Explore the captivating medieval village of Santillana del Mar and the renowned Altamira Museum on this engaging 4.5-hour tour from Santander. Uncover the stunning 12th-century Collegiate Church, explore the UNESCO-listed Altamira Cave’s prehistoric paintings, and learn about the local culture. With comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and free time to indulge in the village’s charms, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Discover why this enchanting destination has captured the attention of travelers from around the world.
Key Points
- This 4.5-hour tour from Santander explores the medieval village of Santillana del Mar and the renowned Altamira Museum, featuring prehistoric cave paintings.
- Priced at $70.99 per person, the tour includes pickup from Santander accommodations, transportation, and admission to the Collegiate Church and Altamira Museum.
- Highlights include a walking tour through Santillana del Mar’s cobbled streets, the 12th-century Collegiate Church, and a guided visit to the Altamira Museum.
- Multilingual guides provide insights into the historical significance of the sites, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
- Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 68 reviews.
Tour Overview
This tour offers travelers a chance to discover the medieval village of Santillana del Mar and explore the renowned Altamira Museum.
Priced from $70.99 per person, the 4.5-hour experience caters to small groups or private parties, with pickup included from Santander accommodations. Visitors can expect a multilingual guide and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Priced from $70.99 per person, the 4.5-hour experience caters to small groups or private parties with pickup included from Santander accommodations.
The itinerary highlights the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana and the Altamira Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With comfortable transport and liability insurance, this tour provides an immersive look at northern Spain’s history and culture.
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Itinerary Highlights
Travelers begin their exploration in the medieval village of Santillana del Mar, marveling at its cobbled streets and the 12th-century Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana.
The tour then focuses on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Altamira Cave, where guests learn about its remarkable prehistoric cave paintings discovered in the 19th century.
Visitors can explore the Neocave, a replica of the original, and visit the Altamira Museum and Research Center to delve deeper into the site’s significance.
The tour provides ample free time for shopping and refreshments, ensuring a well-rounded and immersive experience.
Key Itinerary Highlights:
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Explore the medieval village of Santillana del Mar.
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Visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana (12th century).
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Learn about the discovery and significance of the Altamira Cave.
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Tour the Neocave, a replica of the original Altamira Cave.
Travel Experience
The tour begins with pickup from the traveler’s accommodation in Santander, setting off along the renowned Camino del Norte pilgrimage route.
The group travels in a comfortable minivan, soon arriving at the medieval village of Santillana del Mar. Here, they embark on a walking tour through the cobbled streets, marveling at the well-preserved architecture and taking in the charming atmosphere.
Visitors have free time to explore the village further, perhaps indulging in local refreshments or browsing the shops.
Afterward, the tour continues to the Altamira Museum and Research Center for a guided visit.
Inclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Santander, as well as transportation in a comfortable minivan.
Plus, the tour provides:
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Entrance fees to the Altamira Museum and the Collegiate Church of Santillana.
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Liability insurance for the duration of the tour.
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Knowledgeable guides who offer insights into the history and significance of the sites.
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A leisurely walking exploration of Santillana del Mar’s cobblestone streets, allowing visitors to enjoy the medieval charm of the village.
The tour’s inclusions ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for visitors to Santander.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Santander Tour: Santillana Del Mar & Altamira Museum, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 68 reviews. The guide quality received a 4.2 rating, while the transportation and value for money were rated even higher at 4.8 and 4.6 respectively. Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences. However, the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility restrictions due to the cobbled surfaces in Santillana del Mar.
| Metric | Rating |
| — | — |
| Overall | 4.8/5 |
| Guide | 4.2/5 |
| Transportation | 4.8/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.6/5 |
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Medieval Village of Santillana Del Mar
Nestled along the picturesque Camino del Norte pilgrimage route, the medieval village of Santillana del Mar beckons visitors with its well-preserved cobblestone streets and architectural gems.
Highlights include:
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The Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a 12th-century Romanesque masterpiece with intricate carvings and a stunning façade.
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The quaint, winding lanes lined with historic houses, many of which now house charming shops and eateries.
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The impressive Palacio de Borja, a 15th-century manor house that showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage.
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The opportunity to step back in time and take in the timeless ambiance of this enchanting medieval town.
Altamira Museum and Research Center
After exploring the charming medieval village of Santillana del Mar, visitors will have the chance to explore the captivating history of the Altamira Cave at the Altamira Museum and Research Center. This museum offers an immersive experience, with a replica of the cave’s renowned Paleolithic paintings. Visitors can learn about the groundbreaking discovery and the UNESCO World Heritage site’s significance. The museum also features interactive exhibits and informative displays, providing a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable archaeological treasure.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Exhibits | Interactive displays and informative exhibits |
| Replica Cave | Faithful recreation of the Altamira Cave |
| UNESCO Heritage | Recognizes the site’s historical importance |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do We Have Time for a Meal During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t explicitly include a meal, but there’s free time in Santillana del Mar where visitors can explore the village and find restaurants or cafes to enjoy a meal or refreshments at their own expense.
Can We Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?
The tour duration can’t be extended, but there may be opportunities to grab a bite during the free time in Santillana del Mar. Visitors should check with the tour provider about including a meal in the itinerary if desired.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no specific dress code for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour involves exploring the cobbled streets of Santillana del Mar. Casual attire is perfectly acceptable.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks for the tour. The itinerary doesn’t mention any restrictions, so you’re free to enjoy refreshments during the free time in Santillana del Mar.
Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
The tour doesn’t require any special equipment. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the cobbled surfaces, but there’s no need to bring additional gear. Visitors can simply enjoy the tour’s sights and activities.
The Sum Up
This engaging 4.5-hour tour from Santander offers a chance to explore the enchanting medieval village of Santillana del Mar and the renowned Altamira Museum. Priced at $70.99 per person, the tour includes comfortable transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and the opportunity to discover the stunning Collegiate Church, the UNESCO-listed Altamira Cave, and the charming shops and local refreshments of this picturesque village.
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