The Secrets of Northern Spain

Globally known for the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao is not only an important cultural city but also a vibrant and fun destination for those who want to experience Spanish nightlife. The city has something for everyone, and it is an ideal starting point to explore the North!

Accompanied by your experienced guide, you will stroll around the historic old quarter of Bilbao, popularly known as the Seven Streets, and discover emblematic buildings such as Saint James’s Gothic Cathedral, the Plaza Nueva (New Square), the San Antón Church and the Mercado de la Ribera (Seaside Market), the biggest covered market in Europe. You will then continue to the Guggenheim Museum for a guided tour. Discover the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a symbol of the revitalisation of the city. Today’s tour will focus on the architecture of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao building. The permanent collection houses artworks by great figures in the world of art: David Salle, Chillida, Jeff Koons, Louis Bourgeois, and Robert Rauschenberg, just to name a few. Designed by the North American architect Frank Gehry, the building is composed of a series of interconnected volumes; some of them are limestone- coated orthogonal shapes, while others are curved and twisted shapes in metallic titanium skin. These volumes are linked by glass curtain walls for remarkable transparency throughout.

After breakfast, you will meet your driver and have a short drive to Santillana del Mar. Enjoy the rest of the day and relax at your hotel or go for a swim!

The picture-perfect drive from Santillana del Mar to the town of Oviedo will get even better with a stop at Picos de Europa. There you will take the Fuente De cable car and reach the heart of the mountain. Admire the view before continuing your trip to Oviedo.

This tour will take you to explore the ancient capital of the kingdom of Asturias. The tour will start at Plaza Alfonso II El Casto, and from there you will spot the first moment of our tour: the Monument to Alfonso II El Casto. Alfonso II El Casto was the king of Asturias and was the first pilgrim to embark on the famous Camino de Santiago. As you continue to the Arco San Tirs,o your guide will share his knowledge about this pre-Romanesque window of the Asturian Monarchy, which is the tourist emblem of Asturias. Then we’ll continue to the San Salvador Cathedral, which is the very first stop on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Here, we’ll also be able to admire the beautiful chapel of the Balesquida. You will then continue to the Monastery of San Pelayo – a women’s cloistered monastery with over 1000 years of history. From here, you will go and see the statue of Friar Benito Jerónimo Feijóo y Montenegro, a Spanish monk and scholar, who has become known as the Father of the Spanish Enlightenment! Your next stop will be San Isidoro Square, where your guide will tell you all about the customs, folklore, modern traditions, and famous figures of this fascinating town. After that, you will continue to the University of Oviedo, where you’ll learn some interesting historical facts! Today’s last stop will be Plaza de La Escandalera. You’ll find out why it’s nicknamed the square of 100 names… Finally, you’ll end the tour at Parque de San Francisco.

After breakfast, you will meet your driver and enjoy a short ride from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela. You will have the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy your hotel’s amenities.

The city of Santiago de Compostela has been for centuries the final step for thousands of pilgrims following Saint James’ Way. The city has been of significant historic and religious importance, but it is also a vivid city, with many restaurants and bars where you can try delicious food. Accompanied by your guide, you will explore the city and visit the most important sites, including the Cathedral.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airport, to catch your departure flight.