Discover the charming medieval villages and coastal towns of Cantabria in a full-day journey from Bilbao. This trip offers a blend of history, architecture, and local cuisine, all away from the crowds.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, with moderate walking involved.
Wildlife
History
Santillana del Mar is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, dating back to the 12th century.
Conservation
Efforts focus on preserving the region’s historic sites and promoting sustainable tourism to reduce environmental impact.
Northern Spain Gastronomy
Discover the charming medieval villages and coastal towns of Cantabria in a full-day journey from Bilbao. This trip offers a blend of history, architecture, and local cuisine, all away from the crowds.
Northern Spain Gastronomy is a Bilbo-based tour operator specializing in curated food, wine and cultural experiences across the Basque Country, Rioja and Cantabria. From Bilbao as a launch point, the company organizes guided trips that showcase regional specialties such as Basque pintxos, Txuleta steak, Txakoli wines and traditional dishes like cocido montañes.
Highlights include private and guided visits: exclusive access to the Guggenheim Museum with certified guides; wine tours through Rioja visiting family wineries and landmark architecture; coastal excursions to Getaria and the cliffs of Zumaia; and full-day journeys to San Sebastian with cider-house lunches. Several itineraries combine tastings with scenic walks, medieval villages (Laguardia, Santillana del Mar, Comillas) and cultural landmarks including El Capricho and Castro Urdiales.
Meals and tastings are integrated into most itineraries, ranging from gourmet restaurant lunches to picnic spreads and multi-pintxo meals in Bilbao’s Old Town. Options explicitly listed include private winery visits, gourmet lunches, cheese farm tastings, and specialized Guggenheim tours.
Northern Spain Gastronomy operates from Bilbo, Euskadi, offering experiences that range from 1.5-hour private museum visits to full-day (up to nine-hour) excursions. The operator’s published itineraries emphasize local producers, regional wines and authentic Basque culinary traditions, presenting travelers with focused food-and-wine itineraries that connect culture, landscape and cuisine.
Published itineraries list fifteen distinct trips covering Basque wine regions, coastal landmarks, Rioja wineries, San Sebastian excursions and Cantabrian villages. Typical group sizes and booking details are available per itinerary; specific durations and inclusions vary by trip and are stated with each offering. See listings.
Location
Bilbo, Euskadi
Located in Bilbao, Basque Country
Specialty
Basque gastronomy & wines
Food, wine and cultural tours
Typical Duration
1.5–9 hours
Short to full-day experiences
Tours Offered
15 tours
Range of wine, food, cultural trips
Reserve one of 15 curated tours departing from Bilbo, Euskadi — private options and expert-guided visits available for food, wine and cultural exploration.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The villages involve a fair amount of strolling on uneven cobblestone streets.
Bring a camera
Capture the colorful architecture and scenic landscapes along the way.
Plan for weather variability
Check the forecast and dress in layers for changing conditions near the coast.
Try local dishes
Don't miss out on authentic regional specialties like El cocido montañes.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides support for walking on cobblestone streets.
Camera
Capture the vibrant architecture and scenic views.
Light rain jacket
Preparedness for weather changes during outdoor activities.
spring,winter
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protects your skin during sunny outdoor sightseeing.
summer