Northern Spain’s Artisan Cheese Traditions with Cheesemonger Madelyn Varela

Upon your arrival at Bilbao Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your private driver and enjoy a 1-hour drive through the lush northern landscape to the elegant Castilla Termal Solares 4*, a tranquil spa hotel nestled in the Cantabrian countryside. This will be your base from April 25 to April 30, offering proximity to some of northern Spain’s finest culinary and cultural experiences.

Upon settling in, you’ll be invited to enjoy a relaxed welcome happy hour on the hotel’s terrace or in the shaded El Bosque garden, featuring a selection of local cheeses and regional wines - a perfect introduction to the flavors of Cantabria and a moment to unwind after your journey.

In the early afternoon, embark on a 20-minute drive to the nearby coastal city of Santander for a private guided tour. Over the course of three hours, your expert guide will walk you through the city’s elegant streets, highlighting its maritime heritage, Belle Époque architecture, and vibrant local culture. From the seaside promenade to the historic city center, you’ll gain a local’s insight into one of Cantabria’s most charming destinations.

After the city tour, enjoy a welcome dinner at Cadelo restaurant in Santander, where you’ll have the chance to sample some of the region’s most distinctive cheeses and unwind in a welcoming atmosphere. Following dinner, a short 15-minute drive will take you back to your hotel in Solares. There, you might take a quiet stroll through the serene grounds or simply settle in for a restful night - an ideal end to your first day immersed in the charm and flavors of northern Spain.

*Happy hour and dinner included in today's itinerary.

Today, set off on a full-day journey through the Basque Country and rural Gipuzkoa, where world-class art, fine gastronomy, and centuries-old cheesemaking traditions come together in one enriching experience. With your private vehicle and driver at disposal, you'll travel comfortably between city and countryside, enjoying curated stops that highlight the region’s distinct cultural heritage.

Depart Solares for a 1-hour drive to Bilbao, where your day begins with a visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. A private guide will lead you through this architectural masterpiece during a two-hour tour. Inside, you’ll encounter cutting-edge contemporary art housed within the bold, flowing structure designed by Frank Gehry—an emblem of Bilbao’s cultural transformation.

Following the museum visit, enjoy a gourmet lunch at Asador Guetaria, one of Bilbao’s top dining spots, known for its refined Basque cuisine and elegant atmosphere. After lunch, continue your journey with a 1-hour drive into the heart of Idiazabal cheese country.

At Quesos Aranburu, you’ll take part in a hands-on cheesemaking experience, learning about the process behind this iconic Basque cheese, followed by a guided tasting of their rich and flavorful creations. From there, it’s a 10-minute drive to the nearby town of Segura, where you’ll visit the Ondarre Cheese Farm, a family-run producer known for its commitment to sustainability and quality. The tour here offers further insight into small-scale artisanal production - and of course, more exceptional cheese to taste.

After a full day of discovery, depart Segura in the early evening for a 2-hour scenic return drive to your hotel in Solares. You’ll return with a deeper appreciation for the artistry, flavor, and enduring traditions that define the Basque countryside.

*Breakfast and lunch included in today's itinerary. 

Today’s journey takes you into the heart of La Rioja Alavesa, Spain’s most iconic wine region, where architecture, heritage, and viticulture come together in spectacular form. With a private driver and vehicle at your disposal, you'll travel comfortably between two of the region’s most celebrated wineries, experiencing the full richness of Rioja’s landscape and flavors.

Depart Solares in the morning for a 2-hour scenic drive south into the rolling vineyard-covered hills of La Rioja. Your first stop is the legendary Marqués de Riscal, a name synonymous with innovation and excellence in Spanish winemaking. Here, you'll enjoy a private 90-minute tasting and tour, exploring both the historic winery and the striking Frank Gehry-designed City of Wine- a bold architectural statement that blends tradition and modernity in unforgettable fashion.

Following your visit, a short 20-minute drive takes you to Solar de Samaniego, a winery that fuses wine, literature, and art into a deeply immersive experience. Begin with a guided tasting of their signature wines, followed by a leisurely lunch served on-site, where local dishes are thoughtfully paired with the estate's acclaimed vintages. The setting, a former winery-turned-cultural space, offers a memorable backdrop for one of the trip’s most flavorful meals.

After lunch, sit back and relax on the scenic 2-hour drive back to Solares, returning in the early evening. Upon arrival at the hotel, enjoy a relaxed and social cheeseboard-making class hosted by Madelyn - an ideal happy hour-style gathering to wind down the day. This activity includes drinks, service, and all the supplies for the cheeseboard. Some may consider this dinner, but if you’re still hungry after, you may enjoy dinner either right at the hotel’s restaurant or venture out to Santander for a meal in the city.

*Breakfast and lunch included in today's itinerary.

Today’s full-day excursion provides an authentic taste of Cantabria’s artisanal heritage, taking you deep into the region’s rural heart and along its picturesque coastline. With a private driver and vehicle at your disposal, you’ll enjoy a seamless journey between three of Cantabria’s most cherished culinary traditions: cheesemaking, cider tasting, and anchovy preservation.

Your day begins with a scenic 30-minute drive from Solares to the mountain village of La Jarradilla, home to one of the region’s most beloved artisan cheese producers. Here, you’ll take part in a guided tour and tasting, learning about traditional cheese production and sampling their signature creations made from local cow’s milk.

Next, a 40-min drive brings you to Sidrería 45 Amigos, an atmospheric cider house where time-honored techniques and lively flavors come together. You’ll enjoy a tasting experience, discovering the art of natural cider production and sipping straight from the barrel, as locals have done for generations.

Following the tasting, a 15-minute transfer takes you to Restaurante César, a coastal favorite known for its welcoming ambiance and regional cuisine. Lunch is included and will feature seasonal dishes that showcase the best of Cantabria’s land and sea.

After lunch, continue with a short 15-minute drive to Santoña, a charming fishing village famed for its anchovy tradition. Here, you’ll embark on an immersive experience that includes a guided visit to a traditional anchovy cannery, where you’ll witness the meticulous, hand-filleting process behind this iconic delicacy.

The visit is complemented by a scenic boat ride along the coast, offering a fresh perspective on the town’s maritime heritage and natural beauty.

Finally, enjoy a 25-minute drive back to Solares, where your evening is free to relax after a day rich in flavor, craftsmanship, and coastal charm.

*Breakfast and Lunch, and evening cheese board included in today's itinerary

On your final full day in northern Spain, set out on a journey through coastal Cantabria and the mountains of Asturias, where art, architecture, and tradition converge in a fitting tribute to the region’s diverse cultural landscape. With a private driver and vehicle at your disposal, today’s route combines heritage, nature, and a final taste of the rural charm that defines this part of Spain.

Begin with a 1-hour drive to the elegant seaside town of Comillas, known for its noble past and striking architecture. Your visit includes an in-depth exploration of El Capricho de Gaudí, one of Antoni Gaudí’s earliest works and a brilliant example of his whimsical, nature-inspired style. As you tour the building and surrounding gardens, you’ll see how Gaudí’s imaginative vision shaped even his earliest designs - setting the stage for the architectural genius he would become.

Continue inland with a 1-hour drive to the tranquil village of Buelles, where a lunch reservation awaits you at La Sauceda. Here you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Asturian cuisine in a peaceful riverside setting surrounded by forested hills.

In the afternoon, travel another 1-hour drive to the Fundación Cabrales Cheese Caves, tucked into the limestone landscape of Asturias. Here, you’ll descend into the natural caves where Cabrales cheese is aged - a remarkable sensory experience that reveals the centuries-old process behind this famous, blue-veined cheese. Your visit includes a guided tour and tasting, offering insight into one of the region’s most iconic products.

Return to Solares with a 1.5-hour drive through scenic mountain roads, arriving back at your hotel with time to rest before the evening’s festivities.

To mark the end of your northern Spain journey, gather for a farewell dinner in the El Bosque garden of your hotel. Surrounded by trees and candlelight, enjoy a final meal that reflects the region’s flavors and spirit - celebrating the memories, friendships, and discoveries made along the way.

*Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included in today's itinerary

On your final day, you’ll have a final farewell breakfast with your travel companions, check out of your hotel in Solares and be transferred by private vehicle to Bilbao Airport, a 1-hour drive.

Sit back and enjoy the ride through Cantabria’s rolling green landscapes one last time. As you depart northern Spain, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable journey - from coastal towns and mountain villages to vineyard dinners and cheese-filled cellars. You’ve experienced the flavors, traditions, and quiet beauty that make this corner of Spain so unique.

If you would like to extend your trip in Spain, just reach out to our trip manager and she'll create a custom itinerary for you.

*Breakfast included in today's itinerary

Inclusions Overview:

• Accommodation: 5-night stay at Castilla Termal Solares
• Private Transportation with driver for all scheduled tours and transfers
• A local expert guide and all fees for activities and tours
• 11 Meals, as outlined in the daily itinerary details below
• Cheese and wine tastings
  
  *please note that flights and meals not described in the itinerary are not included in this package.

Travel Dates
April 25-30, 2026

Price

Double occupancy: $4800 USD per person
Single occupancy: $5200 USD per person
*optional upgrade available to superior room category for $150 per room.

Payment Schedule

• $100 per room due at time of booking to secure your space.
• $2015 per room due December 30, 2025
• Remaining Balance due March 6, 2025
  

Group Size and Minimum Requirement

This trip is designed for a group of 12-25 travelers. The trip will proceed only if a minimum of 12 participants is reached. If the minimum number of travelers do not book and make a deposit, this trip will be cancelled and rescheduled.

Health and Mobility Considerations

Participants should be in good physical condition as some activities require moderate walking. If you have mobility restrictions or need special accommodations, please inform us in advance.

Weather Conditions

Weather may impact outdoor activities. In case of adverse weather, alternative arrangements will be made.

Passenger Deposit, Cancellation, and Payment Schedule: 

• A non-refundable deposit of $100 USD per room is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. This deposit will be applied toward the final balance of your trip. If the trip is cancelled, you can apply this deposit to any future itinerary with Vacationeeze.
• Deposit of $2015 USD per room due: December 30, 2025
• Remaining Balance due: Friday, March 6th, 2026.
• Cancellation policy: All amounts paid are non-refundable. All cancellations are non refundable and result in the forfeiture of any payments made. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against losses in unforeseen circumstances.
• Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Please book in advance to secure your preferred bedding.

Legal Disclaimer

By booking this tour, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined. The tour provider reserves the right to modify or cancel any part of the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. The provider is not liable for personal injury, loss, or damages during the trip.