10 day itinerary
Northern Spain And Lourdes
Itinerary
Northern Spain and Lourdes are both stunning destinations with rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Here’s a fun and engaging 10-day itinerary that will let you soak in the beauty and charm of these regions. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao
Morning: Arrive in Bilbao, the vibrant capital of the Basque Country. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Afternoon: Head to the iconic . The architecture is as stunning as the art inside! Don’t forget to snap a photo 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 bus or train to (about 1 hour).
Afternoon: Spend the day at . Relax, swim, or just soak up the sun.
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 idiazabal cheese.
Day 3:
Morning: Take a hike up to for panoramic views of the city and the bay.
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!
Day 4: to
Morning: Depart for (about 1 hour by bus).
Afternoon: Explore the city’s historic center, including the and the .
Evening: If you’re there in July, you might catch the famous Running of the Bulls festival. Otherwise, enjoy a quiet evening with some local wine and tapas.
Day 5: to Lourdes
Morning: Travel to Lourdes, France (about 2 hours by bus or train).
Afternoon: Visit the , a major pilgrimage site. Take your time to explore the basilicas and the grotto.
Evening: Enjoy a peaceful evening walk around the sanctuary and perhaps attend the evening candlelight procession if it’s happening.
Day 6: Lourdes
Morning: Take a guided tour of the and the .
Afternoon: Visit the to learn more about the history of the site.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some French cuisine, like coq au vin or ratatouille.
Day 7: Lourdes to
Morning: Depart for (about 6 hours by train or bus).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and then head to the , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Evening: Explore the charming streets of the old town and enjoy a Galician dinner. Don’t miss trying pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus).
Day 8:
Morning: Visit the to learn about the region’s culture.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk through the for beautiful views of the cathedral.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional tapas dinner in the old town, and perhaps catch some live music!
Day 9: to
Morning: Travel to (about 3 hours by train).
Afternoon: Explore the Old Town, visiting the and the , known for its cider houses.
Evening: Try some Asturian cider and fabada asturiana (a hearty bean stew) for dinner.
Day 10: to Bilbao
Morning: Before heading back to Bilbao, visit the in the surrounding area, like .
Afternoon: Return to Bilbao (about 1.5 hours by train). Spend your last afternoon shopping for souvenirs or visiting any spots you missed on Day 1.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, reminiscing about your amazing journey through Northern Spain and Lourdes!
Tips for Your Trip:
- Transportation: Trains and buses are efficient for traveling between cities. Consider getting a rail pass if you plan to travel a lot by train.
- Language: While Spanish is widely spoken, learning a few Basque phrases can be fun and appreciated in the Basque Country!
- Cuisine: Don’t hesitate to try local specialties in each region. Each area has its own unique flavors!
I hope this itinerary excites you for your adventure! Enjoy every moment of your trip! 🌍✈️