Paradors of Spain – Cantabria & Basque Treasures and La Rioja

Paradors of Spain – Cantabria & Basque Treasures and La Rioja

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Paradors of Spain – Cantabria & Basque Treasures and La Rioja

10 Days Starting in Plymouth, UK and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: Plymouth, Santander, Cantabria, Picos de Europa, Santillana del Mar, Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, La Rioja, Pamplona, Donostia-San Sebastian, Ciboure, Paris

Tour operator:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

ecp

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Sightseeing, Wine Tasting

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe is to be enjoyed on this stunning holiday packed with fascinating contrasts. Our first base, Cantabria, boasts a dramatic coastline, with picturesque fishing villages, the majestic Picos de Europa Mountains, and valleys dotted with houses, churches and monasteries – a feast of traditional Spanish architecture. We then head to La Rioja, a region, renowned for its wines, the La Rioja. It’s also a region of stunning landscapes, ancient towns and villages. Historic castles perch in picturesque valleys laden with vineyards. All based in two traditional and exclusive Paradors, situated in the heart of the mountains.

Highlights

  • Cantabria, dramatic coastline, with picturesque fishing villages, the majestic Picos de Europa Mountains, and valleys dotted with houses, churches and monasteries

  • Head to La Rioja, a region, renowned for its wines. It’s also a region of stunning landscapes, ancient towns and villages

  • Visit Picos de Europa, which constitutes one of the most outstanding mountain ranges on the Iberian Peninsula

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Portsmouth/Plymouth

Location: Plymouth

Accommodation: Overnight Ferry

Meals Included: No Meals

Regional departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to Portsmouth/Plymouth for the overnight crossing to Santander.



Please note: When you board the ferry at Portsmouth/Plymouth you will require a small overnight bag containing any essential items such as medication. Please note that this small bag (no larger than a small rucksack) is counted as part of your overall luggage allowance.

Day 2 : Arrive In Santander

Location: Santander, Cantabria

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star Parador de Cervera de Pisuerga

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrival in Santander, then onwards to our Cantabrian Parador for three nights.

Day 3 : Picos De Europa & Santillana Del Mar

Location: Picos de Europa, Santillana del Mar

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star Parador de Cervera de Pisuerga

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We include a full day tour to the Picos de Europa, which constitutes one of the most outstanding mountain ranges on the Iberian Peninsula.

Occupying part of the provinces of Cantabria, Asturias and Leon, the mountains rise to a spectacular 8500 feet. The surrounding valleys are dotted with small villages set in green, sheltered grasslands, with deep and narrow gorges through which flow fast-running rivers. Little churches and quaint monasteries dot the rolling landscape.

In the heart of the Picos is the town of Potes, which is the main town of the area, with its ancient towers and squares with arcades.

From Fuente De, there is the opportunity to take a cable car ride to an observation point offering unforgettable views of this spectacular mountain range.

We later visit Santillana del Mar, regarded as Cantabria’s showpiece of architectural beauty and one of the prettiest little towns in Spain. Once a famous place of pilgrimage, the town dates back to the 10th century and, despite its name, it is not situated on the coast. The mansion houses adorned with their coats of arms and the many quaint little shops all combine to rekindle the medieval past.

Day 4 : Free Time Or Costa Verde & Oviedo

Location: Cantabria

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 3-star Parador de Cervera de Pisuerga

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

On today’s optional excursion, we head first to the university city of Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. While there don't miss out on seeing the wonderful Gothic Cathedral, the San Tirso Church and Oviedo's Archaeology Museum.


Oviedo boasts a splendid choice of restaurants and bars. Why not enjoy a spot of lunch in one of the typical cider houses?


On our return, we follow the Costa Verde, heading inland to visit the pretty resort of Cangas de Onis.

Day 5 : Bilbao

Location: Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4-star Parador de Argómaniz

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Cantabria and head to the Basque city of Bilbao. This cosmopolitan city has gone through a huge period of rejuvenation and is home to iconic Guggenheim Museum.

The beating heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao boasts a wonderful Old Town, the Casco Viejo, with its elegant arcades.

Continue to our Parador, near Vitoria-Gasteiz, in the heart of the wine-country, which will be your base for the next three nights.

Day 6 La Rioja & Wine Tasting

Location: La Rioja

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4-star Parador de Argómaniz

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Join our included excursion, as we explore the region of La Rioja, famous across the world for its rich red, fine white and crisp rose wines.

During this tour we discover the numerous delights of this region and, of course, sample the world famous wine. Our first stop is in bustling Haro, the centre of the Rioja Alta, where'll we visit one of its historic bodegas for a wine tasting.

Haro, is regarded as the wine capital of La Rioja. The Old Quarter has a maze of streets and arcades and, of course endless wine shops.

We'll then continue to the town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a popular stop on the fabled Camino de Santiago pilgrims' trail that snakes its way through the vine-covered landscape.

Day 7 : Pamplona

Location: Pamplona

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4-star Parador de Argómaniz

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Included excursion, as we travel to the foothills of the Pyrenees today to visit Pamplona, world-famous for the ‘Running of the Bulls’ that takes place every July.

There’s time to explore the Old Town and wander the cobblestone streets to uncover the town’s history and simply enjoy the medieval centre.

Day 8 : San Sebastián

Location: Donostia-San Sebastian, Ciboure

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City-style hotels

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We leave our Parador and head to the beautiful Basque town of San Sebastián, set on La Concha - a sweeping, shell-shaped bay.

Explore the charming, old quarter and immerse yourself in the Belle Epoque style. The local tapas bars are a true delight. Explore the lively Old Town, which lies across the neck of Monte Urgull, the bay’s eastern headland.

After free time we continue into France and stay overnight in the Ciboure/Biarritz area.

Day 9 : Travel To Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: City-style hotels

Meals Included: Breakfast

We head north through France to reach our overnight hotel in the Paris area.

Day 10 : Return Home

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Return home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Additional Services

    Travel from a wide range of convenient joining points across the UK is included within your coach holiday price; some carry a supplement. Please contact us for our full list of joining points.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    This trip includes coach travel from/to a local UK joining point

  • Fully Guided

  • International Travel

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Transport

    Comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoach

What's Not Included

Accommodation

You will stay for three nights at the 3-star Parador de Cervera de Pisuerga and three nights at the 4-star Parador de Argómaniz. 


Overnight stays in France will be in city-style hotels.


On the overnight ferry sailing, accommodation will be in en suite cabins. Meals are not included on board ship. 

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Fully escorted by our experienced drivers/crews. And in most towns and cities we either include or offer optional sightseeing tours with expert local guides to help you get the most from your visits.

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Low

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Some tours carry a supplement for solo travellers, please ask for details if the Single price is not shown

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    On Leger Coach Holidays, your allowance is one medium sized suitcase per person, which should weigh no more than 20kg when full.

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • What type of coach will be used?

    You will travel on either our Luxuria Coach or our Silver Service Coach

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?

    Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this Operator

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Sue Sinfield (Google Reviewer)  

Due to covid it was...

21-Jul-2022

Due to covid it was 3rd time lucky for us to visit lake Garda, what a treat. One or two hiccups but no fault of Legers at all. Praise to Graham and Chris for their excellent driving and coffee service. Our visit to Verona, our guide was very informative but did walk at a pace sometimes had to hurry to keep up. A lovely holiday

Michael Stephen Shilleto   England

Four Countries New Year & the Swiss Glacier Express

07-Jan-2024

Firstly we must thank Alex and Dave our tour guide / drivers who entertained us through out . The tour was fantastic so was the hotel’s food and entertainment. The tour was through the new year holidays as expected lots of shops closed and hotels were understaffed which was lost on some travelers. We travelled back from stop 24 on a luxuria coach I would recommend paying the extra for the comfort alone

Roy Williams (Google Reviewer)  

Great company. We did the...

03-Apr-2024

Great company. We did the 4 day D Day Normandy Landing tour.We had 2 great driver's John and Ian.. Nothing was a problem for them. They kept us safe and entertained.Then we had Fred Greenhow as our guide And he was outstanding. He told us everything we wanted to know. Can't praise them enough Thank you all. We will do more tours with them......

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

Andy (Google Reviewer)  

Booked a surprise Birthday treat...

12-Jan-2024

Booked a surprise Birthday treat for my wife 40th to visit The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, All done via work,put all information in the B/card,so excited, one week before trip Cancelled!!! Due to not enough interest?? No Alternative! Never touch them again

Victoria Smith (Google Reviewer)  

I'd like to go lowerthan...

26-Dec-2023

I'd like to go lowerthan one star .my trip over to Italy nearly 36 hours in total.the driver and his wife gave thier mother a seat that was paid for and reserved at a price by another lady who was finally allowed to sit at the front with the drivers mother .( that was good of them considering the lady had paid for 2 holidays and one couldn't make it . I had the cheek to ask for coffee only the women driver to have conversation loud enough for my earshot to her husband then put over the tannoy that coffee will be when they are ready. ( i had bought 24 tickets for drinks on steves advice )but i quietly corrected them saying that they really shouldn't do that so I could hear.Then a barrage of abuse came from her for then her husband to face me off at my seat and a threats to get my case off and find my own way home his face red with rage pointing in my face with comments saying they don't have to take that from me.as they are fed up with people and they have to work 21 hours etc etc .they people were shouting STOP STOP STOP .he continued his rant and saying I would be dropped at the next service station. ( FRANCE) it was raining and I had no idea where I was going or had been.He the gave me a can of diet coke and said i could have it free but no oppology! 15 hours later in italy I wanted to leave and get a plane home .legers were no help but another coach arrived same sort of holiday shearings with nice drivers .No Rome visit and I could be with them for the remainder of time. I did go out on a couple of trips and the bus and drivers were amazing .I was told by legers eventually I can do the return journey with then but my holiday was ruined I cried and slept and am emotionally traumatised . On the plus side the coach i arrived on the doors kept opening in the wind the coach had to pull over and close the door so we could only use side door which was a fire hazzard ! Still no apology last day is today I'm spending in my room .I just want to return to England because I will be getting a solicitor for the abuse i suffered and the money I paid and for the wasted week over Christmas not to mention the anxiety I have suffered .the hotel and food was abysmal. The worse week ever and £1500 spent my nerves are in shreads .I can't wait to see the reviews and already I am flooded with statements from other passengers about how bad it is and my how I should fight for my injustice of it all .this time it must go to court so people are heard and intimidation like this is not allowed

TU  

Many thanks to Molly.

03-Jan-2023

I have recently booked a trip to Le Mans and had the good fortune to speak to Molly. She was very helpful and a pleasure to talk to. She was able to answer all but one of my queries with clarity and promised to ring me with the answer to the un-answered question as it required further investigation. This she duly did. An unusually pleasant experience when making a booking over the phone, if only it could be this easy every the time.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Leger Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of leger holidays charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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