Picos De Europa and Potes Guided Tour From Santander

Exploring the stunning Picos de Europa mountains and the charming town of Potes from Santander promises an unforgettable experience. This guided tour offers a comprehensive itinerary, including a thrilling cable car ride, a visit to the historic Monastery of Santo Toribio, and the opportunity to take in Potes’ authentic Cantabrian atmosphere. With round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a minimum group size of 4, the tour provides a hassle-free way to discover one of Spain’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. The tour’s highlights suggest it’s an ideal choice for those seeking to venture beyond Santander and uncover the unique charms of the Picos de Europa region.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Tours In Santander.

Key Points

• A full-day small-group tour from Santander exploring the Picos de Europa mountains and the picturesque town of Potes.
• Includes a cable car ride for stunning mountain views, a visit to the Monastery of Santo Toribio, and free time to explore Potes.
• Provides round-trip transportation and hotel/port pickup and drop-off, with a knowledgeable driver/guide.
• Offers insights into the culture, history, and natural wonders of the region, with a minimum group size of 4 people required for confirmation.
• Offers a comprehensive experience with the cable car ride, monastery visit, and Potes exploration, with the exclusion of food, drinks, and cable car entrance fee.

Tour Overview

This full-day small-group tour from Santander allows visitors to explore the breathtaking Picos de Europa mountains and the charming town of Potes.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable driver/guide, and hotel/port pickup and drop-off.

To confirm the tour, a minimum group size of 4 people is required.

Highlights of the tour include a cable car ride up to the Picos de Europa for stunning mountain views, a visit to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, and the opportunity to wander through the picturesque village of Potes.

The tour price covers the driver/guide, private vehicle transportation, and local taxes, but excludes food, drinks, and the cable car entrance fee.

Highlights

The tour’s highlights start with a cable car ride up to the Picos de Europa, where visitors can take in the spectacular mountain views. This offers a breathtaking perspective of the rugged, snow-capped peaks that define the region’s stunning natural landscape.

Next, the tour visits the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, a historic site that’s important to Christian pilgrims.

Finally, the charming village of Potes provides an opportunity to explore its quaint streets, local shops, and traditional architecture.

Throughout the tour, the driver/guide shares insights about the culture, history, and natural wonders of this captivating corner of northern Spain.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a driver/guide, transportation by private vehicle, and hotel/port pickup and drop-off, as well as local taxes.

However, it excludes food, drinks, and the entrance fee for the Cable Car, which costs €18.00 per person. Visitors will need to budget for these additional expenses.

The tour provides a comprehensive experience, including a cable car ride up the Picos de Europa mountains for stunning views, a visit to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, and exploration of the charming village of Potes.

With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a hassle-free way to discover the natural beauty and cultural highlights of the region.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup can be arranged from the Abba Santander Hotel or another agreed-upon location, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Confirmation of the tour is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. This ensures that travelers have ample time to plan their day accordingly.

The tour includes:

• Convenient hotel/port pickup and drop-off
• Round-trip transportation in a private vehicle
• An experienced driver/guide to lead the tour
• Confirmation of the booking within 48 hours, subject to availability

This seamless pickup and drop-off process allows travelers to focus on the highlights of the tour, which include a cable car ride to the Picos de Europa, a visit to the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, and exploration of the charming village of Potes.

Cable Car Ride

Riding the cable car up to the Picos de Europa offers travelers a breathtaking vantage point to behold the region’s majestic mountain scenery.

The cable car journey transports passengers up the steep slopes, providing sweeping views of the dramatic, rugged peaks below.

From the top, visitors can gaze out over the vast, untamed wilderness of the Picos de Europa National Park, taking in the awe-inspiring landscapes.

This exhilarating cable car ride is a highlight of the guided tour, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the grandeur of these iconic Spanish mountains.

With the fresh mountain air and panoramic vistas, it’s an unforgettable experience that showcases the natural beauty of the Picos de Europa.

Monastery of Santo Toribio

After the exhilarating cable car ride, the tour explores the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, a historic religious site nestled in the Picos de Europa region.

This medieval monastery dates back to the 8th century and holds significance as one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in northern Spain.

Visitors can:

• Admire the impressive Romanesque architecture and intricate stone carvings adorning the monastery’s exterior
• Venture inside to see the reliquary, which is said to house a piece of the True Cross
• Learn about the monastery’s rich history and its role in the Reconquista from the knowledgeable guide
• Stroll through the tranquil cloisters and gardens, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling world outside.

Exploring Potes

The guided tour then ventures into the charming village of Potes, nestled in the heart of the Picos de Europa.

Visitors can explore the quaint streets, lined with traditional stone buildings and lively plazas. They’ll have the opportunity to browse the local shops, sampling regional cuisine and soaking in the authentic Cantabrian atmosphere that permeates this picturesque town.

Potes is a hub for traditional Cantabrian culture, with its historic squares, medieval bridges, and centuries-old buildings. Travelers can wander through the town’s narrow alleys, admiring the architecture and stopping for a bite to eat at one of the cozy cafes or restaurants.

The visit to Potes provides a glimpse into the local way of life in this stunning mountain region.

Group Size and Confirmation

A minimum group size of 4 people is required to confirm the Picos de Europa and Potes guided tour from Santander, ensuring a viable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

The tour will only be confirmed once this minimum group size is met, providing a more personalized and engaging experience.

The tour includes:

• Round-trip transportation from Santander
• Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or port
• A knowledgeable driver/guide to lead the tour
• Exploration of the Picos de Europa mountains and the charming town of Potes

The tour operator will provide confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, allowing you to plan your trip with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Duration of the Tour?

The average duration of the tour is not explicitly stated in the knowledge provided. However, it is described as a "full-day small-group tour," indicating it likely lasts around 6-8 hours, allowing time to explore the Picos de Europa and the town of Potes.

Are Restroom Breaks Provided During the Tour?

The tour itinerary does not explicitly mention scheduled restroom breaks. However, it’s common for guided tours to provide opportunities for participants to use restrooms during the journey, likely at the various stops and destinations along the way.

Can We Modify the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the itinerary can typically be modified to visit additional sites, though this may incur extra costs. Travelers should discuss their specific interests with the tour operator to see if adjustments to the standard itinerary can be accommodated.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation and refund policy typically allows customers to cancel their tour for a full refund up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure. Closer to the tour date, a partial refund or credit may be offered, depending on the tour operator’s policies.

Are There Any Special Considerations for Travelers With Disabilities?

Travelers with disabilities should inquire about the tour’s accessibility features, such as wheelchair-friendly transportation and accommodations. The tour provider can advise on any special arrangements or considerations needed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Recap

This guided tour from Santander offers an immersive experience in the stunning Picos de Europa mountains and the charming town of Potes.

Travelers will enjoy a thrilling cable car ride, visit the historic Monastery of Santo Toribio, and explore Potes’ quaint streets, all while accompanied by a knowledgeable driver/guide and a small group of fellow adventurers.