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Home Long Tours 12-day Tours Jewels of the Green North

Torimbia Beach

Jewels of the Green North

12 days/11 nights
2440€ pp (for 2 people)
Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia

 
This self-guided tour provides you with the highlights of the northern region known as "Green Spain." It's a taste of four very different and exciting coastal regions. From Basque pride to Celtic traditions, from seafood in Cantabria to bagpipes in Galicia, these regions offer a very different perspective of Spain that will both surprise and amaze you.
Rural ChurchHiking in AsturiasHiking the Asturias coast
Trip facts:
  • 12 days/11 nights
  • Sunday to Monday
  • Start/finish: Bilbao-Santiago de Compostela
  • €2440 per person - 5% discount when balance is paid in cash (Min. 2 people sharing a room; single occupancy €890 extra. Discounts for larger parties.)
  • €450 deposit per person
Tour Map - Click to expand
Highlights of the Tour:
  • Visit to Guggenheim Museum
  • Tapa hopping in San Sebastian
  • Experience walking the Camino de Santiago
  • Walk the dramatic green coastline
  • Learn to pour cider in Asturias
Itinerary at a Glance:
  • Days 1-3: Bilbao (2 nights)
  • Days 3-4: San Sebastian (1 nights)
  • Days 4-6: Llanes (2 nights)
  • Days 6-8: Gijón (2 nights)
  • Days 8-9: Ribadeo (1 nights)
  • Days 9-10: Camino de Santiago (1 nights)
  • Days 10-12: Santiago de Compostela (2 nights)
  • Day 12: Departure
Guggenheim Museum, BilbaoDays 1-3: Bilbao (2 nights)
You'll begin your tour in Bilbao, capital of the Basque region and known for its innovative infrastructure and modernization of an old city. Now a cultural center, Bilbao holds many surprises for visitors, with excellent museums, the largest food market in Spain (some say in Europe), and the siete calles, a great tapa hopping area. Our second day begins with a guided tour in the stunning Guggenheim, an architectural wonder and centerpiece of the city's waterfront. For lunch we recommend the museum's restaurant, which boasts innovative new Basque cuisine, and, if you'd like, we can help you get reservations. We'll also give you lots of suggestions on additional sites and highlights in Bilbao.
San SebastianDays 3-4: San Sebastian (1 night)
Heading out of Bilbao, your first stop is Gernika, site of the Franco bombings of the Spanish civil war. You'll then continue on to the picturesque fishing villages along the Basque coast and stop to visit Leketio, with its alluring beaches, well-preserved palaces and Belle Epoque feel. We recommend lunch in Leketio. Next you'll head to elegant San Sebastian, once a vacation getaway for wealthy Spaniards and today the site of the famous international film festival that still attracts big stars. In this fashionable city, you'll feel the aristocratic air through its colors and regal flair, which your guide will help you experience while you feast on tapas in the old quarter.
Picos de Europa mountainsDays 4-6: Llanes (2 nights)
Today we begin our journey west, following the roads of Cantabria and driving through the natural parks like Oyambre into picturesque San Vicente de la Barquera, with exploration in between. Our final destination today is Llanes, in Asturias, ideal in its lovely pastures, views of the snow-capped Picos de Europa and serene beaches. The following day includes a walk along the coast with your guide to enjoy the landscape and learn about Asturias' local customs.
Lastres fishing villageDays 6-8: Gijón (2 nights)
Today you'll make your way along the rocky coast, intimate coves and charming villages of mossy green Asturias. Stops include the fishing village of Llastres and a dinosaur beach and museum that bring to life Spain's most prehistoric inhabitants. The next day, you'll check out the beautiful beach town of Ribadesella, followed by a walk into Gijón via its famous botanical garden. 
Torimbia BeachDays 8-10: Ribadeo and Melide (1 night in each)
Your drive will take you through the picturesque cities of Cudillero, Cabo Vidio, and Playa Catedrales, finally arriving in Ribadeo with time to experience some of the local specialties and traditions. The next day, you'll drive in the direction of Santiago de Compostela, with a stop to see the Roman wall in Lugo, and end our day in the land of the Camino de Santiago. We will sleep in pretty pazo tonight and prepare for a walk along the pilgrims' trail tomorrow. 
Walking the pilgrim route to Santiago de CompostelaDays 10-12: Santiago de Compostela (2 nights)
The grand finale of our trip has arrived, with a chance to experience a stretch of the legendary Camino de Sangiago with fellow pilgrims. After your walk you'll head to Santiago to celebrate your successful journey in this ancient city. The following day will include a guided visit of the city, including its famous cathedral and a colorful market.
What's included:
  • 12 days/11 nights accommodations in charming, centrally-located hotels or rural inns
  • Transportation in Spain (no city transfers)
  • Local guides in Guggenheim, San Sebastian, Llanes, Camino Santiago, Santiago de Compostela
  • Self-guided itinerary and documentation
  • Entrances to Guggenheim and Santiago cathedral
  • Set dinners in Gijón and Touro and tapas in San Sebastian
  • Travel assistance insurance
  • Maps of cities and regions
  • All our tips for travel and recommendations

See terms and conditions

"Carlos and Jen, I just wanted to thank you for the most amazing and wonderful trip we could have imagined. Carlos, you worked out all the details so that the trip went smoothly and continued with changes in direction as you adapted to the needs of our group and small surprises along the way. It was just a marvelous experience.It was a hike and a ride (and a run for one of us) never to be forgotten."  --Ralene, Seattle, USA, Camino de Santiago Tour, September 2006

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