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Green Spain - Cantabria and the Picos de Europa

Green Spain - Cantabria and the Picos de Europa

Torn between coast and mountains? Why not enjoy both with a tour of the tranquil and picturesque northern Spanish region of Cantabria. Northern Spain is perfect for a short break with a difference, as seductive as the country's far more familiar Mediterranean south coast, without the sun-and-sangria throngs. Cantabria offers a stunning coastline, an enviable range of historic villages and ports and the beautiful Picos de Europa mountains. Our 4 star hotel has a fantastic setting in the village of Isla Playa, close to Santander. From here we explore quaint fishing ports, Santander, Santillana del Mar and the glorious Picos de Europa.

 

Your Itinerary

Tuesday 30th June: A relaxing mid-morning departure as we travel south to Portsmouth
to board the Brittany Ferries cruise ferry to Santander. Relax and enjoy a night on board
ship. Enjoy award winning service and top-class facilities, including a choice of restaurants,
stylish lounges and comfortable cabins.

Wednesday 1st July: We arrive in Santander early evening and make the short drive to
Isla. Enjoy a welcome drink and appetisers before dinner.

Thursday 2nd: Morning free in Isla to explore your local surroundings, take a walk along
the beautiful beach or perhaps a stroll along the promenade to the town centre. In the
afternoon we take the short 15 minute journey to the neighbouring resort of Noja.

Friday 3rd: This morning we head west to the pretty medieval village of Santillana del Mar
where we spend time at leisure exploring its cobbled streets. We enjoy a lunch stop at the
visitor centre at the Altamira Caves, which boast a spectacular reconstruction of its famous
pre-historic cave paintings. In the afternoon, we continue to Comillas which is home to
some of the most important art nouveau buildings in Cantabria.

Saturday 4th: Today we head east to the fishing village of Castro Urdiales, also known as
Flavióbriga after the Roman settlement which stood here. We return via the coastal
villages of Laredo and Santona where we take a short boat trip around the bay and
marshes.

Sunday 5th: Our final full day excursion taking us through the Hermida Gorge alongside
rushing rivers to the Picos de Europa National Park's Visitor Centre near the town of Potes
in the heart of the stunning mountain range known as “little Switzerland in Spain”. From
here we continue to Fuentes De where there will be time for lunch or to travel on the
spectacular cable car ride that allows you to experience the magnificent views from the
heights of this mountain range. (Cable car not included)

Monday 6th: We leave Isla after breakfast and return to Santander with time to explore
before boarding the afternoon sailing back to the UK.

Tuesday 7th: Arriving back into Portsmouth mid-afternoon we continue our homeward
journey.

 

NB: EU Health Insurance Card recommended

Hotel Olimpo ****, Isla Playa

The Hotel Olimpo is situated on a peninsula in Isla, a 5-minute walk from the centre, with direct
access to 2 beaches and the seafront promenade. It offers an outdoor pool, a sauna, a
gym, a tennis court, and a boutique shop. Each of the rooms at the Olimpo has a private
terrace with views over the beaches of Isla and Noja or the surrounding mountains. All are
air conditioned and feature a minibar and a flat-screen TV.

Brittany Ferries
Ferries to Santander take 24 hours to make the crossing so your onboard experience is
more important than ever. Your journey will be a mini cruise and a great start and finish to
your holiday. Enjoy relaxing in comfortable spacious accommodation with a range of
excellent onboard facilities and entertainments, fine dining & restaurant options. The
choice of onboard activities is exceptional - there are cinemas showing the latest releases,
slot machines and video games, a swimming pool and leisure area, a range of shops and
stylish sun decks and lounges to explore.

Your Tour Includes

  • All Travel By Owen's Select Executive Coach
  • Return Overnight Ferry Crossings In 2 Berth Inside Cabins
  • 5 Nights Buffet Dinner, Bed & Buffet Breakfast
  • Welcome Drink & Canapés
  • Happy Hour In Hotel Cafe Bar Each Day From 5pm - 7pm
  • Mineral Water and House Wine with Dinner  Tea / Coffee after Dinner
  • Special Farewell Dinner With Local Seafood & Rioja Red & White Wine
  • Wine Tasting On One Evening
  • Porterage
Departure DateHotelDaysAvailablePrice (Adult)Pick Up Points