Day 1 – USA/Bilbao
Thu, Aug 6th – One night

Day 2 – Bilbao
Fri, Aug 7th – One night

Bilbao – Arrival & Guggenheim Museum tickets and
Afternoon Tour
– 11:00am Arrival in BILBAO AIRPORT Meet & Greet by our LOCAL ASSISTANT from Bilbao
– Coach transfer to the hotel in Bilbao, trip duration: 30min approx. Check-in is from 3:00 p.m. onwards. The group can leave the luggage at the hotel reception and go for lunch. Lunch on your own .
– 3:00pm Meeting at hotel lobby with our LOCAL GUIDE from Bilbao
– HD GUIDED TOUR of BILBAO & GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM, guide service max. duration: 4hrs. Including Walking Tour along the Old Town (or 7 Streets) on the banks of the estuary and ENTRANCE to GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
– 7:00pm DINNER INCLUDED AT ZUREKIN RESTAURANT, located in the city centre, 300 meters away from the hotel
– PINTXOS MENU:
Toast with Iberian ham from the Extremadura region
Gilda – classic Basque pintxo: skewer with green olive, pickled chili & a salted
anchovy (slightly spicy)
Tuna mini roll
San Sebastian pintxo (slice of bread with a spread made with tuna, egg, spring
onion, crab, and mayonnaise)
Panko-coated cheese with red berries
Iberian pork jowl gyoza
Mini burger
Cheesecake
DRINKS INCLUDED: 2 beer or wine drinks per person + water
– MEALS INCLUDED TODAY: Dinner

Day 3 – Santander
Sat. Aug 8th – One day
– Breakfast included at hotel, check-out
– 8:00am – Departure to Santander by mini coach with stop at Puente Viesgo, trip duration: 1h20m approx.
– 9:20am Estimated time of arrival at the Cantabria Rock Art Centre in Puente Viesgo.
– 10:00am Meeting with the CAVE GUIDE at the entrance to El Castillo Cave
– 10:10am GUIDED TOUR OF EL CASTILLO CAVE, duration: 0h45m approx. The Monte Castillo caves, located in Puente Viesgo, are a group of 4 caves with Paleolithic rock art, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, but only 2 are open: El Castillo and Las Monedas and a visitor reception centre houses a museum space that presents the parietal
art from the caves of Monte del Castillo. Both caves are suitable for tourist visits, and the visit is guided. There is a guide in each cave.
– TBC Continuation to the hotel in Santander, trip duration: 40min approx.
– Check-in is from 3:00 p.m. onwards. The group can leave the luggage at the hotel reception and go for lunch. Lunch on your own.
– 4:00pm Meeting with our LOCAL GUIDE from Santander
HD GUIDED TOUR of SANTANDER, guide service max. duration: 3hrs. Including Panoramic Tour (by bus and on foot) of the city centre (exteriors of the City Hall and Cathedral, and Puertochico Quarter), Sardinero Quarter (exteriors of the Casino) and Cabo Menor and Cabo Mayor (capes), weather permitting
– 7:00pm DINNER AT LA CASA DEL INDIANO RESTAURANT, located inside a market, 280 meters away from hotel
– 3-COURSE MENU
DRINKS INCLUDED: red wine, white wine, beer, soft drinks & water
– 9:00pm Meeting at hotel lobby with the TOUR-MANAGER for introduction after returning to the hotel She will accompany the group from here on, until the departure to Madrid, will guide the group through the stages of the Camino de Santiago and will do the guided tours of the different towns too.
MEALS INCLUDED TODAY: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Santillana del Mar
Sun. Aug 9th – Four nights
– 7:30am Departure to Santillana del Mar, trip duration: 30min approx.
– 8:00am CAMINO DE SANTIAGO: STAGE SANTILLANA DEL MAR – COMILLAS, hike duration: 5hrs. approx. Santillana del Mar – Oreña – Cóbreces – Pando – Comillas, Medium difficulty / Length: 13.79 Miles – 22,2 km
– The bus will be available to assist the group during the hike, if necessary.
– 1:00pm – LUNCH INCLUDED AT LAS RUEDAS ASADOR RESTAURANT, with wood-fired grill in an outdoor nature setting.
– 3:00pm GUIDED TOUR OF COMILLAS by the TOUR-MANAGER, max. duration: 2hrs Including Walking Tour along the Old Town (exteriors of the Church & Town Hall) and ENTRANCE to EL CAPRICHO DE GAUDÍ (The Mansion) guided by a MONUMENT GUIDE
– 5:00pm Transfer to the hotel in Santillana del Mar, trip duration: 25min approx.
– 5:30pm Check-in at hotel
– 8:00pm DINNER INCLUDED AT HOTEL. 3-COURSE MENU (no drinks included)
– MEALS INCLUDED TODAY: Breakfast, Picnic Snack Bag During Hike, Lunch, Dinner

Mon. Aug 10th.
– 6:30am Breakfast included at hotel. The hotel will provide each group member with an INCLUDED PICNIC SNACK BAG to replenish energy for today’s hike. It includes 2 sandwiches, a piece of fruit and a small bottle of water.
– 7:30am Transfer to Comillas, trip duration: 25min approx.
– 8:00am CAMINO DE SANTIAGO: STAGE COMILLAS – COLOMBRES, hike duration: 6h30m approx. Comillas–San Vicente de la Barquera–Serdio–Unquera–Colombres, Medium difficulty / Length: 17.9 Miles – 28,8 km
– The bus will be available to assist the group during the hike, if necessary.
– 2:30pm Time at leisure for lunch on your own to enjoy your picnic lunch.

Tue. Aug. 11th.
– 6:30am – Breakfast included at hotel. The hotel will provide each group member with an INCLUDED PICNIC SNACK BAG to replenish energy for today’s hike. It includes 2 sandwiches, a piece of fruit and a small bottle of water.
– 7:30am Transfer to Colombres, trip duration: 35min approx.
– 8:05am CAMINO DE SANTIAGO: STAGE COLOMBRES – LLANES, hike duration: 5h30m approx. Colombres – Pendueles – Andrín – Llanes, Medium difficulty / Length: 14.42 Miles – 23,2 km
– The bus will be available to assist the group during the hike, if necessary.
– 1:30pm Time at leisure for lunch on your own to enjoy your picnic lunch.
– 3:00pm GUIDED TOUR OF LLANES by the TOUR-MANAGER, max. duration: 1hr. Including Walking Tour along the historic centre and San Pedro Viewpoint
– 4:00pm Transfer back to the hotel in Santillana del Mar, trip duration: 45min approx.
– 4:45pm Estimated time of arrival at hotel.
– 8:00pm DINNER INCLUDED AT HOTEL. 3-COURSE MENU (no drinks included)
– MEALS INCLUDED TODAY: Breakfast, Picnic Snack Bag during Hike, Dinner

Wed. Aug 12. Solar Eclipse at the Beach
– 10:00am/1:00pm – With cobblestone streets, stone manor houses and florid balconies, Santillana del Mar offers an unforgettable experience full of history, culture and natural beauty. During our morning coach and walking tour, we will also visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Altamira.
– 1:00pm/ 2:30pm – Lunch break. After the morning exploring the caves and the town of Santillana, we will break for lunch on your own account at a restaurant the guide will arrange for us.
– 3:00pm Transfer to Playa de Los Locos, trip duration: 0h20m approx.
– 3:30pm Time at leisure in Los Locos Beach, with a landscape that combines cliffs, green grass and golden sand, and with strong and constant waves due to its exposure to the open sea
– 8:30pm DINNER AT EL MIRADOR DE SUSO RESTAURANT, specializing in seafood cuisine, located on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, 500 meters away from Los Locos beach in Suances (drinks are not included but are available) You can eat as much as you want to and repeat dishes from the menu as many times as
you want to, cold or hot starters, first courses, second courses (fish and meat) and ending with a delicious dessert, but dinner cannot be before 8:30 p.m.
– 10:00pm Transfer back to the hotel in Santillana del Mar, trip duration: 0h15m approx.
MEALS INCLUDED TODAY: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 – Madrid
Thu. Aug. 13 – Two nights.
– 7:30am Coach Transfer to SANTANDER AIRPORT, trip duration: 30min approx. FLIGHT SDR-MAD 10:05-11:15 ***We do not provide flights. We only manage land services. The Camino TOUR-MANAGER’s services end at the airport.
– 11:15 Arrival in MADRID AIRPORT Meet & Greet by our LOCAL ASSISTANT from Madrid.
– Coach transfer to the hotel in Madrid, trip duration: 1hr approx.
– Madrid / Lunch break – 1:00pm – 2:30pm
– 2:30pm – 6:30pm – Guide meets and provides subway tickets and off we go. Meeting at the hotel lobby with our local guide from Madrid and begin our 4 hour local transportation and subway walking tour of the city. From the Catalonia Puerto Del Sol Hotel you have to walk to the Puente de Valencas metro station and then take the metro with our guide who will have tickets for everyone. We ride to Sol, about 20/25 minutes in total.

Plaza Mayor – Madrid’s grand central square is found in the heart of Hapsburg Madrid, the oldest part of the city. Steeped in history, the bustling plaza is the perfect place to begin your stroll through one of Madrid’s most charming districts. While you’re there, have a bite to eat or a coffee at one of the sunny terraces, buy yourself a souvenir in any of the time-honored shops, watch street musicians and artists working their magic, and soak up the city’s rich history.

A fabulous afternoon taking in the history of the capital city. At the end of our sightseeing our guide will lead us walking just 3 minutes approximately close to our next event, the famous Flamingo dinner and dance performance in the Capital city.

– 6:30pm – 8:00pm – Enter the Las Carboneras Tablao Flamenco Venue where the hosts will seat us at our reserved tables and begin serving drinks (included) followed by an amazing dinner. Tablao Las Carboneras is located in the most traditional area of Madrid, the Madrid of the Austrias, on the ground floor of the former palace of the Count of Miranda.
Born from the idea of reviving the café cantantes of yesteryear, this tablao flamenco restaurant combines an avant-garde look and style with the best of contemporary flamenco. Renowned figures have graced our stage. Artists such as Pastora Galván, Jorge Pardo, Rocío Molina, Montse Cortés, Belén Maya, Manuel Liñán, Alfonso Losa, Marco Flores, Olga Pericet, La Shica… These prestigious names have joined a solid dance group founded by members and dancers.

FLAMENCO SHOW + DINNER AT LAS CARBONERAS FLAMENCO THEATRE: 1st show of the day in August: Dinner at 7:00 p.m. – Show at 8:00 p.m.
– TAPAS MENU:
Olives seasoned with garlic, parsley and olive oil
Homemade “Gourmet” croquettes
Spanish omelette
Iberian cured ham
Cheese
Galician bonito pie
Piquillo peppers stuffed with meat
DESSERT: homemade cake
DRINKS INCLUDED during dinner:
White wine (Origin Denomination: Rueda) Lagartijo – Verdejo
Red wine (Origin Denomination: La Rioja) Marqués de Aldeanueva Rioja Crianza
Water / beer / sangria / soft drinks / juice

– 9:00pm – we exit and walk 10 minutes to our hotel for a good night’s rest.
MEALS INCLUDED TODAY: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 – Madrid
Fri. Aug. 14th.
– 10:00 Meeting at hotel lobby with our LOCAL GUIDE. HD GUIDED TOUR of MADRID, guide service max. duration: 3h00m
Including Walking Tour along Cibeles Fountain, Puerta de Alcalá… and ENTRANCE to PRADO MUSEUM & audios. There is no need to take the subway. The guided tour can be done fully on foot due to the hotel location. The Prado Museum is 1 km away from the hotel. The guide will conclude her service by leaving the group at the restaurant.

– 1:00pm LUNCH AT EL BARRIL DE LAS CORTES RESTAURAN. , In the city centre, 550 meters from the hotel.

MENU 1 (as an example, as it may vary):

STARTERS to be shared (one dish for every 4 people):
Sliced acorn-fed Iberian cured ham
Traditional salad made from boiled potatoes and mayonnaise mainly and with
northern bonito
Line-caught hake and confit leek omelette
Large red prawn and Iberian ham croquettes (2 units per person)

MAIN COURSE to be chosen from the following dishes:
Rice à la marinière with peeled shellfish (so you do not soil your hands)
San Sebastian-style estuary sea bass with grilled vegetables
Beef medallion in a mushroom Perigourdine sauce with garlic shoots

DESSERT:
Homemade cheesecake with toffee caramel sauce
Arabica coffee and natural herbal teas
Homemade sweets

DRINKS INCLUDED from the start of the meal (starters) to the end of the meal
(desserts):
(Drinks before or after the meal are extra and must be paid separately
White wine (Magnum) (Origin Denomination: Rueda) Guardaviñas – Verdejo 100%
Red wine (Magnum) (Origin Denomination: La Rioja) Hacienda Calavia Crianza – Tempranillo 100%
Mineral water (still or sparkling)

– 2:30 Return to the hotel on foot on your own. The hotel is 550 meters away from the restaurant.Time at your leisure.
You can have dinner on your own at San Miguel Market, for example, which is 650
meters away from the hotel.

After lunch – The afternoon and evening is free to self explore Madrid. Our tour manager will have some suggestions for you to get the maximum out of Madrid city. Or you can just go self-exploring so much to see and do. Everyone will meet tomorrow morning for our airport transfer. Just a 10 minute walk back to our hotel to freshen up or set off right from lunch for your afternoon free to explore Madrid. If anyone wishes to extend your visit around Spain or anywhere in Europe. You can have an extra night in Madrid if you wish, or please let us know and we will be able to assist you with trains or flights to Barcelona, Sevilla, or France – anywhere in the rest of Europe. Wherever you wish to go, your International air ticket can be organized to fly home from a different city if you let us know at time of reservation. We will be happy to assist you.
MEALS INCLUDED TODAY: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 – Madrid/USA
Sat, Aug. 15.
TBC Meeting at hotel lobby with our LOCAL ASSISTANT. Coach transfer to MADRID AIRPORT, trip duration: 1hr approx.

Accommodations:

NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels – Fri, Aug 7           1 night
Hotel Bahia Sat, Aug 8                                                             1 night
Hotel San Marcos Sun, Aug 9                                                4 nights
Catalonia Puerta del Sol Thu, Aug 13                                   2 nights