Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain

Arrive in Bilbao or Madrid, collect your rental car and and continue to Santo Domingo de la Calzada in La Rioja.

Accomodation in the Parador of Santo Domingo, adjacent to the Cathedral and housed in a 13th century hospital, which sheltered pilgrims on the pilgrimage road to Santiago de Compostela. Today it offers quality, luxury and comfort, conserving its regal character in stately living rooms and bedrooms, some with four poster beds. Cuisine here includes delicious piquillo peppers, La Ribera vegetable stew and “bacalao a la riojana” (cod rioja style), and of course the wines of La Rioja.

Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain

Today discover Santo Domingo de la Calzada, which is one of the most important stops along the Road to Santiago, situated 40 kilometres from Logroño city. Founded in the 11th century by the hermit Domingo who, according to legend, devoted all of his efforts to helping pilgrims on their way to Santiago. He is responsible for building this section of the Pilgrimage road, the church and a hospital.

Tour the lovely Rioja wine region and visit charming Haro; medieval walled town of Laguardia with it´s subterranean wine cellars; the spectacular Dinastia Vivanco Winery and Museum in Briones; the Frank Gehry designed Marques de Riscal winery and hotel in Elciego and much more.

See also San Millan de la Cogolla where you will find the Monasteries of Suso and Yuso. Suso was built in the 10th century, and the church has Romanesque and Mozarabic features. Yuso, built between 16th and 18th century, features a church that is partly Renaissance with Baroque features. It was here that the first words of the Spanish language were written and these are preserved in a manuscript that dates from the 10th Century.

Santillana del Mar, Spain

From Santo Domingo make your way to Santillana del Mar in the region of Cantabria.  The beautifully preserved medieval town is a UNESCO World heritage site as are the nearby Altamira Caves with ancient paintings. Walking the cobbled streets of Santillana is like stepping back several hundred years.

Here stay at the 4 star Parador Santillana del Mar Gil Blas a fine 17th century ancestral home situated overlooking the main square.

Santillana del Mar, Spain

This morning after breakfast enjoy exploring Santillana del Mar, declared a national monument and considered to be one of the lovliest medieval towns in Spain.  A great number of its 15th to 17th century houses and mansions still remain and are incredibly well preserved; the town is a veritable living museum. The Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana is especially interesting.  The Museum of Torture is not for the faint-hearted but it is certainly well created and gives a good insight into the times around the Spanish Inquisition.  

Afterwards head over to see Altamira.  The prehistoric paintings of the famous Altamira Caves (original is closed to the public) can be appreciated at the neo-cave which has been created in the impressive museum nearby. 

This afternoon visit the seaside town of Comillas and be sure to visit El Capricho which was designed by Antoni Gaudi.

Fuente De, Spain

Next proceed to the Parador de Fuente De situated in the mountainous Picos de Europa national park in Cantabria.  On the way stop in to see San Vicente de la Barquera, with its Romanesque cathedral and castle.  It is a delightful fishing town.

The Parador in Fuente De contrasts with the soaring Picos de Europa Mountains, in an unforgettable setting. The approach is a wonderful feast for the eyes.  The Parador is an ideal starting point for nature based activities, being right next to the Fuente De cable car that transports visitors swiftly high up into the Picos mountains. 

The interior of the Parador recreates the classical mountain style and offers the traveller local home-made dishes, such as `cocido lebaniego´ (typical regional stew) or `solomillo al queso de Tresviso´ (sirloin with Treviso cheese). Nearby is Potes, a quaint ancient town with old balconied houses and the 15th century Infantado Tower.  Also the monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, which was founded in the 7th century and is one of the most revered sights in the Picos de Europa containing, what is said to be, a piece of the cross upon which Jesus was crucified.

Fuente De, Spain

Today we suggest taking the cable car into the Picos Mountains.  Return by cable car or, depending on your level of fitness, why not enjoy hiking back down? It´s a lovely trail with unforgettable views but it does take several hours to complete.

Later explore some of the charming towns in the area such as Mogrovejo which received the Cantabrian Village of the Year award in 2017 and was also the stand-in `Swiss Alps´ setting for a new Heidi movie.  Visit the bustling town of Potes too which has lots of traditional restaurants, typical Cantabria architecture and a pleasant riverside walk.

Limpias, Spain

Today make your way back to the Cantabrian coast and travel eastwards to the village of Limpias and the Parador de Limpias.

We suggest stopping in Santander, capital of Cantabria, on the way and exploring this very elegant city located on one of the world's most beautiful bays. Be sure to visit; the Centro Botin, the picturesque Sardinero beaches and the gardens of the Magdalena Palace.

The Parador de Limpias is located about 25 minutes from Santander near the popular beach town, Laredo. It is situated in the Eguilior Palace estate, which was the summer headquarters of King Alfonso XIII's Council.

Departure,

Following breakfast make your way to your departure airport where you return your rental car.

Meals Included today

• Full Buffet Breakfast