There is nothing quite as romantic as the sound of ‘10 days in Spain’. Diverse landscapes that captivate their audiences, national obsessions that include food and wine, and a population devoted to living the good life - it is where you come to rest and reconnect with yourself.
Spain is the place where traditional recipes handed down through generations have been placed on restaurant menus. Where wine regions boom with exclusive vineyards as the weather produces the ideal climatic conditions for growing grapes. The home of tantalizing tapas, snoozy siestas, awe-inspiring architecture and Pablo Picasso.
The region has everything one could possibly need, from golden beaches and an enviable culinary scene to friendly locals and a vibrant culture.
Northern Spain offers all the glory of the south, minus the crowded touristic sites. Journey deep into the Spanish countryside and you will be blown away by picturesque quintas, stunning valleys and culinary delights that stir the soul.
10 days here could never be enough, but it is certainly a good place to start. Allow us to show you what 10 days with Eat Northern Spain could look like…
Day One
Begin your new life with a private chauffeur on a scenic tour of the Spanish countryside. Today’s escapade will see you travelling through the country’s world-famous wine region, Ribera del Duero.
The perfect place to kick off 10 days in Spain, Ribera del Duero is proud of its grapes and it has every reason to be. The best wines in the world are produced here and you will have plenty of time to sample them.
You will start as you mean to go on by spending the night in a 12th century monastery turned lavish five-star hotel. In fact, the entire property is straight from a Spanish dream: clean stone walls; French oak floors; and warm, inviting spaces can be found throughout.
Enjoy some time to yourself to soak up your new surroundings before indulging in a delicious dinner of local specialities at the hotel’s à-la-carte restaurant paired with some of those exquisite wines we have been telling you about.
Day Two
You have seen the vineyards and slept among the grapevines, now it is time to explore. Starting with the ‘Golden Mile’, home to the crème de la crème of Spanish wines.
First stop, Abadia Retuerta. The epitome of any wine tour, this vineyard is among the string of exclusive wine estates dotted along the Duero river. A visit here is so much more than just a tour of a winery. The moment you arrive, you will notice the history etched into every corner of the estate and a 4x4 tour will allow you to take a closer look at the vines. Learn all the secrets to making the world’s best wine before sampling the house favourites.
Aside from fantastic wineries, the Ribera del Duero is also home to Peñafiel castle. A beautiful fortified structure resting in prime position at the top of the hill, with the best views in the region. Take a stroll and work up an appetite for the afternoon meal that awaits.
The name rolling off your tongue this afternoon will be ‘Lechazo’, roast lamb slow-cooked using a technique that is centuries old. Served alongside à-la-carte starters of local specialities and red wine from the region, this gastronomic journey is the perfect demonstration of the treats that lay ahead during your 10 days in Spain.
Day Three
We hate goodbyes, but in order to make the most of your 10 days in Spain, you will need to bid farewell to the Ribera del Duero. Luckily, the views on your departure will be remarkable.
An artisan cheese maker will be meeting you today because we all know sweet dreams are made of cheese and this one is bringing world-acclaimed samples for you to try. Learn how to make cheese the traditional Spanish way before being taken on a guided tasting session to tantalize your senses.
After a drive through the backroads to a small village, lunch will be served in a traditional restaurant, with a three course à-la-carte menu of authentic slow food before a short journey to León.
Known as Spain’s culinary capital, León is a lively historic town and an important checkpoint on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. A must visit for all the foodies among us, the city is home to a spectacular Gothic Cathedral and a few steps further you will find a luxury, boutique hotel (your home for the next two nights).
On the menu this evening is a Jamón Ibérico private tasting with a Master Ham Carver. A unique, authentic experience and the perfect opportunity for you to learn how to distinguish between the different types of hams on offer. Taste the delicacy straight from the knife of a professional and allow the meat to melt in your mouth while you appreciate each paper-thin slice.
Day Four
Spend the day with nothing but León on your mind: take a relaxing stroll through the city centre; embark on a tour of the famous Gothic Cathedral, a masterpiece that dates back to the 13th century; spectate the arrival of hundreds of pilgrims after they finish a day’s journey along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route; and marvel at the indescribable beauty of ‘Casa Botines’, a breathtaking palace and one of Antoni Gaudi’s best works.
10 days in Spain with Eat Northern Spain means the best bites in town will always be at your fingertips. This afternoon’s affairs will consist of one epic bar crawl. León isn’t called the ‘Best Town in Spain for a Tapas Bar Crawl’ for no good reason, the city is home to the biggest concentration of bars in the country. Brush shoulders with the locals as you soak up the ambience and enjoy delicious tapas paired with outstanding Spanish wines from the local region. Each setting will be small but lively and flavours will vary from spicy chorizo and the perfect ham to cheese croquettes and crispy, yet fluffy, patatas bravas.
The afternoon is for you to enjoy as you wish and this evening’s meal will be served at a traditional family-run restaurant in León's lively old town, the ‘Barrio Húmedo’.
Day Five
Are you ready for the most intense meat experience of your life? Home to the best steak in the world (honestly, the film Steak Revolution proclaimed it so), Bodega El Capricho is a family-run farm nestled in the middle of absolutely nowhere.
The ultimate highlight of any culinary tour, El Capricho’s owner José Gordón has a special method for producing his meat. Raising oxen from various Iberian native breeds, he believes happy and healthy animals are the answer to great taste. The meat is then dry-aged for 180 days (nothing is added) to enhance the natural flavours.
Meet the seven feet tall oxen for yourself, before heading into a cave (also known as the farm’s grill restaurant) for a meal like no other.
After an overwhelming culinary experience, a siesta may be on the cards during your drive to Asturias. Your home for the next two days, the region is known for its rugged coasts, mountains and resident brown bears.
Day Six
After a chance to recharge your batteries, take an early morning stroll along the beach and enjoy the sunrise before the surfers descend.
10 days in Spain would not be complete without a scenic drive from the beach to the mountains. Covadonga Lakes is one of our favourite spots in Picos De Europa National Park. The stunning valley looks like it came straight from a postcard and with two glacial lakes, visitors here are in for a treat.
Goats, sheep and cows roam freely here and even they cannot stop admiring the jaw-dropping views. The road is also a popular route for professional cyclists and a pivotal climb in the Spanish bicycle race ‘La Vuelta’.
With arguably the best mountain views in the world, it would be a disservice not to stop here for a gourmet picnic. Cheese, ham, homemade bread and wine are all on the menu as you soak up the surroundings. Nature lovers will be in their element here.
Your next adventure will involve descending the valley to sniff out the most delicious free-range chicken, ‘Pitu de Caleya’. It is served in a restaurant, far from prying eyes, that few outsiders know about. Enjoy the region’s signature dish alongside local specialities before relaxing for the afternoon by the beach with a glass of wine in hand.
Day Seven
The fishing village of Lastres is nestled on the gorgeous coast of Asturias and home to a picturesque harbour and an iconic lighthouse.
Waiting quayside for the fishermen to bring back their catch is a unique experience that allows you to see how delicious delicacies travel straight from the sea to the table. Learn how they navigate the ocean and work hard to bring the very best seafood to the local restaurants, before heading to the village and grabbing a plate of this sparkling-fresh produce for yourself.
The afternoon will provide time to relax and unwind, maybe with a drink at the hotel or a stroll along the local beach before heading into town for this evening’s experience.
The buzzword this evening is ‘cider’. A traditional drink in Asturias, cider is very much a part of life here and the perfect way for you to immerse yourself into the local culture is to pour a pint just like the locals do (from a great height). Meet some friendly faces, sample some delicious tapas and enjoy a glass or two (or three) of local cider to round off an incredible day.
Day Eight
You only have 10 days in Spain and today you will be travelling into the heart of the Basque Country, a haven for foodies, Bilbao.
At Eat Northern Spain, all our food and wine tours either start or end in Bilbao, and as a city with a collection of some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world, it’s not hard to see why.
Old Spanish traditions and front-line architectural innovations live side by side in this vibrant city and a driving tour is the perfect way to explore the far corners of town.
The second best way to explore? On a pintxos bar crawl. The Basque version of Spanish tapas, pintxos is usually served on a small bread base with a skewer attaching it to something delightful (jamón, cheese, chorizo etc.) and is usually found at it’s best in authentic, local bars - which is exactly where you will be heading.
Once you are satisfied with your lunch, you will be escorted to your hotel for the evening, which happens to be situated opposite the Guggenheim Museum. Home to a collection of contemporary pieces by Spanish and international artists, the outside of the museum is just as breathtaking as the art inside.
This evening’s dinner menu will be served at a traditional à-la-carte Basque restaurant for local specialties including the Txuletón, which is the Basque’s (arguably much better) version of a grilled steak.
Day Nine
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast accompanied by views over the Guggenheim Museum before a full day in the resort town of San Sebastian.
Aptly named the pearl of the Cantabrian Sea, this elegant coastal town has all the makings of a perfect holiday destination: lush hillsides, golden beaches, a jam-packed culinary scene and breathtaking architecture. It is sometimes hard to imagine how anybody leaves.
Enjoy a walking tour of the town’s highlights, including a trip to the farmers’ market where you can join the locals in gathering fresh produce for the day - an example of slow food at its best.
After your night in Bilbao, we will be putting your pintxos expertise to the test with more delicious bites at a collection of our favourite bars in the city before enjoying an afternoon of complete leisure.
As difficult as it will be to turn your back on San Sebastian, this evening’s farewell dinner will see you seated at one of the best restaurants in the Basque Country, back in the city of Bilbao.
Day Ten
Sadly, your 10 days in Spain have come to an end and it is time to say goodbye to the region and begin your journey home. We encourage all our guests to enjoy their last day in the Basque Country doing as they wish, whether that is lounging by the pool or splurging in the city’s shopping centres.
Your private chauffeur will transfer you to the airport with plenty of time before your departing flight.
10 days in Spain, a lifetime in your memory
Eat Northern Spain are experts in tailor-made, luxury travel and have a healthy obsession with the countryside in Northern Spain. If you are looking to spend 10 days in Spain and want real, authentic experiences, paired with the very best food and wine, then get in touch for a personalised itinerary.
Alternatively, if the prospect of ticking two countries off your bucket list for the price of one appeals to you, we also offer a 10 day tour of Spain and Portugal, which showcases the best food, wine and experiences that both countries have to offer. Why have only one slice when you can eat the whole cake?