Northern Spain
Itinerary
July 23-Aug 2, 2026
Day 1: Mountains & Meet-and-Greet
Welcome to Madrid! We will meet all travellers at their prearranged arrival halls in Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, based on the terminal they arrive in, at noon. From there, we begin our journey north toward the mountains and the quiet beauty of Brañosera.
Midway through the drive, about an hour and a half in, we stop in Segovia to admire its colossal Roman aqueduct. Nearly two thousand years old and still standing without mortar, its soaring arches are a powerful reminder of ancient engineering and endurance. We will take time to stretch our legs, wander, and take it all in before continuing north for the final leg of the journey.
After almost three hours on the road, we arrive in Brañosera, officially the oldest municipality in Spain. Here, we settle into Casa Dulcinea, a charming shared stone house. You will find rustic wooden beams, cozy common spaces, and mountain views throughout the home. The communal kitchen will be stocked with local snacks, drinks, and regional delicacies at all times. Living areas are shared and the rooms are comfortable.
A light welcome dinner will be served, followed by a brief orientation to the home, including room assignments and an overview of shared spaces. You can expect local cheeses, tortilla española, warm bread, a fresh garden salad, and a simple seasonal stew or soup. Nourishing, unfussy, and perfect after a day of travel.
Useful Spanish phrase for the day? Encantado or encantada which means nice to meet you!
Useful Spanish phrase for the day? Encantado or encantada which means nice to meet you!
Day 2: Medieval Mornings & Mountain Meanders
- Begin the day with breakfast at Casa Dulcinae, followed by your first full morning language class with Aurora, an English teacher from Madrid whose family owns a 600 year old house in Brañosera. After class, set out on a guided walk through Brañosera, considered the first municipality in Spain, where the medieval fuero, or charter, was first granted. You will visit the stone built church, town hall, village fountains, and walk a few minutes of La Pedrosa path. We will walk guests through the area, pointing out tucked away corners, bars and local favourites, including El Pozo Merino, a hidden swimming hole known only to locals and accessible to those feeling a little adventurous We will treat everyone to lunch at Un Mundo Raro. Owned by a Mexican and Venezuelan family, this welcoming spot is known for its excellent quesadillas and margaritas. While it is not regional cuisine, it is delicious, authentic, and much loved by locals and visitors alike. After lunch, guests will have a few free hours to explore, relax, visit a local bar, or walk the much loved local path to Barruelo, following whatever pace and curiosity feels right. In the evening, gather for a cozy dinner at Casa Dulcinea. Spanish Session: Village Vocabulary Topic: Town Amenities & Simple Conversations Castellano Examples • “Dónde está la fuente?” - Where is the fountain? • “Es un pueblo muy tranquilo.” - It’s a very peaceful village. • “Podemos caminar por el sendero?” - Can we walk along the path? • “Qué recomienda para comer?” - What do you recommend to eat?
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Day 3: Cliffs & Cathedrals
The day begins at Casa Dulcinea with breakfast, followed by morning language class. Most days, breakfast will begin around 8:30, with class running from approximately 9:00 to 11:00, creating a gentle and consistent rhythm for the week. After class, we set out for Orbaneja del Castillo, a journey of roughly one and a half hours through changing mountain and valley landscapes. This remarkable village is built directly around a cascading waterfall that flows through its centre, winding between stone pathways and honey coloured houses that cling to dramatic cliffs. Guests will have time to explore freely, wander the village, grab lunch at a local restaurant, hike nearby paths, or simply sit and take in the scenery at their own pace. Our guests are always welcome to pack lunches from the house for excursions or choose to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. We are always happy to recommend options based on timing, location, and personal preference. From Orbaneja del Castillo, we continue on to Burgos, an important city along the Camino de Santiago and one of northern Spain’s most significant cultural centres. The city is crowned by its UNESCO listed Gothic cathedral, widely regarded as one of the most magnificent in Spain, celebrated for its soaring spires, intricate sculpted façades, and luminous interior. Dinner upon return to Casa Dulcinea. Spanish Session: Landscapes & Landmarks: • “La cascada es impresionante.” - The waterfall is impressive. • “La catedral es del estilo gótico.” - The cathedral is Gothic in style. • “Vamos a sacar unas fotos.” - Let’s take some photos. • “Cuánto cuesta la entrada?” - How much is the ticket?
Day 4: Beaches & Below-Ground Wonders
We will set out early today, aiming to depart at approximately 7:30. Coffee will be served at the house and we will bring a continental breakfast for the road. The drive to our first destination is about an hour. We arrive at Playa de Berellín, a beloved cove known for its shallow turquoise water, rocky natural arches, and dramatic cut out stone formations. Your morning language class takes place right on the beach, followed by time for swimming, relaxed provided beach games, and enjoying the wild coastal landscape. We will have coolers on hand stocked with sandwich fixings, drinks, and snacks for those who wish to picnic. There is also a lovely nearby bar where guests may choose to enjoy a burger and a glass of wine while taking in the view of the sculpted rock formations and sea. From the coast, we continue on to the extraordinary El Soplao Caves, famous for their rare eccentric crystal formations that appear to defy gravity. The caves are known for their glowing mineral textures and otherworldly atmosphere. The guided tour is conducted in Spanish, with Aurora offering support and context along the way. Later in the afternoon, we spend time wandering the seaside town of San Vicente de la Barquera, with space to explore, shop, or simply sit with a drink and watch the waves. Dinner this evening is wherever guests choose on their adventure. After free time, we will meet back at the transportation and return to Casa Dulcinea together. Spanish Session: Sea and Sun Vocabulary • “El agua está fría.” - The water is cold. • “Hay mucha marea.” - The tide is strong. • “Quisiera un helado, por favor.” - I would like an ice cream, please.
Day 5: Medieval Magic & Maritime Majesty
The day begins with coffee at the house, followed by a continental breakfast on the road as we set out from Brañosera. The drive to Santillana del Mar takes approximately one hour and forty five minutes, carrying us from mountain landscapes into one of northern Spain’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns.
Santillana del Mar is often called “the town of three lies,” because it is neither holy (santo), nor flat (llana), nor by the sea (mar). Its cobblestone streets, stone façades, and historic homes feel wonderfully frozen in time. Guests will have free time here to explore, shop, wander, or enjoy a relaxed meal at their own pace. We will reconvene at the transportation before continuing on together.
From Santillana del Mar, we travel onward to Santander. Here, Aurora leads a language session in a grassy park overlooking the Palacio de La Magdalena, the former summer residence of the Spanish royal family. The palace sits dramatically above the sea on a peninsula, offering sweeping coastal views and a striking contrast to the medieval streets of the morning.
After class, we visit the lighthouse in Santander and gather for a casual tapas lunch, our treat. Expect local favourites such as calamari, fries, and other simple seaside dishes, enjoyed with views of the water before beginning our return journey.
We arrive back in Brañosera in the evening for supper at the house. Dinner will be light, comforting, and local, with offerings such as soup or stew, fresh bread, salads, and a selection of meats and cheeses.
Spanish Session: History and City Scenes
• “Es un pueblo medieval muy bien conservado.” - It is a very well preserved medieval town.
• “El palacio tiene vistas increíbles.” - The palace has incredible views.
• “Dónde está la parada del autobús?” - Where is the bus stop?
• “Quisiera una entrada, por favor.” - I would like one ticket, please.
Day 6: Fresh Markets & Fortresses
The day begins at Casa Dulcinea with breakfast and language class, giving everyone a relaxed start before venturing out.
We then travel to Aguilar de Campoo, timed perfectly for its Tuesday outdoor market. Here, food stalls brim with local cheeses, fresh produce, and artisan goods. Guests will have time to wander, shop, and enjoy a café lunch. We will point out excellent local cafés and highlight the Roman bridge and arch, providing context and history as we stroll through the town.
Following the market, we will visit the local monastery, I.E.S. Santa María la Real Aguilar De Campoo, which also functions as a high school. Here, guests will see one of the natural wonders of Spain: the surrounding fields of sunflowers stretching toward the horizon. Guests will have time to explore, take photographs, or simply enjoy the scenery before continuing on.
From there, we head to Argüeso Castle, a formidable stone fortress dominating the valley. Its restored towers and walls rise dramatically above the surrounding landscape, offering sweeping views of the mountains and countryside. Once a strategic stronghold, the castle showcases the region’s medieval architecture and defensive ingenuity. Guests will have time to explore the grounds and admire its commanding presence before returning to Brañosera.
Dinner will be served at Casa Dulcinea, featuring comforting, local fare to end the day.
Spanish Session: Shopping and Market Talk
• “Cuánto cuesta esto?” - How much is this?
• “Me puede hacer un descuento?” - Can you give me a discount?
• “Está muy fresco.” - It’s very fresh.
• “Quisiera medio kilo de queso.” - I’d like half a kilo of cheese.
Day 7: Museums & Michelin Dreams
The day begins at Casa Dulcinea with a tailored in-house language class before we set out for Bilbao about 2 hours away. Our destination is the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, whose gleaming titanium curves appear to unfold like a ship along the river. Inside, contemporary works by artists such as Jeff Koons, Richard Serra, and Anish Kapoor transform perceptions of space and scale, making the museum a landmark of innovation in both architecture and art.
From Bilbao, we continue just over an hour to San Sebastián, a global gastronomic capital where chefs like Juan Mari Arzak, Elena Arzak, and Martín Berasategui have redefined modern cuisine. Guests will enjoy a hotel stay in San Sebastián for the evening; Casa Dulcinea remains our home base, so guests need only pack what is needed for the trip, leaving the rest safely at home.
We will begin our evening with a guided pintxos crawl, treating each guest to a pintxo and a beverage of their choice at the first stop. Guests will discover both the local highlights and insider favourites, sampling bite-sized culinary masterpieces from grilled octopus to slow-braised veal cheeks. After this introduction, guests are welcome to continue exploring and make their way back to the hotel at their leisure.
Spanish Session: Art and Appetite Vocabulary
• “Es una obra muy moderna.” - It’s a very modern artwork.
• “Recomiéndame un pintxo.” - Recommend a pintxo to me.
• “Está delicioso.” - It’s delicious.
• “La cuenta, por favor.” - The bill, please.
Day 8: Shores & Strolls
Today is a day of complete self-direction in San Sebastián. We will skip morning class in favour of adventure and exploration, allowing guests to experience the city as they choose. A map of the city will be provided to help navigate landmarks, neighborhoods, and hidden gems.
Guests can relax on La Concha, regarded as one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the world, shaped like a perfect shell and framed by elegant Belle Époque architecture. For those feeling active, there is an easy hike up Monte Urgull, offering panoramic views of the city and coastline. The historic old town invites wandering through narrow streets, boutique shops, cafés, and gelaterias. Guests may also explore the harbour, the Basilica of Santa María del Coro, the casino, and local markets.
All meals are on your own today. San Sebastián is a gastronomic mecca, so there is no concern about finding delightful options from pintxos bars to seaside cafés, churros with thick hot chocolate, or casual bites at the market. Guests can set their own pace, lingering at favourite spots or returning to the hotel to rest before the evening.
Spanish Session: Beach Life and City Navigation
• “Dónde está La Concha?” - Where is La Concha?
• “Quiero alquilar una sombrilla.” - I’d like to rent an umbrella.
• “Está muy concurrido hoy.” - It’s very busy today.
• “Cómo llego al centro?” - How do I get to the center?
Day 9: Gaudi & Green Hills
Morning class at our hotel. Then drive to Comillas to visit El Capricho de Gaudí, one of the very few Gaudí masterpieces found outside Catalonia. Its playful ceramic sunflowers, curving lines, and whimsical details feel like entering the imagination of the artist himself.
Return to Brañosera for dinner at San Roque.
Spanish Session: Architecture & Admiration
Castellano Examples
• “Es una obra de Gaudí.” - It’s a work by Gaudí.
• “Qué detalles tan originales.” - What unique details.
• “Me encanta este estilo.” - I love this style.
• “Podemos entrar?” - Can we go inside?
Day 10: Celebration & Camino
Our final full day is a fun and flexible one, with direction left entirely up to our adventurers. The morning begins with a language workshop with Aurora, including wrap-up activities, confidence-building conversation practice, and certificates of completion.
For those who wish to walk a section of the Camino, we will set out together, enjoying a gentle stroll through one of the beloved Northern towns. If the weather is favourable, we may also take a trip to our other favourite beach, Oyambre, for sun, sea, and scenic views. The pace and adventures of the day are entirely dictated by the group, allowing everyone to enjoy their last full day as they wish.
We conclude the trip with a festive farewell dinner at El Pájaro if we go to the beach, served beachside family-style, or in-house at Casa Dulcinea if we stick closer to home, celebrating a week of discovery, learning, and connection.
Spanish Session: Wrap-Up Expressions
• “Lo pasé muy bien.” - I had a great time.
• “Aprendí mucho esta semana.” - I learned a lot this week.
• “Gracias por todo.” - Thank you for everything.
• “Hasta la próxima.” - Until next time.
Day 11: Goodbyes & Going Home
On our final day, we begin with breakfast at Casa Dulcinea, followed by packing, final photos, and heartfelt goodbyes. We will leave Brañosera at 11:00 for the approximately three hour and forty minute drive back to Madrid.
Along the way, we will recommend things to see and places to stay in Madrid, helping guests make the most of their onward travel. This marks the conclusion of our journey together, leaving everyone with memories of mountains, beaches, medieval towns, and the warmth of shared experiences.