Our Journeys

Northern Spain ending in Santiago de Compostela with Cathy Whims - Spring 2023
April 30 - May 9, 2023

$4,495

Northern Spain ending in Santiago de Compostela with Cathy Whims – Spring 2023

You will have the unique opportunity of traveling through Northern Spain with Chef Cathy Whims, owner of Nostrana. Cathy is excited to explore these regions where she will share her secret dining spots with you and introduce you to local producers. On this tour you will also immerse yourself in Northern Spain landscape, culture, art, and history, not to mention its unique cuisine and delicious wines. This tour can be taken as a 9-nights/10-days Northern Spain tour (April 30-May 9, 2023) or combined with our Galicia (Spain) & Portugal tour (May 7-16, 2023) to make a 16-night/17-day The Magic of Northern Spain and Portugal tour (April 30-May 16, 2023).


MAP


ITINERARY


*Please click on each day to view daily itinerary.

DAY 0 - Saturday, April 29: Fly from US to Bilbao, Spain

Fly from US to Bilbao, Spain.

DAY 1 - Sunday, April 30: Arrival in Spain

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Bilbao. You will have time to check-in, rest and relax before a welcome talk and dinner this evening. Overnight in Bilbao.

DAY 2 - Monday, May 1: Bilbao

Today you will enjoy Bilbao, the most important city in Basque Country. Just a few miles from the Bay of Biscay, Bilbao has a large harbour and an oceanic climate. Due to its privileged position, there is an awesome culinary tradition, which is considered the most inventive in Spain. Fish is the star ingredient in the cuisine here. In addition to enjoying the cuisine, we will visit the famous Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. Overnight in Bilbao.

DAY 3 - Tuesday, May 2: Getaria & San Sebastian

On your way to the city of Donostia-San Sebastian today, we will explore the charming coastal village of Getaria. In San Sebastian, we will enjoy a walking tour followed by the “not to be missed” tapas-like appetizers called pintxos. Overnight in Bilbao.

DAY 4 - Wednesday, May 3: Salt Pans & Rioja Wine Region

Today you will venture world-famous La Rioja wine region. On our way, you will visit the interesting salt pans of the area where the adventurous can wade into the water. We will then sample wine and enjoy lunch at the Marques de Riscal’s innovative City of Wine. Designed by Frank Gehry, the titanium-covered building displays the colors of Marques de Riscal: pink like the wine, gold like the mesh on the Riscal bottles, and silver like the bottle. Overnight in Rioja region.

DAY 5 - Thursday, May 4: Wine Museum, Tasting & Laguardia

Today we will visit the Vivanco wine museum and enjoy another tasting of the Tempranillo wine variety. You will also visit the charming village of Laguardia today. Overnight in Rioja region

DAY 6 - Friday, May 5: Burgos

Today you will enjoy a stop in the charming city of Burgos, an important stop on the pilgrimage route of St. James in the Castilla y Leon region of Spain. You will be enchanted by this off-the-beaten location. After lunch, you will continue the journey to Leon. Overnight in Leon.

DAY 7 - Monday, May 6: Leon

Today you will visit Leon, the ancient capital of an important, historic kingdom. You will be blown away by its plazas (Plaza Mayor and Plaza St. Martin), its imposing cathedral and its lively historical center. Overnight in Leon.

DAY 8 - Tuesday, May 7: Brimedia & Astorga

Today will be an off the beaten path adventure to visit the cider brewery of Brimedia where the lively locals where share in their traditions. We will also visit the charming village of Astorga before continuing our journey west to Santiago de Compostela. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela

DAY 9 - Monday, May 8: Santiago de Compostela

Today you will explore Santiago de Compostela, one of the true jewels of Spain! Hundreds of years of history, pilgrimages, hopes, prayers and energy have moulded its beautiful stone buildings, vivacious squares and colourful corners into a vibrant place that has no equal. Though we will not reach the city on foot or by bike like many visitors do, we will still experience the city’s traditions, music, and history while taking in some of its most important sights. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

DAY 10 - Tuesday, May 9: Departure

Transfer to airport for your return flight to the US.



INFORMATION

Trip Details:
3 nights in Bilbao
2 nights in Rioja region
2 nights in Leon
2 nights in Santiago de Compostela
Total: 9 nights/10 days

Price:
Northern Spain ending in Santiago de
Compostela (April 30-May 9, 2023):
$4,450 USD per person (double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $785 USD

What is included in the trip

  • Private transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Accommodation in centrally located hotels and charming country inns
  • Group transportation in a deluxe coach
  • All breakfasts and 1 main meal per day including wine
  • All tastings, wine tastings etc
  • Entrances per the itinerary

What is not included

  • International airfare
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel Insurance: https://customizedjourneys.com/travel-insurance/
  • Tips for drivers and local guides

MORE INFO

    Upcoming Web Maintenance: November 2023

    Hi Friends & Travelers,

    Big changes to our website are on the way this year! At times, our website might be down or some pages may be “under construction”. If you have any questions on itineraries or other materials, feel free to email us at info@customizedjourneys.com. We can send you full copies of itineraries and answer any other questions you may have.

    Looking foward to seeing you on an upcoming or future trip!!

    The Customized Journeys Team