|
|
Northern Spain Tour (8 Days)
offered by supplier M08426 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 8
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 20
people
Destination(s):
Spain
Specialty Categories:
Bicycle Touring
Season: April - October
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 1050 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1220 US Dollar (USD)
|
|
Northern Spain - unspoilt beaches, a beautiful coastline, wild estuaries, the backdrop of the impressive Picos de Europa, quaint and picturesque villages untouched by time around every corner, a delightful cuisine, fine seafood, perfect cycling weather – there’s certainly a lot on offer here. Our trip takes the cyclist round the quietest country lanes to enjoy the best of the countryside on routes chosen by experts on the region.
Enjoy some of the best views in Europe combined with a privileged view of unchanged local customs with the satisfaction that at the end of each day’s cycling you will enjoy staying in one of our carefully selected local hotels each with its own charming and intimate atmosphere. Our independent routes mean that you choose your own company and cycle independently with the full support of out maps, a detailed route guide and the knowledge that we provide. Rest days spent at each stop mean you decide what to do on these days, with a little help from us of course.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Santillana. Pick up from arrival point and transfer to the charming medieval village of Santillana del Mar. Introduction to bikes and route briefing. Spend the rest of the day walking round the cobbled streets of this beautiful village, visit the modern museum of the Altamira Caves or enjoy a ride around the country lanes and down to the coastline. Includes: (B);
Day 2: Santillana – San Vicente. Leaving Santillana our route heads westwards through green meadows and the hills and valleys of Cantabria with its marvelous unspoilt coastline and beaches nearby. We soon arrive at the charming village of Novales set amidst lemon groves and with its fine typical rural architecture. Next stop is the seaside village of Comillas.
Here a visit to the fine beach, the small harbour and the pretty village square with its pavement tapas bars and restaurants is a must, not to mention the architectural sights of El Capricho by the famous Catalan architect Gaudí and the Palace of the Marqués de Comillas. After leaving Comillas, cycle through the Parque Natural de Oyambre and along the seashore with the beautiful beaches of Oyambre and Merón. On the last stretch we are greeted by the stunning view of San Vicente and the Picos de Europa in the distance. Total distance: 36 km – 23 miles. Includes: (B);
Day 3: Free day in San Vicente. Spend time getting to know this pretty fishing village with its many seafood restaurants and magnificent setting. Take a ride on one of the free day routes, visit the lovely mountain village of Carmona, take a train to the fishing village of Llanes in the neighbouring province of Asturias and enjoy the ride back to San Vicente. Alternatively, enjoy a ride through the unspoilt hill country behind the village, or you may just prefer to spend a lazy afternoon on the beach. Includes: (B);
Day 4: San Vicente – Llanes. Leaving San Vicente the route heads westwards along the coast. After a short distance, cycle around the beautiful headland of Pechón with its magnificent views of the coastline. Crossing the River Deva in Unquera we enter the province of Asturias with its markedly different flavour. The village of Colombres is home to the sumptuous villas of the indianos, emigrants to the Americas who made their fortune and returned to show it off at home. From here the route continues between the coast and the dramatic mountain backdrop of the Sierra de Cuera, foothills of the magnificent Picos de Europa. A beautiful descent through eucalyptus forests brings us back to the coast where we cycle past beautiful and unspoilt beaches, so typical of Asturias, to arrive at the charming fishing village of Llanes. Distance: 48 km – 30 miles (This route can be shortened by 10 miles by taking the local train to Unquera). Includes: (B);
Day 5: Free day in Llanes. Cycle westwards and visit a string of fine beaches including the incredible landlocked beach of Gulpiyuri. Another beautiful route takes us through the most beautiful hills and valleys behind Llanes. Alternatively we can give the bikes a rest and take a canoeing trip on the Deva or Sella Rivers, or a hike through the dramatic and renowned Cares Gorge in the very heart of the Picos de Europa. Take a train to Ribadasella and visit the Caves of Tito Bustillo with their prehistoric paintings before cycling back. Enjoy the busy atmosphere of Llanes, so popular with Spanish tourists. Includes: (B);
Day 6: Porrúa / Llanes - Miera Valley Descent - Somo. After breakfast we transfer to the Cantabrian Mountains, almost in the southern extreme of the province, to begin our descent of the Miera Valley to our final stop in Somo. Pick up after breakfast and transfer to the starting point at 822 metres / 2697 feet above sea level.
From here, a marvellous descent through the most stunning limestone valley formed by the River Miera takes us down to the farmland around Somo and the estuary of the Miera in the Bay of Santander. Visit the mountain village of San Roque de Riomiera and the spa village of Liérganes with its rural centre still intact. Finally we arrive at the seaside village of Somo with the city of Santander within easy reach across the bay. Distance: 44km – 28 miles. Includes: (B);
Day 7: Free day in Somo. Enjoy the marvellous beach, miles of golden sand. Take a short boat ride across the Bay to visit the lively and elegant city of Santander, capital of the province of Cantabria. Enjoy the belle époque atmosphere of El Sardinero, the beach resort of the city where Alfonso XIII and his court spent the summer months in the early 20th century.
Or stroll around the town centre for some last minute shopping. Take one of the free day routes to visit the beautiful beaches of Loredo, Langre or Galizano. Ride through the green country lanes where a surprise awaits you round every corner to the village of Ajo where the specialty of the restaurants is that classic Spanish dish, paella. Visit the Nature Park of Cabárceno with its wild animals from all over the world and bizarre scenery resulting from its one time use as a Roman mine. Try the freshly grilled sardines in the seaside restaurants of Pedreña, birthplace and home of the famous golfer, Severiano Ballasteros. Includes: (B);
Day 8: Transfer Somo – departure point. End of trip. Pick up from Somo hotel and transfer to departure point. Includes: (B);
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Spain
Bicycle Touring
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
|
|
|
