Jazz in Cantabria with Dave Vaughan’s All Stars 

The “All Stars” is made up of musicians from both my 7 piece swingtet and my quartet and our music is drawn from the earlier part of the 20^th century. For a more authentic sound, we are using a sousaphone (John Derrick) instead of a string bass, together with guitar (Ian Emby), drums (James Packer), trumpet (Arthur Brown) and myself on reeds. It is important to us to capture the fun and the excitement of the music of that time and this band is well equipped to do so. With Arthur Brown playing trumpet, how could it be anything else! You will not be able to keep your feet still.  Dave Vaughan

We sail from Plymouth on Sunday at 1645 and a cabin is provided. The ship has many diversions to keep you occupied such as live entertainment, swimming pool, cinema amongst others and fine dining or self-service restaurants.

Arriving in Santander on Monday at 1400 we leave town and travel eastwards about 25 miles to Isla and the Hotel Olimpo . The hotel  faces a large sandy beach  and there is a small outdoor swimming pool at the hotel.  There is also a tennis court and gardens leading down to the beach. We stay for three nights with breakfast and dinner with wine included. The Band plays after dinner for listening and dancing.

After check in you’ll have plenty of time to explore this pleasant coastal village. Relax around the garden area, stroll to the town centre or just sit back and have a glass of something on the terrace overlooking the ocean.

Tuesday – Today we’re travelling eastwards to the charming fishing port and popular resort of Castro Urdiales. We spend the morning here. In the afternoon we stop en route to Isla at the resort and fishing port of Santoña before arriving at the hotel. Dinner is at 2030 followed by the Band.

Wednesday _This morning we head off for the foothills of the Picos de Europa mountain range. Our drive takes us along the Pas Valley to Reinosa, a small town at the entrance to the ski slopes.After a short sightseeing stop we now drive along the side of the Ebro Dam to the Escudo Pass where we begin a stunning descent down the Besaya Valley. We’ll pause  at the pleasant  spa village of Puente Viesgo for sightseeing and refreshment. We recommend a little walk along the river bank.  Then it’s back to Isla and the hotel. Dinner is at 2030 followed by the Band.

On Thursday morning we drive to Santander stopping  at the Hypermarket  en route to pick up essential supplies .  Then it’s a little time for sightseeing in Santander before we board the “Pont Aven” for the sailing to England at 1600.

We arrive in Plymouth at 1115 on Friday morning and after disembarkation the coach returns to the original pick up points.

 Cost include: all travel by executive coach; ferry crossing with cabin; three nights half-board at the 4* hotel; excursions; Tour Guide. Entertainment by the Band on three nights.

Pick up points: Exeter-Newton Abbot-Plymouth(Home Park-free) – Millbay Docks

If you would like to register your interest in this trip, please send us an email or use our contact form.

Departure Date: October 12th 2025

Cost:  £710       

Single Supplement: £135

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