Green Spain
Asturias
This outstandingly scenic Province contains the
usual Green Spain elements, superb golden beaches, meadows and orchards,
tumbling streams, lots of woodland and most of the rugged mountains of the Picos
de Europa. The sparse population lives in small towns and pretty mountain
villages and very little industry pollutes the atmosphere. An ideal place for a
relaxing and rewarding holiday far away from the crowds.
The principal city is Oviedo with a fine cathedral and university and some good shopping. Along the coast are little fishing villages such as Llanes and Ribadesella where there are pre-historic caves (as there are in many parts of Asturias and Cantabria).
For our clients, the beauty of this tour is that the hotel is only about 60 miles from the port of arrival, Santander, and en route to the hotel we make a short stop at the pretty fishing port of San Vicente de la Barquera which immediately gets people into the local atmosphere.
Our hotel sits in a
secluded cove with its golden beach and the Atlantic waves rolling into it. If
you could see that far the next view you'd see would be Cornwall. There is no
other building within a mile other than the hotel's campsite so if you are
seeking peace and tranquillity - you've found the perfect solution. The Sordo
Family look after their guests with immense charm and courtesy and we think the
food is rather good. As usual there is a buffet breakfast and at dinner, which
is usually 4-course, a different wine is served each evening.
We sail on the 1600 crossing to Spain and on arrival next day we set off westwards and make our first stop the little resort and fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera. This pleasant little resort is an ideal stopping point and you will have a chance to get your land legs and take some refreshment before we complete the final few miles to the hotel. We reach the hotel in good time for you to explore your surroundings before dinner. We stay for three nights.
On Tuesday we travel inland through the impressive Hermida Gorge to visit the Picos de Europa mountain range. We stop at the small mountain village of Potes and then go on to the end of the road at Fuenté De where there is a cable car. Those who wish, may remain at Potes until the coach returns.
On Wednesday we travel through the Cares Gorge to the national heritage site of Covadonga with its superb basilica and important historical effects. Next we stop for sightseeing in the old Roman town of Cangas de Onis and finally we'll travel to the coast to visit the pretty fishing village and resort of Llanes before returning to the hotel. .
On Thursday we leave La Franca to begin our ride back to Santander. En route we stop at Santillana del Mar, one of Spain 's premier heritage towns and before sightseeing we visit the prehistoric Altamira Cave . We then drive to the outskirts of Santander and call into the Eroski Hypermarket before catching the 1530 sailing to England . The cruise is very much part of your holiday so enjoy the many amenities on board before we reach Plymouth early on Friday.
(Cost includes: travel by executive coach; ferry crossing with cabin; three nights 3* hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast and dinner with wine; excursions as described;)
Departure dates 2008
August 31st £385 SUMMERTIME SWING SPECIAL see Band of Gold
October 12th £369 Single supplement £70 Jazz in Asturias Colin Kingwell's Jazz Bandits
Single room (inc cabin) £75 Children less 20%
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Pick up points: Bristol - Taunton - Exeter - Newton Abbot - Torquay - Paignton - Ivybridge - Plymouth
