Bilbao
A modern and prosperous city, Bilbao sits in a narrow valley, the surrounding green mountains visible through the high rise buildings. The centre has plenty to entertain, with the Museo Guggenheim, a must for modern art lovers, and the attractive Casco Viejo has several major sights such as the gothic Cathedral de Santiago, the Teatro Arriaga and the Euskal Museum.
La Robla train cruise
A four day/three night trip on the highlight of this tour. With cosy accommodation on board, as well as lounge cars where you can enjoy the passing scenery or relax with a drink, the train stops overnight for you to sample a local restaurant and get a good night’s sleep. Following the La Robla line from Bilbao to Oviedo to Bilbao, visits include Santander, Llanes for the Sanctuary of Covadonga and the National Park of the Picos de Europa, Oviedo for the Asturian pre-Romanesque Art and a city tour and Cabezon de La Sal for the Altamira Museum and Santillana del Mar.
Burgos
The historic capital of Castile, Burgos is a treasure trove of historic architecture. The city is dominated by its vast Gothic cathedral dating from 1221, and is rich with other religious architecture, including the Monasterio de las Huelgas with its remarkable cloisters and the Carthusian Cartuja de Miraflores. The historic centre will provide hours of exploration, whilst the squares and riverfront provide a place to relax and people watch.
Vitoria Gasteiz
A flourishing medieval wool and iron trade created the fascinating and elegant city of Vitoria Gasteiz, filling it with Renaissance palaces, beautiful churches and grey-gold stone mansions. The Casco Medieval is arranged over a small hill, the core of the city, and is a wonderful place to wander and discover plazas, palacious and excellent Basque restaurants!
Haro, Najera and Laguardia
La Rioja is one of Spain's most famous wine regions, so naturally the lush landscape is dotted with vineyards and charming towns. Haro is a small but busy wine town, home to some of the great bodegas of La Rioja as well as a facinating architectural heritage, the old town being of special note. Najera is a stopping point on the pilgrimage route, the Way of St James. The main sights include the church of Santa Maria la Real, founded in 1052, the burial place of Spanish kings, and La Mota Castle, built in 923, and of Islamic origin. Laguardia is a historic Basque town and site of a 10th-century castle, of which two towers remain. As well as old cobbled streets and medieval walls, there are many tunnels dug out of the rock, used to store locally produced Rioja wine.