Castile to Santander Cycling Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Campoo
On arrival, you will be transferred to Campoo, at the head of the mighty River Ebro. You will settle into your country hotel, perched at 930 metres above sea level, and enjoy dinner as the light fades over the plains.

Day 2: Campoo – Aguilar de Campoo (37 km; +572 m)
You will ride south from Campoo, soon crossing into Castilla y León and the province of Palencia. Storks nest along the way as Romanesque architecture begins to appear, and the ride ends in the charming town of Aguilar de Campoo, watched over by its medieval castle. A longer 52 km / +740 m option is also available.

Day 3: Aguilar de Campoo – Cervera de Pisuerga (50 km; +755 m)
You will head west with the northern mountains on your right, circling the vast Aguilar reservoir with its small beaches and hamlets. Cervera de Pisuerga awaits, another Castilian market town with a porticoed square, where you will spend the night just outside town with sweeping views over the reservoirs and mountains. A shorter 38 km / +660 m option is also available.

Day 4: Cervera de Pisuerga – Potes (59 km; +625 m)
A dramatic change of scenery unfolds as you climb to the pass of Piedraluengas and cross into Cantabria. A long descent carries you down toward Potes, with unforgettable views opening onto the Picos de Europa as you coast into the valley and the bustling little town below.

Day 5: Free day in Potes
You will have a free day to explore Potes at your own pace. Choose from optional out-and-back rides of any distance, take the cable car from Fuente Dé deep into the Picos de Europa, or simply wander the town's shops and streets.

Day 6: Potes – San Vicente de la Barquera (57 km; +470 m)
Leaving the mountains behind, you will follow the River Deva through the dramatic gorge of La Hermida. As the valley opens up, you will cross into Asturias and follow the river down to its estuary, taking in beautiful coastal scenery before reaching the fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera.

Day 7: San Vicente de la Barquera – Santillana del Mar (36 km; +760 m)
You will ride along the coast, past wonderful beaches and coves. Stop in Comillas to see Gaudí's El Capricho and pass through the lemon groves of Novales before arriving in the beautiful village of Santillana del Mar, home to the famous Caves of Altamira.

Day 8: Santillana del Mar – Santander (61 km; +765 m)
You will head east toward the city of Santander, capital of Cantabria. The route follows the coast to the seaside town of Suances, then a cycle path along the estuary of the River Saja, before joining the Camino de Santiago toward the River Pas and the Parque Natural Dunas de Liencres. From here, you will ride along the rugged coastline of the Parque Natural Costa Quebrada, entering Santander through the elegant belle époque seafront of El Sardinero to reach your hotel in the city centre on the Bay of Santander.

Day 9: Departure from Santander
After breakfast, you will be transferred to your departure point.