Private tour of Santillana de Mar and Santander from Bilbao

Free cancellation
Luxury vehicle
8 hours
Guided tour

Full description
Includes
Excludes
Cancellation Policy
User Reviews

Full description

Expanded Private Tour of Santillana de Mar and Santander from Bilbao Description

Embark on a captivating journey through the cultural and scenic wonders of Northern Spain with our exclusive Private Tour of Santillana de Mar and Santander from Bilbao. This immersive full-day tour is your gateway to exploring the rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking coastal landscapes of two of Spain’s most picturesque towns.

Your experience begins the moment we pick you up from your location in Bilbao in a luxury vehicle. As you travel towards Santillana de Mar, you’ll be enveloped by the charm of the Cantabrian countryside. This tour is not just a sightseeing trip; it’s an indulgence in history, art, and natural beauty, tailored to your preferences and pace.

Santillana de Mar, often referred to as the ‘Town of Three Lies’ (neither a Saint, flat, nor by the sea), offers a journey back in time with its well-preserved medieval architecture. Stroll through its cobblestone streets, admire the historic Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, and delve into the prehistoric wonders of the Altamira Cave, known as the ‘Sistine Chapel’ of Paleolithic art.

Next, the tour takes you to the elegant city of Santander, a blend of urban sophistication and beachside relaxation. Explore the grandeur of the Cathedral of Santander, the regal Magdalena Palace, and the lush Pereda Gardens. The city’s maritime heritage is showcased along its stunning beaches like El Sardinero, and the imposing Faro de Cabo Mayor offers panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea.

Throughout the tour, your private guide will share insights and anecdotes, making every moment informative and engaging. There will be ample opportunities to sample local cuisine, perhaps enjoying a seaside lunch in Santander or tasting the traditional ‘sobaos’ pastries in Santillana.

As the day winds down, you’ll be comfortably driven back to Bilbao, enriched with unforgettable memories of Northern Spain’s cultural and natural treasures.

Extended Highlights of the Private Tour of Santillana de Mar and Santander from Bilbao

Santillana de Mar: A living museum, this town offers a step back in time with its medieval streets and the famed Altamira Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cathedral of Santander: Discover the architectural splendor and historical significance of this landmark in the heart of Santander.
Gran Casino del Sardinero: Experience the elegance of Santander’s belle époque era at this iconic casino, overlooking the majestic Sardinero Beach.
Magdalena Palace: Explore the royal summer residence of King Alfonso XIII, a symbol of Santander’s historical links with the Spanish monarchy.
Cabo Mayor Lighthouse: Enjoy breathtaking views from this iconic lighthouse, a beacon over the Cantabrian Sea.
Culinary Delights: Sample the region’s gastronomic offerings, from fresh seafood in Santander to traditional pastries in Santillana.
Customizable Itinerary: The tour is flexible, allowing you to explore additional sites or spend more time at a particular location based on your interests.
Playa de los Locos (Santillana de Mar): Discover the rugged beauty of Playa de los Locos, a stunning beach known for its unique geological formations and panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea. It’s an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Paseo y Jardines de Pereda (Santander): Stroll through the lush gardens and promenades of Paseo y Jardines de Pereda, where the beauty of nature blends with the urban charm of Santander. This area, brimming with art installations and street performers, offers a lively and scenic walking experience.
St. John’s Monastery (Santillana de Mar): Step into the serene and spiritual ambiance of St. John’s Monastery. This historical gem in Santillana de Mar showcases remarkable Romanesque architecture and provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

Includes

This Private Tour includes:

Official Tour guide for 8 hours
Private vehicle with official chauffeur 8 hours
Private Tour
24/7 Guardian Angel Service
Public liability insurance
Taxes
Price per person

Excludes

This Private Tour excludes:

Food and drinks
Entrance fees

Cancellation Policy

No Refund, Modification or Cancellation in any case on any type of tickets or entrance fees.
Modification of tour/service dates and starting times are subject to availability.
48 hours prior to first service date: Free Cancellation on guide and private vehicle with chauffeur. Any type of entrance tickets have no refund.
Less than 48 hours prior to first service date: No Refund. Payment of 100%.

User Reviews

Afternoon walking tour with Sergio, Corpo Santo Hotel The afternoon walking tour focused on historical places - 1st and 2nd bookstores, historical buildings that cannot be changed, historical shops, and a historical skywalk, among other things. Sergio was very knowledgeable, told us information about each historical building and answered questions, He was patient, and made sure we all stayed together and everyone was present. The timing was just right so we did not get tired walking. The tour took place in another section of town from the morning tour so again I became more comfortable with walking around in that section of town, how it connected to the area of the morning tour, and how to get back to the hotel on my own. The hotel was very nice and clean, modern, and well kept. the staff really looked out for you, and if you looked lost they would ask if you needed help. There were snacks available at all times, and there was usually a pleasant surprise sent up to your room in the middle of the afternoon. The concierge were very helpful with restaurants, and when I missed another walking tour in a different section of the town because of a glitch in that company's email system, Miguel helped me get a refund. I loved the breakfast -- I knew it would not be a buffer, and I liked the idea of staying in one place and getting the service. I found the wait staff very attentive and quick to get you anything you needed. Overall, I had a wonderful stay at the Corpo Santo Hotel, and would definitely stay again if I should visit Lisbon.
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ammapanyin
16/04/2024
Tour Travel and More provided a great tour in Germany There were 3 of us (3 generations) ages 9-71. Made arrangements with Tour Travel & More for private transportation from Frankfurt, Germany to Sinsheim, Germany with a tour of Rothenberg od Der Tauber on the way. It was a wonderful tour. Our guide Joachim was very knowledgeable, professional and personable. It was like traveling with a friend. Sebastian, our driver, was very polite and competent. Umbrellas and water were available. Vehicle was clean and had more than adequate room for us. Joachim gave us lots of info throughout the tour/day but not too much. He recommended a local restaurant in Rothenberg for our lunch and it was wonderful too. He also accompanied my grandson up in a tower to launch the paper airplane my grandson made during lunch. The tour kept us moving but did not feel rushed. I would not hesitate to use this company again.
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Klux2014
09/04/2024
Consuegra windmills and Toledo tour from Madrid and back My wife and I loved the day tour with Tour Travel and More. We were picked up from our hotel in Madrid by our very competent and pleasant driver, Ruben, in a very comfortable electric Mercedes van. We first went to visit the scenic Consuegra windmills which are known from the adventures of Don Quixote. Then we went to the magical, medieval city of Toledo. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and then our private tour guide, Luis, met us to begin a walking tour of many city sites. He was great! His knowledge of the history, cultures, physical geography, and shopping is perfect. What a great day. I highly recommend all the above experiences.
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Voyager743807
05/04/2024
Excellent tour Our tour was fantastic. It was our favorite tour during our trip. Our guide Teresa was very friendly and knowledgeable. We learned so much about the city from her. We only wished it was longer!
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Teresa M
02/04/2024
Segovia was beautiful!! You don’t want to miss Segovia!! If anything consider spending a couple of days. That said we had a wonderful time on this day trip!
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Chad F
28/03/2024
Beautiful Historic Towns with Excellent Guides Our private tour was characterized by a wonderful driver (Rouen) and two excellent tour guides (Carol and Louis; apologies if I don’t get names perfect). The weather in Segovia was very cold but we kept walking to stay warm. Both towns were worthy of visiting. Our only recommendation - do not have lunch at Meson de Candido. Lunch was not included but the operators thoughtfully made us reservations at this historic place. It is charming and the family was quite nice - perhaps enjoy a glass of wine there but eat elsewhere in Segovia. All in all, the tour team was top notch and accommodated us with great professionalism, knowledge and obvious pride in their towns.
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Shanan G
28/02/2024
Wonderful private tour Our private tour was wonderful. We were provided with a very comfortable van for my husband, who has a hard time putting in to small cars. Susanna, our guide was very knowledgeable, personable, and accommodating. We were very glad we spent the money for this tour.
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Judith M
19/02/2024
Great walking tour and guide The guide was amazing! I went with my partner and we enjoyed a great last holiday. She was friendly and very knowledgeable. The team at Tour Travel & More was very helpful as well.
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Fady N
12/01/2024