San Sebastian to Burgos and Vitoria-Gasteiz: Day trip

When King Alfonso III the Great of León reconquered the region in the 9th century, he built several castles and the region came to be known as Castile, the "land of castles". In 884, Diego Rodríguez "Porcelos", count of Castile, gathered the inhabitants of the countryside into one fortified village - Burgos. Construction on Our Lady of Burgos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, began in the 13th century, and took over 200 years to complete. As such, the entire history of Gothic art is summed up in its superb architecture and its unique collection of works of art, including paintings, choir stalls, reredos, tombs and stained-glass windows. While the gothic cathedral is the most prominent, the streets are littered many other religious monuments, such as Cartuja de Miraflores with its gold altarpiece, or the Monastery of Las Huelgas. And don't miss out on the restaurants dishing out Burgos' exquisite cuisine.

Originally a defensive outpost founded by Sancho the Wise in 1181, the city grew in size and prominence over the years. In the 19th century, the city played a pivotal role in Spanish history when General the Marquess of Wellington broke the French army, assuring the eventual end of their control, and giving Beethoven inspiration for Opus 91. In Vitoria's historic center, many of the buildings date back to the 16th century or earlier, and are partly surrounded by an 11th century wall. Several palaces are sequestered within, such as the Renaissance Bendaña Palace, which houses a card museum. The 13th-century Cathedral of Santa María offers visitors a singular experience. In 1994 it was closed for restoration, but now offers a guided tour of the restoration process. Visitors are led over scaffolded walkways and stone staircases for an intimate look into the very heart of the church.