2025 Enchanting Cantabria - Green Spain
- Duration: 9 days
- Board Basis: Mixed Board
- Tour Ref: D2TCRU9236
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
9 days
9 Day Tour
Spain's Best Kept Secret - Set on the Atlantic Coast of Northern Spain, the Costa Verde and Cantabria have more than 130 miles of superb coastline with beautiful beaches and numerous picturesque coves. There are rugged green headlands, sleepy fishing ports and glamorous resorts, all set in the mountainous backdrop of the Picos de Europa, where history and nature have remained unspoilt. The resort of Suances has all the charm of a small marine town, full of rich tradition. It is set in exceptional natural surrounds in one of the beautiful enclaves of this panoramic coast. Between the mountains and sea you will find green valleys and hills, Cantabria's colourful customs, a little train ride and an outstanding 4* hotel to make this a holiday which certainly will not disappoint.
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Holiday Highlights
- Hotel for 5 nights with breakfast & buffet dinner
- Welcome & farewell drink & porterage in Spain
- House wine & water with dinner
- Overnight hotels for 2 nights with breakfast
- Overnight hotel for 1 night with breakfast & set dinner
- Guided walking tour of Tours in Loire Valley
- Guided tour of Picos de Europa Mountains
- Guided tour of Santillana del Mar & Comillas
- Local guide for ½ day Santander & Lierganes
- Entrance to National Museum of Altamira
- Entrance to Capricho de Gaudi in Comillas
- Return trip on Fuente Dé cable car
- Return train ride Santander - Lierganes
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - From your local joining point drive via the interchange to Dover for the short ferry crossing to Calais. Continue along the autoroutes of France to arrive this evening at your centrally located overnight hotel in Tours in the Loire region. Hotel Mercure Tours Nord BB
Day 2 - After a relaxed start today, head into Tours where a local English-speaking guide takes you on an included walking tour of the old city of Tours, the charming capital of the Loire Valley and the birthplace of Balzac. You will feel like you have stepped back in time as you stroll through the narrow-cobbled streets and passed half-timbered houses. The stone façade of the monumental Saint-Gatien Cathedral gives the city a charming medieval air. Then hop back on your coach as you head further south to your overnight stop in the Bordeaux region at Kyriad Prestige Merignac. A set dinner with mineral water, glass of wine & coffee is included DBB
Day 3 - Today takes you on through the Regional Nature Park of Gascony in south-west France and over the border into Spain to arrive this evening in Suances for your 5 night stay at the Gran Hotel Suances where a welcome drink awaits. DBB with house wine and water included at dinner
Day 4 - 7 - At leisure in Suances with three included excursions. The hotel is located on a hill just 400m down (steep walk or steps down or local taxi) to the wonderful sandy beaches that make the resort so popular. There is music and dancing one evening.
INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Picos de Europa Mountains (with local guide)
Enjoy a full day out in the stunning National Park of Los Picos de Europa to explore some of Europe's most spectacular mountain scenery with a local English-speaking guide. The Picos comprise three majestic massifs with a wild landscape of sparkling lakes, jagged limestone peaks and stunning river gorges. Head to the Southeastern Picos to the village of Fuente Dé, dramatically situated at the foot of a sheer rock face. From here a cable car takes you up to an altitude of 1,823m in just 4 minutes for an overwhelming view of the immense beauty of the region. There are café facilities at both the top and bottom of the cable car.
Santillana del Mar & Comillas (with local guide)
Situated on the northern route of the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela, Santillana del Mar is a beautiful medieval jewel of a town in a near perfect state of preservation. It was developed around the collegiate church of Santa Juliana and its various defence towers and Renaissance palaces make Santillana a virtual 'living museum' and one of the most important historical areas of Cantabria. There will be a guided walking tour of the old town before heading to the National Museum of Altamira. Here you can see the wonderful replica prehistoric animal paintings in a replica cave setting. The actual UNESCO World Heritage listed cave nearby is now closed to the public to prevent deterioration of the original magical paintings (museum entrance included). Continue further along the coast to Comillas. The town is a delight with its pleasant, cobbled old centre as well as its quirky villas, a lovely golden beach and a tiny fishing port. Whilst here, you will visit the flamboyant 19th century Capricho de Gaudi, one of Gaudi's earliest works (entrance included).
Santander, Lierganes & Train Ride
Together with a local guide, head to Cantabria's capital of Santander with its touch of belle-époque elegance and handsome waterfront. In the 19th century the city was a renowned tourist resort for Spanish politicians, aristocrats and for the upper class. El Sardinero promenade and beach is one of the most glamorous places along the coast. From here you will board a local train to travel around the Bay of Santander and through the countryside to the traditional Cantabrian village of Lierganes (approx. 45 mins ride). After a guided visit return to Santander by train where your coach awaits to return you to the hotel.
Day 8 - A big travel day today as you retrace your steps through Spain and France, stopping for lunch opportunities en route before continuing to your overnight hotel near Poitiers. Hotel Mercure Site du Futuroscope BB
Day 9 - An early start today sees you continue your journey through France to Calais for the return to England.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION
ETIAS
ETIAS (European Travel Information Authorisation System) is due to begin in April 2025 and will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals (inc. UK) travelling to Europe. ETIAS will be linked to a traveller’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
ETIAS must be applied for at least 72 hours in advance of travel and will cost €7.00. Under 18’s and Over 70’s are free, but they still need to be registered. For more information, please visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
Passport
For advice on passports when travelling into Europe please visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/travelling-in-europe/
EES (European Entry & Exit System)
The planned launch date of 10 November 2024 has been delayed and no start date has been given as to when EES (European Entry & Exit System) will be in place. This is the new entry and exit system for UK citizens (and many other citizens) when entering or exiting the EU. For more information, please visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en
Accommodation
Reminiscent of a stately palace
Gran Hotel Suances, Suances
Located on a hill above the sea, this 4* hotel is just 400m from the beach. The walk to the beach is rather steep but there are also steps down (or a local taxi - please ask reception). The Victorian style-building features an impressive white façade, reminiscent of a stately palace, and offers modern facilities with unbeatable views of the Cantabrian Sea. There is a seasonal outdoor pool, breakfast room, buffet restaurant, cafeteria and lobby bar. There is entertainment most nights and the hotel has its own disco-bar. Bedrooms are bright and spacious with TV, air-conditioning and free WiFi. There is a lift.