Cantabria, the Basque Coast and Andorra

Regional departure by coach or Home Connect service, then to Plymouth for the overnight crossing to Santander.

Please note: when you board the ferry at Plymouth, you will require a small overnight bag containing any essential items such as medication. Please note that this small bag (no larger than a small rucksack) is counted as part of your overall luggage allowance.

We arrive in Santander and travel to Suances in northern Spain for a four-night stay.

Today’s included excursion takes us first to the picturesque village of Comillas, with its medieval square and quaint old churches. We then visit Santillana del Mar, one of the prettiest little towns in Spain. The mansion houses, adorned with their coats of arms, and the many quaint little shops, all combine to rekindle the medieval past.

Enjoy a day at leisure or join our optional full-day tour to the Picos de Europa! One of the most breathtaking ranges on the Iberian Peninsula, the mountain peaks rise to a spectacular 8500 feet! There is an abundance of wildlife here, and Cantabrian brown bears and wolves live in the remoter regions and have often been sighted.

We pause at 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. The traditional village cuisine includes game stews and Cocido Lebaniego (chickpea casserole). There is also a potent spirit called Orujo, which is made in the town.

To make the most of your visit into the Picos de Europa, why not take a ride aboard the Fuente Dé cable car (at extra cost)? The cable car takes visitors into the mountains to an altitude of 1450 metres in just 4 minutes. At the upper station, you will be able to see the fantastic scenery of the surrounding area (weather permitting).

Our excursion today takes us to the beautiful city of Santander, with its wide boulevards and stunning waterfront promenade. This beautiful seaside city has a lot to offer its visitors, and is regarded as one of the loveliest cities on the Spanish Coast. Santander is a very popular destination for tourists due to its cultural heritage, exceptional buildings, cosmopolitan style and seaside attractions. There is plenty to keep you occupied. 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!

We leave Cantabria and head east to the beautiful Basque town of San Sebastián, set on a sweeping, shell-shaped bay with its charming old quarter and Belle Epoque style. The local tapas bars are a true delight! We continue to Andorra for a three-night stay.

Today we travel into the centre of Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city, one of the Mediterranean’s busiest ports and the capital of the province of Catalonia. During the day, why not join our optional Barcelona sightseeing tour? You'll be introduced you to the famous sights such as the unusual scenery of the Eixample district as well the huge Olympic stadium, scene of the great athletic achievements in 1992.

Later, perhaps spend time exploring the bustling Las Ramblas, the iconic street in the centre, which runs from the Plaza de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus monument near the harbour at Port Vell. Here, you can relax in one of the cafés, browse the market stalls and see the mime artists. You will also be ideally situated to explore the “Barri Gotic”, or Gothic Quarter, in the centre of the Old Town, where some of the buildings date back to medieval and Roman times!

Enjoy an included countryside tour of Andorra. The rugged landscape of towering peaks, lush green meadows and deep gorges is dotted with remote mountain villages. We visit the timeless villages of Encamp, La Massana and Escalades.

We head north to our overnight hotel in the Paris area.

Return home.