San Sebastián to Santiago: Discover Northern Spain

Taste, trek and explore Northern Spain as you journey from the Basque Country to Galicia, soaking in stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and world-renowned gastronomy. From the culinary highlights of San Sebastián to the rugged mountains of Picos de Europa, ending in the iconic Santiago de Compostela, uncover the secrets of the beautiful North of Spain on this exclusive adventure.

When to go
APR-OCT
From Price
£36,000 PP*
Ideal Length
9 Nights

Experience Highlights

  • Gain private access to a member’s only gastronomy club in San Sebastián, learning from a professional chef in an intimate cooking class in one of the world’s best culinary cities
  • Hike and e-bike through national parks, stay in mountain refuges and head out on a 4x4 off-roading adventure in the Picos de Europa mountains
  • Taste exquisite regional dishes, from sampling rustic local favourites to private set-ups in the grounds of private Asturian castles, all the way to 2-star Michelin institutions
  • Immerse in Spanish culture and learn the intricacies of each region, facilitated by Pelorus’ unique network of local guides and activity specialists

 Experience the rich traditions, exceptional cuisine, and breath-taking natural scenery of Northern Spain on this unforgettable adventure with Pelorus. From private access to member’s only gastronomy clubs in San Sebastián, an exclusive exploration of the Chillida Leku Museum, e-biking and hiking through the Picos de Europa mountains and an array of superb dining options, from private dinners in the grounds of restored Asturian castles to Michelin-starred restaurants, this experience encompasses the very best of each carefully selected location.

SAN SEBASTIÁN

Start by getting to know San Sebastián by tasting its superb pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, while learning about the city’s culture and history from your private guide and quickly discovering why it deserves its reputation as one of the world’s best culinary regions. Begin the day by selecting the freshest produce from a local market, before being welcomed into a private gastronomic club, an invitation-only space where members cook for themselves and their friends. Through Pelorus’ network of contacts, gain access to one of the oldest societies in town, where you will take part in a private cooking class with a professional chef, preparing a delightful menu of traditional Basque Country dishes and truly beginning your culinary immersion.

Traverse the stunning landscapes of the Basque Country, before stopping in at a family-run winery to sample an array of regional delights expertly paired with their finest wines. Be whisked off for a private exploration of the Chillida Leku Museum, celebrating the work of sculptor Eduardo Chillida, led by the museum’s director. After viewing the magnificent works, enjoy a delicious private lunch served in the gardens. Drive along the Cantabric coast from the Basque Country to Asturias, stopping at quaint villages and dining at a tiny local restaurant, renowned for excellent seafood exclusively cooked over hot coals.

PICOS DE EUROPA 

Explore the Picos de Europa mountains, guided by an expert mountaineer, as you set out on one of the most spectacular hiking routes in the whole of Europe. Hike from the quaint village of Sotres, known for its traditional stone houses, to the base of Naranjo de Bulnes, the most prominent peak in this range. As you gain elevation, the trail becomes more rugged and rocky, with the green pastures giving way to more barren and dramatic mountain scenery. This evening, stay at a rustic mountain retreat, savouring a hearty dinner featuring local specialties like fabada asturiana and mountain trout, beneath a starry sky.

 

Head out for an adrenaline-fuelled 4x4 off-roading adventure in the heart of the mighty Picos de Europa mountains, traversing narrow passes and steep peaks. Visit the Sanctuary of Covadonga, nestled in the interior of a natural cave, a place of worship and pilgrimage for the people of Asturias. Stop in a remote valley to taste one of the most unique cheeses in the world: the mighty Gamoneu. Step into the cave where it is aged and learn how local producers curate this surprising delicacy. Tonight, dine at a superb 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, renowned for elevating local dishes inspired by recipes passed down through generations.

 

ASTURIAS

Hop aboard a helicopter to the start of your e-bike adventure along the beautiful Bear’s Trail. Set off on a graded trail through shaded forests along the Trubia River, stopping to visit the rescued bears Paca and Tola. Stop for a picnic lunch, before riding onward to the mountain village of Ricabo, or for those looking for a more challenging ascent, up to Puerto de la Ventana. Tonight, an immersive private dinner and wine pairing awaits in the grounds of a restored palace, accompanied by local musicians performing traditional Asturian music.

 

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Guided by an ecologist, set out on a walk within Somiedo Natural Park, gaining insight into the conservation projects dedicated to the Cantabrian Brown bear, as well as the biological richness of this natural space. Hop aboard your helicopter to Santiago de Compostela and set off with a local expert on a private cultural tour, discovering the city’s heritage and gastronomy. There is a spectacular array of restaurants, bars and taverns and you will have first access to the city’s culinary wonders – an array of unimaginably fresh and delicate seafood, artisanal charcuterie, cheeses and wines.

 

Head down to the coast and spend time observing the mariscadoras of Galicia at work - a fascinating glimpse into the traditional practice of shellfish gathering. This group of women, known as mariscadoras, are integral to the region’s culture and economy, harvesting shellfish from the rich tidal flats of the Galician coast. Expect a new appreciation for the freshness of the seafood and fish as you savour a spectacular lunch overlooking the ocean. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner of contemporary Galician cuisine while remembering the most epic moments of your trip, celebrating the last night of your Spanish exploration.

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