Itinerary
- Day 1
Bilbao
You'll arrive in Bilbao on your own and settle into Hotel Ercilla for the night. The city has transformed from its industrial past into something quite different these days. Start by walking along the Nervión promenade where you'll find the Guggenheim Museum and Palacio Euskalduna. If you have time before checking in, the Casco Viejo district with its narrow streets and pintxos bars is worth a wander through for some snacks at local spots.
Optional Activities
- Pintxos tour through Casco Viejo (Siete Calles)
- Stroll along Nervión promenade
Landmarks Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Palacio Euskalduna Casco Viejo 
- Day 2
Bilbao to Santander
Head out early for the drive to Santander, about 110 km away, taking roughly 1.5 hours. This coastal city was once a favorite retreat for nobility and still has that historic appeal. Spend your day at Sardinero beach or exploring La Magdalena peninsula, then walk through the cathedral and along Paseo de Pereda for sea views. Check into Hotel Silken Rio Santander by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Sardinero beach
- Explore La Magdalena peninsula
- Visit the cathedral
- Stroll along Paseo de Pereda
Landmarks Sardinero Beach La Magdalena Peninsula Santander Cathedral Paseo de Pereda 
- Days 3 - 4
Picos de Europa
Today you're heading into the Picos de Europa mountains, about 140 km away and a 2-hour drive from Santander. The landscape here is genuinely striking with clear mountain lakes and untouched terrain where European brown bears still roam. You can visit Covadonga to see the basilica and monastery, or if you prefer hiking, there are trails around the lakes above the village. You'll stay 2 nights at Hotel Los Lagos Nature, so settle in and get comfortable.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Covadonga basilica and monastery
- Explore the grotto with "Virgen de Covadonga" and bones of King Pelayo
- Hike around the lakes above Covadonga
Landmarks Picos de Europa Covadonga Basilica Covadonga Monastery Covadonga Grotto 
- Day 5
Oviedo
After exploring the mountains, drive to Oviedo, roughly 90 km away and an hour's journey. The old town here is pedestrian-friendly with plenty to see including the university, the Cathedral of San Salvador which is a UNESCO site, and a couple of historic palaces. For lunch or dinner, find a traditional sidería to try the local cider, which locals pour in a specific way that's kind of an art. Stay at Gran Hotel España.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore the pedestrianized old town
- Visit the Cathedral of San Salvador (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- View the Palace of the Marquis of San Félix
- See the Camposagrado Palace
- Visit the university
- Experience a traditional sidería (cider house)
Landmarks Cathedral of San Salvador Palace of the Marquis of San Félix Camposagrado Palace 
- Day 6
Oviedo to A Coruña
Leave Asturias behind and drive into Galicia toward A Coruña, about 274 km away on a 3-hour drive. This Atlantic port city has deep roots in fishing and trading, with medieval streets and squares worth exploring. The Torre de Hércules lighthouse dominates the skyline, a working Roman lighthouse from the 2nd century that's now the city's symbol. Walk through the old town's Romanesque streets and see the medieval churches scattered throughout. Hotel Melia Maria Pita is your base for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Torre de Hércules lighthouse
- Explore the old town with Romanesque streets, squares, and medieval churches
Landmarks Torre de Hércules - Day 7
A Coruña to Santiago de Compostela
From A Coruña, it's just 74 km to Santiago de Compostela, about an hour's drive. Pilgrims have journeyed here for centuries to visit the cathedral where Saint James is buried. The UNESCO old town blends medieval and modern elements nicely. Grab lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants serving fresh Galician seafood, and check out contemporary art galleries if museums interest you. Hotel Gelmirez will be your accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage old town
- Sample Galician seafood at local restaurants and bars
- Experience contemporary art venues
Landmarks Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - Day 8
Santiago de Compostela
This is your final day. Breakfast is included, and you'll either depart individually or choose to extend your stay in the region. The choice is yours depending on your plans.
- Meals
- Breakfast
