Bilbao and Asturias two-centre fly-drive holiday with 3 nights in the Basque city of Bilbao and 3 nights in a country hotel near the Asturias coast
This is a 6-night two-centre holiday combining the city of Bilbao and a stay in a country hotel, within easy reach of the coast of Asturias. Bilbao is the gateway to the Spanish Basque country with its unique culture, fascinating traditions and ancient language. Bilbao is home to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum and also have a Museum of Fine Art. The old quarter has at its heart Seven Streets providing a latticework of shops and stores, historic houses and town palaces. Spend three nights here and then collect your hire-car and head out of the city along the coast of northern Spain for just over two hours to reach your second destination, the Palacio de Luces near Lastres. This offers activities such as low-key hiking or visiting the local beaches. In the distance is the Sierra de Sueve and a short drive away is the fishing village of Lastres. Be sure to taste the local Asturian dishes created by the chef here.
Highlights
• Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao • Plaza Nueva Bilbao • Dona Casilda Iturrizar Park • Basilica of Begona • Visit fishing village of Lastres • Gijon • Picos de Europa National Park
Big thank you for getting us into some lovely hotels on our holiday: the suite at the Santiago parador was outstanding and Villa Soro in San Sebastian an absolute delight. We are now planning our next trip...JG, September 2022
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room for 6 nights.
From about
£1,840
Holiday Code SNFH14
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Call us on 01392 441245
Bilbao and Asturias two-centre fly-drive holiday with 3 nights in the Basque city of Bilbao and 3 nights in a country hotel near the Asturias coast
Fly to Bilbao and settle into your city centre hotel.
You have two days to absorb the artistic and architectural wonders of the vibrant city of Bilbao on the Spanish Basque coast, perhaps starting off with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry, this futuristic building, with its shimmering curves of titanium and glass, is home to a permanent collection of contemporary art and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. Only a few minutes’ walk away from the hotel is the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, which houses an extensive collection ranging from 12th Century sculptures to 20th Century paintings. Not only will visitors find a number of works by Basque artists, they will see works by renowned artists including El Greco, Goya and Gaugin. To witness some of Bilbao’s more traditional architecture, we would recommend entering Bilbao’s old quarter through the Plaza Circular, kicking back on the grand Plaza Nueva, with its pavement cafes and weekly market, and finding the beautiful Teatro Arriaga, with its curved façade, statuettes, and ornate stonework. The Church of Saint Anthony the Great and the Basilica of Begoña offer an insight into the religious architecture of the city, and both have radiantly lit interior chambers, and very traditional layouts and towers. Around 20 miles east of Bilbao is the town of Guernica, the namesake of Picasso’s famous painting which was inspired by the town’s bombing during the Spanish Civil War, which makes for an excellent excursion by bus or train. As the sun sets, wander down the Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro to soak up the lively street entertainment, dip in and out of the shops, and enjoy the cosmopolitan side to Spain.
Today collect your hire-car from downtown Bilbao or from the airport if you prefer and head west along the coastal motorway passing Santander. Just off the route is the Asturian coastal port of Llanes which is worth a detour. There is a fishing port, a small sandy beach, lighthouse and ruined fortifications on either side of the small estuary and harbour. A short distance along the coast is the resort of Ribadesella, straddling the Sella river, with a long sandy beach and marinas. There is a long promenade along the Playa de Santa Marina and riverside walks to the Monument of the Sailors. There is an attractive backdrop provided by the Asturian mountains in the distance. Your destination is a charming country hotel just outside the village of Luces and just a few minutes’ drive from the coastal town of Lastres.
The Palacio de Luces is your base for two whole days. It is a boutique, five-star Relais & Chateaux hotel located between the Sierra de Sueve Mountains and the Cantabrian Sea, just outside the fishing village of Lastres. Observing the estate from a distance, you will just be able to distinguish between its historic heart - the 16th century palace building - and subsequent additions to the architecture. Where the original building is authentic, its style mirrored in nearby buildings, there is a more angular modernity to the rest of the property. This is seen in restaurant Balcón del Sueve, which takes centre stage behind vast panes of glass that maximise panoramic scenery. Here, the hotel's vibrant orange roofing tiles can be seen to be typical of the locality, these colourful dots the only interruption to the never-ending greenness of the Asturias countryside. Diners can indulge on traditional Asturian dishes created under the instruction of Chef Ignacio García Canellada in an environment of refined subtlety. You can also seek an outdoor decking area or the rooftop terrace for casual snacks in the fresh air. From the Palacio de Luces, you can reach the nearby fishing village of Lastres with its port and beach, the coastal city of Gijon with its Roman heritage and sandy beaches, the superb Picos de Europa national park where you can hike, and the Torre de Cerredo National Park. The capital city of Asturias, Oviedo, is also only about 40 minutes away by car and this attractive centre contains gardens, museums of Fine Arts and archaeology, a Gothic cathedral and historic churches.
Today, drive yourself back to Bilbao for your flight back to London.
Big thank you for getting us into some lovely hotels on our holiday: the suite at the Santiago parador was outstanding and Villa Soro in San Sebastian an absolute delight. We are now planning our next trip...JG, September 2022
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room for 6 nights.
From about
£1,840
Holiday Code SNFH14
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Our prices include
● Flights London to Bilbao return
● 3 nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Miro, Bilbao, in a classic room
● 3 nights’ bed and breakfast at the Palacio de Luces, near Lastres in a classic room
● Hire of a Group C car for three days
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Call us on 01392 441245
Big thank you for getting us into some lovely hotels on our holiday: the suite at the Santiago parador was outstanding and Villa Soro in San Sebastian an absolute delight. We are now planning our next trip...JG, September 2022
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room for 6 nights.
From about
£1,840
Holiday Code SNFH14
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Our prices include
• Flights London to Bilbao return
• 3 nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Miro, Bilbao, in a classic room
• 3 nights’ bed and breakfast at the Palacio de Luces, near Lastres in a classic room
• Hire of a Group C car for three days
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
The journey and how you get there There are flights to Bilbao with Vueling and British Airways. A hire-car is included for the last three nights of the holiday.
Call us on 01392 441245
Bilbao and Asturias two-centre fly-drive holiday with 3 nights in the Basque city of Bilbao and 3 nights in a country hotel near the Asturias coast
Hotel Miró is a contemporary 4-star boutique hotel situated at the centre of Bilbao's Golden Mile. Excellent spa and wellness facilities, delightful art collections and a complimentary bar offer guests a relaxing haven after enjoying Bilbao's cultural highlights.
Classic double
Hotel Palacio de Luces is a five-star Relais & Chateaux hotel between the Sierra de Sueve Mountains and the Cantabrian Sea. Offering comfort amid stunning scenery, it is a perfect retreat after a day of sightseeing.
Classic double
Big thank you for getting us into some lovely hotels on our holiday: the suite at the Santiago parador was outstanding and Villa Soro in San Sebastian an absolute delight. We are now planning our next trip...JG, September 2022
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room for 6 nights.
From about
£1,840
Holiday Code SNFH14
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Our prices include
• Flights London to Bilbao return
• 3 nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Miro, Bilbao, in a classic room
• 3 nights’ bed and breakfast at the Palacio de Luces, near Lastres in a classic room
• Hire of a Group C car for three days
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
The journey and how you get there There are flights to Bilbao with Vueling and British Airways. A hire-car is included for the last three nights of the holiday.
Call us on 01392 441245
Bilbao and Asturias two-centre fly-drive holiday with 3 nights in the Basque city of Bilbao and 3 nights in a country hotel near the Asturias coast
About Spanish Basque country
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to the Basque Country in northern Spain include the very best four and five star hotels across the region, including seaside retreats, city properties and vineyard hotels in La Rioja. Lying at the point between the Pyrenees and the Bay of Biscay is the Basque Country, a name which refers both to an autonomous community within Spain and to a larger cultural area which comprises parts of Spain and France. Known in Spanish as the Pais Vasco, you will find a unique culture here with fascinating traditions and a regional language which is widely spoken throughout. The region's key attraction is the closeness of both sea and country - the spectacular coastline boasts sweeping sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, stunning sunsets over the ocean and surf breaking on rocks; but only a short drive inland are rolling green hills and flower filled fields. Lying around 10 miles away from the north coast is the vibrant and energetic riverside city of Bilbao, whilst further east is San Sebastian, an elegant seaside resort set on a beautiful bay only a few miles away from the French border. Stretching away from the Basque coast and forming the border with France are the Pyrenees, where rocky mountains with waterfalls and lakes stretch into Navarre, a region which is dotted with unspoiled villages and mediaeval towns which line the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Further west are the undulating hills of La Rioja, a region whose name is synonymous with the fine wines that it produces. Although parts of the region are heavily industrialised, there are many areas of unspoiled countryside as well as over 150 miles of coastline, making it a superb destination for a luxury holiday. The natural environment has long played a huge role in the lives of the region's inhabitants, with charming fishing villages along the coast which celebrate marine festivals as well as mountain farmers inland whose traditions remain unchanged. Throughout the region, visitors are sure to experience the unique culture of the Basque country through its language, cuisine and traditions.
Cultural highlights of Spanish Basque country
Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, a Frank Gehry-designed landmark which transformed the city. The charming old town of San Sebastian, located between the beach and the river. Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country which is home to a mediaeval old town and two cathedrals. Guernica, a small town which was bombed during WWII and inspired a famous painting by Picasso. Fishing villages between Bilbao and San Sebastian including Bakio, Bermeo, Zumaia and Lekeitio, some of which are home to wonderful beaches and are also popular surf spots. Hondarribia, a historic town situated on the border with France. Pelota, a traditional ball game which is played throughout the region on a two-walled court. Numerous bars across the region which serve ‘pinchos’ (a Basque version of tapas), including those in Logroño. Wine-producing towns across La Rioja where visitors can enjoy cellar tours and wine tastings, which can also be enjoyed at the luxury vineyard hotels which we feature. Yuso and Suso Monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in La Rioja. The fortress city of Pamplona, renowned for the annual bull running festival.
Gastronomy of Spanish Basque country
The Basque Country is renowned for its varied and innovative cuisine, with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants found across the region. San Sebastian alone is home to eight Michelin-starred restaurants, two of which have been included within the top ten of Restaurant magazine's list of the world's 50 best restaurants. Wine is of course an incredibly important product, primarily in La Rioja which is known for its high-quality reds as well as a number of good white and rosé wines. A regional variation of tapas called ‘pinchos' can be found throughout the Basque Country and Navarre, frequently eaten as a snack in bars. Regional cooking varies according to location, with plenty of fresh fish and shellfish to be found along the coastline and a greater use of meat and game further inland. Local dishes include ‘Bacalao' (salt cod), ‘Marmitako' (fresh tuna stew), ‘Cordero al Chilindron' (spicy lamb stew) and ‘Txangurro relleno' (stuffed spider crabs).
Festivals in Spanish Basque country
19 to 20 January: San Sebastian Drum Festival, 29 June: Haro Wine Festival, 6 to 14 July: Los Sanfermines Bull Running Festival (Pamplona), July: San Sebastian Jazz Festival, 4 to 9 August: Festival of the Virgin Mary (Vitoria-Gasteiz), August: Bilbao's Big Week, September: San Sebastian International Film Festival, September: San Mateo Wine Festival (Logroño).
Climate in Spanish Basque country
The Basque Country's climate is generally quite mild and wet, although there is some variation between coastal and inland areas. The Basque coast experiences relatively high levels of rainfall, cold winters and warm summers where temperatures regularly reach 25 degrees, whilst some areas further south enjoy a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and little rain.
Call us on 01392 441245
Bilbao and Asturias two-centre fly-drive holiday with 3 nights in the Basque city of Bilbao and 3 nights in a country hotel near the Asturias coast
About Green Spain
Green Spain features some of the best four and five star hotels in the regions of Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria in northern Spain, including coastal properties, city hotels and rural retreats. From the pretty rivers on the west coast of Galicia to the spectacular mountains of Asturias and the prehistoric caves of Cantabria, Green Spain is a picturesque area in the north of Spain. With quiet sandy beaches, green landscapes, charming villages and Romanesque architecture lining the famed pilgrimage route which leads to Santiago de Compostela, there is plenty to discover. Although many of those who go on holiday to northern Spain simply pass through en route to Santiago de Compostela, the entire region has much to offer. Stunning beaches are almost untouched, whilst the mild climate has produced rich vegetation which covers unspoilt countryside. Both along the coast and further inland there are attractive cities, towns and villages with a wealth of historical, architectural and cultural sights to discover. Galicia and Asturias have strong cultural identities, both fiercely defending their Celtic traditions which include playing bagpipes, and even speaking their own languages. In the far west is the remote region of Galicia, known as ‘The land of a thousand rivers’ thanks to the numerous wide inlets that run into the sea. The Atlantic coastline is rugged, with rocky headlands, idyllic beaches and isolated fishing villages, whilst the interior is hilly and overwhelmingly green. To the east is the Principality of Asturias, an enchanting region of contrasts with secluded beaches as well as peaceful countryside. Forming a natural barrier in the south are the towering Picos de Europa mountains, a spectacular area with small mountain villages, lush pastures, emerald forests, sheer gorges and glittering lakes. Next is the small, mountainous region of Cantabria, where white sand beaches line the coastline facing the Bay of Biscay, separated by rugged headlands.
Highlights of Green Spain
Santiago de Compostela cathedral, the supposed resting place of St James the Apostle, from whose rooftop you can enjoy unforgettable views over the old town. The attractive Galician cities of Ourense, Pontevedra and Lugo, all with historical sites including Roman architecture. Maritime cities along the Atlantic coastline including A Coruna, Ferrol, Vigo, and Baiona. The Tower of Hercules, an ancient Roman lighthouse near A Coruna. Galicia's fjord-like inlets known as the Rías Altas (along the north-west coast) and the Rías Baixas (along the southwestern coast). The dramatic Cape Finisterre, so called because it was thought to be the westernmost point in Europe. The stunning Picos de Europa mountains, home to a diverse range of walking trails and the atmospheric Covadonga Sanctuary. Oviedo, the attractive capital of Asturias which is home to some remarkable pre-Romanesque churches. Altamira Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock paintings which are up to 20000 years old. Comillas, a beachside town with impressive architecture including a building designed by Antonio Gaudí. Pleasant towns along the shores of the Cantabrian Sea including Gijón and Llanes. Santillana del Mar, a picturesque village inland with a number of well-preserved mediaeval buildings. Santander, a lively port city with a historic quarter, a modern centre and the famous El Sardinero beach.
Festivals in Green Spain
February/March: Carnivals celebrating Lent, March: Vigo Reconquest Festival; March/April: Holy week celebrations, July: ‘A Rapa das Bestas’ horse festival held in Galician villages, July: Saint James the Apostle festival in Santiago de Compostela, July: Nava Cider Festival (near Oviedo), August: Festival of San Roque in Betanzos (near A Coruna), August: Santander International Festival.
Gastronomy in Green Spain
Cuisine in the north of Spain tends to be simple and hearty, making good use of the excellent local produce including abundant fish and seafood, plentiful meat and game and a great variety of vegetables. The regions produce a range of dairy products, from the mild soft cheeses of Galicia to the smoked cheese of Cantabria and the blue cheeses of Asturias. Asturias is known for its dry cider, whilst Galicia produces high quality wines, both crisp whites and fruity reds, as well as a strong liqueur, ‘Orujo.’ Local dishes include ‘Vieras de Santiago’ (Scallops, the symbol of St James, which are baked in their shells), ‘Empanada gallega’ (a Galician meat pasty), ‘Lacón con grelos’ (pork shoulder with chorizo, turnips and potatoes), ‘Caldo gallego’ (thick soup with meat, potatoes and beans), ‘Fabada’ (an Asturian stew with pork and beans), ‘Tarta de Santiago’ (an almond cake), ‘La quesada’ (a Cantabrian cheesecake) and ‘Sobaos Pasiegos’ (Cantabrian sponge cakes).
Climate in Green Spain
Green Spain has a wet and mild climate with warm summers and cool winters. Summer is a popular time to visit northern Spain as the weather is sunny yet comfortable, but you can expect good weather in Spring and Autumn as well. Rain falls throughout the year although there is little during the summer months. Temperatures are rarely extreme, although mountainous areas can be very cold in winter with snow falling.
