Are you thinking about a trip through Spain? As an individual client or as part of a group and by the way, wish you to spend the night in singular establishments? So we recommend you a PARADORES Tour. There are several possibilities to do this and it depends to the traveller’s interest and preferences. Our proposal follows along the Cantabrian coast through the North of Spain and takes you to Santiago de Compostela, end of the Pilgrimage to St. James since over 1000 years. During the tour you will discover beautiful sceneries, landscapes of indescribable treasure, spectacular nature and long beaches, places which are famous for their gastronomy while you will be accommodated in confortable buildings of historic-artistic values for example in Castles and Convents.
Come and discover the following Tour!!
1ST DAY. BILBAO/SAN SEBAS
TIAN – HONDARRIBIA
Bilbao. Arrival and welcome by our guide. Departure to the city center and bordering the River Nervión we will get to Guggenheim Museum, designed by the famous architect F. Gehry and one of the most representative buildings in Bilbao. Guided visit to the Museum and Exhibition. In the evening, departure to Hondarribia and accommodation at the PARADOR DE HONDARRIBIA.
2ND DAY. SAN SEBASTIAN AND SURROUNDINGS
Departure to San Sebastián. Not in vain this city was chosen by the Royal Family to spend their summer holidays. The beautiful La Concha Bay stands out in its landscape, which we will walk along. In the afternoon, we will continue to Zarautz. During our drive the scenery will surprise us with white sand beaches, picturesque villages, fishing boats, and so on… Then we will get at Gernica where Gernika Peace Museum stands. It recalls us the bombing of Gernika-Lumo by the “Luftwaffe” on April, 26th 1937. After that, we will continue to Agomániz. Accommodation for two nights at the PARADOR DE ARGOMÁNIZ.
3RD DAY. LA RIOJA
After breakfast excursion to the La Rioja area driving through large extensions of vineyards to Labastida, and visit to Museo del Vino “Villa Lucía”. There, we will be introduced into the fascinating world of wine. After then we will continue to Elciego or its surroundings to visit one of the more than 500 wineries and enjoy tasting the delicious red wine. Later, in Briones a visit to “Dinastía Vivanco” wine cellar and its museum will be made. Return to the PARADOR and accommodation.
4TH DAY. SANTANDER – SANTILLANA DEL MAR
We will go back to the north coast to reach Laredo, main town of the so called “Costa Esmeralda” and Santander. Panoramic tour and continuation to Santillana del Mar, one of the most well preserved villages along the north of Spain. Walk around its medieval streets. Very near are the Altamira Caves, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Paleolithic Age” with original paintings from more than 18.000 years ago and today declared World Heritage site. We will visit the Altamira Museum, a modern complex where an impressive and true replica can be admired. Accommodation at the PARADOR DE SANTILLANA DEL MAR.
5TH DAY. PICOS DE EUROPA
Drive towards Comillas, town chosen by Royalty and Aristocracy in the past becoming one of the most important touristic centers in Cantabria. The history of this town is closely linked to Antonio Lopez, 1st Marquis of Comillas. He emigrated to Cuba, who defrayed the University Pontificia and Seminario Mayor´s buildings. We will continue first along the coast towards San Vicente de la Barquera and then further to El Soplao Cave, representing a true natural spectacle. Before reaching Potes, we will visit the small church Santa Maria de Lebeña and Santo Toribio Monastery, where the Lignum Crucis lies. In the evening, we will arrive at the Parador. Accommodation at PARADOR DE FUENTE DÉ.
6TH DAY. WESTERN PICOS
DE EUROPA
After a restorative breakfast, we will continue through a beautiful and mountainous landscape passing by Arenas de Cabrales, famous for the tasty Cabrales Cheese; later on we will get at Cangas de Onís, the most western place in Picos de Europa. In the afternoon, a stop will be made at Covadonga, one of the most symbolic places in Spain, where we will visit the Basilica and Santina Cave. Accommodation at the lovely PARADOR DE CANGAS DE ONÍS, taking the place of an ancient Monastery on River Sella banks in which the Parador reflects. (Option: to continue till Gijón and accommodation at PARADOR DE GIJÓN).
7TH DAY. OVIEDO – VILLALBA
Departure towards Oviedo, the former royal city in Asturias. We will walk along the old quarter and visit the most important monuments: the gothic cathedral with the Romanesque Cámara Santa. Later we will drive up to El Naranco Mount where the Pre-Romanesque gems Santa Maria del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo stand. Then continuation to Galicia to reach Ribadeo. By low tide, we will be able to contemplate Las Catedrales beach, showing us beautiful natural scenery. We will continue to Lugo, roman in its origins and walk along the Roman Wall which, is more than 2 km long and dates from the 3rd century, was declared World Heritage Monument by UNESCO. Finally, we will accommodate at PARADOR DE VILLALBA.
8TH DAY. A CORUÑA – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Departure to Betanzos, known as Ciudad de los Caballeros and walk through the historical quarter. Continue to the capital of the province, A Coruña. We will have the possibility to visit Museo de Bellas Artes with a large collection of paintins, engravings and archeological rests. Walk along Dársena Avenue where the famous galleries made of glass and wood facing to the Port stand out. Panoramic tour till reaching Tower of Hércules, the most ancient lighthouse in Europe still functioning. In the afternoon, transfer to Santiago de Compostela. Accommodation for two nights at PARADOR DE LOS REYES CATÓLICOS.
9TH DAY. SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
After breakfast, guided visit beginning at the majestic Plaza del Obradoiro with the façades of the Cathedral, Raxoi Palace, seat of the Town Hall and finally University Rector´s main building. Visit to the Cathedral with the famous Pórtico de la Gloria and cloister. We will also visit the main squares surrounding the Cathedral; walk around Quintana square and the typical medieval streets with arcades. Free afternoon and accommodation at the PARADOR.
10TH DAY. SANTIAGO – RETURN HOME
After breakfast free time. Transfer to the Airport.
OPTION: Extension at one of the 11 Galician PARADORES.