Northern Spain Following the trail of St. James along the ocean

By plane you will reach Bilbao in the Basque region. At the airport we will pick you up and take you to your hotel. After a walk through the old town of Bilbao at night we will have the traditional Cazuelitas for dinner. (One night stay in Bilbao.) Dinner included.

Today the gem of architect Frank Gehry, which made Bilbao to the city of arts, will be on our agenda. Usually the Guggenheim Museum is closed on Mondays, but for us it is opening its doors, offering a tour especially suited for blind and visually impaired visitors which will also give sighted people a very new perspective.

After a snack in the Art Nouveau train station we are taking the narrow-gauge railway to the west. In the late afternoon we will reach Santillana del Mar, the pearl of Cantabria. Romanic churches, Early Medieval squares and beautiful flower arrangements are lining the path on our stroll in the afternoon. (Two nights in Santillana.) Breakfast and Dinner included. Travel distance: approx. 154 km.

Today we are following the pilgrims, by leaving Santillana del Mar on the Camino de Santiago trail. Pastures, quaint villages and in the background the Cantabrian side of the Picos de Europa. After a few kilometres, we are turning towards the sea and get to the impressive green cliffs of Oreña. After having lunch in a small village we are making our way back to Santillana del Mar. Breakfast and Lunch included. Hiking level: moderate, 10 km, ↑150 m, ↓150m, good surface.

The narrow-gauge railway takes us to Asturia. In the picturesque fishing village Llanes we will check in at a comfortable hotel in a converted convent. Afterwards, we are taking a walk around the village, which still shows genuine northern Spanish architecture of the 18^th century. For those who wish to take a swim, there is enough time to go to the beach, which is easily accessible and located in a beautiful bay. In the evening, we will have delicious food in the refectory of the former convent. Dinner included.

By bus we will arrive at the small mountain village Potes, amidst the Cantabrian range of mountains. With the spectacular ropeway from Fuente Dé we will get to a height of 1,887 m. From there we will take a long walk in this height, enjoy the clear air, the blooming mountain flowers and the stunning view over the mountains to the coast. After a little picnic we will return to the valley and visit the small, pre-Romanesque church of Lebeña. Finally, we will stop by a small mountain cheese factory where the famous Queso Picón is being produced. Having tried various kinds (some of which are rather spicy) we will return to Llanes. Breakfast and Picnic included. Hiking level: moderate to difficult, 8 km, ↑450 m, ↓450m, broad mountain trails.

Travel distance round trip: 102 km.

We will get on the early train taking us on a hilly and picturesque tour to Nava. There we will get to know the history of the Asturians’ local drink and visit the Sidra Museum. Will you manage to pour the Sidra behind your back just like the locals do? Or play something on the bagpipe? In any way you will have the opportunity to try the local cider at lunch. Afterwards we will continue our trip to Oviedo.

In the evening, we will enjoy a walk through the old town of Oviedo and its lively squares. Lunch included. Travel distance: 118 km.

In the morning we will visit the impressive gothic cathedral and its Camara Santa and learn about the reasons Oviedo became such an important point on the Camino de Santiago trail. In the church, you will notice plenty of pilgrims taking a break on their way to Santiago de Compostela. At noon, we will set out to get back to Bilbao where we will have a farewell dinner, the traditional Basque Pintxos. Dinner included. Travel distance: 291 km.

After breakfast, our trip is ending. We will take you back to the airport of Bilbao.