Impressions of Green Spain

Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France on a bed and breakfast basis.

Continue to the Hotel Olimpo, Isla

We head to Santander, a historic city of Romanesque architecture surrounded by soaring green mountains and white beaches. Visit the elegantly designed Gothic Cathedral or the stunning Magdalena Peninsula, where the remains of the Roman settlement can be found. We are treated to a guided tour to discover more about the history and modern-day traditions.

This morning, we explore Bilbao, known for its vibrant local culture. On the right side of the Nervion River is the Ribera Market, one of the biggest covered food markets in the world, where you’ll find a variety of fresh, local produce while the banks along the river provide a tranquil spot for a stroll.  This impressive city has undergone a spectacular transformation in the last few years and we discover more about this on our guided walk through the Old Quarter. Bilbao is known for its spectacular offering of delicious cuisine, and we take time for some lunch here before moving on to the building that has, for many years, attracted visitors from all over the world, the Guggenheim Museum.

Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the exterior of the building itself is striking, an abstract structure with chrome walls, reflecting the contemporary artwork housed inside. We wander the collection of paintings and sculptures and later return to the hotel for our evening meal.

Today we take the ferry from Santona across to Laredo and discover the gems of this historic port town, from the historic quarter to its quaint marina. The Old Quarter lies in the centre, its narrow streets winding between original defensive walls, built to defend the town from pirate attacks. We take in our surroundings and stop for lunch. There are plenty of eateries to choose from and beautiful beaches for a spot of relaxation.

This morning, we uncover the beauty of Santillana del Mar, a perfectly preserved village of Renaissance buildings, with flower-filled balconies set alongside tanned stone. Here we find the impressive Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates to the 12th century and is a beauty to behold, displaying intricate stone carvings. There’s also the Old Town, with its cobbled streets and Gothic houses, built by noblemen in the 15th Century. We have time to stop for lunch and here is the perfect opportunity to try some authentic Spanish cuisine, such as traditional Tapas and Quesada Pasiega for dessert.

In the afternoon, we visit El Capricho, a villa in Comillas designed by Antoni Gaudi. Constructed in the 1800s, the building reflects Gaudi’s Orientalist period and signs of early Modernisme, which influenced Europe’s avant-garde movement.

Travel to our overnight hotel in France.

Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.