Escape the bustle of Bilbao and discover the captivating charm of Cantabria’s historic villages on this private tour. Explore the medieval splendor of Santillana del Mar, marvel at the whimsical architecture of Gaudi’s El Capricho in Comillas, and learn about the rich maritime heritage of Castro Urdiales. Along the way, savor the region’s iconic sobaos pasiegos and traditional Cantabrian stew, all while enjoying stress-free transportation. This tour promises to unveil the cultural and culinary essence of this captivating area – but there’s more to uncover.
Key Points
- A private tour that explores the charming medieval villages of Cantabria, including Santillana del Mar and Comillas, with visits to historic sites and Gaudi’s architectural masterpiece.
- Opportunity to savor traditional Cantabrian cuisine, including the iconic sobaos pasiegos and El Cocido Montañés stew, for an authentic culinary experience.
- Comfortable transportation in air-conditioned vehicles with friendly and knowledgeable drivers, ensuring a stress-free and seamless tour experience.
- Ample time to fully immerse in the region’s cultural heritage and natural beauty, with a tour duration of 9 hours.
- Convenient pickup and drop-off from Bilbao accommodation, allowing for a hassle-free exploration of the captivating Cantabrian countryside.
Charming Cantabrian Villages
The quaint villages of Cantabria captivate visitors with their medieval charm, winding cobblestone streets, and well-preserved historic sites.
One such gem is Santillana del Mar, a picturesque town that transports you back in time. Stroll through its charming lanes, admire the town’s Romanesque architecture, and sample the local specialty, sobaos pasiegos – a delightful Cantabrian sweet bread.
Another highlight is the coastal town of Comillas, home to the whimsical El Capricho, a modernist masterpiece designed by Antonio Gaudi. Wander through Comillas’ main square and discover its historic buildings and seaside promenade.
These Cantabrian villages offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and captivating natural beauty.
Exploring Santillana Del Mar
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Cantabria, Santillana del Mar captivates visitors with its well-preserved medieval charm. Visitors stroll along the town’s cobblestone streets, admiring the Romanesque architecture and seeing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
One of the highlights is the 15th-century Collegiate Church of Santillana, a magnificent example of Spanish Gothic architecture. Nearby, the Plaza de las Tres Bellas features beautifully restored historic buildings, including the Palace of the Marqués de Santillana.
Travelers can also explore the town’s traditional shops, sampling local specialties like the famous sobaos pasiegos, a delectable Cantabrian sweet bread. With its timeless atmosphere and well-preserved medieval buildings, Santillana del Mar offers a glimpse into Cantabria’s captivating past.
Gaudi’s El Capricho in Comillas
After exploring the medieval charm of Santillana del Mar, the tour continues to the town of Comillas, where visitors can marvel at the iconic El Capricho, a stunning example of Antoni Gaudí‘s unique architectural style.
This whimsical villa, built in the late 19th century, is a true highlight of the tour. With its vibrant colors, ornate details, and organic shapes, El Capricho showcases Gaudí’s pioneering vision. Visitors can wander through the enchanting property, admiring the intricate facades, decorative ceramic tiles, and harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape.
The tour also includes time to explore Comillas’ picturesque main square, providing a well-rounded experience of this charming Cantabrian town.
Savoring Cantabrian Cuisine
Visitors can savor the rich flavors of Cantabrian cuisine throughout the tour, starting with a sampling of the region’s iconic sobaos pasiegos, a traditional sweet bread.
Later, they’ll indulge in the hearty and comforting dish known as El Cocido Montañés, a stew that showcases the area’s bountiful produce and culinary heritage. This slow-cooked delight features a variety of vegetables, meat, and chickpeas, all simmered together to create a wonderfully satisfying and authentic Cantabrian experience.
Alongside these local specialties, the tour allows travelers to discover the vibrant food scene, from the lively markets to the charming family-owned eateries, offering a true taste of the region’s gastronomic traditions.
Historic Castro Urdiales
The tour culminates with a visit to the fishing village of Castro Urdiales, where travelers can explore the town’s historic castle, medieval church, and picturesque harbor.
Perched along the rugged Cantabrian coastline, Castro Urdiales boasts a rich maritime heritage. Visitors can wander the winding streets, admiring the charming architecture and stopping to gaze at the colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor.
The town’s crown jewel is the imposing Santa María de la Asunción Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that dominates the skyline.
After taking in the sights, travelers can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the seaside promenade, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and coastal vistas.
Comfortable Transportation
Comfortable transfers to and from your accommodation in Bilbao ensure a stress-free start and end to the private tour. The air-conditioned vehicles provide a relaxing journey, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenic views as you travel between the charming villages of Cantabria. The friendly and knowledgeable drivers are fully licensed and experienced, ensuring a safe and smooth ride throughout the day.
| Vehicle Type | Capacity | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan Car | 3 passengers | Air conditioning, WiFi |
| Minivan | 7 passengers | Air conditioning, WiFi, luggage space |
| Minibus | 15 passengers | Air conditioning, WiFi, ample legroom |
With convenient pickup and drop-off, you can fully learn about the cultural and culinary delights of the region without the worry of transportation.
Tour Duration
This private tour of the charming villages of Cantabria lasts a full 9 hours, providing ample time to fully immerse in the region’s rich cultural heritage and savor its renowned culinary delights.
With an unhurried pace, you’ll have the opportunity to leisurely explore the medieval gem of Santillana del Mar, taste the iconic Cantabrian sweet bread known as sobaos pasiegos, and discover the architectural masterpiece of Gaudí’s El Capricho in Comillas.
The tour also includes indulging in the traditional Cantabrian dish, El Cocido Montañés, and uncovering the picturesque fishing village of Castro Urdiales.
The extensive duration ensures you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for the essence of this captivating northern Spanish province.
Tour Details
Discover the charming villages of Cantabria on this private tour, which takes you on a journey through the region’s rich cultural heritage and renowned culinary delights.
You’ll explore the medieval gem of Santillana del Mar, with its cobblestone streets and historic sites. In Comillas, you’ll marvel at the whimsical architecture of Gaudí’s El Capricho and stroll through the picturesque main square.
Savor the traditional Cantabrian dish, El Cocido Montañés, at a local eatery, and sample the region’s specialty sobaos pasiegos, a delectable sweet bread.
The tour also includes a visit to the fishing village of Castro Urdiales, with its castle, church, and harbor. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy comfortable transportation and the expertise of a private guide.
Recap
This private tour from Bilbao offers a delightful glimpse into the captivating villages of Cantabria.
Visitors will discover the medieval charm of Santillana del Mar, marvel at Gaudí’s whimsical El Capricho in Comillas, and enjoy the rich maritime heritage of Castro Urdiales, all while savoring the region’s iconic cuisine.
With comfortable transportation and ample time to explore, this tour provides a stress-free opportunity to fully experience the cultural and culinary essence of this enchanting area.
