Atlantic Cruise Drive

The Biscay Rim 10 days

This is another holiday which was extremely popular a few years ago and we’ve brought it back to life with a few modifications to make it even better than before.
The object is to drive along the rim of the Atlantic Ocean around the Bay of Biscay and enjoy aspects of Spain and France life. We use nice hotels throughout, the travelling is not arduous and we begin the holiday with a sea cruise to Spain to get you thoroughly relaxed and into the holiday mood. If you are looking for a holiday with a difference – we think that this is it!

We pick up at the points detailed below and make our way to Plymouth.
Sunday - We sail at 1530 and  the facilities of the superb cruise-ferry “Pont Aven”  are at your disposal as we cross the Channel  - swimming pool, cinemas, shops, piano bar, live entertainment etc. In the evening we have dinner together in the award-winning Le Flora Restaurant.
In the early hours of the morning we swing left and then sail down through the Bay of Biscay (not as terrifying as some would have you believe!!).
In the morning, breakfast in your own time is included and we arrive in Santander at 1200 on the second day.
After disembarkation we then drive eastwards to the elegant city of San Sebastian, one of Europe’s premier resorts. We check in to the Hotel San Sebastian for five nights with buffet breakfast and dinner with wine included.
The sandy Ondarretta Beach is just 300 metres distant and this leads on to the famous La Concha beach which continues around to the fascinating harbour area of the city.
On Tuesday we travel inland to Pamplona in Navarra, famed for the running of the bulls festival. We’ll pass through some superb scenery on our drive and within the city itself you’ll find lots to interest you especially in the Old Quarter with its cobbled streets and ramparts. Ernest Hemingway’s favourite bar in a tree-lined square just off the centre.
On Wednesday  we head towards the border to visit the little town of Hondarribia which faces France across the river. We return in the early afternoon for you to spend some time at the beach.
Thursday -  No visit to the Basque Country would be complete without a visit to its principal city Bilbao where the outstanding Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art is located. We’ll make a visit here and then you will be able to sightsee in Bilbao at your leisure.
On Friday we plan a free day so that you can soak up the sun on the beach or go sightseeing in San Sebastian.
On Saturday morning we leave the hotel and drive eastwards into France past Bayonne and then northwards  through Gascony  to Bordeaux.We cross the Gironde and make for our overnight at the fishing port and resort of La Rochelle where we stay for two nights.
On Sunday we have a short excursion to the Iles d’Oleron and then return to La Rochelle for free time.
On Monday we resume our ride parallel with the ocean through Nantes and into Brittany for our final overnight at Concarneau.
On Tuesday we leave the Atlantic behind and head northwards to Roscoff stopping at Morlaix before catching the 1630 ferry to Plymouth. This reaches England at 2130 and after disembarkation the coach returns to the original pick up points.

Cost includes: travel by air-conditioned coach with WC; cruise-ferry crossing with 2-berth cabin and breakfast and dinner; eight  nights’ 3 and 4* hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast and dinner with wine; all excursions as described; entrance to Guggenheim Museum. Details of cabin upgrades can be viewed under Information – the Santander sailing

Departure dates

Dates 2012	Price
May 20th	£675
August 26th	£695

                                      

Children under 14 less 20%
Guaranteed sea view £40 per room
Single supplement (room & cabin) £125

Online Booking click here

Pick up points:
Bath – Bristol -  Exeter – Newton Abbot – Plymouth