afternoon, journey onward to Santander, arriving just in time for an evening stroll along its elegant waterfront promenade. End your day with a relaxing dinner featuring local seafood and Cantabrian wines before settling in for the night.

Day 4 Santander

Start your day with a private guided walking tour of Santander’s historic city center. Wander through the elegant streets, learning about the city’s maritime heritage and its transformation into a stylish summer retreat for Spanish royalty. Visit the imposing Santander Cathedral, where layers of history unfold from its Romanesque crypt to its Gothic nave.

Next, head to the Mercado de la Esperanza, a bustling market where you can sample local delicacies like Cantabrian anchovies and fresh seafood. Stop for a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant, enjoying dishes such as rabas (fried squid) or cocido montañés (a hearty mountain stew).

In the afternoon, visit the Magdalena Peninsula, home to the iconic Palacio de la Magdalena, a former royal residence. Stroll through its gardens, take in sweeping views of the Bay of Santander, and explore the charming mini-zoo featuring local marine species.

As the day winds down, enjoy a relaxing walk along El Sardinero beach, one of the city’s most famous stretches of coastline. For dinner, indulge in a seafood feast paired with a glass of local white wine. Consider ending the evening with a visit to a cozy local bar for a taste of orujo, a traditional Cantabrian spirit, to toast to a perfect day in Santander.

Day 5 Picos de Europa

Depart Santander and make your way west, stopping first in the charming coastal town of Comillas. This picturesque spot is home to El Capricho, a whimsical modernist building designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Explore its intricate details, from colorful mosaics to unique architectural flourishes, and learn about its fascinating history.

Continue your journey to the Cuevas del Soplao, a stunning cave system famous for its extraordinary geological formations. Take a guided tour through the underground labyrinth, marveling at the stalactites, stalagmites, and otherworldly helictites that make this site a geological wonder.

Afterward, head toward the mountain town of Cangas de Onís, nestled in the foothills of the Picos de Europa. Along the way, enjoy the scenic drive through lush valleys and rolling hills. Once in Cangas de Onís, take time to visit the iconic Roman Bridge, a symbol of the town, and soak in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Enjoy a delicious Asturian dinner at your accommodation, paired with a refreshing glass of sidra natural (traditional cider). Afterward, settle in for the night, ready to explore the stunning Picos de Europa the following day.

Day 6 Picos de Europa

Start your day by heading into the heart of the Picos de Europa, where the dramatic landscapes of jagged peaks and deep valleys await. Begin your exploration in Covadonga, a sacred site with both natural and historical significance. Visit the stunning Basilica of Covadonga, nestled against the backdrop of the mountains, and take a moment to appreciate the peaceful surroundings of the nearby Covadonga Lakes.

For those seeking a more adventurous day, embark on the Ruta del Cares, a world-renowned trail that stretches for over 12 miles through the breathtaking Cares Gorge. The hike, which takes between 4-6 hours depending on your pace, offers awe-inspiring views of towering cliffs, rushing rivers, and lush forests. It’s a challenging but rewarding trek, so make sure to pack plenty of water and perhaps a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way.

If you’re up for a shorter, more leisurely hike, there are plenty of other scenic trails around Covadonga that provide equally stunning vistas.

End your day by relaxing and soaking in the serene mountain atmosphere before settling in for the night, rejuvenated by your adventures in the Picos de Europa.

Day 7 Oviedo

Start your day with a scenic drive from Cangas de Onís to a local goat cheese farm, nestled in the hills. Take a guided tour of the farm to learn about the traditional methods of cheese-making, and enjoy a tasting of their rich, flavorful cheeses—perfectly complemented by the rural surroundings and fresh mountain air.

Next, head to a charming rural restaurant where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch featuring traditional Asturian fare. The restaurant, set in a rustic, countryside location, offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with hearty local dishes.

After lunch, continue your journey to Villaviciosa, a town known for its cider orchards. Visit the Cider Museum, where you’ll learn about the centuries-old tradition of cider production in the region. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and process of making Asturias’ famous sidra natural, and you can even enjoy a tasting of different ciders.

Finish your day in Oviedo, the charming capital of Asturias.

Day 8 Oviedo

Start your day with a private guided walking tour of Oviedo’s historic old town, a charming area filled with cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, also home to 6 of the world’s UNESCO Heritage Sites. Begin at the Cathedral of San Salvador, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll learn about its impressive Gothic structure and the significance of Oviedo as a pilgrimage site on the Camino de Santiago. Admire the cathedral’s famous Holy Chamber (Cámara Santa), which houses sacred relics and is an essential stop for pilgrims.

Next, wander through the Plaza Mayor, the heart of the city, where you can admire the beautiful buildings and stop for a coffee at one of the many cafes. From here, take a stroll through the charming streets of the old town, passing by the lively Mercado El Fontán and the quaint casas de indianos, historic homes built by emigrants who made their fortune in Latin America.

In the afternoon, head to San Julián de los Prados and Santa María del Naranco, two UNESCO World Heritage-listed churches located on the outskirts of Oviedo. Both buildings are outstanding examples of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture, dating back to the 9th century.

For dinner, enjoy the best of Asturian cuisine at a local restaurant. If you have not yet tried the traditional cachopo (breaded veal or beef stuffed with cheese and ham), or a hearty bowl of fabada asturiana (a rich bean stew) this is your chance.

Day 9 – Departure

Connect to the local train station after breakfast and say ¨Adios¨ or better yet, ¨¡Hasta Pronto!¨to your time in the North of Spain