Spain's Picos and Pintxoswith Ben Groundwater

Make your own way to the hotel in Oviedo, the cultural and historic heart of Asturias. This afternoon we’ll meet Ben and a local city guide to take a tour on foot through Oviedo’s old-town quarters and into the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador. This beautiful edifice was built on the remains of a pre-Romanesque church founded by the Asturian King Alonso II, the main promotor of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela way back in the 9th century. Tonight, enjoy an incredible welcome dinner with Michelin-starred chef Nacho Manzano, before retiring to our historic hotel – which, incidentally, featured in the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Overnight: Hotel La Reconquista, Oviedo (or similar)

Meals: D

From Oviedo we first head west to visit the gorgeous enclave of Cudillero, renowned for its picturesque fishing port, colourful facades, and a lighthouse overlooking the sea. Among its historical landmarks is the Quinta de Selgas, a 19th-century palace with extensive gardens and works by the renowned artist Francisco Goya. Since 2021, Cudillero has been recognised as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Spain”. After some time to explore, we drive to the pretty seaside town of Ribadesella, to spend the rest of the day relaxing by the beach. Dress up for dinner though, because we’re dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant located right next to our hotel, itself a Gothic mansion on the beachfront. Overnight: Hoteles Villa Rosario, Ribadesella (or similar)

Meals: B,D

Today we follow part of the famous Saint James Way, the Camino de Santiago, from Ribadesella to pretty Vega beach. This is a pleasant walk along quiet interior roads and a cobbled street at the end, through the tiny village of Vega, where a real treat awaits: an incredible seafood lunch at the cult-favourite restaurant Gueyu Mar, known for its char-grilled imperador, a deep-sea fish, and its high-end tinned seafood, which make the perfect souvenir. After lunch there is time to stroll along the 1.5km beach, or simply sit on the terrace, perhaps with a last glass of cava, and enjoy the views and the sound of rolling waves. Tonight, enjoy free time back in Ribadesella. Overnight: Hoteles Villa Rosario, Ribadesella (or similar)

Meals: B,L

This morning we turn our back to the coast and head towards the spectacular mountain ranges of Asturias, with a 45-min drive from Ribadesella to Ortiguero. There, we lace up our hiking boots to follow part of what was previously known as Camino Real, a scenic route along the slopes of the Cuera mountain range, with – weather permitting – spectacular views of the high peaks of the Picos de Europa National Park. The route ends in Asiego, where we will learn about the production of Asturias’s most treasured product, apple cider, from two brothers who also run an adjoining restaurant. They will serve an “espicha”, a classic Asturian feast, of tasty regional dishes that would traditionally accompany a gathering of neighbours celebrating the first cider fermentation of the season. After this hearty lunch, taxi vans will drive us 10 minutes to our hotel in Arenas de Cabrales, which has a small garden, a swimming pool, and stunning mountain views. Tonight, you’re free to explore the town. Own dinner in Arenas de Cabrales Overnight: Hotel Picos de Europa, Arenas de Cabrales (or similar) ABOUT PICOS: Rising from the ocean, the Picos de Europa is one of the most striking mountain ranges on the Iberian Peninsula. Just 40km long and 20km wide, the jagged limestone peaks rise to 2600m and contrast sharply with the lush valleys dotted with small hamlets far below. Due to extreme differences in elevation between its valleys and peaks, the Picos de Europa are incredibly rich in ecosystems and home to all sorts of interesting flora and fauna. As you might imagine, animals like wild boar, deer, martens, badgers, foxes and wolves inhabit the forests of this area, though it is quite rare to see them during the day. Large birds of prey - including several species of eagles, griffon vultures and even Egyptian vultures or a rare visitor, the Lammergeyer - can be seen soaring on high. And of course, the local farm animals are always on hand to make your day most enjoyable. ABOUT ARENAS DE CABRALES In this lively village and entrance gate to the Picos de Europa, local residents make their living from a mixture of agriculture (cheese-making) and tourism. Although the surrounding area has a truly mountainous feel to it, you will be surprised to note that the village of Arenas lies at an elevation of only 150m above sea level! Winters here tend to be mild and during summer, days can be very warm and humid. Nowadays the main road through the town is the commercial centre of the entire valley and has only modern buildings. But behind this modern façade some beautiful buildings and squares are hidden, some of which built ages ago by former noblemen. Just outside the town you’ll find the Romanesque church Santa Maria de Llas.

Meals: B,L

Today we have a quiet day to take in the majesty of the Picos de Europa, one of the most striking mountain ranges on the Iberian Peninsula, and indeed in all of Europe. Jagged limestone peaks pierce the horizon all around here, giving way to lush valleys and forests that are home to wild boar, deer, badgers and wolves, while eagles and vultures circle overhead. There’s an optional loop walk here in Arenas, along dirt roads and country lanes in the valley that at this time of year offers an impressive sampling of the local flora. The hotel will prepare a packed lunch for the hikers. Tonight we will dine on Asturian specialties at a cosy local tavern. Walk is approx 10km - 380m ascent/descent. Overnight: Hotel Picos de Europa, Arenas de Cabrales (or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

Further up we go into the gorgeous Picos, entering the protected zone of the National Park during a 20 min drive to Tielve, where we start walking up to Sotres, the highest village of the Picos de Europa. This walk is more demanding that we have previously experienced, with a steeper ascent along stony footpaths, but the reward is a gradually more encompassing and impressive view of the soaring Picos, including the iconic Picu Urriellu. On our way we’ll stop at a summer village where the local blue Cabrales cheese is made, the perfect place to enjoy our packed lunch. Later, we’ll check in to our gorgeous little hotel in Sotres, where will be treated to a sumptuous dinner. Walk is approx 9km - 575 m ascent and 250m descent. Overnight: Hotel Peña Castil, Sotres (or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

This morning there is time for a scenic but relatively easy loop walk around the village, mostly along gravel roads, through the high pastures and beech forests. In the afternoon we will visit cheesemaker Peña Main, founded by a young couple who are continuing the ancient family tradition of Cabrales blue cheese. This strong, soft cheese can only be made from milk produced in the Cabrales area, and has to matured at least two months in local caves to allow the natural penicillium to penetrate the cheese and work its magic. We will take a tour of the maturation cave, and of course have a tasting session at the end, accompanied with local cider. Walk is approx 6km - 330 m ascent/descent. Overnight stay, lunch pack and dinner: Hotel Peña Castil, Sotres (or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we will say goodbye to the Picos and drive east to the Basque Country, a four-hour drive that we’ll break up with a stop in the medieval fishermen’s port of Castro Urdiales for lunch. In Bilbao, enjoy a guided tour of the famed Guggenheim museum, an iconic building designed by Frank Gehry, totally covered in titanium and beautifully located on the banks of the river Nervion, with the enormous flowery “Puppy” by artist Jeff Koons watching over as you approach the building. Tonight, explore the bustling streets of Bilbao at your own pace before spending the night at the five-star Hotel Melia. Overnight: Hotel Melia, Bilbao (or similar)

Meals: B,L

After a free morning in Bilbao we will continue to San Sebastian, one of Spain’s most attractive and sophisticated cities. On our way we’ll stop in Getaria, a fishing port that has become synonymous with grilled turbot, an iconic dish that we will enjoy during a sumptuous lunch at one of the town’s best restaurants. After that it’s only a short drive to San Sebastian, the home of more Michelin stars per capita than any other area in Europe, and the heartland of traditional and modern Basque cuisine. San Sebastian’s Parte Vieja – the old town – and the neighbourhood of Gros are filled with pintxos bars, casual eateries where bite-sized food is elevated to an incredible level. To kick off our deep-dive into Basque gastronomy, we will sample some of the finest bites the city has to offer during a pintxos tour of the Parte Vieja, calling past traditional stalwarts, as well as bars pushing the boundaries with modern cuisine. And, of course, we’ll enjoy a few glasses of Rioja or local txakoli wine to wash it down. Overnight: Hotel Niza, San Sebastian (or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

Lace up your hiking boots this morning, because we’re heading out to walk another section of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrims’ trail. Beginning in the east of San Sebastian, we will hike along the rugged cliffs to the sleepy fishing village of Pasaia. Here, we’ll board a small local ferry, before enjoying a spectacular lunch at a seafood restaurant that has been plying its trade on the riverbank here for more than 135 years. After a bus ride back to San Sebastian (and a traditional siesta), we’ll spend tonight at a traditional Basque ciderhouse, enjoying a classic set-menu dinner of local favourites, along with all the cider you can drink, poured directly from the barrels – a unique Basque experience that can’t be missed. Overnight: Hotel Niza, San Sebastian (or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

We kick off today with a unique experience, joining a local San Sebastian chef for her morning trip to the local markets, to see where the Basque Country’s best produce is sourced (and enjoy a few snacks along the way). San Sebastian’s markets have been around for hundreds of years, and they’re both social gathering places and purveyors of the absolute finest meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables and cheeses. This afternoon, enjoy a private tasting of Basque wines at a local bar, with a few pintxos to match, before a truly memorable final group dinner at a high-end local restaurant. Overnight: Hotel Niza, San Sebastian (or similar)

Meals: B,D

Our journey comes to an end today in San Sebastian.

Meals: B