Cantabrian Coast (2027)

We’ll depart early from Madrid, heading towards the Castile region. Our first stop will be at the Mirador de los Cuatro Postes, offering a breathtaking view of the magnificent walls of Ávila. Near the border with Portugal, we’ll make a stop in Ciudad Rodrigo for a stroll through its medieval streets, where we’ll admire its cathedral and ancient city walls. We’ll then continue our journey to Porto.Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a 50-minute cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional Portuguese "Rabelo" boat, offering a unique perspective of the city’s beautiful riverside. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the lively medieval Ribeira district, known for its narrow streets lined with historic merchant houses and charming cafés, before heading to the hotel.Note: If the number of passengers traveling from Madrid to Porto is very low, this leg of the journey may be completed by plane, in which case the stop in Ciudad Rodrigo will be canceled.

Today, we´ll travel through stunning landscapes. In Braga, we´ll take a ride on the world’s oldest water-operated cable car to reach the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, where breathtaking views await. After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend descending via its picturesque staircase. Our journey continues into Galicia, where we´ll visit the historic town of Cambados or O Grove in Rías Baixas. Here, we´ll embark on a glass-bottom boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, learning about mussel and oyster production. Enjoy wine and mussel tasting onboard. At lunchtime, we´ll arrive in Santiago de Compostela for a city tour led by a local guide, exploring its medieval streets and renowned pilgrimage sites dating back to the Middle Ages.

We’ll travel along the Way of St. James, beginning with Lugo. Here, we’ll have time to explore the historic town center and its Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we’ll visit O Cebreiro, a charming Galician stone village. Our journey will continue to León, where we’ll arrive at lunchtime. In León, we’ll visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained-glass windows, and enjoy a stroll through the historic town center.We’ll then cross the Cantabrian Range on our way to Asturias, arriving in Oviedo by evening. We’ll include a tour of the city with a local guide, either upon arrival or the following morning. During this hour-and-a-half tour, we’ll visit the 9th-century cathedral, the Calatrava Congressional Palace, Campoamor Theatre, and Calle de la Rua. Dinner included in a traditional Asturian cider house.

Half board dinner includes: DISHES -- Potato omelet Chorizos with cider Ham Croquettes Squid sausage Lacón with Cachelos DESSERT -- Homemade frixuelos and rice pudding OTHERS -- Bread, Cider, Beer, Wine and Water

We will travel to Picos de Europa. We will visit Basílica de Covadonga which is surrounded by beautiful scenery. We will resume our journey following the coastline to SANTILLANA, one of Spain’s most beautiful towns, and we will visit its well-preserved medieval quarter. We visit the National Museum and Research Centre of ALTAMIRA (ticket included) located in the vicinity of this town. We will later travel to SANTANDER, the region’s capital city, a coastal city with amazing vistas and beaches. We include panoramic city tour to discover this elegant city and its beautiful bay. NOTE: On some high difficulty dates (especially in summer from July to mid September), some groups can be accommodated in Bilbao.

We’ll follow the highway along the Cantabrian coast, enjoying breathtaking scenery between the mountains and the sea. Upon arrival in Bilbao, we will take a panoramic tour of the largest city in the Basque Country and the region´s primary economic and cultural hub, where the Guggenheim Museum stand out with its striking exterior architecture. You´ll have free time to stroll around or visit the musuem if you wish. We´ll continue towards Madrid. Arrival in the evening, around 08:30 p.m. Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the journey from Bilbao to Madrid may be conducted by either regular coach or train service.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.