Enrich yourself: see Spain through its World Heritage cities. This group of cities includes historical centers distinguished with UNESCO World Heritage approval: Ávila, Cáceres, Cordoba, Cuenca, Mérida, Salamanca, Santiago de Compostela, Segovia, Tarragona, Toledo, Alcalá de Henares, Eivissa/Ibiza and San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Spain is the country with second most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
Choose a historical destination that intrigues your sense of place. One destination is the Way of St. James. Registered in 1993 as a World Heritage Site, travel the route from the French-Spanish border, which was (and still is) traveled by pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Spain prides itself on its historical preservation. This route played a fundamental role in the cultural exchange between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe during the Middle Ages and still testimony to the Christian faith in people of all social classes from all over Europe.
Wine tours abound in Spain. If you love wine and are inspired and impassioned by the art of wine making, visit the country's rich vineyards through a biking or driving wine tour. In a tour that starts in Bilbao (Rioja Wine Country) you might pick up a rental car from the Bilbao airport and drive from Bilbao to Haro in the heart of Rioja Alvesa wine country to tour a Rioja winery with an experienced local guide. The Spanish makes their visitors feel welcome. After a day of touring in, sipping on and basking in their country's wine and sunlight, a hotel might invite you to a "welcome dinner" in the hotel restaurant. Choose a hotel in a prime location in an area you want to learn more about. You have the chance to meet locals who will share stories and legends from their region. Try a bit of everything, and heed people's recommendations (when it seems appropriate). Duck in and out of Tapas bars along the Barrio de la Herradura or briskly walk though a charming wine town before checking in for the night.
Choosing your own way is paramount in Spain: decide on one route, and go another. Make exploring Spain a passionate hunt for what comes next, not connecting the dots to get to the next hotel. Spain allows for lots of room to change your mind, so go with the feel of the region. If you are a bicyclist, take in the beauty of the country by bike tour. Cycle through vineyards on private lanes. Connect with local wine makers and villagers and savor their splendid wine and cuisine. Stay in an authentic, small town country inn for the night. Most tours include the prices of all hotels in their price. Most afternoons are given over to travelers to explore the countryside as they wish.
Choosing a bike trail tour does not mean you ride a bike straight for 7 days. This is Spain: plans and time schedules are subject to change, flexibility, and creativity. Walk some trails, drive others, jump on a bus in Perugia or a rent a tiny GoCar in Barcelona. Freedom and independence are key. Spain tours offer: biking, boating, horseback riding, walking, driving, hop-on-hop-off bus tours and on. As a tourist in Castilla y Leon, you might take turns driving some days and walking between Belorado and San Juan de Ortega (about 6 kms or an hour and a half). Cross through the forest trails and Chestnut tree in Montest de Oca. Meet other adventuring walkers from countries all over the world. A local guide can show you Burgos' magnificent cathedral and old quarter before leaving you to explore the city on your own and sharing a bottle (or two) of velvety local wine in the cool, toasted evening air.
