Day 1 Early morning departure for the journey to Plymouth to join the 16.45 hours Brittany Ferry to Santander. The Pont Aven offers three bars, restaurants, cinema, open deck space and live entertainment. Your comfortable two berth inside cabin (bunk beds) has shower, washbasin and toilet.
Day 2 Arrive in Santander, re-join the coach and travel the short distance to Suances and the hotel for a seven night stay.
Day 3 Spend the day at leisure in Suances and explore the small resort with a fine sandy beach which is only 400 metres away from the town. A lunch is included for you today.
Day 4 Time to explore the glorious Cantabrian coastline with a visit to San Vicente de la Barquera, set against a stunning backdrop of the Picos de Europa mountain range. Admire the pretty Old Town and its historic sights, including the Maza Bridge in the bay and the 13th century Castillo de Rey castle.
Day 5 Today visit the Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabarceno with our local guide. The park is home to various species from five continents that are free to roam wild, including bears, elephants, zebras and giraffes.
Day 6 A day guided tour of the capital city of Cantabria Santander. Full of fine beaches, shops, cafés and some intriguing cultural attractions. 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. In the afternoon free time to shop or stroll along the Paseo de Pereda promenade, which runs along one side of the Jardines de Pereda gardens.
Day 7 A day to Picos de Europa National Park and the Fuente Dé cable car. A scenic drive to the park’s Sotama Visitor Centre, close to the village of Poles. Free time here and lunch before travelling to Fuenta Dé to the cable car up the sheer mountain slope and enjoy spectacular views from the top, at a height of 1,800 metres.
Day 8 The guide will join you for your visit first to the pretty village of Santillana del Mar, with its cobbled streets and honey-coloured churches. After lunch travel to Comillas, a beautiful town with wonderful beaches and architecture. We have included a visit to Gaudi’s ‘El Capricho’ his most important building outside of Barcelona.
Day 9 Enjoy your final morning in resort, before departing for Santander to board the overnight ferry back to the UK.
Day 10 On arrival into Plymouth or Portsmouth you will disembark and complete your homeward journey.
NB: All ferry times and ports are subject to confirmation.