Private northern Spain trip: cities, coast and mountains - 9 days
Crafted by Luis, travel expert from Spain
SpainStep beyond the crowded resorts of the south and discover Spain’s wilder northern edge. This private northern Spain trip takes you through dramatic cliffs, Atlantic beaches, emerald hills, and timeless villages where life still follows the rhythm of the sea and seasons.
Travel at your own pace, from historic city streets at golden hour to quiet coves, mountain roads, and local restaurants rooted in regional tradition.
Part of our collection of immersive Spain trips, this journey is designed for travelers who want authenticity, freedom, and a deeper sense of place, with each day shaped around your interests.
Private northern Spain trip highlights
- Soar above iconic northern Spanish landscapes: Paraglide over dramatic Cantabrian cliffs and emerald hillsides, capturing sweeping views that few travelers ever see.
- Discover distinctive coastal and mountain towns: Land in charming fishing villages and mountain hamlets where tourists are few.
- Tailor-made trip across cities, peaks, and beaches: Balance city energy with wild peaks and quiet bays on a customized route.
- Authentic food, wine, and slow evenings: Share leisurely post-flight dinners in family-run restaurants and cider houses.
- Expert local guides and boutique stays: Fly with certified local pilots and stay in handpicked boutique hotels and rural guesthouses.
| Day | Location | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Sebastián | • Arrive in San Sebastián • Private transfer to your central hotel • Walk La Concha Bay and explore the old town | San Sebastián |
| 2 | San Sebastián and Guipúzcoa coast | • Explore San Sebastián and La Concha Bay • Walk the old fishermen’s quarter and the elegant boulevards • Discover Guipúzcoa’s coast and Basque food scene | San Sebastián |
| 3 | San Sebastián → Pamplona → Logroño | • Drive to Pamplona • Half-day guided tour of the old town, Chapel of San Fermín, cathedral, and Diocesan Museum • Continue to Logroño for tapas and local wines | Logroño |
| 4 | Logroño → Burgos | • Soar above Rioja’s vineyard landscapes • Add horseback riding, biking, kayaking, or a balloon flight • Visit a historic centennial cellar • Drive to Burgos | Burgos |
| 5 | Burgos → Oviedo | • Drive to Oviedo • Explore Cathedral Square, Plaza de Alfonso II el Casto, Plaza de Trascorrales, and Constitution Square • Taste Asturian cheeses, fabes, seafood, and cider-house specialties | Oviedo |
| 6 | Oviedo → Picos de Europa | • Drive into the Picos de Europa • Ride the cable car into the high peaks • Paraglide above rugged ridges and valleys • Enjoy a picnic lunch and mountain evening | Picos de Europa |
| 7 | Picos de Europa → Bilbao | • Travel from the mountains to Bilbao • Return your rental car • Explore the riverfront and Casco Viejo • Enjoy Bilbao’s dining scene | Bilbao |
| 8 | Bilbao | • Explore Bilbao’s old town and pintxo bars • Ride the Artxanda funicular • Visit the Guggenheim Museum | Bilbao |
| 9 | Bilbao | • Final morning in Bilbao • Private transfer to Bilbao Airport • Departure | — |
Day 1: Arrival in San Sebastián
Arrive in San Sebastián and meet your private driver for a relaxed transfer to your centrally located hotel. Ease into the rhythm of Spain travel with a stroll along La Concha Bay, then head into the old town to sample pintxos and soak up the coastal atmosphere.
Settle in for the night in San Sebastián before the journey continues into northern Spain’s mountains and wide-open landscapes.
Day 2: San Sebastián and the Guipúzcoa coast
Explore San Sebastián, known locally as Donostia, a graceful city wrapped around La Concha Bay between the Urgull and Igeldo hills. Stroll the old fishermen’s quarter, wander elegant boulevards, and take time to enjoy the sea.
Beyond the city, experience the character of Guipúzcoa through coastal walks, sweeping viewpoints, and world-class Basque cuisine, from pintxo bars to traditional restaurants.
Day 3: Pamplona and Logroño
Drive from San Sebastián to Pamplona, one of the best places to visit in Spain for medieval streets, festival traditions, and Navarrese culture. Explore the city on a half-day guided tour, learning about its famous San Fermín spirit as you visit the Chapel of San Fermín, Pamplona Cathedral, and the Diocesan Museum.
Continue to Logroño, gateway to La Rioja’s vineyards. In the evening, enjoy tapas-lined streets, local wines, and the city’s relaxed, authentic atmosphere.
Day 4: Rioja from above and onward to Burgos
Soar above the vineyard landscapes of Logroño, taking in Rioja’s forests, mountains, plains, lakes, and rivers from a bird’s-eye view. Add more time outdoors with horseback riding, biking, kayaking, or a peaceful balloon flight.
Later, step underground into a historic centennial cellar in the Rioja capital, tasting wines shaped by generations of local craft.
Continue from Logroño to Burgos on a scenic drive, then enjoy free time to explore Burgos at your own pace.
Day 5: Oviedo and Asturian flavors
Leave Burgos and drive to Oviedo, a refined Asturian city known for elegant squares, lively cider houses, and rich local food traditions.
Begin around Cathedral Square and Plaza de Alfonso II el Casto, then continue to Plaza de Trascorrales and Constitution Square, home to the 18th-century City Hall and the Church of San Isidoro.
Soak up the atmosphere around Daoíz y Velarde, with its colorful houses and old-town character. Along the way, taste Asturian specialties such as Cabrales, Vidiago, or Gamonedo cheeses, fabes, pixin, seafood, and traditional desserts.
Tips from Luis
Spain Travel Expert
Don’t pour cider like wine. Traditional sidra is poured from height to aerate it, then served in a small amount and drunk quickly while it is still fresh and lively. In Oviedo’s cider houses, let the server guide the rhythm, and pair it with Cabrales cheese or simple seafood for the most local experience.
Day 6: Into the Picos de Europa
Leave Oviedo for a scenic drive into the dramatic Picos de Europa Mountains, a highlight of any Spain itinerary for travelers drawn to wild landscapes. Ride the cable car into the high peaks, then feel the thrill of soaring above rugged ridges and deep valleys.
Enjoy a picnic lunch with sweeping mountain views before descending and strolling to your hotel.
Spend the evening relaxing in the Picos de Europa, surrounded by the quiet atmosphere of northern Spain’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
Day 7: From the mountains to Bilbao
Travel from the Picos de Europa to Bilbao, watching the scenery shift from rugged peaks and green valleys to the urban energy of the Basque Country’s largest city. On arrival, return your rental car and settle into a slower rhythm for your final stop.
Spend the afternoon along the riverfront, where striking modern architecture meets old industrial heritage. Cross bridges, browse local boutiques, or head into the Casco Viejo to explore narrow streets lined with pintxo bars, cafés, and independent shops.
In the evening, enjoy Bilbao’s relaxed dining scene, from traditional Basque taverns to contemporary restaurants that reflect the city’s creative spirit.
Day 8: Bilbao old town and the Guggenheim
Dive into Bilbao’s vibrant character, starting in the historic old town, where narrow streets lead to lively pintxo bars, traditional shops, and riverside walks.
Ride the Artxanda funicular for sweeping views over the city, framed by the green hills and coastal landscapes of northern Spain.
In the afternoon, visit the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao’s architectural icon and one of the city’s defining cultural landmarks.
Day 9: Farewell to Bilbao
Savor a final morning in Bilbao before your private driver collects you from your hotel for a smooth transfer to the airport. Your pickup will be arranged around your flight time, keeping the departure relaxed and easy.
As you leave, reflect on the cliffs, beaches, green mountains, and wide-open views that shaped this northern Spain journey.
