Depart the UK

Travel to the Spain on a comfortable overnight sailing from Plymouth to Santander. Perhaps enjoy a buffet meal onboard and settle into your cabin. The following day, continue to your base in Suances.

Full day excursion Cantabria Coast

View another remarkable gem this morning as we visit the small medieval town of Santillana del Mar. Sometimes described as a ‘film set’, such is the immaculate state of its preservation, the town boasts a maze of cobbled streets, flower-filled balconies and tanned stone and brick buildings. The region is famous for its prehistoric cave art. Nearby is the world-famous Cave of Altamira, which features prehistoric paintings of bison, horses, deer and other animals. In order to preserve the paintings, visitors are presented with a beautiful replica. For further prehistoric artworks, perhaps visit El Castillo too – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 15,000-year-old rock art.

In the afternoon, we will visit Comillas. We will take a visit to El Capricho de Gaudí,  a stunning architectural  treasure. Then, we will drive to the scenic fishing village of San Vicente De la Barquera for free time to explore, before returning to the hotel for dinner and a restful sleep.

Free time in Suances

A free day today to relax in the hotel or explore the town. Walk to Dichoso Point, relax on the sandy beaches and explore the natural harbour. Perhaps take an afternoon boat cruise in Suances.

Full day excursion to Picos De Europa

We will start the day by heading to Sotama Visitor Centre for an hour. Then, we will visit the beautiful town of Potes for lunch, and to explore.

This afternoon, we will venture  into the Picos de Europa National Park, one of the few truly unspoiled areas of the country. The dramatic, jagged peaks of the Picos de Europa mountain range rise well over 8,000 feet. Deep river gorges, sparkling lakes and forests add to the appeal of this unique landscape. The park is also home to many endangered species including the golden eagle, the European brown bear and the asturcon, a wild horse. Our tour takes us to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana where a relic of Christ’s cross is believed to be kept. At Fuente Dé, take an optional cable car ride up to the summit for one of the most outstanding views of the Picos de Europa range.

Full day excursion to Bilbao

This morning, we will drive to Bilbao, and will meet a local guide who will take us on a city tour on the coach.

In the afternoon, we will have free time to explore Bilbao, and perhaps visit the famous Guggenheim Museum, or take a funicular cable train trip – you could even enjoy a relaxing river cruise. The old quarter and the Gothic cathedral are also great cultural places to visit.

We will then depart Bilbao and return to Suances for the night.

Full day excursion to Santander

This morning, we will depart Suances and make our way to Santander.

We will meet our local guide for an informative city tour on the coach, with a visit to the Royal Palace of la Magdalena – which was the summer residence of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia. After visiting this beautiful building, we will have some free time to discover more of Santander, and perhaps have a walking tour of the ‘old town’.

Full day Anchovy factory, boat Cruise and Laredo town

Enjoy a pleasant morning visiting the world famous fishing village of Santona, here, visit a local anchovy factory and learn about how the fishes are carefully hand prepared and packed in little tins, and after the tour, enjoy a little tasting.

After, we will take a boat trip around the bay for beautiful views of the Cantabrian coast.

In the afternoon, visit the old town of Santona, where we will eat Pintxos, which are small finger foods served at bars and taverns throughout the Basque Country- and are pivotal to the local food culture.

Then, we will visit the popular resort of Laredo and Castro Urdiales, a charming, small seafaring village with a wonderful French Gothic-style church and traditional houses.

Depart Santander and Arrive Plymouth

Today, we depart Suances and journey to the ferry port to make our way back to the UK on the Santander to Plymouth sailing.