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Home / Essential Northern Spain
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Essential Northern Spain

Spain | Tour Code: 12600

STARTS AND ENDS
in San Sebastian
TRAVEL PERIODS
until October 2026
EXPERIENCE
TRAVEL STYLE
Independent Holiday Packages

Experience the best of Northern Spain on a journey from Bilbao through medieval towns, UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning architecture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights

  • Explore the magnificent Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prime example of Gothic architecture

  • Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, home to the famous Santiago Cathedral

  • Discover the dynamic city of Bilbao, famous for the stunning Guggenheim Museum and its harmonious blend of modern and traditional architecture

Entire Bonus

  • This holiday package is carefully designed by our team to give you complete Peace of Mind, with access to trusted local partners and expert support at your destination.

Overview

Embark on a 12-day adventure through Northern Spain, starting in Bilbao with its vibrant culture and iconic Guggenheim Museum. Explore the medieval charm of Santillana del Mar, then journey to Picos de Europa for breathtaking landscapes and the stunning cable car ride from Fuente Dé. Discover the rich history of Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, and León, with their UNESCO World Heritage sites and historic architecture. Visit the majestic Burgos Cathedral before returning to Bilbao.

Enjoy a combination of free time and guided tours in these captivating cities, with comfortable transfers and accommodations throughout.

Inclusions

  • 1 night in Santillana del Mar at Parador Santillana del Mar 3* or similar
  • 2 nights in Oviedo at Barceló Oviedo Cervantes 5* or similar
  • 2 nights in Santiago de Compostela at Parador de Santiago 5* or similar
  • 1 night in Burgos at Abba Burgos 4* or similar
  • 2 nights in Leon at NH Coll. León Plaza Mayor 4* or similar
  • 3 nights in Bilbao at Barcelo Occidental Bilbao - 4* or similar
  • 2nd Class Highspeed trains tickets : Santiago – Burgos / Burgos – León / León - Bilbao
  • Return Private transfers to San Sebastian Railway Station or Airport
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Arrival and departure transfers in all cities
  • Fuente Dé cable car tickets
  • Private tour arrangement for a visit to Picos de Europa with an English-speaking driver (8hours)

Itinerary

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

Welcome to Bilbao!

Meet your driver at the airport/ railway station in San Sebastian and private transfer to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Bilbao at Barceló Occidental Bilbao or similar.

After breakfast, spend the day at leisure exploring Bilbao’s highlights, including the Guggenheim Museum, Euskalduna Conference and Music Centre, Norman Foster’s Underground, Calatrava’s airport, and iconic towers by Arata Isozaki and César Pelli—showcasing the city's vibrant dynamism.

Overnight stay in Bilbao at Barceló Occidental Bilbao or similar.

Breakfast

After breakfast, private transfer from Bilbao to Santillana del Mar.

Upon arrival, the day is yours to explore the cuty.

Overnight stay in Santillana del Mar at Parador Santillana del Mar or similar.

Breakfast

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a full-day tour of the breathtaking Picos de Europa, a stunning mountain range in northern Spain spanning Asturias, Cantabria, and León.

Arrive at Fuente Dé for a spectacular cable car ride, descending 753 metres over 1,450 metres of cable in just 5 minutes. Be captivated by the dramatic rocky crests, deep gorges, picturesque valleys, glacial lakes, and lush forests.

After this unforgettable experience, continue your journey to Oviedo.

Overnight stay in Oviedo at Barceló Oviedo Cervantes or similar.

Breakfast

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel before spending a free day at leisure exploring Oviedo.

Once the capital of the Asturian Kingdom, Oviedo’s rich history dates back to its founding in the 8th century. The city’s pedestrian-friendly historic quarter, with its unmistakable medieval charm, makes it a delight to explore on foot.

Overnight stay in Oviedo at Barceló Oviedo Cervantes or similar.

Breakfast

Enjoy a delightful buffet breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a private transfer to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela.

Relax and take in the picturesque scenery along the journey as you travel to one of Spain’s most iconic destinations, renowned as the final stop of the legendary Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

Overnight stay in Santiago de Compostela at Parador de Santiago  or similar.

Breakfast

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel before spending a free day exploring Santiago de Compostela, the vibrant capital of Galicia.

Wander through the city’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its stunning façades of convents, monasteries, and iconic buildings like Fonseca House. Admire the city’s remarkable blend of historic charm and contemporary architecture. Don’t miss the Santiago Cathedral, the final stop on the Way of Saint James pilgrimage, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe each year.

Overnight stay in Santiago de Compostela at Parador de Santiago  or similar.

Breakfast

Start your day with a buffet breakfast at your hotel before heading to León.

A private transfer will take you to the train station, where you’ll board a train to this captivating city. Upon arrival, a private transfer will escort you to your hotel.

León, famed for its stunning Gothic Cathedral with vibrant stained-glass windows and its charming Old Town, promises a memorable experience.

Overnight stay in Leon at NH Collection León Plaza Mayor or similar.

Breakfast

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel before spending a free day at leisure exploring León.

This historic city, once the capital of the kingdom during the Middle Ages, is an important stop on the Pilgrim’s Road to Santiago de Compostela. Wander through its charming streets, where history comes alive with stunning medieval architecture and landmarks that reflect the city’s rich heritage. León offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a delightful destination to explore at your own pace.

Overnight stay in Leon at NH Collection León Plaza Mayor or similar.

Breakfast

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel before a private transfer to the railway station for your train journey from León to Burgos. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel.

Burgos, a city rich in history, still preserves significant traces of its medieval grandeur. Once the capital of the unified kingdom of Castilla-Leon for five centuries, it boasts the magnificent Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and other historical landmarks that reflect its glorious past.

Overnight stay in Burgos at Abba Burgos or similar.

Breakfast

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel before a private transfer to the railway station to board your train from Burgos to Bilbao. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you directly to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable arrival in this vibrant city.

Overnight stay in Bilbao at Barceló Occidental Bilbao or similar.

Breakfast

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and private transfer to railway station/ airport in Bilbao.
End of services.

Breakfast

Optional Extras

Day 2: Guggenheim Museum private tour

Day 2: Rioja tour experience - Wine, culture & gastronomy

Day 2: San Sebastian & Biarritz private tour

Day 7: Galicia coast & mussel tasting cruise

Additional Information

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Spanish
LOCAL CURRENCY
Euro

FROM price reflects the lowest available price within the advertised travel period (e.g. April to October). Pricing varies depending on travel dates, availability and demand, and may not be available on all departures. Higher pricing applies during peak and shoulder periods. Final pricing is confirmed at the time of enquiry or booking. Please refer to Pricing & Price Conditions for full details, including inclusions, exclusions and other conditions.

We work with a selection of hotels in each location. All bookings are subject to availability, which means our team will confirm your specific hotels upon confirmation and payment of deposit. The package price is based on 4-star accommodation.

12 DAYS
FROM
AUD 6,630
per person | twin share
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