Geographic Expeditions

Flavors of Northern Spain

Explore Northern Spain’s Coast, Culture, and Cuisine

Whether you’ve been to Spain before or this is your first time, discover an unexpected side of the country. Traveling from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela, experience green mountain valleys, wild Atlantic coastlines, traditional fishing villages, and the culturally rich cities of Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, taste fresh seafood, regional cheeses, and traditional dishes rooted in the land and sea, and meet with proud local artisans preserving centuries-old culinary and craft traditions. In a small group of fellow travelers and guided by a charismatic local leader, go beyond the surface in Spain.

Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, Northern Spain
Pintxos, San Sebastian, Spain
Harbor in San Sebastian, Northern Spain
Cave in Asturias, Spain

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What to Expect

Experience two of northern Spain’s defining cultural landmarks, Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, then explore the culinary traditions and local communities that give the region its character. Private encounters offer a closer look at the region's gastronomy, from time with a renowned Basque chef and an artisanal anchovy producer to a visit with Asturian cheesemakers. Together, these experiences reveal how food, craftsmanship, and tradition remain deeply connected to life in northern Spain.

Trip Highlights

Journey through the varied landscapes of Green Spain, from dense forests and mountain pastures to alpine lakes and wild Atlantic shores

Taste your way through San Sebastián on a pintxos tour, where seasonal ingredients inspire some of the Basque Country’s most distinctive small bites

Enter the distant past on a private visit to the Cantabrian Prehistoric Caves, part of the region’s remarkable UNESCO-designated cave system

Join the flow of Camino de Santiago pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela, culminating at the city’s magnificent cathedral

Upcoming Departures

  • September 28 – October 7, 2027
  • October 12 – October 21, 2027
  • April 25 – May 4, 2028
  • May 9 – May 18, 2028
  • September 19 – September 28, 2028
  • October 3 – October 12, 2028

Trip Pricing

  • Group Trip: From $16,900

    Based on double occupancy

Inclusions

  • All handpicked accommodations, ground transportation, and airport transfers
  • All guided sightseeing, events, and experiences
  • Premier GeoEx Trip Leader and top-tier local guides
  • Most meals
  • Most gratuities, excluding GeoEx Trip Leader
  • Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance
  • Dedicated support from GeoEx’s travel experts

Your Route Through Spain

Journey at a Glance

  1. Pintxos, San Sebastian, Spain
    Days 1 – 3

    Basque Culture & Cuisine

    Arrive in San Sebastián and get to know the city through its celebrated food traditions, coastal scenery, and art, with visits to a private gastronomic society, Chillida Leku, and the fishing village of Getaria.

  2. Museo Guggenheim
    Days 4 – 5

    From Bilbao to Cantabria

    Take in the landmark Guggenheim Museum before settling into the Cantabrian countryside. Venture underground into UNESCO-listed prehistoric caves, then stroll the cobbled streets of medieval Santillana del Mar.

Meet Your Trip Leaders

Northern Spain Guide IÑAKI
Leader

Iñaki

Born and raised in San Sebastián, Iñaki is a true insider of the Basque Country and northern Spain, with an extraordinary depth of knowledge of the region’s food, wine, landscapes, and traditions. His extensive network of personal relationships turns wonderful journeys into exceptional ones.

Northern Spain Guide Colm
Leader

Colm

Born and raised in San Sebastián to a Basque father and an Irish mother, Colm has a deep, personal connection to the Basque Country, which only grew with the time he spent abroad, living and working in Ireland, Scotland, and Australia. A member of one of San Sebastián’s most prestigious gastronomic societies, Colm has developed a deep passion for cooking and is particularly knowledgeable about Basque cuisine.

Northern Spain Guide James B
Leader

James B.

British by heritage and raised in Ronda, James has an intimate knowledge of Andalucía and Spain that goes far beyond its celebrated monuments. An accomplished photographer with a sharp eye for the landscapes, people, and hidden corners of Spain, James revels in introducing guests to areas that most visitors never see.

Northern Spain Guide James H
Leader

James H.

Canadian-born to Latin American parents, James has called Spain home for almost 30 years and has an extraordinary depth of knowledge of Andalucía and the country as a whole. After studying English Literature and spending several years traveling through Latin America, North America, and Europe, James eventually settled in Granada and turned his passion for Spain into a career in guiding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Spain

Ready for adventure?

Let's bring the trip you've been dreaming of to life.

The village Sotres in the Picos de Europa, Spain