San Sebastian’s Old Town is a great place to start, with a pintxos tour that will tantalize your taste buds. Then, hit the trails with a hike up Mt. Izarraitz and explore the charming village of Getaria. Head to Santander to experience the Belle Epoque era and visit the historic Santillana del Mar and the fascinating Altamira cave paintings. The city of Oviedo is also a must-see for history buffs. Don’t forget to indulge in Cabrales cheese and cider tasting before embarking on a scenic coastal hike in Galicia. End your trip with a visit to Santiago de Compostela and a relaxing Ria cruise in Ares and Betanzos.
Itinerary Highlights
Hike Mt Izarraitz
Sail along the Ria
Learn about cheese-making
Explore the Caves of Altamira
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
9
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to San Sebastian
Day 2
San Sebastian
Meet your local guide for a relaxed bike ride to discover the highlights of San Sebastián. Head first to the western end of Concha Bay to see Chillida’s most celebrated sculpture – ‘Comb of the Winds’. ‘This spectacular installation symbolises the city and is all the more powerful due to its location. Next, it’s time to explore the beaches and the city’s historic Old Town, introducing you to the main shopping areas you can enjoy further during your leisure time. From here, discover different neighbourhoods of this vibrant city as you follow the riverside in a loop.
Leave your bikes behind for an informal pintxos tour (the Basque name for tapas) with your guide. You’ll head from one bar to another in the old quarter, each with its own mouth-watering speciality.
Day 3
San Sebastian
Enjoy a hike through the place where the green mountains abruptly and dramatically meet the Atlantic Ocean! Mt Izarraitz boasts a fantastically rich landscape that continues to captivate the numerous hikers who explore the countless caves inhabited through prehistory. Ekain, located in the small valley of Sastarrain, deserves a special mention. It is considered one of the most impressive caves in the world for the dozens of beautiful figures inside, including many depictions of horses.
Continue to the charming little fishing village of Getaria, home to Juan Sebastian Elcano, the man who first sailed worldwide. It is probably one of the best-kept medieval villages, which best reflects the passing of time. Enjoy some time at leisure for lunch (payable locally) before returning to your hotel.
Day 4
Santander
This morning, you are privately transferred to your new destination, Santander.
In the afternoon, get to know the capital of the Cantabria region. Santander is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Spain. With ancient Roman origins around the bay area and one of Spain’s most important ports throughout history.
Situated on a peninsula full of beautiful beaches and leafy surroundings, the city offers a pleasant walk on which you can see the building of the well-known Santander bank and the modern Botin Centre, designed by the architect Renzo Piano. You also discover the charming Sardinero quarter, including the former Royal Palace of la Magdalena and the Casino, icons of the city’s ‘Belle Epoque’ era.
Day 5
Santander to Oviedo
Today, your driver will meet you at the hotel and take you on an exciting adventure to your new destination, Asturias.
Along the way, you visit Santillana del Mar, without doubt one of the most attractive villages in Spain. Despite the number of visitors in the summer months, Santillana has retained its traditional way of life. Rural farmyard countryside smells rise from the cattle as they are taken to be milked in the morning. Adding to the sensory experience is the visual spectacle of the Collegiate Church, a marvel of Romanesque architecture. The façades of many noble houses embellish the streets here, and there is an important artistic foundation.
Nearby is the visitor centre for the Caves of Altamira. The actual caves have long been closed to the public to protect the extraordinary wall paintings, some 18,000 years old. But you can still experience the oldest of all European art forms in a different way at the excellent neo-cueva, which showcases exact reproductions of the originals, enhanced with modern technology to recreate the everyday scenes of life that the prehistoric artists would have encountered.
Continue to the coast and the charming village of Comillas. A long-favoured holiday resort of local aristocrats, Comillas is home to El Capricho de Gaudí, an astounding construction from the late 19th century, built originally as a summer chalet, where you can have lunch at leisure (payable locally) before continuing to your new destination.
This evening you stay in Oviedo, one of the most attractive cities in Northern Spain. Its old quarter is pedestrianised, making its exploration a real pleasure. Oviedo has a wealthy history and features several monuments worthy of finding as you explore.
Day 6
Oviedo
Discover Cabrales, a delicious blue cheese birthed in the natural caves of the Picos de Europa, Northern Spain’s largest National Park. You can hike to one of the most stunning caves where this cheese is aged, and you can help the cheese-maker transport a few wheels of this delicacy from the farm to the cave!
Inside the cave, you learn from the artisan cheese-maker how Cabrales is aged naturally in the incredible surroundings of stalagmites, stalactites and tufa rock. A cheese tasting paired with cider and stunning views over the mountains is the cherry on the cake to an unforgettable morning for a cheese lover.
Day 7
Oviedo to A Coruna
After a morning at leisure, your driver meets you at the hotel to transfer you to your new destination of A Coruña.
Your afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the hotel facilities and its surroundings.
Day 8
Galician Coast
Embark on a hiking tour of the Galician Coast in the company of your local guide. Walk through Seixo Branco, a route that offers unforgettable images of the waves breaking against the rocks. The whole area is a natural space of great biological richness, particularly in the quartz that it is named after (called seixo in Galician).
Afterwards continue to Santiago de Compostela with a stop for a refreshment and a taste of the local gastronomy (payable locally). Explore the centre of the Old Quarter, where countless pilgrims, some of whom began their journeys from as far away as France, have trodden the streets over the centuries. Take the opportunity to see inside the city’s famous Cathedral of St James, the welcome sight for pilgrims at the end of a long and arduous walk.
Day 9
A coruna
The Ares and Betanzos Ria is a region rich not just in beautiful landscapes but also in fishing, seafood and aquaculture. On board your private 12-metre boat, your captain sets sail for an excursion along the Ria, revealing its coastline, its many islands and the activity of the local bateas (a kind of flat-bottomed wooden boat, similar to a punt). You drop anchor here to taste the local mussels and learn more about the breeding process.
Day 10
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
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If you’re planning to travel to Spain, the best time to visit and avoid the crowds is during the shoulder season, which is typically from April to June and September to November. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures with less crowded attractions and lower prices. However, the weather in Spain can vary depending on the region you’re visiting. Generally, during the summer months, the temperatures can soar up to 40°C, while in the winter, the temperatures can drop as low as 5°C. If you’re planning to travel during January, you can expect cool temperatures with an average high of 12°C and an average low of 5°C.
If you're planning to visit Spain in January, you can expect cool temperatures with an average high of 12°C and an average low of 5°C. However, it's important to note that the weather in Spain can vary depending on the region you're visiting. Generally, during the summer months, the temperatures can soar up to 40°C, while in the winter, the temperatures can drop as low as 5°C. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy pleasant temperatures, it's best to visit during the shoulder season, which is typically from April to June and September to November.
If you're planning to visit Spain in February, you can expect cool temperatures with an average high of 13°C and an average low of 6°C. However, it's important to note that the weather in Spain can vary depending on the region you're visiting. Generally, during the summer months, the temperatures can soar up to 40°C, while in the winter, the temperatures can drop as low as 5°C. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy pleasant temperatures, it's best to visit during the shoulder season, which is typically from April to June and September to November.
If you're planning to visit Spain in March, you can expect mild temperatures with an average high of 16°C and an average low of 8°C. However, it's important to note that the weather in Spain can vary depending on the region you're visiting. Generally, during the summer months, the temperatures can soar up to 40°C, while in the winter, the temperatures can drop as low as 5°C. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy pleasant temperatures, it's best to visit during the shoulder season, which is typically from April to June and September to November.
If you're planning to visit Spain in April, you can expect mild temperatures with an average high of 19°C and an average low of 10°C. April marks the beginning of the shoulder season in Spain, which is typically from April to June and September to November. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures with less crowded attractions and lower prices. However, it's important to note that the weather in Spain can vary depending on the region you're visiting. Generally, during the summer months, the temperatures can soar up to 40°C, while in the winter, the temperatures can drop as low as 5°C.
If you're planning to visit Spain in May, you can expect warm temperatures with an average high of 23°C and an average low of 13°C. May is a great time to visit Spain as it marks the beginning of the shoulder season, which is typically from April to June and September to November. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures with less crowded attractions and lower prices. However, it's important to note that the weather in Spain can vary depending on the region you're visiting. Generally, during the summer months, the temperatures can soar up to 40°C, while in the winter, the temperatures can drop as low as 5°C.
If you're planning to visit Spain in June, you can expect warm temperatures with an average high of 27°C and an average low of 17°C. June is a great time to visit Spain as it falls within the shoulder season, which is typically from April to June and September to November. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures with less crowded attractions and lower prices. However, it's important to note that the weather in Spain can vary depending on the region you're visiting. Generally, during the summer months, the temperatures can soar up to 40°C. So, if you want to avoid the heat, it's best to visit in the earlier part of the shoulder season.
If you're planning to visit Spain in July, you can expect hot temperatures with an average high of 31°C and an average low of 21°C. July is the peak of the summer season in Spain, and temperatures can soar up to 40°C in certain regions. If you can handle the heat and crowds, it's still possible to enjoy a great vacation. However, if you want to avoid the extreme heat and crowds, it's best to plan your trip during the shoulder season, which is typically from April to June and September to November.
If you're planning to visit Spain in August, you can expect hot temperatures with an average high of 31°C and an average low of 21°C. August is the peak of the summer season in Spain, and temperatures can soar up to 40°C in certain regions. If you can handle the heat and crowds, it's still possible to enjoy a great vacation. However, if you want to avoid the extreme heat and crowds, it's best to plan your trip during the shoulder season, which is typically from April to June and September to November.
If you're planning to visit Spain in September, you can expect pleasant temperatures with an average high of 27°C and an average low of 18°C. September marks the end of the peak summer season in Spain, but it's still a great time to visit. During this time, you can enjoy less crowded attractions and comfortable temperatures. It's also a good time to visit if you want to avoid the intense heat of the summer months. However, it's important to note that the weather in Spain can vary depending on the region you're visiting. So, make sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
If you're planning to visit Spain in October, you can expect mild temperatures with an average high of 22°C and an average low of 13°C. October is a great time to visit Spain as it falls within the shoulder season, which is typically from April to June and September to November. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures with less crowded attractions and lower prices. However, it's important to note that the weather in Spain can vary depending on the region you're visiting. So, make sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
If you're planning to visit Spain in November, you can expect mild temperatures with an average high of 18°C and an average low of 9°C. November falls within the shoulder season in Spain, which is typically from April to June and September to November. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures with less crowded attractions and lower prices. However, it's important to note that the weather in Spain can vary depending on the region you're visiting. So, make sure to check the weather forecast before you go.
If you're planning to visit Spain in December, you can expect cool temperatures with an average high of 14°C and an average low of 5°C. December falls within the shoulder season in Spain, which is typically from April to June and September to November. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures with less crowded attractions and lower prices. However, it's important to note that the weather in Spain can vary depending on the region you're visiting. So, make sure to check the weather forecast before you go. Additionally, December is a festive month in Spain with many Christmas markets and celebrations taking place throughout the country.
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add-on holiday options to this Spanish itinerary. For example, you could head south to explore the vibrant cities of Madrid and Barcelona. Both cities offer a unique blend of modern culture and historic architecture, as well as world-renowned museums, restaurants, and nightlife. Another option is to visit Portugal and discover the charming coastal towns and cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region. You can also explore the beautiful countryside of Portugal and enjoy its famous wine regions.
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