Northern Spain Tour
La Ruta del Sabor
from €999
14 days - Includes rental car & accommodation
Northern Spain Tour
La Ruta del Sabor
from €999
14 days - Includes rental car & accommodation
Northern Spain Tour
La Ruta del Sabor
from €999
14 days - Includes rental car & accommodation
Northern Spain, The Unique Flavours of the Basque Country and La Rioja
Set off on an unforgettable road trip through northern Spain and experience the fascinating diversity of this region. With your own rental car, explore at your own pace—from the dramatic peaks of the Picos de Europa to the buzzing cities of the Basque Country. This journey takes you through the lush green landscapes of Asturias and Cantabria, and into historic gems like León and Burgos.
Choose a fly & drive package and end your adventure in Bilbao, home of the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Pass through the charming village of Santillana del Mar and visit the elegant seaside city of Santander. Let the raw beauty of the Picos de Europa take your breath away, with hikes starting from Cangas de Onís. And treat your taste buds in San Sebastián, with its legendary La Concha beach and world-renowned gastronomy.
Explore the historic richness of Oviedo and the rolling vineyards of La Rioja. In the León province, culture and nature come together in perfect harmony. Throughout this itinerary, you’ll uncover numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites while staying in comfortable hotels. And along the Atlantic coast, pristine beaches invite you to pause and relax.

Highlights of this tour through Northern Spain

San Sebastián
A gourmet paradise with stunning beaches on the Basque coast. Discover the world-famous pintxos culture and indulge in Michelin-starred cuisine. Stroll along the iconic La Concha beach and soak in the elegance of this coastal beauty.

Picos de Europa
Jaw-dropping Mountain scenery and spectacular hiking in Spain’s lush green north. Explore this national park filled with rugged peaks, deep gorges, and crystal-clear lakes. A haven for hikers and nature lovers.

Bilbao
A blend of modern architecture and vibrant Basque culture. Visit the renowned Guggenheim Museum and wander through Casco Viejo, the lively old town. Savor Basque cuisine and feel the creative energy of this dynamic city on the rise.
Program
Per person, from €999 in low season and from €1199 in high season.
Based on two traveling together sharing a double room and rental car.
What's included?
13 nights in 3* or 4* hotels
Rental car for the entire duration of the tour:
Pick-up and drop-off at the airport
Ford Focus or similar
Full insurance coverage
Second driver included
Unlimited mileage
Not included
Flights
Travel and cancellation insurance
Meals, activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the programme
Tips and personal expenses
Travel Documents
Belgian citizens (including babies and children) must be in possession of a valid Belgian identity card and be up-to-date with the measures specific to the country of transit and destination. For the most recent updates, we refer you to diplomatie.belgium.be and the websites and apps they bring forward. A valid driver's license (at least 1 year old) and viable credit card in the name of the main traveler and driver of the rental car is also mandatory
Travellers with a non-Belgian nationality and / or persons travelling on a foreign passport are invited to spontaneously report this matter to the Connections travel consultant and shall contact their respective embassy (s) or Consulate (ate) to obtain the latest updates concerning all current travel requirements and documents.
Insurances
Have a safe and carefree trip: travel fully insured with our Protections travel insurance! Our Protections insurance policies offer various formulas in order to offer you the widest possible cover (with even a fly-on-time, natural catastrophes and epidemics) for both single journeys or for the entire year. We guarantee you the best protection at the best price.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations. To verify the latest updates on health requirements, please surf to https://www.itg.be
For all latest measures concerning covid we refer you to the website https://diplomatie.belgium.be
Time zones
Belgian time +1 hour
Natural Beauty in the Picos de Europa
The Picos de Europa are the ultimate natural highlight of your Northern Spain tour. This impressive mountain range stretches across Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León, offering hikers a paradise of opportunities. From your stay in Cangas de Onís, you can hike the famous Ruta del Cares, a spectacular trail through deep gorges and along steep cliffs. The cable car at Fuente Dé effortlessly takes you up to 1,823 meters, rewarding you with breathtaking mountain views. In the national parks, you may spot rare wildlife such as the Cantabrian brown bear or Iberian wolves. The green valleys and crystal-clear mountain lakes provide idyllic picnic spots during your day excursions.
Culinary Delights in the Basque Country
The Basque culinary scene is among the most refined in the world and forms an essential part of your Northern Spain tour. In San Sebastián, also known as Donostia, you’ll find the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per square kilometer in the world. The pintxos culture introduces you to small, artfully prepared bites that pair perfectly with local txakoli wine. During your stay, explore the old town where dozens of pintxos bars invite you for a txikiteo—the local tradition of bar-hopping. In Bilbao, discover not only traditional dishes but also innovative fusion cuisines that elevate Basque gastronomy. Don’t forget to taste the fresh seafood, brought daily from the Cantabrian Sea by local fishing ports.
Exploring the La Rioja Wine Region
During your Northern Spain tour, La Rioja immerses you in a centuries-old wine culture of world fame. This region, crossed by the Ebro River, enjoys a perfect climate for viticulture thanks to the protection of surrounding mountains. You’ll stay two nights among the sprawling vineyards that dominate the landscape. Visit historic wineries in towns like Haro and Laguardia, where traditional wine cellars contrast with the avant-garde architecture of modern wineries. Some cellars date back to the 16th century and lie deep beneath medieval towns. Taste the full-bodied Tempranillo wines on guided tours and enjoy wine pairings with local specialties such as lamb chops and chorizo. The La Rioja wine routes are perfect to explore by car, passing picturesque villages and stunning viewpoints.
Historical Cities of Northern Spain
Northern Spain’s rich history comes to life through visits to impressive cities along your route. León surprises with its Gothic cathedral featuring breathtaking stained glass and the modernist Casa Botines, designed by Antoni Gaudí. In Burgos, where you stop en route to León, the UNESCO-listed cathedral dominates the cityscape. The medieval Santillana del Mar, near Comillas, feels like an open-air museum with its perfectly preserved historic center. Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, charms with pre-Romanesque churches and a lively old town full of cider houses. In San Vicente de la Barquera, you’ll find a picturesque mix of fishing village, medieval defenses, and mountain panoramas. Northern Spain’s cities offer a fascinating mix of architectural styles—from Romanesque to Gothic to modernist—reflecting the diverse cultural influences that shaped the region.
The Atlantic Coast of Cantabria
The rugged Atlantic coastline of Cantabria provides a spectacular backdrop for your Northern Spain tour. With your rental car, drive along dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and golden sandy beaches. During your stay in Comillas, you can explore this coastline at leisure. Elegant Santander invites you for walks along the promenade and the expansive El Sardinero beach. For nature lovers, the Oyambre Nature Reserve is a must-see, with its dunes and marshes full of birdlife. A visit to the fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera offers stunning views with the Picos de Europa in the background. Further east, towards the Basque coast, lies the impressive San Juan de Gaztelugatxe—an island connected to the mainland by a zigzagging staircase, crowned with a medieval hermitage. This coastal route offers constantly changing panoramas, making your Northern Spain tour truly unforgettable.
A tailor-made quote?
Wish a detailed tailor-made quote? We gladly assist you with your travel plans, thus prepare your ideal tailor-made trip and calculate a detailed price proposal in no time. No hidden costs and entirely to your liking.
Visit our travel shops
Need more info, assistance to tailor your trip or the latest tips by our experienced Travel Designers? Pop in at one of our travel shops or make an appointment now. We will be delighted to set aside time for your travel plans.
Others also viewed
Over 100 Travel Designers
all over Belgium are eager to assist you
Year after year Connections sends its Travel Designers to all corners of the world in order to be able to advise you even better when mapping out your trip.
No destination is too foreign or far. Find out who they are here and feel free to contact them!
Why choose Connections?
Because we are travellers, just like you. Always looking for exciting experiences, fascinating encounters and new horizons. Because we are 100% Belgian and can assist you in your own language. Because we make it our personal mission to lift your travels beyond your wildest imagination. Because life is more intense when you travel, really travel!
More about ConnectionsThe twinkle in the eye
Do not expect conformity from us. We are always looking for those extra ingredients that make your trip truly special. We swear by intense experiences.
Over 100 Travel designers around the country
Meet the Connections crew in our Travel Shops located all over Belgium. All of our Travel Designers are looking forward to meeting you and welcome you with open arms.
+35 Years on the road
We've been paving our way for a while. Travelling with Connections means choosing 'peace of mind'. Everything perfectly arranged, excellent service, certainty and reliability.
Always by your side
We're here whenever you need us! Available via our website, our travel shops, our customer service center and via our mobile travel agents.



