Mietwagenrundreise "Auf den Spuren des Jakobswegs"

About the destination: Bilbao is the capital of Biscay in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. The city is situated on the banks of the Nervión, a tidal river. Bilbao was till the 90s a grey big industrial town, the economical heart of the Basque Country. But since the opening of a new Guggenheim Museum by the river, the city has become an arty and stylish city and is now a major touristic destination. The main attraction that put Bilbao on the map was the construction of the Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry, it is now one of Spain’s most visited attractions. The building is impressive and there are some very interesting sculptures outside the museum and in the atrium. Centred on the Plaza Nueva, a busy and colourful square, and the Santiago Cathedral the old quarter of Bilbao is pretty compact and a walk around its streets doesn't take long. The impressive church of San Nicolas, built in 1743 in honour of the sailors from Bilbao, stands at the entrance to the Casco Viejo. Located in the very heart of Bilbao's old centre, the cathedral of Bilbao is the oldest church in the city and the main Gothic construction in Biscay. Vital and exciting Bilbao is famous for its great food, its culture and its active nightlife.

About the destination: San Sebastian is the capital of the province of Guipuzcoa. It became a popular touristic destination in the late XIX century thanks to Queen Christina of Austria, who spent her summers there. The beauty of the city and its gastronomy are two of its main tourist attractions. La Concha Bay presides over the city flanked by the Monte Igeldo and Monte Urgull. Facing La Concha is the Island of Santa Clara, where the lighthouse is located and it is accessible by boat from El Puerto. To the left of La Concha we find Ondarreta beach and at the far end of it, we have the set of sculptures “Comb of the Wind" by Eduardo Chillida. The old town, located at the foot of Monte Urgull between the port and the mouth of the Urumea, comes alive each evening when tapas and Basque specialities such as shellfish, seafood and squid specialities, can be enjoyed in local bars. The old town displays a Belle Époque splendour that will amaze all visitors. The city is home to the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Quincena Musical, among other important events, that attract spectators coming from all over the world. Elegant, sophisticated and with a fin-de-siècle feel to it, San Sebastian is considered one of Spain’s most beautiful cities.

About the destination: The ancient capital of Navarra, a medieval kingdom with Basque roots, performs a quick-change act for the Fiesta de San Fermín or the Running of the Bulls, Spain’s most wildly celebrated festival and Pamplona’s irresistible attraction. But Pamplona has many other interesting things to do and explore in Pamplona for the traveller since it is the first main city on the route of the St. James's Trail. Pamplona has a beautiful medieval city centre, an impressive citadel, several museums, great wines and gastronomy and lots of green spaces. Pamplona’s citadel is very well kept and one of the best examples of a Renaissance's fortification in Europe. Surrounded by a massive park, nowadays its interior holds art exhibitions and occasional cultural events, especially during the summer months. The Plaza del Castillo is the principal square in the centre of the city where you will find lots of bars and cafés, the Teatro Principal and the seat of the council of Navarra. Located in the old town area of Santo Domingo, near the start of the famous bull run, is the interesting Museo de Navarra, displaying a collection of altarpieces and religious artwork from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria La Real is the main religious building of the city. The Cathedral combines a neoclassical façade with a Gothic interior. Pamplona's history and monuments make it a very attractive city. The city has two universities, which help keep the city vibrant and cultural.

About the destination: Estella (Spanish) or Lizarra (Basque) is a town located in the autonomous community of Navarre, in northern Spain. It lies south west of Pamplona, close to the border with La Rioja and Álava. The town was founded in 1090 when the place, lying by the fortified settlement of Lizarra, was granted a charter by the Pamplonese king Sancho Ramirez. The town became a landmark in the Way of St. James pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, thriving on the privileged location and the melting pot of Francos called in by Navarrese kings (mainly Occitans from Auvergne and Limousin), Jews and the original Navarrese inhabitants. The wealth resulted in a development of Romanesque architecture, well represented in the town: Church of San Pedro de la Rúa, Palacio de los Reyes de Navarra, Church of San Miguel, among others.

About the destination: Tranquil and conservative, Burgos is the site of one of Spain’s most magnificent cathedrals and the place associated with El Cid, Castile’s real-life epic hero. Legendary as the liberator of Valencia from the Moors, El Cid is honoured by a colossal statue in a square named after him, La Plaza del Mio Cid. Burgos’s landmark will always be its cathedral, the third largest in Spain ad a majestic Gothic structure topped by two lacy stone spires. Built during the 13th and 15th centuries, it features exemplary Gothic and Plateresque architecture and artwork. The Capilla mayor, in the centre of the church, contains the tombs of El Cid and his wife, while the famous Cofre del Cid, the box in which his remains were found, hangs against a side wall. A few steps across Plaza de Santa Maria, erected as a gateway to the walled city and later decorated with the busts of Burgos’s favourites, Emperor Charles V and El Cid. Burgos also considers itself among the most purely Castilian cities in Spain. The clipped and exquisite Spanish of its residents will make you stand up and take notice, and you may not want to leave until you have seen every single monument.

About the destination: Leon is a lovely little town that lies in the north of Spain in the Castilla y Leon region. Represented by images of lions this town is proud of its historical heritage. The city still like to remind the world that it had 24 kings before Castile had laws. Though this blue and airy city reached its peak in the 11th century, it’s still remarkably appealing. The Plaza Mayor, with its lovely arcades and cafes is the prefect starting point to explore the old centre of Leon. The outstanding attractions of the city are the colossal Cathedral, a 13th century Gothic extravaganza featuring resplendent stained-glass windows, and the Basilica of San Isidoro, with a royal pantheon whose vaults are decorated with perfectly preserved Romanesque frescoes. Leon, with its wide avenues and open spaces, pedestrian zones and the river Bernesga providing shaded walks along its banks, is truly a beautiful city.

About the destination: Vigo is a city and municipality situated in the province of Pontevedra, in the Spanish autonomous community of Galicia, on the Atlantic Ocean. The Porta do Sol is a shopping center historical quarter and the site of many cultural centers, modern museums and arts foundations in Vigo. La Playa de Samil is Vigo's largest beach and is the location of the mouth of the Lagares River. Las Islas Cies (The Cies Islands), are a cluster of islands situated just off the coast of Pontevedra in Galicia, Spain. These islands were declared a nature reserve in 1980 as well being added to the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park in 2002. Vigo, the Gateway to the Atlantic, is a great combination of ancient history, beautiful beaches and a modern cosmopolitan outlook. A truly amazing city, that offers a warm welcome along with beautiful surroundings. Which together with its water reforms, amazing landscapes and friendly atmosphere will give even the seasoned traveler a truly unique experience to take home.

About the destination: Santiago de Compostela, in Spain’s verdant Galicia region, is best known as the final destination of the legendary Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes. At the heart of the city lies the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago, whose grand Baroque façade opens onto the vast Praza do Obradoiro. Inside, the shrine of Saint James the Apostle, the Pórtico da Gloria, and the swinging botafumeiro incense burner create an atmosphere that is both spiritual and theatrical, even for non-religious visitors. The surrounding Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of granite streets, arcades, and medieval squares that invite slow, aimless wandering. Beyond its religious significance, Santiago is a lively university city with a youthful energy. Terraces and taverns spill out into plazas, especially around Rúa do Franco and Rúa da Raíña, where locals and visitors mingle over glasses of Albariño or Ribeiro wine. Galician gastronomy is a highlight: try pulpo a la gallega (octopus with paprika and olive oil), freshly caught seafood from the nearby coast, and the traditional almond cake, tarta de Santiago. The Mercado de Abastos, the city’s bustling food market, is the perfect place to experience local flavors and daily life. Culture and nature blend seamlessly here. The city hosts a rich program of festivals and concerts, especially in summer, and several excellent museums, including the Museo do Pobo Galego, which explores Galician culture and traditions. For a break from the historic center, stroll through the Alameda Park for postcard views of the cathedral skyline, or head to nearby Monte do Gozo, where pilgrims catch their first glimpse of the city. Whether you arrive on foot after days or weeks on the Camino or by plane or train for a weekend escape, Santiago de Compostela offers a unique mix of devotion, history, and relaxed Galician charm.

About the destination: Oviedo is a cathedral city, capital of Principality of Asturias, in Northern Spain. It is indeed an old city, but with the commodities of any modern city. The architecture of Oviedo is charming and attractive, but the city is best known for its delicious Asturian food. Oviedo is today a city with a remarkable international projection through the Prince of Asturias Awards, presented annually at the Campoamor Theatre, and the International Campus, attended by personalities of the highest global relevance. The old part of Oviedo is called the Casco Antiguo. Wander along cobbled streets admiring its beautifully restored buildings and squares. Located in the centre of Oviedo's old quarter, Plaza de la Constitucion, along with Cathedral Square, is the most central and important square in the city of Oviedo. The square includes the City Hall and the Church of San Isidoro Real, located in the west end of the Plaza. Nearby we have the equally important, Plaza de la Catedral, Cathedral Square. Its highlights are the Gothic Cathedral of Oviedo, the Jardín de los Reyes Caudillos with statues of the Kings of Asturias and the baroque Palace Valdecarzana and Heredia. We can also see the statue of Ana Ozores, a main character of Clarin’s novel The Regent's Wife. Oviedo is proud of its past but it is also is also home to modern industry and commerce. Sleek shopping boutiques selling expensive clothing, handbags and shoes and other high quality items line the city streets. Oviedo has its own stadium, as well as theatres, art galleries, and a university. Public parks and fountains also dot the city and give the locals haven from the hustle and bustle of city life. Oviedo is a fine city where old and new not only coexists, but flourishes together.

About the destination: Gijon is a coastal city in Asturias province in northwest Spain. Gijon is a dynamic and lively city where visitors can enjoy numerous parks, sports facilities, restored and protected historical and artistic heritage. As one of the region’s most important cities, Gijon hosts fairs, conventions, concerts and major cultural and sporting events. The Old Town is near the City Hall Square, and it covers several areas. In Marques Square is the statue of King Pelayo and the elegant Revillagigedo Palace. This square is a perfect spot to enjoy a drink in one of its many bars and clubs. Cimadevilla is the old fishermen’s quarter. It is full of small houses, painted with brilliant colours, and full of typical cider bars and night clubs. Straight on from Cimadevilla´s streets, we´ll reach the top of Santa Catalina Highlands, where visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the city and port. Here, you can also find one of the most important monuments in Gijon, an Eduardo Chillida’s Sculpture called "Elogio del Horizonte". Gijon has remains from Roman settlements such as The Campo Valdés baths, dating back to the 1st century AD, which are the largest preserved Roman Baths in Spain. A famous holiday resort among Spaniards, Gijon offers a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene as well as good beaches.

About the destination: Santander is an elegant port city which extends along the northern side of the handsome Bahía de Santander and it's a lively place with much to see and do. It is a deeply historical place full of wide streets, pleasing architecture and waterside restaurants. Santander’s most popular neighbourhood, El Sardinero, was once a very exclusive holiday spot for the wealthy. Nowadays it preserves a belle-époque elegance and its one of the most beautiful parts of the city, especially valued for its environmental quality and spectacular beaches. The Paseo de Pereda, with its typical houses with enclosed balconies, and its gardens constitutes a buoyant boulevard which separates the coastal strip from the historic quarter of Santander. The nearby Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the capital, its earliest construction dating from the 13th century. Under the main chapel is the crypt of El Cristo, a sombre vaulted chamber in which various traces of the Roman era were discovered. There are lots of reasons to like the bustling port city as its good city beaches, its numerous parks and gardens, its gastronomy and its history makes it the perfect gateway.

About the destination: Bilbao is the capital of Biscay in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. The city is situated on the banks of the Nervión, a tidal river. Bilbao was till the 90s a grey big industrial town, the economical heart of the Basque Country. But since the opening of a new Guggenheim Museum by the river, the city has become an arty and stylish city and is now a major touristic destination. The main attraction that put Bilbao on the map was the construction of the Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry, it is now one of Spain’s most visited attractions. The building is impressive and there are some very interesting sculptures outside the museum and in the atrium. Centred on the Plaza Nueva, a busy and colourful square, and the Santiago Cathedral the old quarter of Bilbao is pretty compact and a walk around its streets doesn't take long. The impressive church of San Nicolas, built in 1743 in honour of the sailors from Bilbao, stands at the entrance to the Casco Viejo. Located in the very heart of Bilbao's old centre, the cathedral of Bilbao is the oldest church in the city and the main Gothic construction in Biscay. Vital and exciting Bilbao is famous for its great food, its culture and its active nightlife.