Northern Spain - 10 days

ITINERARY

Sunday - Mid morning departure from Dorset with a refreshment break at Exeter Services, to arrive Plymouth to board the Brittany Ferries cruise ship to Santander (Sailing at 16:45). 1 night onboard to relax and enjoy the excellent facilities. 2 berth cabin with private shower included.

Monday - Arrive Santander at 14:00 and make the short drive to Isla to check in to our hotel with a welcome drink with snacks while the bags are portered.

Tuesday - A short coastal drive brings us to Santona, a traditional fishing port with busy anchovy canning factory that you can visit. The marina is always full of colourful boats and there is an attractive promenade that leads to Fort San Martin - an impressive fortress guarding the bay. Later we continue to Castro Urdiales, an historic old fishing port dating from Roman times with an impressive gothic church, castle, gardens and medieval buildings.

Wednesday - 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 picturesque San Vicente, a charming old town and fisherman's refuge with a famous 28 arch ancient stone bridge crossing the estuary.

Thursday - Make the short drive into Santander, a city of wide boulevards and a stunning promenade set against a mountain backdrop. Morning in the historic city centre - afternoon on the seafront. A city that seems straight out of a storybook and whose life revolves around the bay, recognised as one of the prettiest in the world. Back at the hotel this evening we shall enjoy tasting some of the local wines.

Friday - Visit the historic city of Bilbao, capital of the Basque region. It can also be referred to as "The City of the Guggenheim" as when the world famous museum was built it changed Bilbao forever. The groundbreaking design created by prestigious architects serves as an international reference point for modernity. Despite this it is a pleasure to stroll around the 700 years old streets of the old city crammed with traditional shops, the cathedral, theatre and cafes.

Saturday - Excursion into the Picos de Europe Mountains containing some of Spain's most spectacular scenery, packed with Oak and Beech groves it is home to Spain's most emblematic animals, the brown bear and Iberian wolf. This is Spain's only inhabited National Park where rural life and nature have co-existed for centuries. We shall drive through the dramatic canyon of "Desfiladero de la Hermida" and onto the mountain village of Potes, known as "the town of bridges". Continue along a narrow mountain road to Fuente De where a modern cable car travels up the last 800 metres of the rock wall to the spurs of Pena Vieja, at an altitude of 1834 metres - breathtaking views assured.

Sunday - A final day in Spain - A day of contrasts. First to Suances, a tourist town set upon a series of beaches grouped at Dichoso point. We shall avoid the modern resort and instead head up onto the cliffs to visit an intriguing faux castle, statue of the winds, and an historic lighthouse and ruined fort from which panoramic sea-views unfold. After time to enjoy the sights we drive inland passing Torrelavega and along the forested Besaya river gorge to Barros. Here we turn onto a mountain road via the Alton de Hjas pass, crossing into the adjacent valley of The Rio Pas. Stop at the spa town of Puente Viesgo and cross the impressive town bridge to discover a beautiful medieval church, a grand manor house, preserved railway station with steam locomotive and another wooden footbridge spanning the river gorge. Return to Isla later that afternoon.

Monday - Revisit Santander this morning and join a land-train ride along the Magdelena peninsula to the Magdalena Palace, located at the highest point and an iconic jewel in the crown of the city. This elegantly decorated palace reveals secrets of Kings and Queens and Spanish aristocracy - a stunning building set in beautiful gardens with breathtaking views. After time for lunch in the city we drive to the ferry port and board our cruise ferry (sailing at 17:00). Enjoy the on-board entertainment and shopping. 2 berth cabin with private shower included.

Tuesday - Arrive Plymouth 14:00 and drive homewards to return to Dorset early evening.