Discover Cantabria NC9
Cantabria, the heart of Northern Spain
Based on 7 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain
A compact itinerary around the emerald-green province of Cantabria taking in the Picos de Europa mountains, the stunning western coast and the little-known, ‘lost in time’ eastern highlands.
Visit Santander on its sparkling bay, head for the surf-washed beaches or loose yourself in the lovely seaside towns of Comillas, Santillana, San Vicente or Castro Urdiales. There’s world-class caving and World Heritage prehistoric cave art, stunning mountain scenery a stone’s throw from the coast and wonderful local gastronomy wherever you go.
- Tour Highlights:
- Medieval Potes & the Picos de Europa
- Historic Santillana & the Cantabrian coast
- Immense caves, waterfalls and glacial valleys of the unspoilt eastern highlands
- Seaside charm; Comillas, San Vicente de la Barquera & Castro Urdiales
- Santander, the city on the bay with the new Botín arts centre
£800 p/p
* Indicative mid-season price for 7 nights (including car hire – flights not included) in our suggested hotels. Ferry-drive based on 2 people from £1000 p.p. for 7 nights.
Days 1 to 3 – Western Cantabria
- San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar, historic seaside villages
- Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
- Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
- World heritage cave paintings at Altamira
- Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
Day 4 & 5 – Picos de Europa – Liebana Valley
- Breathtaking mountain scenery, walks & activities for all
- Wildlife, butterflies to birds of prey, bears too!
- Make a pilgrimage to Santo Toribio
- Cable car at Fuente De whisks you up to 1800m
- Medieval Potes, historic yet full of life
- Local mountain gastronomy, cider & orujo
Day 6 & 7 – Cantabria’s Eastern Highlands
- Dramatic, unspoilt valleys of Asón y Miera
- Awe-inspiring, original cave paintings in Puente Viesgo & Ramales de la Victoria
- Cabarceno Wildlife Park & Torre de Loizaga car museum
- Lively Castro Urdiales – Basque flavours in Cantabria
- Santander and Bilbao take your pick for a vibrant, cultural city visit
& why not?
- Add a stop in Bilbao or stay in Santander
- Explore La Rioja
- or dip into Asturias...
- Ask about superior rooms, a larger rental car or better cabins on the ferry
- or more economical options if you're on a budget...
- Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
The itinerary includes the following:
- Accommodation in our listed hotels – 2 sharing 1 std. double ensuite, B&B
- Economy 4dr car hire
- or ferry crossings with Brittany Ferries (car + 2 berth interior cabin)
- Guide book to Northern Spain
- Personal Travel App including highlights, weather forecast and restaurant suggestions for all areas en-route
- Instructions to find all accommodation
Not included:
- Flights – but we are able to advise
- One-way car hire charges, where applicable (see your quote email)
- The following car hire extras – these can be added at pick-up point
- extra driver
- child seats
- GPS
- Garage parking where applicable (mostly city stops) – please ask us about parking charges
Getting there
A circular route, this itinerary has excellent access by air and sea:
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- Flight connections from-to:
- Stansted: Santander with Ryanair
- Gatwick: Bilbao with Vueling or Easyjet
- Manchester: Bilbao with Easyjet
- Dublin: Santander with Ryanair / Bilbao with Aer Lingus
- Edinburgh; Santander with Ryanair
- Flight connections from-to:
- Ferry: if you wish to bring your own car, classic car or motorbike we can include the ferry crossings as part of the package
Getting around
For passengers travelling by air we will include a hire car as part of the package. Normally we include a 4 door economy class car but please let us know if you would like something different.
For those coming on the ferry you will use your own vehicle but in either case we will provide full instructions to arrive at each hotel, complete with GPS, as well as a map of the area
New for 2019
