Green Spain Unveiled
A Culinary & Wine Journey from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela
This journey reveals the culinary and cultural riches of Spain’s Atlantic northwest — from the Cantabrian coast through Asturias and into the dramatic landscapes of Galicia. Anchovy fishing towns, mountain caves, cider houses, heroic vineyards and Michelin-starred kitchens combine in a tour of remarkable contrast.
Wild coastline meets limestone peaks in the Picos de Europa; ancient hillforts stand above Atlantic cliffs; small-scale vineyards cling to vertiginous slopes; and seafood, cider and mountain cheeses define a cuisine deeply rooted in place.
From elegant seaside hotels to historic monasteries and refined gastronomic temples, this is a journey through one of Spain’s most characterful and least-discovered regions.
What’s so special about Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia?
Green Spain overturns every stereotype. This is not flamenco country but misty mountains, Celtic echoes and fishing harbours that look toward the Bay of Biscay.
Cantabria offers refined seaside elegance and artisan food traditions — from the anchovies of Santoña to the modern wines of boutique estates such as Bodegas Vidular. Architectural flourishes in Comillas, including El Capricho, add unexpected artistic flair to the coastal scenery.
Asturias is a world of dramatic limestone peaks in the Picos de Europa, deep green valleys and powerful culinary identity. Cabrales cheese matures in mountain caves, cider is poured with theatrical flourish, and pre-Romanesque churches remind visitors of the region’s medieval importance.
Galicia shifts the mood once more: Atlantic harbours, ancient hillforts, and the spiritual grandeur of Santiago de Compostela, where pilgrims share granite streets with thriving food markets and taverns.
Beyond its cathedral, Santiago reveals a deep culinary soul, the food prepared with quiet confidence. Nearby, the green Val do Salnés pairs Atlantic-fresh shellfish with vibrant Albariño from its coastal vineyards. Here, wine and cuisine flow naturally together, a pure expression of land and sea.
Above all, this is a journey defined by authenticity — small producers, regional grape varieties, cider traditions and kitchens that honour land and sea in equal measure.
Payments Policy
Each tour has a deposit of $750 per person which is payable at booking. The balance of payment is due 90 days prior to the start of the tour.
WeTravel Payments
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new booking system, powered by the WeTravel platform. Our primary goal is to enhance your booking experience, making it simpler and more convenient, especially when it comes to payment via credit card.WeTravel is a highly respected booking and payments platform for group travel businesses, trusted by over 5,000 companies worldwide. We couldn't be happier to partner with them, knowing that they provide instant payment acceptance, efficient booking management, and global fund transfers.
Booking your next adventure with us is now smoother than ever. Tours will continue to be listed on our website as before. When you click ‘book now’ on the tour page you will transition to the new WeTravel booking page for that tour where you can select the package and options that you wish to book.
We highly recommend creating an account during the signup process. This enables you to track the status of your bookings and make any necessary changes whenever you need to. Rest assured, WeTravel respects your privacy and won't inundate you with marketing emails.
Payment Methods Once you've completed the familiar booking form, you can proceed to make secure online payments, currently available in 2 different ways:
credit card (which incurs a processing fee that varies according to the currency and location you are paying in, up to 2.9%)
bank debit transfer. Bank debit transfers occur when an account holder authorises an outside party to “pull” funds from their bank account. The recipient’s bank initiates the transfer of funds, not the sender’s bank. When a customer sets up this type of bank transfer to make a payment, they provide their name and account details to the recipient, who will then use the account information to pull funds from the sender’s account into their own.This is different from bank/ wire transfer where instead of the recipient’s account “pulling” money from the sender’s account, credit transfers work by “pushing” money from the sender’s bank account to the recipient’s.
If you prefer alternative payment methods such as cheques or Wise wire transfer, we're happy to accommodate these arrangements on request.
Non USA Payments
Most of our tours are listed in US dollars but if you want to pay in your local currency by the bank debit method then it is as easy as selecting the flag of your country’s currency on the top right of the window when you are making payment. Alternatively, you can request our $US account details to make a wire transfer from outside the USA.
2nd Participant Payments
A booking will only show under the account of the person who made the booking, not the second participant. There are 2 options for payment in this case -
You can pay together and handle the participant's payment outside of WeTravel.
You can share the login and each make payments with your preferred payment method.
Timings
The payment timing will stay the same, with a deposit of $750 pp payable at booking and the balance payable by 90 days before the tour starts. You will receive an automated reminder 30 days before the balance is due.We believe this new system will streamline your booking experience. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at info@iberianwinetours.com.
Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel your booking, you need to confirm the cancellation in writing by email or letter. If you contact Iberian Wine Tours prior to confirming your cancellation we can advise you of the cancellation charges applicable to your situation. The cancellation charge is based on the number of days prior to the starting day of the trip booked. The charges are per person cancelling, as follows:
90 days or more – loss of deposit
89-60 days or more – 25%
59-30 days – 50%
29 days or less – 100%
Refund Policy
From time to time, tours do not reach the minimum number of bookings necessary to make the trip viable. We reserve the right to cancel or alter a tour in these circumstances. If we cancel the tour or make substantial alterations, we will advise you at least 60 days before departure and will offer you alternative dates or a full refund.
Meeting Point: The Artist Hotel Bilbao, 09:30 Sunday 2nd May
Day 1 – Sunday 2nd May
We meet at the Artist Hotel, Bilbao at 09:30 and begin with a scenic drive to the breathtaking Cantabrian coast, stopping for a tasting of the region’s famed anchovies in the charming fishing town of Santoña. Continue inland to the hills for a visit to Bodegas Vidular, beautifully set in its natural surroundings, where you will enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting and lunch. Return to the Eurostars Hotel Real where we stay for 2 nights Finger food reception on the terrace. L/ D
Day 2 – Monday 3rd May
Start the day with a visit and tasting at Miradorio Winery, known for its excellent wines and picturesque location. We then pass through Comillas, home to great modernista houses including Gaudí’s El Capricho and on to fish restaurant lunch further down the coast at Sotavento in the lovely village of San Vicente de la Barquera, where fresh local cuisine awaits. Back to Santander where evening is free. B/L
Day 3 – Tuesday 4th May
The morning begins in the foothills of the Picos de Europa, with its rugged limestone peaks and deep green valleys. Visit the Cueva del Queso de Cabrales, where this iconic blue cheese is traditionally matured in the cool mountain caves. After the visit, enjoy a scenic drive through the Asturian countryside to Casa Eutimio, where refined preparations of the day’s freshest fish and seafood are paired with breathtaking ocean views. On to Oviedo, the historic capital of Asturias. Check in at the elegant Eurostars de la Reconquista for 2 nights, followed by a guided walk through Oviedo’s charming streets and squares. Free evening. B/L
Day 4 – Wednesday 5th May
This morning, we visit Mount Naranco and the pre-Romanesque churches of Santa Maria del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. We then enjoy an exclusive visit to El Gaitero, Spain’s most celebrated cider house, where generations of craftsmanship have shaped one of Asturias’ defining traditions.
We head to Casa Gerardo, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its refined interpretations of classic Asturian cuisine, for a gourmet lunch.
Back to Oviedo where the evening is free. B/L
Day 5 – Thursday 6th May
Travel for a morning visit to Bodega Monasterio de Corias, an estate rich in history and set within the striking landscapes of the DO Cangas wine region, known for its small-scale, traditional vineyards producing crisp, aromatic white wines and distinctive reds. Lunch is served at Sidrería Narcea, where traditional Asturian cider accompanies the local cuisine.
Check in to the magnificent Parador de Corias for an overnight stay. Housed in a former monastery and surrounded by the tranquil Asturian countryside, this remarkable property offers a striking blend of history, architecture, and contemporary comfort. This evening, enjoy a relaxed finger-food supper at the hotel. B/L/D
Day 6 – Friday 7th May
This morning, travel to the bodega of Verónica Ortega for a private visit and tasting in the renowned wine region of Bierzo. Discover expressive, terroir-driven wines that reflect the character of this distinctive landscape. Afterwards, enjoy a rustic lunch at Moncloa de San Lázaro before continuing to Santiago de Compostela. Check in to the historic Hotel Convento San Francisco for a two-night stay in the heart of the old town. Free evening B/L
Day 7 – Saturday 8th May
Today, journey into the picturesque Rías Baixas for a hands-on cookery class and lunch at Quinta de San Amaro. Under the expert guidance of celebrated Galician chef Rocío Garrido, uncover the culinary traditions of the region, where sea, land, and history come together in vibrant, seasonal dishes. Return to Santiago this afternoon for a guided walking tour of the atmospheric old town and its magnificent cathedral.
This evening, conclude your journey with a farewell dinner at A Tafona, a Michelin-starred jewel in the city’s historic quarter — the perfect finale to an unforgettable exploration of Galicia’s culture and cuisine. B/L/D
Day 8 – Sunday 9th May
After breakfast, the tour concludes. B
*Some visits are provisional
