Cultural Immersion Itinerary for Northern Spain in 6 days

  • Day 1: Bilbao
    Estimated Time: 3 hours (170 km) from Santander Airport

    Bilbao is a vibrant city known for its world-renowned Guggenheim Museum. Explore the impressive contemporary art and architecture the city has to offer. Don't miss the pintxo bars lining the streets for some delicious Basque cuisine.

  • Day 2: San Sebastian
    Estimated Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (100km) from Bilbao

    San Sebastian is a charming seaside city located in Basque Country. Dubbed as a foodie paradise, try the delicious pintxos (tapas) that the locals rave about. Take a stroll along Playa de La Concha, and visit the city's historic center and Mount Igueldo for panoramic views of the city.

  • Day 3: Oviedo
    Estimated Time: 4 hours (340 km) from San Sebastian

    Oviedo is a medieval city located in Asturias. Visit the impressive Gothic cathedral and the pre-Romanesque Santa María del Naranco church. Stroll through the old town and the Uvieo Park to learn about the city's history and culture.

  • Day 4: Santiago de Compostela
    Estimated Time: 3 hours (280 km) from Oviedo

    Visit the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Inside the stunning cathedral, view the shrine of St. James and then take a walking tour of the historic city center. Learn about the town's Galician culture and enjoy some fresh seafood.

  • Day 5: Vigo
    Estimated Time: 1 hour (90 km) from Santiago de Compostela

    Vigo is a coastal city that offers a mix of modernity and history. Visit the Old Town and the medieval fortress of Castro Castle. The seafood is a must-try here, so don't hesitate to visit a Vigo market.

  • Day 6: Gijon
    Estimated Time: 3 hours (240 km) from Vigo

    Gijon is a lively coastal city located in Asturias. Take a stroll along the San Lorenzo Beach and the Cervigón Park. Visit the birthplace of the world-renowned Asturian writer Jovellanos and explore the Science and Technology Park.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Bilbao Guggenheim Museum (2 hours, $20)
  • Pintxos Bar Crawl in San Sebastian (3 hours, $25)
  • Oviedo Cathedral (1 hour, $7)
  • Santiago de Compostela Walking Tour (3 hours, $15)
  • Vigo Old Town and Castro Castle (2 hours, $10)
  • Gijon San Lorenzo Beach and Jovellanos Birthplace (2 hours, $0)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $77

Transportation

Flights to Santander Airport start at $100 from Madrid and a car rental to visit all the listed destinations is available for about $350-$400. Trains and buses also offer an affordable and convenient option to travel between cities, with fares around $20-$30 and $10-$15, respectively.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Asturian mining town of Mieres or a trip to the nearby Ribera del Duero wine region. Alternatively, subtract a day from one city to take more time to savor the cuisine or relax at the beach.

Airports

The most convenient airport for this itinerary is Santander Airport (SDR), which is located about an hour from Bilbao and offers flights from Madrid and Barcelona.

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