Highlights
- Set sail to the stunning Cíes Islands
- Hike the remarkable Picos de Europa
- Explore San Sebastián's stellar culinary scene
- Tour Bilbao's iconic Guggenheim Museum
- Discover the world's first underwater winery at Plentzia Bay
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, Free Evening | Santiago de Compostela |
| Day 2 | Train to Vigo, Private Walk in the City | Vigo |
| Day 3 | Explore the Cíes Islands | Vigo |
| Day 4 | Drive to Oviedo, Explore Playa de Las Catedrales | Oviedo |
| Day 5 | Drive to Picos de Europa, Visit Llanes | Picos de Europa |
| Day 6 | Hike the Picos de Europa | Picos de Europa |
| Day 7 | Drive to Bilbao via the Covadonga Sanctuary | Bilbao |
| Day 8 | Visit the Guggenheim Museum, Pintxos Gastronomy Experience | Bilbao |
| Day 9 | Drive to San Sebastián, Guided Walk in the City | San Sebastián |
| Day 10 | Discover an Underwater Winery, Relax on Playa de La Concha | San Sebastián |
| Day 11 | Free Day in San Sebastián, Optional Day Trips | San Sebastián |
| Day 12 | Drive Back to Bilbao, Free Day | Bilbao |
| Day 13 | Depart Bilbao |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, Free Evening
Welcome to Santiago de Compostela! Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. This historic city is both the capital of Spain's autonomous Galicia region and the culmination point of the Camino de Santiago, the historic pilgrimage route. Tucked into the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, the Galician capital feels a world removed from other parts of the country.
After a refresh at your hotel, stretch your legs with a walk around this captivating city. Adorned with medieval architecture and grand plazas, the must-see jewel in Santiago's crown is the 12th-century Romanesque Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Take time to explore the Old Town and the many cobblestone streets dotted with terrace cafés and restaurants. As the afternoon fades, grab a glass of local wine paired with a plate of fabulous Galician seafood, and relax as you settle into the ancient art of watching the world go by.
Day 2: Train to Vigo, Private Walk in the City
Head to the station this morning, where you'll catch a train to the bustling port city of Vigo. Just over an hour from Santiago, the city is an excellent base to explore the villages dotted around the estuary and the stunning Cíes Isles. Get to know this coastal gem with a two-hour private walk, and discover areas off the beaten tourist track with spectacular views of Vigo and its estuary. See the famous sculpture of El Sireno and wander the Old Town's numerous streets and squares.
Visit the Vigo Maritime Station and hear stories of local legends, shipwrecks, and lost treasures buried beneath the waves. After a morning spent seeing the city's sites, head to one of the many local bars and dine on exceptionally fresh seafood and tapas with a glass or two of the local Albariño wine. Afterward, explore Vigo's "golden mile of art" and discover the many museums and exhibitions dotted around the city.
Day 3: Explore the Cíes Islands
Today you'll discover the stunning marine park of the Cíes Isles—an archipelago so beautiful the Romans called them the "Islands of the Gods." Lying 10 miles (16 km) west of Vigo, two islands, Monte Agudo and O Faro, are linked by a crescent strip of white sand known as Rodas Beach, considered one of the most stunning beaches in the world.
After breakfast, make your way to the port and set sail to your first stop—a group of nearby Spanish fjords known as Rias Bajas. Both beautiful and functional, these inlets are where Galicians harvest much of their famously delicious shellfish. The microclimate of these fjords makes an ideal breeding ground for scallops and a perfect spot to cultivate mussels and oysters.
Day 4: Drive to Oviedo, Explore Playa de Las Catedrales
After breakfast at your accommodation, pick up the keys to your rental car and hit the road for the first leg of your trip. It's a 257-mile (413 km) drive north to Oviedo, the capital of northwest Spain's Asturias province. The region, bordered by Cantabria to the east and Lugo (Galicia) to the west, is known for its rugged coast, mountains, religious sites, and medieval architecture.
Around a four-hour drive in total, you'll reach the historic city of Lugo roughly mid-way on your journey—with some of Galicia's best restaurants, it's a perfect stop for lunch. Settled on the hilly banks of the River Miño, this fortified city's 1,000-year-old UNESCO-listed Roman wall encloses a historical center. Venture inside and admire the quiet pedestrian streets and wide piazzas as you decide on the best spot to sample Lugo's famous cuisine.
Day 5: Drive to Picos de Europa via Llanes
Today you'll head north to the stunning national park of Picos de Europa. The park's mountain range spans 165,560 acres (67,000 ha) and provides a magnificent backdrop to the Cantabrian coast, a mere 9 miles (15 km) away from the northernmost part of the park. Lying between the Sella and Dobra Rivers to the west and the Cares Gorge to the east sits the most extensive of the range's three plateaus—here, you'll find the Covadonga Mountain and its famous lakes.
It's worth breaking up the journey with a detour to the gorgeous coastal town of Llanes. Sixty-five miles (106) km from Oviedo and just over an hour's drive, it doesn't add much to the overall route and allows you to explore this breathtaking stretch of Asturias. Chosen as the setting for numerous films and commercials, Llanes became a prominent town under King Alfonso IX of Leon in the 13th century. Explore its many architectural and historic treasures, including the Basilica di Santa Maria, the medieval Torre del Castillo, and the beautiful Llanes Casino.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Hike the Picos de Europa
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before setting out for a day hiking in the Picos de Europa. Start in the small town of Fuente Dé, where a cable car takes you up into the mountains. Along the way, you'll cross rivers, forests, small villages, and the famous Hermida Gorge—considered one of the most spectacular routes in Western Europe. The cable car ride is just four minutes and takes you nearly 6,000 feet (1,823 m) above sea level. Enjoy stunning views and explore the nearby shepherd trails.
Next, head to the Monastery of Santo Toribio, one of the four holy places of Christianity. The monastery houses the Lignum Crucis, the largest piece of preserved wood from the Cross of Jesus. You can also enjoy the scenery from the viewpoint of the San Miguel Hermitage.
Finally, visit Potes, the capital of Liébana and one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Highlights of this town are its cobbled streets, bridges, and the medieval Torre del Infantado. Take your time exploring the Old Quarter and exceptional views of the mountains.
Day 7: Drive to Bilbao via the Covadonga Sanctuary
It's back on the road today, with a three-hour drive to Bilbao. Before you head off, visit the Sanctuary of Covadonga—a must-see in the Picos de Europa region. A common pilgrimage destination with a cave chapel, the sanctuary is surrounded by mountains and forests. Farther down the road is the Lagos de Covadonga (Lakes of Covadonga), two alpine lakes with an observation deck. It's a truly spectacular spot.
Day 8: Visit the Guggenheim Museum, Pintxos Gastronomy Experience
It's your first morning in Bilbao, and after a leisurely breakfast, spend today getting to know this buzzy port town. A visit to the Guggenheim Museum is a must, and this morning you'll discover Frank Gehry's contemporary architectural masterpiece with a 1.5-hour private visit. Explore the museum's most important works from the mid-20th century to the present, from artists such as Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Yves Klein, Anish Kapoor, Fujiko Nakaya, and Eduardo Chillida.
Next, wander Bilbao's Casco Viejo (Old Town). Stroll along Las Siete Calles (The Seven Streets), home to the city's classic landmarks and many bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Located right on the waterfront, the area houses significant sites, including the 18th-century Baroque Church of San Nicolás with its two imposing cupolas and the 16th-century Church of San Antón. Take in the colorful architecture, cafés, and markets as you wander the cobbled streets, stopping for a café cortado or two along the way.
Day 9: Drive to San Sebastián, Guided Walk in the City
Your road trip continues today with a drive to San Sebastián and the opportunity to take in some of the region's stunning seaside towns. Travel inland from Bilbao to the picturesque fishing village of Zumaia—it's around an hour's drive and your first stop along the coastal route. Located in a charming bay where the Urola and Narrondo Rivers join, the town is famous for its Flysch Cliffs. These incredible rocky cliffs, sculpted by sea erosion, show 60 million years of the earth's history and are one of Spain's most important geological phenomena.
Four miles (6 km) along the coastal road from Zumaia, you'll find Getaria. Those who know the town flock to its waterfront restaurants for grilled monkfish, sardines, and lobster and wash it down with the local txakoli (dry white wine). Stretch your legs with a visit to the Old Town before hopping back in the car and continuing your drive to San Sebastián. Surrounded by lush hillsides, this sophisticated coastal town is known for its fine dining, grand architecture, and sweeping sandy beaches.
After a refresh at your hotel, get your bearings with a personal stroll through this remarkable city. Start in the Parte Vieja (Old Quarter) and meander the cobbled streets as you discover a maze of churches, bars, and buildings dating back to the early 19th century. Toward the edge of the Parte Vieja is the iconic City Hall, which overlooks the bay and the elegant promenade along the crescent-shaped La Concha Beach. Once the sun goes down, head out and dive into San Sebastián's famous dining scene.
Day 10: Discover an Underwater Winery, Relax on Playa de La Concha
Today, you'll make your way north to the picturesque Plentzia Bay for a guided boat excursion to visit the site of the world's first underwater winery and artificial reef, 50 feet (15 m) beneath the Cantabrian Sea. Discover the secrets and history of this unique process of underwater aging and the crucial conditions that aid the maturation of these limited-edition wines. Enjoy a relaxed wine tasting onboard the boat before returning to the shore.
Then, head back to San Sebastián, and the rest of the day is yours to spend as you choose. Stroll through the Parte Vieja, browse the local boutiques, and make the most of the gorgeous coastal location by unwinding at beautiful Playa de la Concha—easily among the best city beaches in Europe.
Day 11: Free Day in San Sebastián, Optional Day Trips
Today is yours to do as much or as little as you like. Start the day with a leisurely chocolate con churros (hot chocolate with doughnuts) as you consider your options. One idea is to head on an excursion to the nearby fishing towns of Hondarribia and Pasai Donibane. Enjoy a guided walk from Hondarribia's Old Town to the marina and drive to Pasai Donibane for a stroll and a delicious lunch before going to a local txakoli winery.
Or, if you're feeling energetic, take a guided hike of part of the infamous Camino de Santiago's coastal section. Enjoy the stunning Basque coast views until you reach the charming fishing village of Pasajes San Juan, then sit down for a leisurely lunch at one of the town's impeccable restaurants as you gaze out over the sea—the same views that inspired French writer Victor Hugo when he lived here. Whatever you decide, San Sebastián's famous nightlife will await you upon your return.
Day 12: Drive Back to Bilbao, Free Day
It's back in the car one last time to drive the short hour-long route to Bilbao. The entire day is yours to continue exploring this fascinating city. Stroll the cobbled streets and visit 14th-century Bilbao Cathedral before stopping for a café cortado at one of the tables lining the Plaza Nueva (New Square). Make your way to Plaza Moyua and admire the beautiful Flemish-style architecture of the 19th-century palace, Txabarri Jauregia. If there are any sites you didn't get to see on your first visit or wish to revisit, now is your opportunity!
Before you depart, don't miss the Mercato de la Ribera, the largest covered market in Europe and home to exquisite food and drink stalls. Either have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants or take advantage of the vast choice of local produce on display and enjoy a picnic at the beautiful Parco Casilda Iturrizar, filled with gardens and fountains. Spend the evening soaking up Bilbao's lively atmosphere and have an aperitivo as you watch the sun go down on your European adventure.
Day 13: Depart Bilbao
Sadly, it's time to bid farewell to Spain and the Basque Country. Drop your rental car off at Bilbao's airport and prepare to board your flight home. Safe travels!
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