Coasts of Spain Tour: Atlantic to Mediterranean

The resort town of San Sebastian sits snugly in the Bay of Biscay in the Basque Country of Spain. Its pristine promenade frames the popular beaches of Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, both of which present soft shorelines and forested headlands. After checking in to your delightful suite at an endearing beach resort, you will enjoy a guided tour of San Sebastian’s culinary culture. The cobblestoned town is laden with vibrant restaurants and trendy boutique stores. Here, you may both delve into the history and gastronomic highlights of Spain and shop to your heart's content.

The medieval Christian Pilgrimage route of St. James Way wraps around the forest-coated headlands of San Sebastian and offers hikers a chance to see the landscape from an incredible vantage point. By strolling this comfortable trail, you will find yourself admiring the idyllic vistas of the Basque Coast and weaving toward spectacles of the picturesque fishing port of Pasajes. A sumptuous seafood lunch on the waterfront will culminate your day. Afterward, you can sit back and relax to the sounds of the rolling sea.

With a taste of the Basque Coast still lingering since yesterday, you will explore more of the breathtaking region during a guided tour of the surrounding landscape. Atop the rocky mountain of Mount Hernio, the sun-washed valleys sweep toward the horizon. By continuing through the narrow roads that zigzag across the Basque Country, you will arrive at Zumaia, where the craggy cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean and eventually stop at Getaria. Here, a medieval charm is reflected in the century-old buildings.

Chaperoned by a private guide, you will cross the French border to explore more of the Basque Country beyond Spain. In Biarritz, surfers and affluent visitors get cozy on the sun-soaked shores of this royal vacation destination. Shrouded in stories of pirates and fishermen, the small fishing village of Saint Jean de Luz is where you will gain a treasure chest of historical insight. Its history is only overshadowed by the most beautiful Basque town of Hondarribia, a medieval locale veiled in fragrant flowers.

The city of Barcelona glows as the sun washes over its antique architecture, illuminating the stone arches and cathedral spires that reach toward the clouds. In the Catalonian city, trees line long boulevards where locals leisurely stroll, and markets are riddled with people. Something is happening wherever you look, and you will delight in the sights, sounds, and smells from the convenience of a bicycle. During your 2-wheel tour, you will follow a knowledgeable guide to Roman ruins, cathedrals, and manicured parks across the city.

Barcelona cannot be explored in a day; it is simply too big and too populated with iconic landmarks, requiring additional time to experience its highlights. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will arrive beneath the marvelous facade of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece work. The multi-colored mosaics of Park Guell will dazzle you, and the glimmering spires of La Sagrada Familia will tug at your heartstrings, proving the visionary architect's work is worth its deep-rooted legacy.

The Balearic Islands are a global hotspot, but Minorca has managed to mostly stay below the radar in comparison to neighboring destinations, such as Ibiza. The lack of major attention is one of the major advantages of visiting the idyllic island because it does not lack in staggering beauty and boasts fewer tourist crowds. Pearl-white shores and turquoise water is surrounded by jagged headlands, presenting picture-perfect moments by the sea. As you step onto the shore and dig your toes into the soft sand, you will feel completely at peace among the serene scenes.

Although Minorca is quieter than neighboring islands, people still flock to the gorgeous beaches to relax and unwind. Today, you will avoid the crowds and delight in a truly special experience of horseback riding along the Ciutadella coast. As you navigate the path with an experienced guide, you will witness the waves crash against the rocky coastline and hear the sounds of birds. With no one in sight and only the natural environment surrounding you, you will feel worlds away from everything.

Having explored the natural beauty of Minorca’s landscape, the seascape will be calling your name today. As the sunshine pours over the sea, it will flicker as if diamonds had been sprinkled across it. Your private skipper will welcome you aboard their ship in the morning for you to enjoy a luxurious cruise around the island. You will sail to hideaway caves that have been cut into the craggy cliffs.

Below the Mediterranean sun, you will feel all your stresses fade in the invigorating embrace of its golden rays. Lounging on the velvety sand, your day will be spent freely basking up the relaxation that exudes from this incredible destination. With nowhere else to be in the world, you can allow your mind to drift off as you appreciate the tranquil serenity of the coastline and sea. Minorca will be yours to explore on your final full day on the Mediterranean Sea.

Although your journey has almost come to an end, there will be a few more moments to lap up the surreal charm of Minorca before hopping on your plane home. Whether you wish to grab a quick bite to eat at a stellar breakfast spot or bask in the balmy sea one last time, you can use every last minute you can to enjoy your final morning in Spain.