If you thought Spain was all about crowded beaches and hot sunshine you are in for a surprise!  The Cantabrian Coast of Northern Spain is truly beautiful and combines stunning sea views and pretty fishing villages with alpine style scenery and lush countryside.  The region is shielded from the heat of the Spanish interior by the Picos du Europa mountain range, which provide dramatic and spectacular landscapes. The area is characterised by friendly, welcoming people, good wholesome cuisine and a well deserved reputation for glorious scenery – you will not be disappointed!

HOTEL OLIMPO, Isla

A four star hotel in a fantastic location on a small peninsula in the village of Isla.  From the hotel’s lush gardens there is direct access onto the sandy beaches below and the marvellous terrace and outdoor swimming pool are the perfect places for relaxation.  The hotel has a bar and the superb restaurant serves a three course evening dinner which includes wine and water. There is a lift to all floors and additional facilities include a sauna, disco, tennis courts and laundry service.  All of the 70 air-conditioned bedrooms overlook the gardens or beach and offer private bathroom, hairdryer, satellite tv, telephone, minibar, and safe.  The hotel was very highly praised by the last Bluebird group to stay here.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Wednesday – Morning departure from Dorset, drive to Plymouth to board the overnight sailing of Brittany Ferries cruise ship to Santander.  1 night onboard to relax and enjoy the excellent facilities.

Thursday – Arrive Santander that morning and enjoy some free time for sightseeing. Make the short drive to Isla and check in to our hotel with the remainder of the day free to relax.

Friday – Excursion to Santillana del Mar, a beautifully preserved town of medieval and baroque buildings – virtually traffic free with narrow cobbled streets, a fascinating small museum and some lovely street cafes - it is best described as a living museum.  Later call at the picturesque village of San Vincente, a charming old town and fishing port.

Saturday – Excursion to the Picos de Europa Mountains containing some of Spains most spectacular scenery.  First we drive through the dramatic canyon of “Desfiladero de la Hermida” and on to Potes, a lovely market town in the mountains.  Continue along a narrow mountain road to Fuente De. where a modern cablecar travels up the last 800 metres of rock wall to the spurs of Pena Vieja, at an altitude of 1834 metres – breathtaking views assured.

Sunday –  Make the short drive into Santander, a city of wide boulevards and a stunning promenade set against a mountain backdrop. Morning on the seafront – afternoon in the historic city centre.

Monday – After a leisurely breakfast we call at a shopping centre near Santander to pick-up those souveniers and last minute bargains.  This afternoon board the overnight cruise ferry to Plymouth and enjoy the on-board entertainment.

Tuesday – Arrive Plymouth mid-morning and travel home.

TOUR PRICE : £395.00 per person

Single Room & Single Cabin Supplement : £100.00    Travel Insurance Premium : £18.25 per person

Cabin upgrade (Outside with window & twin beds) : £60.00 per person

Price Includes : All coach travel, Return cruise ferry crossings with berth in two berth inside cabin with shower/wc (bunks, no window),

4 nights hotel accommodation with half board meals, Financial protection insurance and VAT.