We are thinking about a trip to Europe in late September/early October built around Spain. Would start in Madrid, and want to end up in Bilbao, after which we would continue on to Normandy in France. I have no knowledge of Spain- what cities can anyone recommend for people who love interesting countryside, good food and wine, "non-touristy" locations, small hotels or B&B's? We are accustomed to doing significant driving on our travels.

Hi Sally/Bob,
In fact Madrid and Bilbao are not far apart - if you are real determined and have a heavy right foot, you could do it between your first cup of coffee and a late (Spanish) lunch. Not much fun, but you could.

However, in the process you would miss Toledo (an hour south of Madrid) with its great cathedral, golden Madonna, and El Greco room, which contains the greatest little painting in the world - Las Lagrimas de San Pedro (St Peter's Tears). Your planned Spanish route takes in some great places - El Escorial, Segovia, Burgos, and potentially San Sebastian. But these are mostly of interest for art, architecture and history.

If I were to want scenery and food wine, try this east-west trip:
1) Barcelona (the "sexiest" city in Europe) - but be aware whose hand is on your wallet)
2) Penedes - WINE
3) Montserrat - when you visit it, you will know why
4) Andorra - Really tax free; splendid summer "Alpine" flowers, bubbling streams; great walks/hikes (also Cadi).
5) Huesca; Zaragoza; (Rioja); - check rthem out; and into Basque country, the best cuisine in Spain.

Why Bilbao?

Peter

Assume you are going to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim..it's as spectacular as they say it is..go for it!

Can't say much without knowing how much time you have, but assuming at least a week:

Madrid (maybe with day trips south: toledo, etc)

Ribera del Duero wine region (maybe stopping at Segovia on the way), could be combined with trip to either Valladolid or Burgos. This is the very heart of old Castile, some nice towns along the way. Great roasts, sausages and game.

Rioja region: Spain's premier wine region. The capital Logroño is an often overlooked but very pleasant modern city of wide boulevards and great food. Wine production is centered in Haro, which does not have much except for some great wineries to visit but in a nice enough town. Several wineries have built impressive new wineries, and more and more are offering tours and tastings. Laguardia in the Basque part of the Rioja is really beautiful.

Beautiful monasteries ( San Millan de Suso and Yuso) in the mountains of the Rioja, which is one of my favorite regions because of the range of landscapes condensed into a small geographical area. The monastery at Suso has an interesting looking hotel that seems like a great escape, although it is fairly isolated. It is also the place where the Castilian language was first written.

If you had time, you could include Navarra, either between Rioja and Bilbao (although it's a detour) or on your way from Bilbao to France.

Once in the Basque country, there's more than Bilbao (which is certainly worth a trip), including the gorgeous city of San Sebastian and lots of interesting towns and villages. The Basque country also produces some of the best food in Spain.

Anyway, I know this is brief, but I can only encourage you to look into these regions and see what appeals to you. Also do a search on this board, as Maribel (resident Spain expert without equal) and others have posted quite a bit. Best of luck.

if you go to Huesca, don't ever think in staying in "Husa Sancho Abarca". From the outside it looks o.k. but most of the rooms don't deserve the stars they have in the door. And you can hear any noise in any of the rest of the rooms.

Any pension will do better and cost you half or less.

(don't miss the "Pastel Ruso" -russian cake - from Ascaso Pastisserie)