10 days/9 nights – starting in San Sebastián/finishing in Santiago de Compostela – age: 12+ – Availability: May/June-October/November – Hiking and sightseeing
San Sebastián
Santiago de Compostela
An inspiring 10-day trip along the scenic northern coast of Spain. We follow some sections of the famous and ancient pilgrimage route, the St. James Spanish Northern Camino. We explore the pretty Basque Region with its vibrant towns and renowned cuisine, the hills and renowned vineyards of Elciego in the Rioja Alavesa region, and continue to discover the pretty Cantabrian coast, the beauties of Asturias and the fertile valleys of Galicia, visiting medieval cathedrals, churches and monasteries, and finally entering the medieval city of Santiago de Compostela on foot.
After arrival, transfer to San Sebastián. Time to explore San Sebastián and its pretty historical centre, churches, monuments and try some typical pintxos (Spanish appetizers) and wines in Basque traditional tabernas (taverns).
We start walking from Mt Igeldo, above San Sebastián, to follow the first section of the Northern St. James Way, contouring the hills along the Cantabrian Sea and reach Orio, one of the little fishing villages of the Cantabrian Coast. We continue on foot to the fishing village of Getaria. 4 hrs / 9 kms / lunch in Getaria. After lunch free time to explore Getaria. Private transfer to Bilbao.
We explore the town centre of Bilbao and its famous Guggenheim Museum. In the afternoon possibility to visit Gernika-Lumo, the town that inspired Picasso and his famous painting Guernica, before driving to Elciego, a little town in the popular wine region of La Rioja Alavesa, enjoying the scenery and the extensive vineyards that cover the hillsides.
We drive to Baños del Ebro to start our walk back to Elciego, following the Camino del Ebro River Route through vineyards and overlooking the Ebro river, one of the biggest and longest Spanish rivers. We drive to Laguardia for lunch at a typical Spanish/Riojan restaurant, 2.5-3 hrs / 9.5 kms / lunch in Laguardia. Time to explore the fortified town of Laguardia and do some shopping in its craftsmen shops.
We drive to Burgos to visit the enchanting town centre and the imposing Gothic Cathedral. After lunch we continue following in sections the Way of St James along the northern coast to reach the capital city of Santander.
We drive to Santillana del Mar to visit the famous Altamira Caves Museum and the historical pretty hamlet of Santillana del Mar. After lunch we continue on foot to San Vicente de la Barquera and some time to explore the picturesque fishing village before driving to Oviedo, the vibrant capital of Asturias.
We enjoy some hiking in the National Park of the Picos de Europa, the first Spanish National Park, following enchanting paths and exploring Lakes Covadonga, with various hiking options. Transfer back to Oviedo.
Time to explore Oviedo in the morning before following the St James Way to the idyllic coastal fishing village of Cudillero and on to the town of Ribadeo, in Galicia.
Transfer from Ribadeo to Santiago de Compostela to approach the pilgrimage capital on foot from Mt Gozo, following the last stretch of St. James Way, along tarmac roads and through houses, reaching famous and enchanting Santiago Cathedral. Time to explore the city, walk around the historical centre, visit the cathedral and museums of the Galician capital.
Transfer to Santiago de Compostela or Madrid airport.
