Day 1 & 2: Outward To Spain

Travel to Plymouth via the “feeder service” for the overnight crossing to Santander on Brittany Ferries’ Port Aven. Arrival in Santander, then onwards to our Cantabrian Parador for three nights.

Day 3 : Picos de Europa & Santillana del Mar

A full day tour to the Picos de Europa, which constitutes one of the most outstanding mountain ranges on the Iberian Peninsula.

Occupying part of the provinces of Cantabria, Asturias and Leon, the mountains rise to a spectacular 8500 feet. The surrounding valleys are dotted with small villages set in green, sheltered grasslands, with deep and narrow gorges through which flow fast-running rivers. Little churches and quaint monasteries dot the rolling landscape. In the heart of the Picos is the town of Potes, which is the main town of the area, with its ancient towers and squares with arcades.

From Fuente De, there is the opportunity to take a cable car ride to an observation point offering unforgettable views of this spectacular mountain range.

Later visit Santillana del Mar, regarded as Cantabria’s showpiece of architectural beauty and 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 4 : Costa Verde & Oviedo

We head first to the university city of Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. While there don't miss out on seeing the wonderful Gothic Cathedral, the San Tirso Church and Oviedo's Archaeology Museum.

Oviedo boasts a splendid choice of restaurants and bars. Enjoy a spot of lunch in one of the typical cider houses.

On our return, we follow the Costa Verde, heading inland to visit the pretty resort of Cangas de Onis.

Day 5 : Bilbao

We leave Cantabria and head to the Basque city of Bilbao. This cosmopolitan city has gone through a huge period of rejuvenation and is home to iconic Guggenheim Museum.

The beating heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao boasts a wonderful Old Town, the Casco Viejo, with its elegant arcades.

Continue to our Parador, near Vitoria-Gasteiz, in the heart of the wine-country, which will be your base for the next three nights.

Day 6 : La Rioja & Wine Tasting

We explore the region of La Rioja, famous across the world for its rich red, fine white and crisp rose wines.

During this tour we discover the numerous delights of this region and, of course, sample the world famous wine. We make a stop in bustling Haro, the centre of the Rioja Alta. Haro, is regarded as the wine capital of La Rioja. The Old Quarter has a maze of streets and arcades and, of course endless wine shops.

During the day we will visit one of its historic bodegas for a wine tasting.

We will also call at the town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a popular stop on the fabled Camino de Santiago pilgrims' trail that snakes its way through the vine-covered landscape.

Day 7 : Pamplona

We travel to the foothills of the Pyrenees today to visit Pamplona, world- famous for the ‘Running of the Bulls’ that takes place every July.

There’s time to explore the Old Town and wander the cobblestone streets to uncover the town’s history and simply enjoy the medieval centre.

Day 8 : San Sebastián

We leave our Parador and head to the beautiful Basque town of San Sebastián, set on La Concha - a sweeping, shell-shaped bay.

Explore the charming, old quarter and immerse yourself in the Belle Epoque style. The local tapas bars are a true delight. Explore the lively Old Town, which lies across the neck of Monte Urgull, the bay’s eastern headland.bay’s eastern headland.
After free time we continue into France and stay overnight in the Ciboure/Biarritz area. 

Day 9 & 10 Homeward

We head north through France to reach our overnight hotel in the Paris area. Then on to the Channel Port for the journey home.