Santillana del Mar and Altamira Museum
In this half-day excursion, you will visit the town of Santillana del Mar, listed as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, and see the neo-cave, a scale replica of the famous Altamira cave.
HIGHLIGHTS
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You will visit the Altamira Museum and the Neo-cave
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You will get to know one of the most beautiful cities in Spain: Santillana de Mar
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You will visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana
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You will enjoy free time for shopping
BASIC INFORMATION
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When: Daily, except for Mondays
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Duration: 4.5 h
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Pick-up points: at your Hotel in Santander or at the Pabellón de la Habana in Torrelavega.
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Languages: Spanish, English, Italian
(the tour is bilingual)
€ 60/pers.
TOUR DESCRIPTION
After picking you up from your hotel, we will set off towards the charming village of Santillana del Mar, often referred to as the "Town of Three Lies" as it is neither holy (santa), flat (llana), nor by the sea (mar). On our journey, we will travel along a section of the Camino del Norte, one of the historic pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. With a bit of luck, we may even spot pilgrims making their way along this peaceful route through picturesque villages and scenic countryside.
Upon arrival in Santillana del Mar, we will explore its historic center on foot, as it is entirely pedestrianized. Strolling through the cobbled streets, you’ll be transported to another era, surrounded by medieval houses, towers, and palaces that showcase the town's remarkable heritage. Highlights include the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a 12th-century masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, and for those interested, the Jesús Otero Museum, dedicated to the works of the renowned local sculptor. After our guided tour, you’ll have free time to shop for local crafts or relax with a drink in one of the charming cafés.
Next, we will visit the Altamira Museum and Research Center, home to the replica of the world-famous Altamira Cave, known as the "Sistine Chapel of Rock Art." Discovered in 1879 by Cantabrian lawyer Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, the cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first in the world where Paleolithic art was identified. While the original cave is closed to the public to preserve its delicate artwork, the neo-cave offers an exceptional reproduction that faithfully recreates the ancient paintings. This immersive experience will provide fascinating insights into the life and artistry of our Paleolithic ancestors.
Join us for this unforgettable journey through history, art, and culture in one of Cantabria’s most iconic destinations!
Included
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Tour leader
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Private transportation by minivan (9 seats)
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Pick up at your hotel (Santander- Torrellavega)
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Altamira Museum & Neocave entrance fee
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Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana entrance
Not included
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Food Drink
Recommendations
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Comfortable footwear (Santillana's floor is paved)
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Not recommended for people with reduced mobility
PLEASE NOTICE
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This is a recommended excursion for all ages.
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You must be at the meeting point at least 5 minutes before departure time.
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For the excursion to take place, there must be a minimum of 4 people registered. The company reserves the right to cancel the trip if the group does not reach the minimum number of participants or if the weather conditions are not favorable. In such a case, you would be given the option of a full refund or a change of tour date.
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For groups of at least 4 people, we can do this excursion on other days outside the program (only from 11/15 to 06/15). Always subject to availability and keeping the tour open to other reservations.
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If you want to book this tour as a private tour, please contact us so we can make you a proposal. Private tours give you the possibility to choose the date of the tour, the place / time of pick-up as well as to make changes to the initial program.
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You can cancel this reservation free of charge up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.