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15 nights of discovery & exploration around the Costa Verde
Enjoy touring in a lesser-known area of Spain as we discover the gems of its north.
The north of Spain offers distinct differences to its more familiar south, including its own
Basque language. We start on Spain’s north Costa Verde (Green Coast), in its best
architectural city of San Sebastian, where its close proximity to France mixes aspects of
French and Spanish cultures. We then go inland with visits to Haro at the centre of the Rioja
wine producing region, Burgos the capital of the Kingdom of Castile, and the Picos Europa
National Park for the north’s highest mountains.
Upon returning to the Costa Verde, we pick up the most popular of the Camino de Santiago
routes and follow this along the coast, where many people will be seen completing their
pilgrim journey. Along the coast interesting villages are visited, many styled similar to those
found around the Cornish coast.
We continue along the Costa Verde to arrive in Santiago de Compostela, just like thousands
of others do each year, upon the completion of their own pilgrim route. Here we discover
why this city has become such an attraction.
This tour precedes the Portugal Discovery tour, which starts 2 days later and just 145 miles
away from the finish. Combining the 2 tours can give a total holiday of 40 nights.
Day 1 – Wednesday 15th September
We meet at a campsite on Spain’s northern Costa Verde (Green Coast) in the enchanting city
of San Sebastian. Early evening the Tour Directors will host a welcome drinks reception and
tour briefing outside their motorhome, following which we have a group dinner in a nearby
local restaurant. An opportunity to meet your fellow travel companions.
Day 2
Today we make use of the local city transport which picks up from outside the campsite for
a day in San Sebastian. During the morning there will be a guided city walking tour taking in
the architecture of this city that mixes aspects of French and Spanish influences. The
remainder of the day is free, returning to the campsite again using the local city transport to
be dropped right outside the campsite.
Day 3
Move inland to the town of Haro, located at the centre of the Rioja wine growing region and
home to much of its production. 90 miles
Day 4
This morning it’s just a short walk to one of the most prestigious Bodegas of the Rioja
Region. We have a guided tour of the cellars, including of course a tasting session. Following
our tour, we will be served a traditional Spanish lunch within the Cellar’s own Dining Room.
Free afternoon/evening for exploring Haro.
Day 5 – Sunday 19th September
Move today to the world heritage city of Burgos. Our campsite is a pleasant 45-minute
riverside walk from the historical centre. 55 miles
Day 6
Join today with the Tour Directors as they take a walk into town for a guided city tour.
Alternatively, local buses leave from the campsite to the centre or a taxi can be used (both
payable locally). Our local guide will take us around the historical centre and explain the
history of this city, that was the capital of the Kingdom of Castile.
Day 7
Leaving the city, we travel to the National Park of the Picos mountains, where peaks reach
2,650m. 100 miles
Day 8
Free day. Spectacular views of the Picos Europa mountains are available directly from the
camping and a good visit is the very picturesque town of Potes, 1 mile from the camping.
Day 9
Travel back to the Costa Verde to reach the beautiful coastal fishing town of Cudillero.
Leaving the Picos Mountains the road follows the river through the ‘Picos Gorge’. Marvel at
the high scenery all around and the engineering required for getting a road into this narrow
valley. Our campsite near the coast is a family affair where we stay for 4 nights. 125 miles
Day 10
A free day and the opportunity of joining with the Tour Directors in taking the local narrow
gauge railway (payable locally) to the city of Aviles.
Day 11
Coach excursion from the campsite to the city of Oviedo, capital of the Principality of
Asturias. Guided city tour and city restaurant lunch included.
Day 12 – Sunday 26th September
Free day. The fishing village of Cudillero is less than a mile from our camping and something
special to see. It can be reached by foot or using a local taxi.
Day 13
Travelling across northern Spain on some very scenic roads, our destination is Santiago de
Compostela, acknowledged as the traditional end of the Pilgrim route and the burial place of
the Apostle James. The amazing Cathedral built here in his honour attracts pilgrims from all
over the world. 155 miles
Day 14
Join with the Tour Directors this morning to walk the final 2km of the Camino de Santiago,
this being the distance from the campsite to the Cathedral. Once in the city join at the
Cathedral for the midday Pilgrim’s Mass, where those who have completed their Pilgrimage
are mentioned – a very unique experience. During the afternoon we have a guided walking
tour of the city to learn how the Cathedral became a place of Pilgrimage. Free time for own
lunch arrangements.
Day 15
A free day. Next to the camping is a large commercial centre offering an easy opportunity to
explore and shop Spanish styles. This evening, we get together in the campsite’s own
restaurant for a ‘Farewell Dinner’.
Day 16 – Thursday 30th September
Tour ends. It’s an easy return to Santander for the ferry back to Portsmouth. Alternatively
take a longer route back travelling through France towards the UK. NOTE: The Tour
Directors will not be returning at this time, they will move on to the Portugal Discovery tour,
that starts in 2 days and 125 miles from here.
PRICE TOUR DEPOSIT £500
Balance 10 weeks prior to start of tour
Motorhome up to 6m with 2 people = £1499 per person
Motorhome up to 6m with 1 person = £2249
INCLUDED IN PRICE
• 15 Campsite nights with electric hook-ups
• Transfers required for excursions unless stated otherwise
• Entrance fees on excursions unless otherwise specified
• Spain Michelin map
• Tour information pack with suggested routes and GPS Co-ordinates
• Services of two experienced Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome
throughout the tour
• Minimum of 1 drink with all group lunches and 2 drinks with all group dinners (beer,
wine, soft drink)
EXCURSIONS & EVENTS INCLUDED
• Welcome tour drinks reception
• Group dinner in local restaurant
• Guided walking tour of San Sebastian
• Visit to Haro Bodega
• Tour and tastings at Bodega
• Lunch at Bodega
• Guided walking tour of Burgos historical centre
• Opportunity to join the tour directors in taking the train to Aviles (payable locally)
• Excursion to Oviedo city
• Lunch in Oviedo restaurant
• Guided walking tour of Oviedo
• Opportunity to join with tour directors to walk the last 2km of the Camino de
Santiago
• Visit to the Pilgrims Mass
• Guided walking tour in Santiago de Compostela
• Farewell Dinner
This tour starts in northern Spain. If you would like to travel from the UK at the same time and with the Tour Director on the outward journey, please book the optional tour package so that everything can be arranged on your behalf. There is also the option to have a return Spain to UK crossing included.
OPTIONAL OUTWARD PACKAGE
• Outward Portsmouth to northern Spain ferry with inside en-suite cabin. Option at
time of booking to upgrade to outside cabin at additional cost of £40.
• Meet with the Tour Directors at Portsmouth for the evening sailing on Sunday 12th
September 2027
• 1 additional Campsite night with hook-up in northern Spain on Tuesday 14th September
• Tour information pack with suggested routes + GPS Co-ordinates
• Services of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome from Portsmouth
PRICE
6m motorhome with 2 people – £449 per person
6m motorhome with 1 person – £889
Supplement for motorhomes above 6m – £70 per metre or part metre
Deposit £500
Balance payable 10 weeks before the start of tour
OPTION TO INCLUDE RETURN FERRY CROSSING
If you would like to have the return northern Spain to UK ferry included to your booking,
this can be done at the time of booking. The date for the return is flexible for you to choose
and the price will be that offered by Brittany Ferries for your selected date.
Deposit £400
Balance payable 10 weeks before the start of tour