The Picos & Northern SpainAugust 21-30 — 9 nights, 10 days
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If you love mountain scenery with fantastic sweeping roads then this is the tour for you! Many areas of Northern Spain are mostly untouched by the hustle of today’s modern life and in many of the small sleepy villages you feel that time has passed them by. You will visit the spectacular gorges and mountains of the Picos de Europa, beautiful National park lands and remote unspoilt medieval villages and towns. The Picos de Europa is a miniature masterpiece: a mere 24 miles across in either direction and shoehorned in between three great river gorges including the Deva and Garganta. Your accommodation is of the highest standard and includes mountain hide-aways, ancient castles, palaces and monasteries. Throughout there will be a van at the rear of the group as support and to carry your luggage each day.
Day 1. Friday 21st August. Portsmouth to Santander
Ferry departs at 5.00pm for the 24 hour crossing and a two-berth cabin is included. Day 2. Saturday 22nd August. Santander to Limpias (approx. 40 miles) Arriving in Santander at approximately 5.30pm we ride the short distance to the four-star Palacio del Siglo Parador where dinner with wine awaits you. Day 3. Sunday 23rd August. Limpias to Burgos (approx. 180 miles) A countryside run through the hills and canyons as we head in-land, visiting the sleepy towns and villages. Our hotel tonight is the four-star Palacio de los Blasones which is situated 300 metres from the stunning Gothic Cathedral and only a few minutes’ walk to the Plaza Major with its’ many cafes and restaurants. Tonight you will be free to eat out in this ancient capital of Castile. Day 4. Monday 24th August. Burgos to Cervera de Pisuerga (approx. 110 miles) Today we follow the impressive canyons and high pass to the north and to the imposing Embalse de Ebro, a huge reservoir built during the Franco era. Our hotel tonight is a three-star Parador, built in the style of a hunting lodge and nestled in the foothills of the Picos de Europa. The views from the hotel are of the Ruesga reservoir and the distant mountains of the Natural Park of Fuentes Carrionas. Dinner with wine is included tonight Day 5. Tuesday 25th August. Cervera to Cosgaya (approx. 60 miles) A short ride today, but what a ride! Over the mountains and through passes, with spectacular views and stunning scenery as we head to Potes. From here it is up the winding pass to Fuente De where you can hop on a cable car to the mountain top or if you don’t have a head for heights, just take a break at the bottom. From here it’s back down to Cosgaya and the wonderful, family run Hotel del Oso for the next two nights. Dinner with wine awaits you. Day 6. Wednesday 26th August. Day off Take the day off and relax by the pool or take a ride out of approximately 120 miles to Covadonga. We’ll ride through the breath-taking Deva Gorge and the Gargantes mountain pass until we reach Covadonga, widely believed to be where Christianity began in Spain and also the resting place and tomb of Pelayo, the first king of Spain. We head back to our hotel in time for dinner. Day 7. Thursday 27th August. Cosgaya to Cangas de Onis (approx. 90 miles) Today is a day of twists and turns, magnificent views and passes as he head high over the San Gloria pass towards Riano and its’ surrounding lakes. Then down the other side for some more sweeping bends and on to our four-star Parador on the outskirts of Cangas. The hotel sits on the banks of the Sella River, is surrounded by the spectacular Picos de Europa Mountains and was once the former 12th century San Pedro de Villanueva Monastery which was declared a National Monument in 1907. Dinner with wine is included tonight. Day 8. Friday 28th August. Cangas de Onis to Sardinero (approx. 100 miles) We follow the mountains until we reach the coast at San Vicente and from here we hug the coastline via Comillas and the ancient town of Santillana. From here it’s on to our final night’s hotel the three-star Hotel Chiqui. The hotel sits opposite the beach and offers great views of the Cantabrian Sea and El Sardinero Beach. Tonight you are free to eat out. Day 9. Saturday 29th August. Sardinero to Santander ferry (approx. 3 miles) You have the entire day to relax on the beach or have a look around Sardinero before heading to the ferry for 6.30pm to catch your return crossing which leaves at 8.30pm. Day 10. Sunday 30th August. Arrive Portsmouth early evening refreshed and ready for your onward journey home. Total tour mileage approximately 700 (not including any mileage on day off) Please Note:
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This does not represent the exact route
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Prices
Rider sharing a room £ 1,795 ........................................ Rider & pillion £ 2,995 ........................................ Rider, single room £ 2,195 ........................................ Price Includes:
Prices without return ferry Rider sharing a room £ 1,350 ........................................ Rider & pillion £ 2,395 ........................................ Rider, single room £ 1,655 ........................................ 
We just wanted to say "Thank you" for a wonderful vacation. You guys are truly great. Our tour with you was one of the best vacations that we have ever had. As we indicated earlier, we plan to join you again! |
