A world away from the ‘Costa’s’ the whole culture, lifestyle, language and cuisine is unique in this part of Northern Spain. This area which is also known as Green Spain lies along the north coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Our holiday base is the delightful resort of Castro Urdiales, located in the region of Cantabria which boasts some beautiful beaches and borders the Basque Country. High in the Pyrenées Mountains lies the Principality of Andorra, bordering both France and Spain. An area of dramatic scenery ranging from mountainous landscapes to green valleys and meandering rivers, also renowned for its duty free shopping!.

ITINERARY

• Day One: We depart in the early hours for our journey south to Plymouth where we board the Brittany Ferries flagship the ‘Pont Aven’ for the 12.00 noon* sailing to Santander. Facilities include a choice of restaurants and lounges, two cinemas, live music and dancing, stylish shopping malls, plus a swimming pool and leisure area. Cabins are all air-conditioned and have full en suite facilities.
• Day Two: Arriving in Santander this morning we cruise in past golden beaches and the former Royal Summer Palace. After disembarking we spend a few hours exploring Santander, then travel along the coast to the resort of Castro Urdiales for check in to the Las Rocas Hotel, our home for the next three nights.
• Day Three: We explore some of the beautiful Basque Country and head towards the charming port town of San Sebastian, a lovely resort with a wide sweeping beach, charming old quarter, elegant shops and wide boulevards.
• We then head inland to Sare for a journey on an authentic wooden train to the top of La Rhune, the first summit of the Pyrenean range at an altitude of 905 metres. Enjoy some stunning panoramic views across the Basque Country.
• Day Four: A day at leisure to explore Castro Urdiales with its harbour, beach and the old village, formed by narrow streets which are perfect for strolling through. The town centre is medieval in origin and has earned recognition as a Historic Site. The church of Santa María is a good example of Cantabria's Gothic architecture, and the castle-lighthouse is one of the town’s main sights.
• Day Five: We leave Castro Urdiales and head through the Pyrenees to the Principality of Andorra and the Nordic Hotel in the little town of El Tarter where we stay for four nights.
• Day Six: Today we explore Andorra’s capital, Andorra La Vella, with its wealth of tax-free shops and designer boutiques. After lunch we head to La Seu d’Urgell, one of the most historically important towns in the Catalan Pyrenees with its medieval streets and historic quarter containing its 12th century Romanesque Cathedral.
• Day Seven: This morning we take a short drive to see the Meritxell Sanctuary and the picturesque lake of Engolasters where you can relax and admire the views or take a stroll around the lakefront. Afternoon at leisure.
• Day Eight: Today we head over the Spanish border and through the Catalan countryside to Ribes de Freser. Here we have an opportunity to travel on the only rack railway in Spain, opened in 1931. Enjoy the spectacular views as we take a lovely scenic ride up through the mountains to the sanctuary and ski resort at Vall de Nuria.
• Day Nine: We leave the principality of Andorra and head north through France for an overnight stay at Orleans.
• Day Ten: Continue to Calais for a short sea crossing to Dover and home to North Wales.