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Exploring beautiful Northern Spain
Interest Sheet
Tentative dates: October 1-13, 2028. Approximately 13 days.
26 spaces
A road trip through northern Spain starting in San Sebastián and ending in Santiago de Compostela showcasing stunning coastal drives, dramatic national parks, rich cultural heritage and charming medieval towns. Northern Spain’s coastline is a dramatic contrast to the Mediterranean south. Rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and emerald-green landscapes characterize the Costa Verde (Green Coast) in Asturias and Galicia. Along the way, you’ll experience the best of Basque, Cantabrian and Galician culture, cuisine and scenery. Highlights include sampling pintxos and a sunset cruise in San Sebastián, day trips to Biarritz France and Hondarribia, exploring Bilbao's cultural scene, hiking in Picos de Europa, local winery sampling and concluding with the historic pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela.
October 1-5, San Sebastian, 4 nights
October 5-8, Bilbao, 3 nights
October 8-10, Leon, 3 nights
October 10-13, Santiago de Compostela, 3 nights
September 30. Depart USA for San Sebastian.
DAY 1 – Oct 1. Arrival in San Sebastián. B+D
Transfer from San Sebastián airport to the Hotel
English-speaking assistance for the arrival transfer
Welcome dinner in a local “Taberna vasca” within walking distance from the hotel
Upon arrival in San Sebastián, meet your local representative and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Basque tavern within walking distance of the hotel.
DAY 2 – Oct 2. San Sebastian, B
Half Day Coach for the visit of San Sebastián 3hr. English-speaking tour guide in San Sebastián Typical Pintxos Cooking Class
Discover San Sebastián, one of Spain's most elegant seaside destinations, renowned for its stunning La Concha Bay, Belle Époque architecture and world-famous gastronomy. During the guided tour, stroll through the charming Old Town, admire landmarks such as the Church of San Vicente and the Basilica of Santa María del Coro (external views only), and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city's lively streets and squares. The experience is complemented by a hands-on Pintxos Cooking Class, where participants will learn how to prepare some of the Basque Country's most iconic specialties before enjoying the results in a relaxed and authentic setting.
DAY 3 – Oct 3. Visit Biarritz & Hondarribia. B
Full Day Coach for the excursión to Biarritz and Hondarribia
Full Day English-speaking tour guide for the excursion to Biarritz and Hondarribia Typical Txacoli Tasting
Enjoy a full-day excursion combining the elegance of the French Basque Coast with the authentic charm of the Spanish Basque Country. Discover Biarritz, the former summer retreat of European aristocracy, renowned for its beautiful coastline, the Rocher de la Vierge, elegant promenades and vibrant seaside atmosphere. Continue to Hondarribia, one of the most picturesque towns in the Basque Country, located on the French-Spanish border.
Stroll through its well-preserved medieval quarter, admire the colorful fishermen's houses of the Marina district and enjoy the lively atmosphere of its charming streets and squares. The experience is completed with a tasting of traditional Txakoli, the region's emblematic white wine.
DAY 4 – Oct 4. Day at Leisure or Optional Activities, B Optional: Visit to Pamplona
FD Coach hired for the visit to Pamplona
3hr. English-speaking tour guide for the visit of Pamplona Entrance to Plaza de Toros in Pamplona
$70.00 per person
DAY 5 – Oct 5. From San Sebastián to Bilbao, B
Transfer from San Sebastián to Bilbao and a Boat Tour 3hr. English-speaking tour guide in Bilbao. Entrance to Guggenheim Museum.
Boat Tour experience in Bilbao [Portugalete, Santurtxe, Getxo] – not guided. Discover Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country and a destination that perfectly blends tradition, industry and contemporary architecture. During the guided tour, explore the historic center, known as the Casco Viejo, with its lively squares, traditional streets and local atmosphere, before admiring some of the city's most iconic landmarks along the revitalized riverside. The visit includes entrance to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture that has become the symbol of Bilbao's transformation. The experience is completed with a relaxing boat tour through the Bilbao estuary, passing areas such as Portugalete, Santurtzi and Getxo, offering a unique perspective on the region's maritime heritage and industrial past
DAY 6 – Oct 6. Visit Vitoria-Gasteiz, B + D
FD Coach for the visit of Vitoria
3hr. English-speaking tour guide in Vitoria
Typical “Tarta de Queso” tasting
Dinner at local walking distance restaurant from the Hotel
Discover Vitoria-Gasteiz, the elegant capital of the Basque Country and one of Spain's greenest cities. During the guided tour, explore its beautifully preserved Medieval Quarter, with its narrow streets, historic squares and remarkable architecture. Admire the exterior of the impressive Cathedral of Santa María, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, and stroll through the lively Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, considered the heart of local life. Continue along the charming historic streets lined with traditional buildings and arcades, while learning about the city's rich history and Basque heritage. The experience is complemented by a tasting of the famous Basque-style cheesecake, one of the region's most beloved culinary specialties. Dinner at a local restaurant within walking distance of the hotel.
DAY 7–Oct 7. Visit Logroño & LaRioja, B
FD Coach hired for the excursion in La Rioja
FD English-speaking Tour Leader for the excursion to Logroño and La Rioja Visit to a Winery with tasting in La Rioja region
Discover La Rioja, Spain's most renowned wine-producing region, celebrated for its rolling vineyards, picturesque villages and centuries-old winemaking traditions. Visit Logroño, the lively regional capital, where you can admire landmarks such as the Co-Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda (external view), stroll through the historic center and experience the atmosphere of the famous Calle Laurel, known for its gastronomy and local character. Continue through the heart of the Rioja wine country, where vineyard-covered landscapes stretch across the horizon. The experience includes a visit to a local winery, offering an insight into the winemaking process and the opportunity to taste some of the region's most celebrated wines.
DAY 8 – Oct 8. From Bilbao – Burgos – to León, B+D
Transfer from Bilbao to Leon with stop in Burgos 2hr. English-speaking tour guide in Burgos. Entrance to Burgos Cathedral. Dinner at local walking distance restaurant in León
Travel south through northern Spain, stopping in Burgos, one of the most important cities along the Camino de Santiago and home to one of the country's most impressive Gothic monuments. During the guided visit, stroll through the historic center, admire the elegant Plaza Mayor, the Arco de Santa María and the banks of the Arlanzón River before visiting the magnificent Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture. After the visit, continue to León, a city rich in history and deeply connected to the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to discover the atmosphere of the historic center before dinner at a local restaurant within walking distance to the hotel.
DAY 9 – Oct 9. Visit Picos de Europa & Covadonga, B
FD Coach for the excursion to Picos de Europa
FD English-speaking Tour Leader for the excursion to Picos de Europa Visit to Covadonga Lakes
Typical Cider tasting
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the spectacular Picos de Europa National Park, one of Spain's most impressive natural areas, renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, deep valleys and breathtaking viewpoints. Enjoy a stunning hike around a lake with scenic photo stops. Accompanied by your Tour Leader, travel through the beautiful Asturian countryside to reach Covadonga, considered the birthplace of the Kingdom of Asturias and one of the region's most important pilgrimage sites. Visit the famous Covadonga Lakes, nestled high in the mountains and surrounded by stunning landscapes, and admire the surroundings of the Sanctuary of Covadonga. The experience is completed with a tasting of traditional Asturian cider, one of the region's most iconic products and an essential part of its cultural heritage.
DAY 10 – Oct 10. From León – Lugo – to Santiago de Compostela, B
Transfer from León to Santiago de Compostela with stop in Lugo. Leisure time in Lugo with your Trip Leader
Depart León and journey west towards Galicia, making a stop in the historic city of Lugo, renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only complete Roman city walls still standing in the world. Accompanied by your Tour Leader, enjoy free time to stroll through the charming old town, discovering its lively squares, traditional streets and local atmosphere. Continue afterwards to Santiago de Compostela, one of Spain's most iconic destinations and the final stage of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
DAY 11 – Oct 11. Santiago de Compostela, B
HD Coach for the visit of Santiago
3hr. English-speaking tour guide in Santiago Entrance to the Santiago Cathedral (Basilica only)
Discover Santiago de Compostela, the spiritual heart of Galicia and the destination of the world-famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. During the guided tour, explore the city's UNESCO-listed historic center, characterized by elegant granite buildings, charming squares and centuries of history. Admire landmarks such as the Praza do Obradoiro, the city's main square, the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the Pazo de Raxoi and the picturesque medieval streets surrounding the cathedral. The visit includes entrance to the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (Basilica only), one of the most important religious monuments in Europe, and the traditional endpoint for pilgrims arriving from all over the world.
DAY 12 – Oct 12. Visit Rias Baixas, B+D
FD Coach for the excursion to Rias Baixas
FD English-speaking Tour Leader for the excursion to Rias Baixas Visit to a winery with wine tasting
Farewell dinner at local walking distance restaurant
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the beautiful Rías Baixas region, one of Galicia's most scenic coastal areas, renowned for its picturesque estuaries, charming fishing villages and excellent gastronomy. Accompanied by your Tour Leader, discover some of the region's highlights, including traditional seaside towns, stunning coastal landscapes and the famous Albariño wine-producing area. The experience includes a visit to a local winery, where you will learn about the production of this celebrated Galician wine and enjoy a tasting. In the evening, conclude your journey through northern Spain with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant within walking distance of the hotel
Day 13 – Oct 13th | Departure
Transfer from your hotel to Santiago de Compostela Airport.
Details of this trip are still in the planning process.
Trip Leader: Debbie Steininger - Debbie@spacecoastskiclub.com