Bilbao - La Rioja - Coastal Cantabria

Taste of the North - NC3

Northern Spain Fly-drive or Ferry-drive
7 Nights From £950
Classic car tours
Food tours
Motorbike tours
Tour Highlights
  • Bilbao, the ‘Phoenix City’

  • The great wines of La Rioja

  • Architecture ancient & modern

  • Beaches & valleys of coastal Cantabria

  • Wonderful gastronomy throughout

  • Short drives – big contrasts!

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7 Nights From £950
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Overview

Wherever you go in Northern Spain you’re in for a gastronomic treat, from the famous ‘Cocina Vasca’ to the first class seafood of Galicia, accompanied by world class wines from La Rioja to Albariño. Here we offer some of the highlights in a route full of contrasts yet without a lot of driving.

Tour Highlights
  • Bilbao, the ‘Phoenix City’

  • The great wines of La Rioja

  • Architecture ancient & modern

  • Beaches & valleys of coastal Cantabria

  • Wonderful gastronomy throughout

  • Short drives – big contrasts!

And it’s not all about the food – here you’ll find dramatic mountain scenery, fantastic beaches and a wealth of art and architecture, not least in Frank Gehry’s famous Guggenheim Museum.

Holiday Code: NC3


Itinerary

Day 1 & 2– Bilbao & the Basque Country

  • Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim & its sister the Bellas Artes

  • Basque cuisine, pintxos or something more substantial

  • Basque coast, lovely beaches, spectacular rock formations

  • Head for the hills, great walking just near the city

  • Visit San Sebastian, Belle Epoque elegance by the sea

Day 1 & 2 – Bilbao & the Basque Country



& why not?

  • Try a seaside break in San Sebastian

  • or add a stop in the Picos

  • or the Pyrenees...

  • Ask about superior rooms, a larger rental car or better cabins on the ferry

  • or more economical options if you're on a budget...

  • Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!

& why not?


Map


What's Included

  • Accommodation in our listed hotels – 2 sharing 1 std. double ensuite, B&B (unless specified)

  • Economy 4-door car hire (talk to us about upgrades)

  • or ferry crossings with Brittany Ferries (vehicle + 4 berth outside cabin, exclusive use)

  • Guide to Northern Spain

  • Restaurant guide covering all regions en-route

  • Instructions to find all accommodation

What's Excluded

  • Flights – but we are able to advise

  • One-way car hire charges, where applicable (see your quote email)

  • The following car hire extras – these can be added at pick-up point

    • extra driver, child seats, GPS

  • Garage parking where applicable (mostly city stops) – please ask us about parking charges

  • Local tourist taxes (where applicable)


Travel Details

Getting There

A circular route, this itinerary has excellent access by air and sea. See your flight options in the table below:

PLEASE NOTE Flights are not included and some flights are seasonal.

Ferry: If you wish to bring your own car, classic car or motorbike we can include the ferry crossings as part of the package - see timetables below:


Flight Options

Choose your preferred UK airport and then select from possible destinations to see airline providers.

Getting Around

For passengers travelling by air we will include a hire car as part of the package. Normally we include a 4 door economy class car but please let us know if you would like something different.

For those coming on the ferry you will use your own vehicle but in either case we will provide full instructions to arrive at each hotel, complete with GPS, as well as a map of the area.


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Our Expert Touch

Our team of experts have over 35 years travel expertise in Spain & Portugal.

You’ll receive friendly, personal service from start to finish of the booking process.

Call and speak to Andy, Leonor or Antonio about your dream holiday in Spain & Portugal...

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Why choose Caminos

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About us

With 40+ years’ experience designing holidays in Spain & Portugal, our friendly, expert team offers personal service from booking to your return. While away, you’ll have ground support from local agents.

Every trip is tailored to your budget and needs.

Call us - we’d love to hear from you!

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About our tours

Discover authentic Spain & Portugal, far from tourist crowds. Stay in charming, trusted places — from castles and palaces to rural guesthouses and Paradores.

Your pack includes maps, guidebook, and touring tips. Plus, our Vamos travel app keeps all your documents and guides in one place.

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Peace of Mind

We’ve been a fully bonded UK tour operator since 1985, so your money and holiday are protected.


We’re also members of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) — the hallmark of trusted, specialist holidays. Independent dispute resolution means you always travel with confidence.