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Cantabrian and Asturian Coast and Mountains, Picos de Europa (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
Cultural Journey
Season: March - October
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 595 Euro (EUR)
Maximum Per Person Price: 595 Euro (EUR)
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Tour 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. Distance 40 km 25 miles
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. Distance 36km - 23 miles
Day 3: 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 flavor. 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 57 km – 36 miles (This route can be shortened by 10 miles by taking the local train to Unquera)
Day 4: Llanes – Arenas de Cabrales. From Llanes, we turn southwards towards the Picos de Europa. Today’s stage is a short one but we have the chance to lengthen it if we wish. We head along the valley of the Río de las Cabras past picturesque villages and many examples of their hórreos, the wooden granaries on stilts that are so typical in Asturias. At the top of the valley, we are greeted by magnificent views of the Picos.
In Arenas we can leave our luggage and cycle along to the beginning of the famous Cares Gorge. From there we can take the funicular railway to visit the remote mountain village of Bulnes. Distance 32 km – 20 miles
Day 5: Arenas de Cabrales - Potes. From Arenas de Cabrales, we follow the course of the River Cares with the Sierra de Cuera to our left and the imposing Western, Central and Eastern Massifs of the Picos de Europa to our right – sublime scenery! In Panes, the Cares flows into the Deva and we follow the latter upstream to the village of Potes. Suddenly the sides of the valley close in and the route runs through the incredible rocky gorge of La Hermida.
Mountains tower around us as we cycle through the gorge towards Potes and the valley of La Liébana, completely encircled by mountains. Spectacular scenery, but easy riding – downhill to Panes and then a barely perceptible ascent to Liébana and the village of Potes. Distance 52 km – 33 miles
Day 6: Potes - Carmona. From Llanes, we turn southwards towards the Picos de Europa. Today’s stage is a short one but we have the chance to lengthen it if we wish. We head along the valley of the Río de las Cabras past picturesque villages and many examples of their hórreos, the wooden granaries on stilts that are so typical in Asturias. At the top of the valley, we are greeted by magnificent views of the Picos. In Arenas we can leave our luggage and cycle along to the beginning of the famous Cares Gorge. From there we can take the funicular railway to visit the remote mountain village of Bulnes. Distance 32 km – 20 miles
Day 7: Carmona – Santillana – Santander - Somo. From Carmona a good early morning climb takes us to the Collado de Carmona (611 meters) where we begin our descent to the valley of Cabuérniga. From here we can follow the course of the River Saja towards Santillana and then back to Santander where we can admire the capital of the province with the beautiful views across the bay. A short ferry crossing brings us to Somo. This stage can be shortened by taking the local train into Santander from virtually anywhere along the route.
In the Valley of Cabuérniga we can also take the opportunity to visit Bárcena Mayor, another of the emblematic country villages of Cantabria.
Carmona – Cabezón – Puente San Miguel – Train to Santander – 40 km – 25 miles
Carmona - Bárcena Mayor – Train from Cabezón de la Sal – Santander – 54 km – 34 miles
Carmona – Santillana – Santander – 86 km – 49 miles
Distance from 40 to 86km, 25 to 49 miles
Day 8: Transfer Somo - departure point. End of trip. Pick up from Somo hotel and transfer to departure point.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Continental style breakfast
- Transport to and from arrival / departure points
- Information Pack with Route Guide and maps
Price does not includes:
- Lunch & dinner
- Bicycle hire (see price list)
- Holiday extension
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Spain
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
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