2025, September 12 -24, 12 nights. Fully Booked
Start your holiday with a relaxing two night ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Santander and then explore the wonderful countryside and hospitality of the Basque region and its paradores.
The north of Spain, breathtaking landscapes with a mix of mountains and sea, verdant green hills and valleys, empty coves and beaches, sleepy villages and mid size cities. Famous for its traditional cuisine, the north’s food is exceptional. Our tour takes us through National Parks, along the coast and inland. Starting at Santander and finishing at Bilbao. This tour provides a taste of the country, the roads, the hotels and hospitality of this wonderful region of Spain.
Day 1 Friday
Arrive at Portsmouth where we will meet you in plenty of time to check in and board the ferry to Santander which leaves at 19:00. Enjoy the next two nights relaxing on board the ferry with full access to the club lounge. Time to unwind, chill out and relax, catch up on that book or podcast you have been wanting to read and just haven’t had the time. Switch off from the daily grind, get to know your fellow travellers and look forward to the fantastic tour ahead.
Day 3 Sunday
Total Distance 146 miles. Approximate driving time 3 Hours 45 minutes
The ferry arrives at 08:00. Once we have disembarked and cleared customs it’s off on our first drive. Heading out of Santander we soon leave the main roads and start heading south west, winding our way through sleepy villages. At Salced we change direction and head north to Panes and then follow the river Cares through the valley and skirt the mountains to our first hotel.
Day 4 Monday
Total distance 172 miles. Approximate driving time 4 hours
Continuing our route west we meander through small villages nestled in the valleys and mountainsides, cross the dam over the river Navia. At Grandas we change direction and start heading north through the mountains to our next overnight stay overlooking the estuary at the coastal town of Ribadeo. Time permitting we can call in at the museum of Fernando Alonso where he has his personal collection of memorabilia and racing cars from his long career in motorsport.
Day 5 Tuesday
Total distance 130 miles. Approximate driving time 3 hours 30 minutes
Heading south today takes us through the wooded hills and valleys. At Becerrea we head west slowly climbing until we reach Sarria where we turn south east and follow the road as it climbs and drops along the side of the mountains and valleys to our next destination, Villafranca del Bierzo on the outskirts of the Reserva de la Biosfera Ancares Leoneses.
Day 6 Wednesday
Total distance 156 miles. Approximate driving time 3 hours 15 minutes
Today we head east continuing our drive through this beautiful part of Spain to our next parador at Cervera de Pisuerga. With panoramic views of the Ruesga reservoir our two night stay here allows plenty of time to enjoy the area.
Day 7 Thursday
Free day, Take a trip out to see the remains of a Roman Villa with it’s beautifully preserved and exposed tiles , La Olmeda, at Ganina de la Vega less than a hour’s drive away. Alternatively take a walk around the reservoir or just relax at the hotel.
Day 8 Friday
Total distance 156 miles. Approximate driving time 3 hours 30 minutes
Heading south east we come to the town of Burgos where we can stop and take a look around the old Cathedral. Plenty of time for a leisurely lunch before continuing to our parador at Soria.
Day 9 Saturday
Total distance 106 miles. Approximate driving time 2 hours 30 minutes
Our short drive today takes us through the towns of Tarazona and Tudela where we can stop, take a walk around the cobbled streets have a coffee and take time over lunch before heading off to our next night in the wonderful old town of Sos del Rey Catolico.
Day 10 Sunday
Total distance 90 miles. Approximate driving time 1 hour 45 minutes
Today we head to our final destination, the city of San Sébastien for two nights. Lying on the coast of the Bay of Biscay this wonderful city is worth exploring. Our hotel is within walking distance of the old quarter. Famed for its Basque cuisine San Sébastien is home to a high concentration of Michelin starred restaurants. Dinner has not been included for our two nights here. Why not check out the local restaurants in the old quarter with a guided walking food tour with Pintxo (small plates similar to tapas) tasting and wines. Night two have dinner in one of the many superb restaurants in the city.
Day 11 Monday
Free day to explore and enjoy the city. Take the funicular to the amusement park with spectacular views across the bay. Spend a few hours in the stunning aquarium or simply sit at one of the cafe’s and have a glass of wine while watching the world pass by.
Day 11 Tuesday
Total distance 73 miles. Approximate driving time 1 hour 15 minutes
A short drive along the coast to Bilbao to catch the 13:00 ferry returning to Portsmouth.
Day 12 Wednesday
Arrive Portsmouth 20:45
Price
£2575.00 per person based upon two people sharing a double room / cabin
Please ask for details if single occupancy is required.
What is Included
Return sailing on Brittany Ferries outward Portsmouth to Santander return Bilbao to Portsmouth. Full access to the club lounge. Bed breakfast and evening meal in each of the paradores. Bed and breakfast only in the San Sébastien hotel.
What is not Included
Drinks, incidentals, spa treatments, lunch, road tolls and any other miscellaneous costs. Please see the note below in Optional Extras for meals on board the ferry crossing.
Deposit
A non refundable deposit of £1700.00
Optional Extras
Brittany ferries do not include any breakfast lunch or dinner in their fare. Prepayment vouchers, towards the cost of these meals, can be purchased at the time of booking, please ask for details if you require this.
Some hotels may have rooms with Balconies or suites. If you would like further details on room upgrades please ask.
To Reserve a Place
Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 10 cars
Call us on 01235 797200 or
