Unveil the hidden treasures of Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. During your 14-day trip, you discover northern Spain’s rich history, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking nature. Let us create your journey and discover the Spanish Northern wonders!
During our Northern Spanish Wonders trip, you visit:
- Basque Country. Whether you’re an adventurer, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, there’s a piece of the Basque Country waiting for you to discover.
- Cantabria. Its rich history, dating from prehistoric times, natural wonders, coastal charm, and warm hospitality converge to create an unforgettable travel experience.
- Asturias. Here, nature reigns, with dramatic landscapes, lush greenery, and a rugged coastline that will leave you in awe. Asturias also offers historical wonders, culinary delights, and a festive spirit.
Would you like to know more about this trip? Check the itinerary section for more details.
Trip Highlights:
- Explore the history of Bilbao during a guided bicycle tour
- Hike through the three different massifs of NP Picos de Europa
- Emerge yourself in the history of medieval Santillana del Mar with a local guide
- Enjoy a Txakoli wine tasting in nature reserve Urdaibai
- Join a yummy pintxos tour in culinary San Sebastian
“In terms of variety, the program is great, it was very nice that we stayed two whole days everywhere. Great to get to know this region of Spain!”
Wendeline, The Netherlands, 2024
Why book with intoAsturias?
This trip covers the highlights of northern Spain. Don’t stress about finding hotels, or searching through an overwhelming amount of suggested activities, or wondering what to do each day! We do all the planning to ensure a hassle-free holiday. Here’s what we guarantee to make sure you have your perfect holiday in northern Spain.
- Curated Itinerary: We handle all the logistics—such as accommodations and guided tours—so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
- Completely Customizable: If you’d like to change anything about the trip (the number of travellers, length of your stay, or order of the tours) we’d be more than happy to do so. Our trips are entirely customizable to suit your needs.
- Recommendations and Advice: We’re here to help you before, during and after your trip! If you have any questions, we’d be more than happy to support you.
- Sustainability Guarantee: intoAsturias is part of the Proyecto Corredor de Ecoturismo, an ecotourism corridor across northern Spain. This means we ensure your trip respects the natural environment and supports local communities. Moreover, we are Travelife Certified, a guarantee that our travel agency is committed to sustainability. Read more about our commitment to sustainable travel here!
Ready to explore the Northern Spanish Wonders with us? Fill in the enquiry form below and we will get in touch with you!
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival in Basque Country
You arrive in Basque Country by car, plane, or train. The first nights of your trip you stay in a 3* hotel or B&B in the historic center of Bilbao.
Day 2 :
Visit Bilbao
Today, you have the opportunity to visit Bilbao's Old Town (Casco Viejo). A good start to explore the city and learn all about its historical development is to take a boat trip. Another option is to rent a bike and cycle along the river. You can also view the city from above! The Funicular de Artxanda, a cable car built in 1915, takes you to a viewpoint on Mount Artxanda. From here, you have great views over the city and can enjoy a picnic.
Day 3 :
Guggenheim, Getxo and Portugalete
This morning, you get the chance to visit the famous Guggenheim Museum with its modern art.
In the afternoon, you head to Getxo and Portugalete, two charming towns located in the Greater Bilbao area, along the beautiful northern coastline. Here, you see the "hanging bridge" that connects Portugalete on the west bank and Getxo on the east bank of the Nervion River. In 2006, this bridge was declared a World Heritage Site. It is fun to walk across the bridge after taking a lift up, and then take the "gondola" back.
Day 4 :
Picos de Europa's Eastern Massif, Potes & Santo Toribio de Liebana
After a 3-hour drive, you enter the majestic Picos de Europa National Park. Here, you stay in a comfortable 3* hotel with great views over the surrounding mountains.
In the afternoon you visit the mountain village Potes. Potes has around 1,400 inhabitants and a history dating back to the Middle Ages. Two rivers flow through the village, along which you can take a lovely walk or take a rest. Don't forget to climb the tower with fantastic views over the village and surrounding mountains!
A few kilometers from Potes you find the Santo Toribio de Liebana monastery. It is Spain's oldest monastery, dating back to the 6th century.
Day 5 :
Fuente De Cable car adventure
Today, you go up to the heights! You really can't visit this eastern part of the Picos de Europa without a ride in the Fuente De cable car. From the station, a large gondola will take you to an altitude of 1,800 meters within minutes. From here, all kinds of fantastic hiking routes for different levels start. Literally and figuratively a highlight of your holiday!
Day 6 :
Arenas de Cabrales & Sotres
After driving for approx. 2 hours through the mountains, you arrive at your next destination, a lovely B&B with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Today, you visit another part of the Picos: the Central Massif. Arenas de Cabrales and Sotres are two villages renowned for their stunning natural surroundings, traditional Asturian architecture, and their role as starting points for exploring the Picos de Europa National Park. You will enjoy breathtaking mountain landscapes and savor delicious Asturian cuisine, including the iconic Cabrales cheese.
Day 7 :
Cangas de Onis & Lagos de Covadonga
Today you visit the western massif of the Picos de Europa: Covadonga, where the Spanish Reconquista began and where you find the famous chapel with the Virgin of Covadonga. Then you continue into the mountains to the most famous point of the Picos: the lakes of Covadonga. Here you can take a nice short walk through an old iron mine, via the visitor centre towards the Lagos de Covadonga.
At the foot of Covadonga, you can visit the mountain village of Cangas de Onis. There you find one of the most photographed spots in Asturias: the Roman bridge from which hangs the Cross of Victory, the symbol of Asturias. You can also visit the various shops selling regional products, such as regional cheeses, and enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants in the village.
Day 8 :
Ruta del Cares
Today you can do one of the most beautiful and spectacular hikes in Asturias: the Ruta del Cares. You walk 12 km out and 12 km back along a deep gorge while vultures circle overhead.
There is also an option to be picked up by jeep, and then drive back through the Picos on a several-hour drive. If you are interested in this, please let us know!
Day 9 :
Visit Santillana del Mar with a local guide
After a 1.5-hour drive, you arrive in the Medieval town of Santillana del Mar, where you stay in a lovely Posada.
You visit the historic town of Santillana del Mar together with a local, English-speaking guide. In this village, everything is a monument!
On the north side of the village is the 12th century Benedictine abbey Colegiata Santa Juliana where the relics of the martyr Santa Juliana are guarded. You also visit the Palacio de Los Velardes, a palace with special architecture. Santillana also has many shops where you can buy local products, especially food.
Day 10 :
Santander
Today you visit the coastal town of Santander, also the capital of Cantabria. You can enjoy the beautiful bay and parade on the boulevard. Santander has no historic center because a major fire largely destroyed the old city center in 1941. But there is plenty to see, do, and eat along the coast!
Day 11 :
Nature Reserve Urdaibai
In 1.5 hour you drive towards Nature Reserva Udaibai in Basque Country. You are staying in a small hotel in picturesque fishermen village Mundaka. From here, you can hike along the coast, visit the nearby village Bermeo, or drive to the famous San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, known from the Games of Thrones series. You end your day with a tasty seafood lunch in the harbor.
Day 12 :
Txakoli wine tasting
This morning, you visit a Bodega in Urdaibai where the famous regional Txakoli wine is produced. You are guided around the vineyard and explore the making process of the wine. Of course, a tasting is also included, as well as eating some typical Basque pintxos!
In the afternoon, you drive to San Sebastian.
Day 13 :
San Sebastian and food tour
San Sebastian is a beautiful city along a bay. You can explore San Sebastian from one of the hilltops in and around the city (accessible both on foot and by cable car); the views are truly stunning! You can also stroll past the city's main Belle Epoque buildings.
San Sebastian is also called the culinary capital of Spain (this is the city with the most Michelin stars per capita in the world!); so you can enjoy delicious lunch and dinner here. That's why you end your holiday with a yummy pintxos tour. In the evening, our English-speaking guide takes you on a tour to taste the Basque pintxos, of course, accompanied by some glasses of wine!
Day 14 :
Departure
Today, it´s time to say goodbye to beautiful Northern Spain. Or, you´re welcome to extend your visit and let us customize your trip further!