Itinerary for 10 day trip to North Spain

North Spain is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Here’s a fun and engaging 10-day itinerary that will take you through some of the most beautiful spots in the region. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao

Morning: Arrive in Bilbao and check into your hotel. Take a moment to freshen up and get ready for your adventure!
Afternoon: Head to the iconic . The architecture is as stunning as the art inside! Don’t forget to snap a pic with the giant puppy sculpture outside.
Evening: Stroll through the Casco Viejo (Old Town) and enjoy some pintxos (Basque tapas) at a local bar. Try the gilda (a skewer of olives, anchovies, and peppers) – it’s a must!

Day 2: Bilbao to

Morning: After breakfast, take a scenic bus ride to (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then head to . Relax on the beach or take a leisurely walk along the promenade.
Evening: Explore the Parte Vieja (Old Town) and indulge in a pintxos crawl. Don’t miss out on the local specialties like txangurro (spider crab) and bacalao (cod).

Day 3:

Morning: Hike up to for breathtaking views of the city and the bay. There’s a funicular if you prefer a more leisurely ascent!
Afternoon: Visit the to learn about Basque culture and history.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a cozy local eatery. Try the Basque cheesecake for dessert – it’s divine!

Day 4: Day Trip to and

Morning: Take a short bus ride to , a charming fishing village. Visit the dedicated to the famous fashion designer.
Afternoon: Stroll along the beach in and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant. Try the local txakoli wine!
Evening: Return to and relax at a local bar with a glass of wine.

Day 5: to

Morning: Depart for (about 1 hour by bus). Check into your hotel and get ready to explore!
Afternoon: Visit the and the . Don’t forget to walk along the famous Running of the Bulls route!
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Navarrese dinner. Try pochas (white beans) or chistorra (a type of sausage).

Day 6: to

Morning: Head to (about 1 hour by bus). Check into your hotel and get ready for a day of wine!
Afternoon: Explore the La Rioja wine region. Visit a vineyard for a tour and tasting. Learn about the winemaking process and sample some delicious wines!
Evening: Enjoy dinner in the , famous for its tapas bars. Pair your food with local wines for a perfect evening.

Day 7: to

Morning: Depart for (about 1.5 hours by bus). Check into your hotel and get ready to explore.
Afternoon: Visit the stunning , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a stroll along the .
Evening: Try the local specialty, morcilla de (blood sausage), for dinner. Pair it with a nice glass of red wine!

Day 8: to

Morning: Travel to (about 2 hours by bus). Check into your hotel and get ready for a day of exploration!
Afternoon: Visit the , known for its stunning stained glass windows. Explore the , designed by Gaudí.
Evening: Enjoy a hearty meal of cecina (cured beef) and pimientos asados (roasted peppers) at a local restaurant.

Day 9: to

Morning: Depart for (about 3 hours by bus). Check into your hotel and get ready to explore this historic city!
Afternoon: Visit the , the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Explore the charming streets of the old town.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Galician dinner. Try pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) and finish with a slice of tarta de Santiago.

Day 10:

Morning: Take a leisurely morning to explore more of Santiago. Visit the to learn about Galician culture.
Afternoon: Enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and local delicacies.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, reminiscing about your incredible journey through North Spain!

Tips for Your Trip:

Transportation: Buses are a great way to travel between cities. They’re comfortable and relatively inexpensive.
Language: While many people speak English, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience.
Cuisine: Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations on where to eat. They often know the best spots!

I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your adventure in North Spain! Enjoy every moment, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌍✨