Emerald Valleys to the Celtic Coast

Fly to Bilbao and travel to the locally rated 4-star Juan de la Cosa in Santona for a two-night stay on an all-inclusive basis. This family-run hotel is a stone’s thrown from the beach, and has an indoor pool with jacuzzi, as well as a lounge with live entertainment. The contemporary-furnished rooms are equipped with a television, hairdryer, safe, and tea and coffee-making facilities.D

After breakfast, head into Santona this morning for an orientation walk followed by an included boat trip across the bay to the old port town of Laredo where you’ll have free time to explore. Don’t miss the incredible five-kilometre sandy beach, Playa de Salvé. Head back to the hotel for lunch and then spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.B, L, D.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting off on the first leg of your tour. Travel by coach to the perfectly preserved, working medieval village of Santillana Del Mar. On your included walking tour you’ll stroll past 15th to 18th-century mansions to the Romanesque collegiate church, built to house the relics of St Juliana. Next, travel to Ribadesella, a seaside town backed by the Picos de Europa mountain range. You’ll have free time to explore the town, and take lunch at your own expense. In the afternoon, visit a local cider mill for a demonstration and tasting. This evening head to the locally rated 4-star Palacio de la Llorea for a two-night stay on a half-board basis. Located just seven kilometres from Gijon, the peaceful hotel is situated on a golf course, in a rural setting, so is perfect for relaxing. The hotel features a full-service spa (extra charge), indoor pool and fitness centre and all rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen television, hairdryer and safe.B, D.

Depart after breakfast for a full day included excursion into the Picos de Europa National Park, Spain’s first national park. First go to Cangas de Onis where lunch will be at your own expense. Then head to Covadonga to see the impressive cathedral and the idyllic Covadonga lakes. Return to your hotel for dinner. B, D

Today will be a longer day of travelling, as you journey from Gijon to Cee in Galicia, but with plenty of stops en-route. Your first stop is at Cathedrals beach, famous for its magnificent natural arches and caves carved by the sea over time which can only be seen when the tide goes out. Carry on your journey, pausing next in La Coruña for an included walking tour. Here you’ll have free time to explore and take lunch at your own expense, as well as the chance to see the Tower of Hercules lighthouse, the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use today. Continue towards Cee stopping at two megalithic wonders en-route. Climb up to the Celtic village of Castro Cida de Borneiro, believed to be one of the earliest Castros found in Galicia. The final stop of the day is in Muxia, a fishing village on the Costa de Morte. From Muxia lighthouse at the end of the peninsula, look out across the bay to see another lighthouse at Cabo Vilan.

Arrive late this evening at the locally rated 3-star OCA Insua, located in the heart of Cee, where you’ll stay for two nights on a half-board basis. All rooms in the comfortable hotel are equipped with air conditioning, hairdryer, LED television and free Wi-Fi. B, D

Please note: Today’s excursions involve walking short distances over uneven ground.

After breakfast depart for an included full day excursion to Santiago de Compostela. Famed as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, this charming city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the famed cathedral, where pilgrims have paid homage to St James since the Middle Ages. Head back to your hotel for dinner this evening.B, D.

Set off after breakfast for the final stretch of your tour. Pause at Cascada de Ezaro to see the impressive waterfall on the River Xallas. Continue to the locally rated 4-star Hotel Galatea, where you’ll stay for the next three nights on an all-inclusive basis, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. A two-minute walk from the beach, the tranquil Hotel Galatea features a seasonal outdoor pool with sun terrace, a thermal spa and tennis courts. All rooms provide complimentary Wi-Fi, television, hairdryer, minibar and safe.B, L, D.

Today is at leisure, or perhaps join an optional excursion to the botanical gardens at Pazo de Rubianes.B, L, D.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for an included visit to the pretty seaside town of Cambados. Stroll the old streets on an included walking tour, and learn about the history of the town, known for producing Albariño white wine. Alongside wine production, fishing is also a major industry in this area of Galicia, so why not throw on a pair of wellies and take part in a shellfishing experience. Join Guimatur, a cultural association of local women, to learn about their work as shellfish gatherers, and take home a hand-made bag with shells of the species found in the area as a souvenir. You’ll also visit the local fish market before heading back to hotel for an evening at leisure.B, L, D.

After breakfast travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.