10% OFF ALL HOLIDAYS
The ‘Way of St James’, steeped in history
Spain’s most beautiful beaches
World class wines and gastronomy
Breathtaking mountain scenery
Magnificent cities, unspoilt villages
Ancient architecture; ultra-modern Guggenheim
10% OFF ALL HOLIDAYS
The classic Northern Spain itinerary adapted to combine with the ferry crossings to Bilbao and Santander. The stops are interleaved to keep driving times reasonable so you can cruise to Spain in style with your own car, motorbike or classic car – and discover north-west Spain at a leisurely pace.
The ‘Way of St James’, steeped in history
Spain’s most beautiful beaches
World class wines and gastronomy
Breathtaking mountain scenery
Magnificent cities, unspoilt villages
Ancient architecture; ultra-modern Guggenheim
This out-and-back tour is a great solution for those wishing to enjoy the full northern Spain holiday experience whilst entering and returning from the same Spanish airport, combining well for example with the routes from Manchester and Bristol to Bilbao or Dublin and Edinburgh to Santander.
The route follows close to one of the main ways of St James yet never far from the dramatic coastline and with the stunning Cordillera de Cantabria mountain range as a backdrop. From start to finish you’ll find great walking, superb food and wine, great cities and lovely, well preserved towns to investigate as well as the legacy of hundreds of years of pilgrimage.
The full route takes two weeks but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
Picos de Europa soaring directly above the coast
Mirador del Fito – the best view of the Picos & the coast
Jurassic footprints by the beaches
Canoe down the Sella or get out on a fishing boat
Oviedo’s fine Pre-Romanesque architecture
Great seafood – famed throughout Spain
Playa Catedrales, one of many fantastic beaches
Unspoilt coastline with lovely fishing villages
Viveiro, lively seaside city with an atmospheric old town
Sargadelo pottery, traditional yet with a modern look.
Journey’s end, for centuries Europe’s most important pilgrim destination
World heritage city centred around the magnificent Cathedral, said to house the bones of St James
Guided walking tour, there’s so much to discover
Lively bar scene, great tapas and young Ribeiro wine, or if you prefer, a drop of Albariñ
Pretty fishing villages such as Cudillero & Luarca
Beautiful beaches & dramatic cliff-top coastal walks
Dinosaur coast & Jurassic museum
Oviedo, historic Asturian capital & Gijon by the sea
National Park of Somiedo – maybe you’ll see bears!
Visit a traditional Asturian cider house (sidrería)
Breathtaking mountain scenery, walks & activities for all
Wildlife, butterflies to birds of prey, bears too!
Make a pilgrimage to Santo Toribio
Cable car at Fuente De whisks you up to 1800m
Potes, Cangas and Arriondas, historic yet full of life
Local mountain gastronomy, cider & Orujo
Historic seaside towns of San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar
Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
Prehistoric cave paintings at Altamira and many more
Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
Fly into Bilbao and add a night or two in the city
Or fly into Santiago or La Coruña and reverse the direction of the trip
Add a stop in the Rias Bajas - or stay there instead of Santiago
Ask about superior rooms, a larger rental car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
If flying from Stansted, Gatwick or Dublin, take our NC1 Camino del Norte one-way tour
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
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
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)
An out-and-back itinerary, this route is best enjoyed either from the Basque Country (Bilbao), Cantabria (Santander) or Galicia (Santiago or A Coruña). See your flight options in the table below:
Or make the same itinerary fly-drive point-to-point – check our Bilbao to Santiago Coastal Route - NC1.
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:
Choose your country and preferred airport of origin and then select from possible destinations to see airline providers.
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.
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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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!
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.
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.
