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Delightful Inns of North SpainExploring the Asturias and Rioja Route: Collia (3 nights), La Pereda (2 nights), Samaniego (3 nights), Bilbao (1 night) Arrival: On arriving in Bilbao, after two nights on board the ferry from Portsmouth, head west to the green, rugged Sueve Sierra: the foothills to the west of the Picos de Europa. Accommodation: La Posada del Valle (3*), Collia, is your first base, run by Nigel and Joann Burch who have extensive knowledge of this lovely area. The posada is peacefully situated on its own 18-acre organic farm, high on the south-facing slopes of a small valley. The converted farmhouse is a hundred-year-old stone building with superb views of the mountains, and the restaurant prides itself on the imaginative use of fresh local ingredients to produce excellent regional cuisine. Activities such as canoeing, rafting, fishing and horse riding are all available locally. Day 1: Spend the day walking (see day 2 for suggestions) or explore the western end of the Picos de Europa by car, enjoying wonderful mountain views and the coastal towns and beaches. The fishing port of Llanes has a range of historical sites, and there is a fine cliff walk with views across the Cantabrian Sea. There are many beaches along the Llanes coastline, and further west on the Sella estuary lies Ribadesella, an interesting blend of modern resort town and ancient port. Nearer to hand are prehistoric cave paintings at the caves of Tito Bustillo.
Day 3: Your journey continues heading east following along the coast to a tiny hamlet, La Pereda, near the attractive fishing port of Llanes.
Day 6 : Make the drive to La Rioja, and the Palacio de Samaniego in the wine-producing region of the same name. , and there are many vineyards and bodegas which offer tastings. The Rioja Wine Museum, at Bretón de los Herreros, explains all you could ever want to know about Rioja wines – which compete with the best in the world, improving as they age in oak casks.
Day 7: There are various satisfying walks around Samaniego, wandering through vineyards and fields with far-reaching views, and opportunities to explore the local pretty villages and churches, and sample their restaurants. Full details of different options are provided with your holiday notes. Accommodation: The Palacio de Samaniego
Accommodation: Iturrienea Ostatua (2*) Prices 2008:
Start: any day, subject to ferries which depart every third day Please contact us if you require travel advice > Any queries? Let us call you back > Booking |
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Discover four delightfully varied areas on this journey. You'll enjoy the refreshing contrast between the verdant landscape and steep mountains of Asturias, the rugged coastline and sandy coves of the Costa Verde, and the gentle, wine-producing areas of la Rioja. You stay in atmospheric inns, where traditional buildings have been lovingly restored to create welcoming accommodation.
Day 2: There are many satisfying walks around Collia – your hosts will provide plenty of suggestions. One is the Collia circuit to Mirador del Fito (3hrs 30mins) – a splendid viewpoint and the start of a walk affording magnificent panoramas across the Cantabrian mountains, including the Picos de Europa and the coast. You can extend the walk with a climb up the Pico Pienzu. Look out for the semi-wild Asturcon ponies, which are native to these hills. An alternative is the Collia Circuit to La Vega Beach (5hrs) – a gentle descent through the Sierra del Fito, amongst pine and eucalyptus trees, with tempting glimpses of the coast until your eventual arrival on the beach – where there are three bars, so at least one should be open to offer refreshment!
Day 4 & 5 : You’re well-placed here to explore the spectacular Cares and Hermida gorges in the Piccos mountains. Both are within easy reach by car and the glorious Asturian coast is only a 30-minute stroll away.
Day 6: You’ll probably want to explore Laguardia, capital of Rioja Alavesa, This walled town of cobbled streets and historic buildings grew up around the castle built as a defence against the Moorish invasion. Look out for the church of Santa María de los Reyes with its ornately carved Gothic doorway and well-preserved 17th century paintings. The settlement of Hoya, with origins in 1500 BC, lies just outside Laguardia, and the caves of Faido and Laño sheltered even earlier prehistoric inhabitants of the area. Again, you may like to visit some of the local bodegas. Villa Lucia is an excellent wine museum with exhibitions explaining the process and history of wine-production, as well as tastings. 
Day 8: Drive back to Bilbao. The centre is relatively compact, and it's easiest and most enjoyable to explore on foot. The metro is also an efficient and cheap way of travelling round the city. Don't miss the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Californian architect Frank Gehry on the banks of the Nervión in the heart of the city – the building, clad with shimmering titanium, resembles a huge metallic flower. There are 19 galleries, a permanent collection of works by international artists from 1960 onwards and a programme of temporary exhibitions. Bilbao’s other highlights lie in the old town, an attractive area lined with ancient mansions and interesting small shops and boutiques. Nearby is the arcaded Plaza Nueva, where an open-air market is held on Sunday mornings. Also worthy of interest is the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, a stopping point for pilgrims in the Middle Ages on their journey to Santiago de Compostela. Art lovers may also want to visit the Museo de Bellas Artes – one of Spain’s more important galleries, with works by Goya, El Greco, Veláquez and modern Basque artists.