The Great Northern Spain Expedition: From San Sebastian to Santiago

We will arrive in elegant San Sebastian, a city of ocean breeze, belle époque charm, and world-class gastronomy. After the transfer to the hotel, we will enjoy a welcome dinner and our first introduction to the atmosphere of northern Spain.

Overnight in San Sebastian.

Today we will explore San Sebastian, one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Europe. We will stroll along the famous La Concha Beach, see Miramar Palace, and wander through the charming Old Town with its narrow streets and pintxos bars.

For lunch, we will visit a txakoli winery overlooking the ocean: local white wine, sea air, and the landscapes of the Basque Country await us.

Overnight in San Sebastian.

We will travel to one of the most cinematic places in Spain: the island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, with its chapel perched on top of a cliff and its staircase rising above the crashing ocean waves.

Afterward, we will continue to Bilbao, where we will explore the Old Town, see the futuristic Guggenheim Museum, and learn about the famous “Bilbao Effect", which transformed an industrial city into a cultural capital.

In the evening, we will continue on to elegant Santander.

Overnight in Santander.

Today we will enjoy the refined atmosphere of Santander. We will see the Magdalena Peninsula, Pereda Gardens, the city center, and the famous Sardinero beaches, where the ocean meets belle époque architecture.

An optional gastronomic masterclass will also be available.

Overnight in Santander.

We will visit a family-run cheese dairy in the green hills of Cantabria, where traditional cheeses have been produced for generations using old recipes. A tasting and an introduction to local gastronomic traditions await us.

Afterward, we will continue to the fairytale-like medieval town of Santillana del Mar, and then head into the mountains of Picos de Europa.

Overnight in Picos de Europa.

This day will be dedicated to nature and the mountains. We will enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Picos de Europa National Park, mountain trails, and the fresh air of northern Spain.

Those who wish may take the Fuente De cable car to admire the mountains from a bird’s-eye view.

Overnight in Picos de Europa.

Today we will travel through three atmospheric fishing towns along the northern coast. Ocean views, old harbors, colorful boats, and charming streets filled with maritime character await us.

By evening, we will arrive in Oviedo.

Overnight in Oviedo.

We will stroll through elegant Oviedo, seeing the Cathedral of San Salvador, the Old Town, and squares filled with the unique atmosphere of asturias.

Later, we will continue to Aviles, a city where historic streets stand alongside the avant-garde Oscar Niemeyer Center.

Overnight in Oviedo.

We will visit one of Galicia’s most extraordinary places: Las Catedrales Beach, where the ocean has carved giant stone arches that resemble the vaults of a cathedral.

Next, we will continue to La Coruna with its Tower of Hercules and atmospheric Old Town.

By evening, we will arrive in Santiago de Compostela.

Overnight in Santiago.

Today we will explore legendary Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. We will see the cathedral, the historic center, and, optionally, climb onto the cathedral rooftops.

In the evening, we will experience a true Galician ritual: Queimada. Together we will prepare the famous “witches’ brew", listen to ancient incantations, and drive away evil spirits by the crackling fire.

Overnight in Santiago.

We will travel along the legendary Costa da Morte, the wild and dramatic Atlantic coastline. We will visit Muxia, Cape Finisterre, once believed to be the end of the world, see the Ezaro Waterfall, and visit the largest traditional granary in Galicia.

By evening, we will arrive on the island of La Toja.

Overnight in La Toja.

The first half of the day will be spent at a historic Galician estate belonging to a current marchioness. We will stroll through the botanical garden and taste wines from the estate’s own winery.

Later, we will take a boat trip between oyster and mussel farms to discover the authentic life of the Rias Baixas region.

Overnight in La Toja.

In the morning, breathtaking panoramic views of La Toja and Arousa islands await us. Then we will head to Vigo, stroll through the famous La Piedra Market, and experience the rhythm of Galicia’s largest city.

In the afternoon, we will visit Combarro, one of the most picturesque towns in the region, known for its stone houses and traditional granaries standing right by the water.

Overnight in La Toja.

We will spend the final day of our journey among the vineyards of Ribeira Sacra, one of the most beautiful wine regions in Spain. A boat trip through the canyons of the Sil River, panoramic viewpoints, and a winery nestled among terraced hillsides await us.

In the evening, we will return to Santiago de Compostela.