Tailor-made northern Spain self-drive tour - 18 days

Welcome to Santiago de Compostela, the starting point of your self-drive trip through Northern Spain.

Collect your rental car at the train station or airport, then enjoy the short ride to your hotel. After settling in, stroll through the atmospheric historic center and take in the spirit of this storied pilgrims’ city.

Explore cobbled streets, lively cafes, and the majestic cathedral as your Spain travel experience begins with a true sense of place and the freedom to move at your own pace.

Continue your self-drive trip to A Coruña, an Atlantic city shaped by its historic fishing and trading port.

Stroll through the Old City’s Romanesque lanes and medieval churches, then visit the Tower of Hercules, the only working Roman lighthouse in the world and a proud National Monument.

Experience A Coruña’s modern side at Aquarium Finisterrae, Domus, or the Science Museum. Later, relax on the wide beaches of Riazor and Orzán.

End the day with Galician cuisine, from exceptional seafood to rich meats from inland villages. In the evening, drive back to Santiago de Compostela for the night.

Drive toward Finisterre, or Fisterra in Galician, once believed to be the end of the world. Walk the wild headlands, feel the Atlantic wind, and see why pilgrims still come here to find their own horizon.

Visit the iconic Fisterra lighthouse, then continue to Muxía to discover its legendary rocking stones. See the Xallas River plunge into the ocean and take in sweeping views from Mount Pindo, known as the Celtic Olympus of Galicia.

In the evening, return to Santiago de Compostela after a day of dramatic coastlines, legends, and Atlantic scenery.

Drive from Santiago de Compostela to León, with memorable stops along the way.

Pause in Astorga, a historic Camino crossroads, to explore the walled old town, Gaudí’s Bishop’s Palace, and traditional Maragatería cuisine.

Continue to Las Médulas, a UNESCO-listed landscape of red clay peaks, chestnut forests, and ancient Roman gold mines.

In León, discover the Gothic cathedral, San Isidoro, Gaudí’s Botines House, San Marcos, and the contemporary MUSAC. End the day with a Michelin-star dinner celebrating seasonal Spanish cuisine.

Drive from historic León to Llanes, following scenic roads through mountains and toward the Asturias coast.

Explore one of the best places to visit in Spain for travelers who love authentic seaside towns. Stroll through Llanes’ old quarter, watch fishing boats in the lively port, and see the colorful Memory Cubes by Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola.

In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood, local cider, and the relaxed atmosphere of this coastal town, framed by dramatic cliffs and beaches.

Drive from Llanes to Gijón, a lively coastal city shaped by the Cantabrian Sea and a proud maritime heritage.

Stroll from the hill of Santa Catalina to the old fishing neighborhood of Cimadevilla. Stand beneath Eduardo Chillida’s Elogio del Horizonte for sweeping views over the Costa Verde and San Lorenzo Beach.

Then wander past Roman remains, elegant mansions, and fishermen’s houses near the marina before returning to Llanes in the evening.

Take a day trip from Llanes to Covadonga, one of Asturias’ most cherished sanctuaries. Visit the Neo-Romanesque basilica, admire Madrazo’s artwork, and climb to the cave chapel of La Santina, where pilgrims honor the Virgin.

See the spring, the seven spout fountain, and the royal tombs of King Pelayo and King Alfonso I.

Continue into the Picos de Europa to visit the Covadonga Lakes, Enol, and Ercina. Walk quiet trails, photograph soaring peaks and mirror-like waters, and take in one of Asturias’ most iconic landscapes.

In the evening, return to Llanes for a relaxed night by the coast.

Drive to Cosgaya, set in the heart of the Picos de Europa. Take in the dramatic peaks of Spain’s first national park, now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Spend the day hiking routes suited to your pace, enjoying Cantabrian cuisine, and exploring the mountain scenery.

Ride the Fuente Dé cable car for panoramic views, then stroll through medieval Potes to see the Infantado Tower and the charming old town.

Drive from Cosgaya to Bilbao, following the coast and turning the journey into a day of discovery.

Visit the Altamira Caves, then stroll through Santillana del Mar, a beautifully preserved medieval town of towers, palaces, and cobbled streets.

Continue to Comillas to see Gaudí’s El Capricho, Sobrellano Palace, and the Pontifical University. Pause in San Vicente de la Barquera, a fishing village framed by the Picos de Europa.

Arrive in Bilbao, a former industrial port transformed into a city of bold architecture, riverside walks, pintxo bars, and standout dining.

Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a highlight of Bilbao and a standout cultural stop on any Spain itinerary.

With prearranged entrance tickets, you can skip the lines and explore this masterpiece of contemporary art and architecture at your own pace.

For a deeper experience, a private expert guide can be arranged to tailor the visit to your interests and reveal the stories behind the museum’s most striking works and the building itself.

Follow the Biscay coast to Bakio, a historic seaside village known for txakoli, the region’s crisp white wine.

Stroll the promenade, then visit a traditional vineyard to taste this fresh local specialty.

Continue to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, crossing the stone bridge and climbing the iconic steps to the cliff-top hermitage. From the top, take in sweeping views over the Bay of Biscay and the rugged coastline.

In the evening, return to Bilbao for a relaxed night in the city.

Travel from Bilbao to San Sebastián, known in the Basque as Donostia. Set beside a graceful white sand bay framed by Mount Urgull and Mount Igeldo, this elegant coastal city is made for slow exploration.

Stroll the beach promenade, wander the old town, and see landmarks such as the San Telmo Museum, Peine del Viento, and the striking Kursaal.

Along the way, taste the city’s celebrated Basque cuisine, from Michelin-starred dining to traditional pintxos in lively local bars.

Experience the heart of San Sebastián’s legendary food scene on a guided pintxos tour.

Explore the old town with a local expert, stopping at five carefully chosen bars for a curated selection of pintxos paired with Spanish wines, soft drinks, or water.

Enjoy an informal dinner as you learn about Basque culinary traditions and taste the local specialties that make San Sebastián one of Europe’s great food cities.

Experience the Txakoli wine region with a private visit to a family-run winery. Learn how local grapes become this crisp Basque white wine, then enjoy tastings paired with tuna, chili peppers, and chorizo.

Continue to Getaria for a stroll through medieval streets and a grilled fish lunch by the harbor.

In the Basque hills, meet an artisan Idiazabal cheesemaker for an intimate tour and tasting. Alternatively, visit a nearby coastal village to sample local cheeses with dramatic cliffside views.

In the evening, return to San Sebastián for a relaxed night by the bay.

Spend the day in Rioja with three intimate winery visits, each featuring generous tastings and tapas-style pairings.

Begin at a chateau-style boutique estate with sweeping vineyard views. Then continue to a historic 11th-century winery, where cellars lie beneath Laguardia, and tastings showcase Rioja’s four main grape varieties.

Stroll the cobbled streets of medieval Laguardia before your final visit to a family-run boutique winery. Here, several generations have crafted high-quality wines from their own vineyards near icons such as Marqués de Riscal and Ysios.

In the evening, return to San Sebastián after a rich day of wine, food, and Rioja heritage.

Travel by comfortable train from San Sebastián to Barcelona, watching the landscapes of northern Spain unfold along the way.

Settle into your seat, read, write in your travel journal, or plan how you would like to explore Barcelona’s neighborhoods, food markets, and architecture.

On arrival, your private driver will meet you and take you to your centrally located hotel. Settle in, stretch your legs, and begin discovering Barcelona at your own pace.

Discover Gaudí’s genius on a premium small group tour in Barcelona. Begin at the iconic Sagrada Familia with skip-the-line access and an expert guide who reveals its symbolism, history, and breathtaking interior.

Continue to colorful Park Güell to explore its mosaics, terraces, and city views. Then journey along Passeig de Gràcia to admire La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, and Casa Vicens.

Each landmark brings you closer to Gaudí’s creative world and the spirit of Catalan culture.

It is time to say goodbye to your self-drive trip through Northern Spain.

Enjoy a final stroll through Barcelona, linger over one last café con leche, or pick up a few local delicacies for the journey home.

At your scheduled time, a private car will collect you from your hotel and take you comfortably to the airport.