Our base for this new tour is the pleasant mountain town of Reinosa which is situated at the entrance of the Alto Campoo ski slopes and nearby is the source of the River Ebro which is one of Spain’s two main rivers which  flows eastwards through the town thence to the  Mediterranean Sea. There are plenty of cafes and bars where you can enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif especially by the riverside. Each day you will pass acres of fields in which cattle, sheep and horses graze by the Ebro Dam before reaching the main road to Burgos-Santander.

On Sunday – Our Guide,Paul Burley, will meet you in the Terminal Building at Plymouth Ferryport between 1515-1545 by the new Brittany Ferries Lounge on the ground floor(i.e. Departures entrance, formerly the Exit. )

The Flagship “Pont Aven” sails at 1645. On board are bars, a posh restaurant and a self service restaurant and also a coffee shop. Frequent live entertainment takes place during the crossing. The ship operates on British Time.

We will be setting off from Plymouth and crossing the English Channel towards the Ushant on the north western tip of France. We  will be hoping to see Great skua, Manx Shearwater, Kittiwake, Gannets and more. We will also be looking for Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Harbour porpoise and Minke whale as these animals are frequently seen in these waters throughout the year.

The next morning, Monday,  we will be nearing the northern shelf of the bay where we will be looking for whales and dolphins as we cross towards Spain. Good numbers of dolphins are often seen in the north of the Bay and as we venture further south we will hope to see Cuviers beaked whale, Striped dolphins, Pilot whales and maybe the occasional Fin whale before arriving in Spain. 

We reach Santander at 1515 (Spanish time – one hour ahead)and there join our coach for the ride to Reinosa where we’ll check into our hotel for the next four nights. Breakfast and dinner with wine are included each day.

Tuesday – The day will begin with a visit to Monte Hijedo, between Cantabria and Burgos, one of the largest and best-preserved oak forests in northern Spain, including numerous hundred-year-old yew trees. Its landscape combines centuries-old oaks, beeches and ash trees, alongside streams that meander through humid and silent valleys. This wooded area offers the opportunity to observe a significant number of forest bird species, including birds of prey such as the Booted Eagle, Iberian Green Woodpecker and Bullfinch.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Ebro viewpoint in the town of Pesquera de Pisuerga. This spot is a window onto the Ebro canyons, impressive limestone gorges and an excellent place for observing birds of prey such as Golden Eagles, Griffon Vultures and Egyptian Vultures, as well as other rock-dwelling species such as Blue Rock Thrush and Red-billed Chough.

Wednesday – On the last day, we will visit the Ojo Guareña Natural Monument, located in the north of Burgos. It is a spectacular karst formation consisting of more than 100 kilometres of underground galleries, surrounded by a landscape of mountains, forests and meadows. On the surface, oak and beech forests mix with pastureland where horses and cows graze, creating an environment of great beauty and tranquillity. From the viewpoints, you can see the valleys of the Guareña River and the steep limestone slopes that are home to numerous caves and chasms.

The place is also a refuge for birds. Griffon Vultures, Peregrine Falcons and Golden Eagles nest in its rocky cliffs, while woodpeckers, jays and numerous species of forest birds can be heard in the forests. In the surroundings of Puentedey, with its impressive natural rock bridge over the River Nela, visitors can stop to watch the majestic flight of birds of prey and enjoy the contrast between the architecture of the village and the wild nature that surrounds it.

Thursday – We leave the hotel travelling by the side of the Ebro Dam until we reach the Escudo Pass where we begin the descent along the Pas Valley to the charming spa town of Puente Viesgo. Located here are the prehistoric caves of El Castillo. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the area and take refreshment before we resume our journey to Santander where there will be a little time for sightseeing before continuing to Santander to board the ship for the 1600 return sailing to England where we will once again be looking for Cetaceans and birds through the Bay of Biscay and in the English Channel on the following day. 

 We reach Plymouth at 1115 on Friday.

The cost includes ; ferry crossing with cabin; three nights with half-board at a 3* hotel, services of a British and a Spanish Guide, all excursions as detailed.

Pick up point Plymouth Ferryport

Departure Date : September 6th 2026

Cost: £825

Single Supplement: £145

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