Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly to Bilbao via Lisbon.
We arrive in Bilbao and transfer to our hotel. Later we gather for our Welcome Dinner.
Our day begins with a walking tour of Bilbao’s Old Quarter and a visit to the famous Guggenheim Museum. The afternoon is free to spend more time at the museum or wander the streets of this lovely city.
Today we visit chic San Sebastian, once a meeting place for aristocrats and today renowned for stunning beaches, world-class culinary scene, and vibrant Basque culture. We will take the funicular up the cliff for spectacular views of the bay and enjoy a walking tour of the old town, with free time to stroll the fascinating streets. Later, we visit the Maritime Heritage Museum in Albaola to learn about the Basque whalers and fishermen who voyaged to Atlantic Canada in the 16th century.
Today we explore magnificent La Rioja, with a stop in historic Haro, a town with a winemaking heritage dating back centuries. We will visit a vineyard in the historic setting of Rioja Alavesa, with tasting and lunch at a bodega. We will visit Marques de Riscal Winery to see the impressive “City of Wine,” a fantastical structure designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry. Finally, we stop in Laguardia to see its well preserved medieval quarter.
After a visit to the Maritime Museum in Bilbao, it’s time for a relaxing boat trip along the Nervion River to see Gextoe’s famous iron hanging bridge—the first one to carry traffic on a high suspended gondola. We will stop in the charming fishing village of Algorta before returning to Bilbao.
Rich in history and tradition, Pamplona is a beautiful town with unique churches and medieval walls. We will walk along the pilgrimage path of St. James Way and see the dramatic Gothic cathedral.
We proceed to Santander and the Palacio de la Magdalena, the former royal summer residence. We will have time to enjoy the Paseo de Pereda promenade and Jardines de Pereda gardens before continuing to Oviedo, a city with an impressive history dating back over a thousand years.
This morning we visit the old pedestrian quarter of Oviedo to see the squares and (chigres cider bars) before proceeding to León, capital of the old Spanish Kingdom of Castile. The main attraction here is the Gothic Cathedral, which has a spectacular stained glass window.
We take the scenic route through the picturesque Bierzo region, passing through valleys, mountains, lakes and historic villages as we make our way to Santiago de Compostela.
Our city tour includes the stunning St. James Cathedral, the city’s crowning glory and one of the world’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture. After the remains of the apostle St. James were said to be found here, pilgrims began travelling from all over Europe to visit his shrine. The afternoon is at leisure.
A full day of touring as we visit La Coruña, a unique port city on a dramatic promontory. We will see the Tower of Hercules—a Roman lighthouse with sweeping coastal views— and the city’s medieval old town. We’ll enjoy a seafood lunch, then proceed to the wild coast of Cape Finisterre, the final destination for many pilgrims on the Way of St. James.
The grand Roman walls encircling Lugo are some of the best preserved in the world. Within the fortress is a labyrinth of streets and squares—we will take a guided tour, then have some free time to explore on our own. Next, we will visit a Galician farm to enjoy some tasty local products. Tonight’s dinner will include the queimada, a magical local beverage.
We return to Bilbao along the scenic north coast for our final night 2 nights in Spain.
A day at leisure for last minute exploration and shopping in Bilbao. This evening is our Farewell Dinner.
We fly home via Lisbon.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
