Be aware that Euskal Jaiak, a week long festivities celebrating Basque culture, is going on in San Sebastián in early September. Could be great fun, but be prepared:
http://www.donostiakultura.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&cid=56&id=9845&Itemid=396&lang=en
http://www.lacunza.com/events/euskal-jaiak.php

You could be up for some great events. Basque music and dance can be wonderful, and during Euskal Jaiak many things will take place in the Plaza de la Constitución - the main plaza in the Parte vieja/Old town - and in Plaza de Trinidad just off Calle 31 de Agosto, the upper street in the Parte vieja. Rarely seen really drunk people in San Sebastián apart from tourists (lived here and visited some twenty times), but the Sanfermines and Euskal Jaiak could be an exception...

Here's the program for the 2012 edition. With some planning, you could be up for some great Basque experiences: http://www.donostiakultura.com/images/100_actividades/130_fiestas/060_regatas_y_euskal_jaiak/EJAIAKCAS.pdf

Traditional music and dance in Plaza de la Constitución: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2udkrTcYmQ

Revulgo posted this earlier about this week of festivities:

"Sagardo Eguna, or cider day --free samples of cider are given in the plaza-- will be celebrated on the first Saturday of September marking the start of a week dedicated to Basque culture known as Euskal Jaiak. Throughout the week there will be various activities organized to showcase the traditions this ancient civilization. There will be local sport exhibitions such as the row boat races, stone lifting and tree trunk cutting. Open air concerts featuring Basque music, traditional dance troupes, local craftsmen demonstrating their time tested techniques and the famous "bersolaris" (oral poets who improvise) are all part of the week long festivities".
http://www.donostia.org/info/sansebastianturismo/turismo_cultura.nsf/vowebContenidosId/NT0000094E?OpenDocument&idioma=ing&id=T433636&cat=Fiestas&doc=D

You should visit Avila and/or Segovia on the way to Salamanca if you never saw them before. Both would require an extra day at least. Avila is the better town for a short visit.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/sets/72157622975757180/show/

I think that you would be going by Madrigal de las Altes Torres on your way north (sp?) where there is a convent that was Queen Isabella's home as a child. When we were there, it was possible to visit.

I would just read reviews on TA. Other people prefer booking.com. I might also take away nights in Santillana and add to San Sebastian.

Thanks Michael; We have been to both Avila and Segovia. Not sure about our friends. We also have been to Toledo for one night. But it was cold. This time we will sit, drink wine and watch the world go by. Of course a whole day to walk the old town again.

Kimhe; I wondered about a San Sebastian festival. We love crowds and meeting people, so that will work perfect for us. Great information. Thanks much.

Egbert; Love booking.com We would consider only one night in Santillana, but that was a compromise with our friends.

A friend of there's who lives in Spain, suggested two nights.

But we can do a whole day in Balboa for one of those days.

I suggest you look at a map-you are doing an awful lot of zig zagging!!!

chapla; Actually I have. But I agree with you too.

Santagio was not on my origional itinerary. But our friends wanted Santiago and that was a compromise.

It was out of the way for me, but I am not unhappy with going to Santiago. Great city.

We have used Booking.com in many countries and multiple times in Spain and like them very much.

As noted above, take a look at a map. You will be spending a lot of time in cars. Although there are some multi-lane highways, not all highways are that and travel by car can take longer than you think.

Agree about Santillana....it is very small, not much there except an interesting ( and horrific)
Museum of Torture.

Thanks Golemtoo; I have checked times between all our stops. Usually between two and three hours. Probably will take us longer, as I always have interesting stops on the way to our next destination.

However, one exception.

Santiago that our friends wanted to visit, probably with a few stops will take about seven hours to get to Salamanca, mostly on major highways.

Will look at timing again, but the itinerary is now fixed.

Most of my driving trips in Europe [26] are on secondary roads. Main highways only when necessary.

I'm more concerned the size of the car rental because of their suitcases. Probably a van. We travel light.

Thanks danon; Can't disagree with anything you say. But it's our friends choice.

Leaving Leon, perhaps at 9am and traveling secondary roads, with a few stops on the way to Santillana, it will be mid to late afternoon.

Either, train or bus ot tour bus the next day to Balboa for most of the day.

We will make it work.

I agree about the zigzagging. Flying to Santiago de Compostela and then driving to Salamanca? That's more than half way back to Madrid! You'd be better off just visiting Salamanca towards the end of the trip and could just take a train from Madrid. Also agree about Santillana - I couldn't leave fast enough and had just planned as a daytrip. I'd take these days and add to the Basque Country - a couple more days in San Sebastian, Bilbao or perhaps a small village along the coast (Getaria, Lekeitio, etc...).

If you must stay in Santillana, at least make a day trip to lovely Santander - enjoy a swim and sandy beaches!

Here is a hotel in Santiago we highly recommend. Actually we first found it on Booking.com. Only drawback it is about a 15 minute walk to the Cathedral. We liked it better than Reyes Catolicos.

http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/a-tafona-do-peregrino.en-us.html?label=gog235jc-index-XX-XX-XX-brand-us_ny-com;sid=14289bad4b62f2b916117709817d46c7;dcid=1;checkin=2013-01-18;interval=1

Additionally you will need an international driver's license. You will not need unless you are stopped by the cops who can get testy if you do not have one. And I am sure you know this but renting a stick shift will save you hundreds of dolalrs.

I love those parts of Spain, but have you considered doing the loop the other direction--starting in San Sebastian. I have done that drive from Santiago to Salamanca and it was long. The destinations are great---I think you can improve the sequence.

Agree about Santillana....it is very small, not much there ...

The Altamira cave and its replica are nearby.

Thanks Golemtoo.

Listen all, I believe I have agreed with your critiques. But I had to work with friends who had their own ideas. They are going to Barcelona and then flying to Santiago. [We have been to Barcelona and could go again, but not this trip.] They also wanted Porto, but not this trip for me. I really wanted to go to Salamanca, but a compromise.

I am going to give up Salamanca [2] and add a night to Santiago and Leon.

I will ask them to give up a night in Santillana and add it to San Sebastian.

So now, 1. Madrid [1] Fly to Santiago.

2. Santiago [3] Lot to see in this area.

Will look for a bus to get to Leon.

Now we don't need a car for the first five nights with them.

3. Leon [3] We can visit Oviedo by train or bus from Leon. We would not have had time to visit Oviedo with only two days in Leon. So give a little, get a little.

Rent a car when leaving Leon.

4. Santillana [1] On leaving Santillana, a visit to Balbao and the Guggenheim Museum.

5. San Sebastian [4] With the festival the first week + of September, that will be great fun.

6. Burgos [2]

Next day drop them at the airport.

7. Toledo [2]

8. Leave the next day for home.

Question: IS there a shuttle from the Madrid airport to Toledo and back?

Will be looking at booking.com as I like their reviews better than TA. But I will also look at TA.

All hotel suggestions welcome. A quick repeat, our hotel budget is about 150euro.

I think with renting a van, I will let our friends rent and split the cost. Much easier for me, as I always rent a small car.

Will make sure he has a IDP.

OK, I'm feeling better.

Now to open the lock box with Ted, a very reasonable person.

Thanks Bob and Michael; I was making a few changes while you posted.

Regarding paradores and your friends' desire to stay in them: See if you can satisfy your friends by booking ones that are in substantial towns (I hear the one in Leon is fab) so that you have choices for eating other than the paradores restaurants.

Bear in mind that day trips often mean spending the bulk of your time in the target town when it is dead -- closed up for most of the afternoon for lunch. It doesn't make much of a difference for a near-museum town like Toledo, but you might end up with quite a false impression of a place like Oviedo if you are there mainly between 11am and 5pm.

Thanks goldenautumn; For Oviedo, we love the articture.

So I think in late August it will be busy.

We need people surounding us while we are viewing the town. But I will keep that in mind.

Perhaps a day visit south to Zamora?

You are are VERY good friend to your travel companions to give up Salamanca. I hope you make it there some day!

I loved Toledo and thought it well worth 2 full days. I'm glad to see that you are giving it some time.

Enjoy!

kja; I know, Salamanca has the whole old town designated as a UNESCO World Hertage site.

Not sure if I will ever make it back to Spain after this trip.

We do want to go to Toledo again.

If I could get my wife to agree to add two more nights, for a total of 18, when we leave the friends off at the airport, we could then take the bus to Salamanca. About 2 1/2 hour trip.

Then rent a car a spend the last two nights in Toledo.

Tough sell.

My wife would not agree to the extra two nights.

That's OK. We will just end up in Toledo.

Welcome to The Compromise Tour of Spain.

Not yet. Have to talk to the friends.

Whatever it is, we always enjoy our trips.

If there are any words I can say to convince your wife, or your traveling companions, to visit Salamanca, just let me know!

In the meantime, let me note that as I struggle to axe places from the wish-list for my next trip, I'm spending a lot of time reminding myself that it's not about what I skip, it's about what I will have the good fortune to see.

I haven't gone to northern Spain yet, but you'll be seeing MANY places that I hope to see when I do go there. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful and memorable journey. (And I'll count on your input when I do finally get there!)

hi iris,

I'm really sorry that you can't seem to fit Salamanca into your itinerary; we went there 25+ years ago and it was lovely. such a shame to miss it when you are so close.

I had a look at renfe.com and instead of staying in Madrid when you arrive, you could get a train from Madrid to Salamanca quite easily - there are quite a few direct trains per day taking 2 hours 45 mins. however to get to Santiago from Salamanca is much harder - the 13.50 departure would not arrive until about 20.00 and involves a change at somewhere called Medina dal Campo with a long wait.

you would however have 24 hours or so in Salamanca.

Hi kja and annhig; I'm considering my options. Not easy.

These are good friends, but it be came complicated when we invited then on this trip. They have their ideas and changed my initial itinerary presented to them.

We have been to the Baltic countries with them and they came on our 50th to Scandinavia. Plus a few others.

Another thought would be to meet them in Leon. About 4 1/2 hour drive from Santiago. They would drive.

I have found no good bus or train options from Santiago to Leon. Will look at regional flights. So then we would get to Salamanca. MAYBE

So thanks both.

The Compromise Tour of Northern Spain. I like that.

The G has given me a few good suggestions.

That is another topic that I am sure raise some old memories, fond and otherwise and opinions of every stripe, traveling with friends and relatives.

Although we have traveled with friends and relatives, we usually avoid it. And my wife walked the 500 mile Camino with her sister.

I've arranged trips for up to 25 people, 12, 8, a number of 6's and 4's. Working on 8 to 12 for my 80th BD.

But this one has been my biggest challenge so far.

I know it will work out, just have to be patient.

I have fond memories from years ago of Salamanca for a stay and also Segovia, Avila along with Madrid.

Bill in Boston

I remember Avilla with all the bits of St. Teresa on show as being downright spooky.

but interesting.

Thanks Bill; I think. You all have me re-configuring this trip. Richard in Hampstead, NH

I will help kja if it is possible to encourage Salamanca to your friends..Sergovia, Avila el al... Oh how I envy you this trip.. Been there, done that and would do it again in a New York minute!!!. My fond memories of these places are of this last year..Avila???Spooky??? Hm-m-m!!!

Have not talked to our friends yet, but this is my latest thought.

1. R/T Boston to Madrid.

2. Arrive at Madrid airport at 7:20am.

3. Rent a car and drive to Segovia [2 nights]

4. Drive to Salamanca [3 nights] Perhaps a stop in Avila.

5. Drive to Leon and drop off the car and meet our friends [2 nights] They will drive from Santiago to Leon and have a van. About 4 1 /2 hours.

6. Santillana del Mar [1 or 2 nights] Will attempt to convince the friends we only need one night in Santillana and then four nights in San Sebastian.

7. San Sebastian [3 or 4 nights] Festival fun time while we are there.

8. Burgos [2 nights]

9.Drive to the Madrid airport for their departure. Will leave the van or and rent a small car for our drive to Toledo.

10. Is there a shuttle or bus from the airport to Toledo?? I have looked with no sucess.

11. We go on to Toledo [2 nights]

12. Fly home

Iris - that looks much better. Do try to fit in Avilla if you can - those bits of St. Teresa are gruesome but very memorable.

I couldn't find a shuttle from the airport to Toledo either, but there are loads of trains from the main station in Madrid proper which take 30 mins or so. you could possibly return the van to the train station rather than the airport, if you decide to continue by train.

Thanks annhig; The van will be in their name, so I will let them return the car at the airport. I can rent for about 90US for two days.

Avila will be on the way from Segovia to Salamanca, so most likely we will stop.

Feel much better about the itinerary, as it is very similar to what I had first presented to them.

What about saying goodbye to friends and the van in Burgos and renting a car in Burgos to drive to Toledo?

goldenautumn. That is a good idea. A lot easier than us going to the airport and then looking for the car rental counters.

Will look at car rentals in Burgos. Thanks

goldrnautumn; So fae, unable to rent a car in Burgos for two days.

Will keep trying.

But it's easy at the Madrid airport.

Congratulations, Richard! I'm sure you and your wife and friends will enjoy Salamanca. And Segovia and Avila and Toledo. And the rest of your trip (to places I haven't seen yet).

I'll look forward to hearing your reactions.

A lot easier than us going to the airport and then looking for the car rental counters.

Might there be airport buses that go directly to Toledo?

Thanks Michael; Checked busses from both Burgos and Madrid airport and everything I found has to go thru Madrid [Atocha train station.]

So it seems like the airport bus goes to Atacha station and then the train to Toledo.

Have looked for a airport shuttle direct to Toledo and will keeep looking. Once we secure our hotel, I can ask them about a shuttle.

So far, renting a car seems be the easiest way of getting both from and to the airport to/from Toledo.

Michael - I also checked the airport website and found no mention of buses to Toledo.

i agree with Iris that renting a car at the airport looks like the best option.

Richard, I just amended the name to The Great Compromise Tour of 2013. Might as well be a bit grandiose.

annhig; Looks like a car.

Golemtoo; I like that even better. The GREAT Compromise Tour of 2013.

The friends have been away and I have not yet talked about the changes.

Dec. 27th, 2012 at 10:41am. That's the itinerary.

No more changes.

Thanks everyone.

You will enjoy Segovia, magnificent castle and Romans era aquaduct and more. It has a special charm. Picture if you will in the throne room Columbus bowing before Queen and King seeking financial support for his exploration.

Good to remember the influence Teresa of Avila had not only with the founding of a religious order but also due to her writings exerting considerable influence on Castillian Spanish. Her confessor was John of the Cross and you can see the room in the Avila convent where she sat. Teresa felt that John was just too serious. So that's besides the magnificent wall and towers surrounding the city itself.

As for Salamanca it has a special charm...Michener called attention to the spacious plaza major. The cathedrals both new and old and of course the ancient university are wonderful. In the evening the plaza you will sit around tables listening to the singers in ancient costumes called tunas.

Any chance a western jaunt to Ciudad Rodrigo and quaint La Alberca and Pena de Francis with the Black Madonna?

Hi Bill; We will not get to Ciudad Rodrigo.

When we leave Segovia we will probably do a stop in Avila on the way to Salamanca.

We have seen the Black Madonna in Czestochowa, Poland.

About 12 years ago we visited both Segovia and Avila, but it was a quick tour from Madrid.

We are happy to be staying in Segovia.

Thanks for your comments.

Have you a place in Segovia..If not check out Infanta Isabella..right on the plaza major, valet parking, renovated rooms. charming and reasonable...We have stayed there 2 times.Entering the plaza area the sign will tell you no cars but the hotel guests can drive into the front parking space..

Thanks amer-can; I have book marked the hotel. We usually chose between two or three hotels and so far, Hotel Don Filipe is the other one we are considering.

Yes Golemtoo, I will be using booking.com But in addition, I always check the actual hotel web site to see if the cost is the same.

If it is, for me I will use the hotel site.

I do appreciate the reviews on the booking site.

I stayed at Infanta Isabella in October in Segovia. Certainly not updated rooms/bathrooms but very clean and in a great location. Had a large room facing the Plaza Mayor and the cathedral.. I'd recommend it. Midway between the aqueduct and Alcazar.

Police officer would not allow me to enter the restricted zone until I insisted that the hotel said it was fine (there s even a sign that says it's OK to enter for those hotels). He radioed someone then waved me on as if doing me a favor! As mentioned above, they do have valet parking.

Iris and joannyc...The room/rooms that we had (both times) were nicely updated..Perhaps the hotel is in the process or maybe we were just very lucky but did enjoy it and were very satisfied. You should have a wonderful time in Segovia. The viaduct is awesome and was in use until relatively recently. You can track the underground portions of the water supply by the brass plaques in the areas pavements. Outstanding roast suckling pig also!!! We never saw a policeman and had no trouble with the entering of the plaza in front of the hotel due to the small sign that says it's ok.

Forgot to mention...In Salamanca try out the bars on Calle Van Dyke (Ban Deek)..A few walkable blocks from the old town area..Hardly any tourists, lots of locals and outstanding tapas..Reasonable $$. Excellent sangria at Rufos. Glad you are including Salamanca, you won't be disappointed..

Yes Golemtoo, I will be using booking.com But in addition, I always check the actual hotel web site to see if the cost is the same.

If it is, for me I will use the hotel site.
________
Of course. But for some reason the reviews ring true on Bookings, even though one must still read between the lines. When we booked our Turkey trip, it was very amusing how the Brits were very fussy about the breakfasts that were offered at Turkish hotels, as is the wont. More the selection than the quality.

I for one do not like and do trust TA but I also read the reviews on Expedia as a balance.

How did I do? Booked the Sercotel Infanta Isabel in Segovia on booking.com Have a superior double room looking out at the Plaza Mayor for our first two nights in Spain.[$222 US, free cancellation]

I think a very good day beginning the new year.

I think a very good day beginning the new year.>>

indeed Iris. it sounds great.

Infanta for $222?? Superb!!! Iris "you done good"!!! Now follow my suggestions for Salamanca and you will get another gold star from me!! I don't think too many on Fodors give questionable advise(altho you may find some minor negatives but to each his/her own). Those of us who make suggestions have been there, done that and would probably love to do it again!!!

Thanks amer_can and annhig. More to come. Now to book Salamanca for three nights.

In Leon we will stay at the Parador.

Roast suckling pig in Segovia---Yes.

iris - yes, DO stay at the parador in Leon. we just loved it, from the armchairs in the restaurant to the linen sheets.

mind, that was 25+ years ago - and it was the first place we'd stayed at that was anything like that luxurious so perhaps we were easily impressed. I'd love to know what it's like now.

strangely, i have no idea where we stayed in Salamanca. obviously it didn't make as big an impression.

I had a standard double room with view. Room 308 in the front of the hotel faces the Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral. Looks the same as Room 408 on TA pics. Paid 123.75 euros for 2 nights, prepaid, non-refundable.

There were no superior rooms available when I booked in August. But, I did see Room 307 next door to mine and it looked nice.

Congrats and enjoy!

A great view of the cathedral and town is from the patio of the cafe where you buy the tickets to the Alcazar.

Loved Segovia! Have fun!

In Salamanca, I stayed at the NH Hotel de la Catedral. My room had 2 small balconies overlooking the Cathedral and tower. About a 10 minute walk to the Plaza Mayor.

The hotel was very clean for the most part. But, they had black throws across the beds which were very dirty looking and full of lint, etc. Also, I could not find a luggage rack in the closet but there were a couple of low wooden 'benches' under the bathroom sink so I pulled out one of those... It was full of dust.

Second room I was in (next door to the first) had one window/balcony. Same black throw on bed. Had to move the last night due to a wedding party that had booked my first room.

338 euros for the first 3 nights, prepaid and non-refundable. 119.44 euros for the last night, not prepaid. 15.50 euros/night for parking.

OMG, I stayed in a superior double at the Infanta Isabel back in 2004! There had been a mix-up with my reservation, so I was upgraded to a room with balcony facing the Plaza Mayor. I loved the view! I was a bit less enamored of the tiny space between the desk and the base of the bed in the area closest to the balcony - but it was worth squeezing my way through. I think you can see what I mean in the 1st of the pictures of the superior doubles on the booking.com site. It looks like the other superior doubles don't have that same problem. Maybe you can request one of them?

Good thoughts. So far in Salamanca, we are looking at Hotel Rua and will look at a few others before deciding.

Actively now looking for flights. Will do non-stop, Boston to Madrid.

We are considering www.hotelrua.com for Salamanca.

Does anyone know of the hotel or have stayed there?

annhig; Parador in Leon booked.

Two nights for 200 euros that included breakfast and free cancellation if needed.

Salamanca next.

Seven stops and two are now booked, both using booking.com

kja; Thanks for the comment on 'tight quarters'. Whatever happens, we will be looking out at Plaza Mayor.

Here are shots from the front rooms at Infanta Isabel---I have stayed there twice now.
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/showgallery.php?cat=4290

Bob; Great photos---we are going to be very happy.

When we left Santillana del Mar, heading towards Bilbao, we stopped for lunch in Comillas and wished we had spent the night there instead of in Santillana( we'd had a bad experience in the parador there,both room and meals, first time not liking a parador). Comillas has a charming center, wonderful regional architecture.Put it on your route.

I know I'm late to the discussion , but I wouldn't stay in Santillana, certainly not for 2 nights. Its ok for a daytrip/ stop though.

HappyTrvil and cruiseluv; I agree with you, but our friends have now agreed to everything I suggested but 1 or 2 nights in Santillana or 3 or 4 nights in San Sebastian.

One of my friends friend said we should stay two nights in Santillana. His friend is from that area of Spain.

So I have suggested 1 night in Santillana and then 4 nights in San Sebastian.

Explained to him that the first two Sundays in SB there is a fun festival.

Waiting to hear.

For the Parador in Leon, I made a mistake. Booked a room for one person at 200 euros. Actually in US dollars it will be $366 and that will be OK.

In process of making the correction.

Regarding the Parador in Leon, I'm just curious, is that rate for a superior room of some sort? The reason I ask is that we stayed at the Parador this past summer (late June) and we paid 130 euros per room (breakfast included). We booked through booking.com

Hi cruiseluv; That 130 euros per night for for two nights is not much less the the $366 US.

We do have breakfast included with free cancellation. I am using booking.com Very easy.

Oh, ok, I thought the $366 was just for one night.

> kja; Thanks for the comment on 'tight quarters'. Whatever happens, we will be looking out at Plaza Mayor.

Indeed! AND the cathedral

Well, the Parador [Gil Blas]in Santillana has been booked for two nights.

The first day from Leon, we will stop in Oviedo and take at least half a day to visit. Then with the travel time of perhaps fours hours to Santillana and another stop or two, we will arrive at the Parador at about 6pm. So it will be OK.

What I overlooked when we invited them on this trip is, the other three trips with them were structed trips with not much decision making. It worked great.

This trip was different and they do have their own ideas. It will work as they are good friends, the wife being a friend from HS.

However I am contemplating renting a seperate car.

Photos from bobthenavigator are good reminders of our sojourn in Salamanca awhile back...view from the Roman era bridge, new cathedral adjacent to the old one, some of Plaza Mayor, glimpse of Casa de las Conchas, plateresque facade at entrance to University of Salamanca.

This trip was different and they do have their own ideas. It will work as they are good friends, the wife being a friend from HS.

However I am contemplating renting a seperate car.>>

!!!!

sounds like a good plan, iris, if you wish to remain good friends.

A car has been rented and we meet the friends in Leon.

I have put them on notice we are considering only one night in Santillana, not two, then one night in Bilbao.

We can be at the G. museum by 11am and then visit the old town in Bilbao. Leave early the next morning for SS.

Be in SS by noon. Have a good part of the day. Meet them at some point in SS.

Next day go to Pamplona by bus or train for the day. My wife has read about Pamplona and it's a must for her.

Then have the whole following day in SS.

Final two nights in Burgos.

So, fly R/T to Madrid

Then 1.Toledo [2]

2. Segovia [2]

3. Salamanca [3]

4. Leon [2]

5. Santillana [1]

6. Bilbao [1]

7. San Sebastion [3]]

And 8. Burgos [2]

All hotels are booked, with one change to make for Bilbao.

Car is booked.

Waiting for Air Fare. It may be Air Canada as they allow us to book seating and the seating configuration is 2-4-2. We will be in the 2.

Happy days. We leave on the 22nd of August and return on the 8th of September. [16 nights]

You are going to have a great trip! Looking forward to your report....

yes, Iris - looks like the planning paid off.

I'm sure that you will love Salamanca - the Plaza Major is wonderful.

Thanks kja and annhig; Booked hotel Carlton in Balbao at a very good rate.

I have free cancellation but I think my wife likes the idea of staying in Balbao for a night and my rational.

Waiting for our friends to respond to
this change.

I have not yet changed our two nights in Santillana from two to one night, but that will be no problem.

While we do not like one night stays, this will work.

I love the location of the Hotel Carlton in Bilbao - it's my go to hotel! If you don't like one night stays I'd consider skipping Santillana alltogether or doing as a daytrip. I was so disappointed when I visited this place as it seemed so darling in everything I had read about it. I literally felt like I was at Disneyland and could hardly get out of there quick enough. There are so many more charming places you could visit (ie. Lekeitio, Getaria, etc...).

Thanks CathyM; It's our friends who wanted two nights in Santillana. I am happy we are now only one night, but I think coming from Leon and visiting Oviedo, perhaps for 3 or 4 hours, it should be a good one night stop.

Great that you said the Carlton is in a good location. I expect we will visit the G. Museum sometime just before noon, then register at the hotel and then go into the old town for the duration of our day.

Have dinner and then the next morning be on our way to to SS.

T