The spectacular Picos de Europa in northern Spain
The spectacular Picos de Europa in northern Spain
Ben in Cudillero  | Ben Groundwater
Guggenheim detail
Try traditional pintxos (or tapas) at a bar in San Sebastian, Basque country, in Spain.
Try the local cabrales (blue cheese) and wash it down with natural cider in the Picos de Europa, Spain.
Views over Sotres in the Picos de Europa  | Ben Groundwater
Too perfect to eat!  | Ben Groundwater

Spain's Picos and Pintxoswith Ben Groundwater

Discover the tastes, trails and traditions of Northern Spain with the insider who knows them best.

12 Days from

$ USD

Trip Code: BGNS
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single supplement - BGNS
$1150 USD

Duration

  • 12 Days

Activities

  • Food and wine discovery
  • Behind the scenes visits
  • Day walks on the Camino Norte
  • Hiking in the Picos de Europa

Accommodation

  • 11 nights in a range of characterful hotels and guesthouses

Meals

  • 7 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 11 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

/ 10

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

31kg of CO2-e PP per day

(337kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Hosted by author, travel writer and long-time local Ben Groundwater whose connections unlock the flavours and stories of Northern Spain
  • Hike in the Picos de Europa, a pristine and little-known mountain range of jagged limestone peaks and wildflower valleys
  • Go behind the scenes with local producers, from cider and cheese makers in Asturias to San Sebastian’s markets and wine bars
  • Enjoy exclusive tastings and local connections made possible through Ben’s deep knowledge and time living in Northern Spain
  • Walk scenic sections of the Camino de Santiago, including the dramatic coastal trail to Pasaia and hidden inland paths in Asturias
  • Cultural explorations of Oviedo, Bilbao and San Sebastian, from Gothic cathedrals to avant-garde architecture

Overview

Get ready for an unbeatable blend of walking, wine and regional flavours on this exclusive food and hiking tour hosted by acclaimed Australian travel writer Ben Groundwater. From the rugged peaks of the Picos de Europa to the bustling pintxos bars of San Sebastián, this is a deeply personal journey into a part of Spain that Ben knows and loves – and can’t wait to share with you.

Over 12 days, you'll trace parts of the Camino, hike in Asturias’ mountains, dine at hand-picked local favourites, sip cider with cheesemakers and feast on fire-grilled seafood by the sea. You’ll follow in the footsteps of pilgrims, farmers, chefs and cheesemongers.

And the best part? You’re doing it all with a guide who’s not only an expert in Spanish culture, food and landscapes – but a host praised by past travellers as “smart, calm, fun and fabulously knowledgeable”. As one guest put it: “Perfect trip. Ben made it.”

An experience not to be missed, with just one departure in May 2026.

Itinerary

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Make your own way to the hotel in the elegant Asturian capital 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 medieval 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 a welcome dinner at a friendly local cider house 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 the charming fishing village of Cudillero, renowned for its picturesque fishing port, colourful facades, and a lighthouse overlooking the sea. 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 Camino del Norte, 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

We leave the coast and drive inland to Ortiguero, where we begin a scenic hike along the Camino Real, once used by traders and shepherds crossing the Cuera mountains. On a clear day, sweeping views of the Picos de Europa open ahead, our next destination. 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, a short drive then takes us to Arenas de Cabrales, nestled below soaring limestone peaks. Tonight, you’re free to explore the town. Overnight: Hotel Picos de Europa, Arenas de Cabrales (or similar)

Meals: B,L

Today is about soaking up the majesty of the Picos de Europa, where high limestone ridges tower over deep green valleys and glacial rivers. We’ll walk a quiet loop trail from town, passing beech woods and flower-rich meadows that are home to wild boar, deer, badgers and wolves, while eagles and vultures circle overhead. The hotel will prepare a packed lunch and 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

We drive into the heart of the National Park, beginning our walk in the stone village of Tielve, climbing steadily to reach Sotres, the highest village in the Picos. 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 charming little hotel in Sotres, run by friendly Asturian locals, where a warm meal and mountain hospitality awaits. Walk is approx 9km - 575 m ascent and 250m descent. Overnight: Hotel Peña Castil, Sotres (or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

Enjoy a gentle loop walk this morning through sheep-dotted highlands and beech forests, soaking up views of the Picos from all angles. Later 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

This morning we enjoy a spectacular drive out of the Picos and on to the Basque Country, where we’ll have free time to drop our bags and grab some lunch in Bilbao, before a guided tour of the famed Guggenheim museum, an iconic building designed by Frank Gehry. The museum is totally covered in titanium and beautifully located on the banks of the river Nervion, with the enormous flowery “Puppy” outside by artist Jeff Koons. You'll have time to see more of the museum after the tour and tonight, explore the bustling streets of Bilbao as you wish. Overnight: Hotel Abando, Bilbao (or similar)

Meals: B

After a free morning in Bilbao we will continue to Getaria, a fishing port famous for charcoal-grilled rodaballo (turbot) and crisp txakoli wine which we will experience with 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 Camino de Norte 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 since the 1880s. After a bus ride back to San Sebastian (and a traditional siesta), the evening is free to explore the streets and snacks of San Sebastian, with plenty of advice offered by Ben. Overnight: Hotel Niza, San Sebastian (or similar)

Meals: B,L

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. We’ve tasted the sea, the forest, the mountains as we've travelled from the peaks of the Picos de Europa to the golden beaches of San Sebastián.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • Hosted by Ben Groundwater
  • 11 nights in characterful hotels and guesthouses ranging 2 to 5 star with breakfast daily
  • 7 dinners and 5 lunches
  • Local guide for hiking days 3 through 7 inclusive
  • 3 packed lunches for picnics on hiking days in the Picos
  • Pintxos crawl in San Sebastian
  • Two walks on the ancient pilgrimage path, the Camino del Norte
  • Cabrales cheese cave tour in Sotres
  • Basque wine tasting at a local San Sebastian bar
  • Visit San Sebastian market with a local chef
  • Guided tour of the Tito Bustiello cave, Ribadesella, UNESCO listed for it's Palaeolithic art
  • Tour of sider house Asiego in Cabrales
  • Entrance fee & guided tour of the Guggenheim museum
  • Oviedo city tour
  • Private transport days 2 through 9

Not included

  • Travel to Oviedo and from San Sebastian
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Single supplement if staying in your own room
  • Public transport used on some days (allow EUR50)
  • Meals & drinks not noted on itinerary
  • Tips

About your guide

Ben Groundwater is one of Australia’s best-known travel and food writers, and someone who holds a deep passion for northern Spain after living for 18 months in the beautiful town of San Sebastian, and later exploring the natural wonders of Asturias.

Ben is a newspaper columnist with the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, a feature writer, a broadcaster, and the author of six books. He loves to combine his twin travel passions, active adventure and food, and is so excited to share the Basque culinary experiences that were most memorable during his time living in this unique area, along with the beauty of what he considers to be Europe’s most underrated region, Asturias

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