Cruise & Drive to the Treasures of
Charming Cantabria & Green Spain
1st - 10th October 2023

Our Spanish tour starts with a drive to Plymouth, where we join the ferry for an overnight crossing to Santander on the north coast of Spain. From there it is just a short drive to our hotel in Suances, famous for its stunning beaches.

Located in the more unspoiled north of Green Spain, this region is the proud home to some of the jewels of Spain: amazing landscapes, charming beaches, exciting cities, cultural treasures, the Picos de Europa mountain range and one of the most wonderful natural parks in Europe!

For our first day out we explore the glorious Cantabrian coastline, starting with a visit to the seaside town of Comillas, home to many types of neo classical buildings and a beautiful cemetery, declared a Site of Cultural Interest. We then travel on to San Vicente de la Barquera. Set against a stunning backdrop of the Picos de Europa mountain range, we have time to relax on the long sandy beaches or explore the charming shops, local fish markets and tasty eateries. We can also admire the pretty Old Town and its historic sights, including the Church of Santa MarÍa de los Angeles, the 13th century Castillo del Rey castle and the 32-arch Maza Bridge in the bay.

On your day at leisure you have the chance to relax at our wonderful hotel or perhaps sun yourselves on the lovely golden beaches, just a short stroll away.

For our next day out we visit the wonderful Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno for a step-on guided tour. Our guide will breathe extra life into the beautiful and primitive landscape of the park, all from the comfort of our coach. The Natural Park is home to various species from five continents that are free to roam wild, including an array of animals as diverse as bears, elephants, zebras and giraffes!

Our next full day out starts with a short drive to Santander, where we are joined on the coach by a local guide for a half-day tour of  the city  With fine beaches, shops, cafés and some intriguing cultural attractions, there is plenty to take in here. The  Palacio de la Magdalena, once the royal summer residence, lies at the mouth of the  Bay of Santander on the rocky La Magdalena Peninsula, whilst the city centre is home to Santander Cathedral, with its octagonal cupola and Gothic cloister. In the  afternoon we can enjoy shopping or exploring and strolling along the nearby Paseo de Pereda promenade, which runs along one side of the Jardines de Pereda gardens.

We will also enjoy the Spanish countryside with a visit to the Picos de Europa National Park, with a stop at the village of Potes, set high in the mountains. You will have time to explore the narrow streets before we then travel on to Fuente Dé, reached through the dramatic, sheer sided Deva River gorge. There will be plenty of time to enjoy lunch and perhaps travel on the Fuenta Dé cable car (cost not included) up the sheer mountain slope. For those brave enough to travel, there are spectacular views from  the top at the top at a height of 1,800m!

We start our final day in Spain with a stop at the visitor centre at the Museum of Altamira, which boasts a spectacular reconstruction of its remarkable prehistoric cave paintings. After time to explore the museum we head to Santillana del Mar, where you will have time at leisure to explore its cobbled pedestrianised streets, honey coloured sandstone mansions, bustling plazas and elegant churches. It is one of the best preserved medieval villages in Spain and has been described as the “prettiest village in Spain”.

Tour price includes:-

Deposit £50 per person

Your Hotel - Gran Hotel, Suances

The hotel is located 700m from the beach and is an impressively grand, brilliant white, Victorian style building. This elegant hotel is beautifully fresh and bright throughout, with marble flooring and decorated in stylish fabrics. The 99 air-conditioned bedrooms are decorated in light colours and equipped with a TV, hairdryer and safe. All bedrooms have views of either the sea or the beautiful countryside. Guests can unwind in the stylish bar area before a buffet dinner is served in the spacious restaurant. Guests also have use of the outdoor swimming pool at the sister hotel next door.

Your overnight ferry cruise.
Accommodation is based on 2 sharing an inside 4 berth cabin on a room only basis. Upgrades are available on request.
Larger cabin (2 persons sharing a 4 berth inside cabin)   - £55.00 per person
Outside cabin with port hole (2 persons sharing)             - £90.00 per person