Day 1: Following your home taxi collection we join our platinum executive tour coach and head to Kent for our short sea crossing to Calais. Upon our arrival we continue our journey through France to our overnight hotel, the Novotel Amboise. Our evening meal will be a 3 course buffet dinner, served in a private room. This will also include a glass of red wine, mineral water, and tea or coffee.
Day 2: This morning we continue our journey south, passing the city of Bordeaux and Biarritz, before crossing the border into Spain. From here we head west along the Northern Spanish coastline to Isla and our hotel for the next 7 nights, The Hotel Olimpo, on a dinner bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3: Today is a day of leisure to explore Isla. You may like to enjoy a stroll along the wide golden beaches to the secluded coves, head into the historic centre to visit the church of San Julián and Santa Basilisa, or take advantage of the facilities at the hotel.
Day 4: We begin our day with a visit the caves of El Soplao. Discovered by Cantabrian miners in 1908, the El Soplao cave offers one of the most impressive speleological sights in Europe. A wonder of geology, you’ll have the chance to see eccentrics, stalactites, stalagmites, lava flows, columns, pearls of the caverns, and dog-tooth crystals. A mine train will take us through the mine tunnel of la Isidra to the cave. Once there, you will proceed on foot through the tunnels and rooms of la Gorga, La Fantasmas and Mirador de Lacuerre. The cave has been adapted for people with reduced mobility and 90% of the route can even be made in a wheelchair.
After your visit we travel through the towns of San Barquera and the picturesque village of Comillas, with its medieval square and quaint old churches. We continue along the coast road to Santillana del Mar, one of the prettiest little towns in Spain. Once a famous place of pilgrimage, the town dates back to the 10th century and, despite its name, it is not situated on the coast. The mansion houses adorned with their coats of arms and the many quaint little shops all combine to rekindle the medieval past.
Day 5: This morning we are joined by a local guide for a full day excursion to the Picos de Europa, one of the most breath-taking mountain ranges on the Iberian Peninsula, with peaks rising to a spectacular 8500 feet. There is an abundance of wildlife within this mountain range and Cantabrian Brown Bear and also Wolves live in the remoter regions and have often been sighted.
Our first stop will be in San Vicente, before heading into the River Deva Valley, passing through a canyon, and on to Potes, a small ancient village with old balconied houses lining the river. It is situated in the broad Valle de Liébana, whose fertile soil yields prime crops of walnuts, cherries and grapes. To make the most of your visit into the Picos de Europa why not take a ride aboard the Fuente De cable car (cost not included). The cable car takes visitors into the mountains to an altitude of 1450 metres in just 4 minutes. Overcoming a drop of 750 metres, the cable car travels at approximately 10 metres per second! At the upper station you will be able to see the fantastic scenery of the surrounding area (weather permitting).
Day 6: This morning we head to the beautiful city of Santander where we are met by a local guide. With its wide boulevards and stunning waterfront promenade, this stunning seaside city has a lot to offer its visitors.Santander is an especially green city, with plenty of parkland space. The largest of these green spaces are the beautiful, landscaped Jardines of Pereda (Gardens), which were created as a tribute to the Cantabrian writer, José María de Pereda. They are also home to a number of monuments including the music pavilion and the statue tribute to the garden’s namesake. Perhaps take a stroll along one of the sandy beaches, explore the lively city centre or visit one of the interesting museums. The choice is yours.
Day 7: Today we have a full day out as we head to Castro Urdiales. Also known as Flavióbriga after the Roman settlement which stood here, Castro Urdiales has all the charm of a small seafaring and fishing village with a rich tradition and tourist atmosphere, aided by the beaches of Urdiales, El Fraile and Brazomar. The town centre, with its characteristic houses with wooden rows of balconies, is medieval in origin and earned recognition as a Historic Site in 1978. Its main monuments, of different styles and periods, contrast with the seafaring sobriety of the old village, formed by narrow streets which are perfect for strolling through. The buildings of the church of Santa María, from the 13th to the 15th centuries, are the most significant example of Cantabria's Gothic architecture, and the castle-lighthouse, visible from all parts of town, are the most iconic sights in Castro Urdiales. The town square is surrounded by attractive arcaded shops and there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, including some of the best seafood restaurants in the area.
Day 8: Today is a day of leisure to relax and explore before we start our homeward journey.
Day 9: Sadly this morning we depart our hotel and start our journey back to our overnight hotel in Amboise, making suitable stops en route.
Day 10: This morning we retrace our steps back to the port of Calais for our crossing to Kent. Upon our arrival, we continue back to Norfolk where our door to door taxi service will be waiting to return you home.
Holiday Information:
9 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Price: £1347pp
Single Supplement: £289pp
Insurance: £POA Due to crossover renewal dates over the festive period, new insurance policies cannot currently be purchased online. Please contact our office in the new year for further details.
Tour Reference: EUR1845
This tour will be undertaken in one of our Platinum luxury executive coaches. You will have extended leg room, airline style seats with adjustable headrests and USB charging points, along with all the facilities present on our executive touring vehicles.
Deposit Required: £70pp
Balance Due: 10 weels prior to departure