From Santander: Santillana Del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour

Explore the enchanting medieval village of Santillana del Mar and the renowned Altamira Museum on this captivating 4.5-hour tour from Santander. Priced at $66.47 per person, the excursion promises an enriching cultural experience with high customer ratings and knowledgeable guides. Discover the picturesque cobbled streets, the stunning Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, and the impressive Neocave replica showcasing prehistoric art. With transportation, entrance fees, and liability insurance included, this tour is an opportunity to learn about the history and beauty of one of Spain’s most beloved destinations. However, early booking is essential as availability may be limited.

Key Points

• 4.5-hour excursion from Santander featuring the medieval village of Santillana del Mar and the Altamira Museum, with transportation and entrance fees included.
• Explore the well-preserved cobbled streets, historic architecture, and the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana in Santillana del Mar.
• Visit the Altamira Museum to see the Neocave, a replica of the UNESCO-listed Cave of Altamira, and learn about its ancient paintings.
• Tour is suitable for adults and children, but not recommended for individuals with mobility issues due to the terrain.
• Tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 60 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and efficient transportation.

Tour Overview

The Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour is a 4.5-hour excursion that departs from Santander. Priced from $66.47 per person, this tour explores the medieval village of Santillana del Mar and the renowned Altamira Museum.

Visitors will wander the cobbled streets, visit the Plaza Mayor and Collegiate Church, and have free time for shopping and an optional museum visit.

At the Altamira Museum, they’ll see the Neocave, a replica of the UNESCO-listed Cave of Altamira featuring prehistoric art.

The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and liability insurance, though food and drink aren’t provided.

Availability is limited, so early booking is recommended. The tour is suitable for adults and children, but not for those with mobility issues due to the cobbled surfaces.

Exploring Santillana Del Mar

Why is the medieval village of Santillana del Mar such a captivating destination for visitors on this tour? With its cobbled streets, historic architecture, and cultural significance, Santillana del Mar offers a glimpse into Spain’s rich past.

Visitors can:

• Wander through the charming Plaza Mayor, the heart of the village
• Admire the impressive Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture
• Explore the local sculptor Jesús Otero’s museum, showcasing his renowned works
• Enjoy free time for shopping and soaking up the authentic atmosphere of this well-preserved medieval gem.

The opportunity to take in the timeless beauty and heritage of Santillana del Mar makes this stop a highlight of the tour.

Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana

As the heart of the medieval village of Santillana del Mar, the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana stands as a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture.

Dating back to the 11th century, the church boasts intricate stone carvings, ornate arches, and a stunning facade that transports visitors back in time.

Visitors can explore the interior, which features a magnificent altarpiece and a collection of religious artifacts, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The church’s towering bell tower dominates the village’s skyline, serving as a prominent landmark and a testament to the enduring significance of this historic structure within the community.

Altamira Museum and Cave

Visitors marvel at the Neocave, a meticulously crafted replica of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cave of Altamira, housed within the Altamira Museum. The cave’s ancient paintings, dating back 35,600 years, represent some of the most significant prehistoric art in the world.

• The Neocave offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the cave’s original layout and renowned bison, horse, and deer paintings.

• The museum also showcases the history, archaeology, and scientific research behind the original cave’s discovery and preservation.

• Guests can explore the museum’s interactive exhibits and learn about the importance of this invaluable cultural heritage site.

• The Altamira Museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the captivating world of prehistoric art without directly accessing the fragile original cave.

Transportation and Inclusions

The tour package includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Santander, as well as transportation by minivan throughout the excursion.

Both the Altamira Museum and the Collegiate Church of Santillana have entrance fees that are covered in the tour price. Liability insurance is also provided, ensuring your safety during the trip.

However, food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll need to plan for those expenses separately.

The tour is suitable for adults aged 14-99 and children aged 4-13, but it’s not recommended for individuals with mobility issues due to the cobbled surfaces in Santillana del Mar.

Age Requirements and Mobility

The tour is suitable for adults aged 14-99 and children aged 4-13. Infants 3 and younger are also welcome.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves exploring the cobbled streets of Santillana del Mar.

Please note that this tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues due to the nature of the terrain.

The tour includes:

• Comfortable transportation from Santander
• Guided exploration of the medieval village of Santillana del Mar
• Visit to the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana
• Admission to the Altamira Museum and Neocave replica

Customer Ratings and Feedback

According to the customer reviews, travelers consistently praise the Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 60 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the informative and knowledgeable guides, as well as the enjoyable experiences exploring the historic sites. The transportation and service provided are also highly rated, with 4.8/5 and 5/5 respectively.

Customers appreciate the tour’s organization and efficiency, noting the smooth coordination of activities. The positive testimonials emphasize the educational and cultural significance of the tour, making it a must-do experience for visitors to the region.

Tour Availability and Cancellation

Likely to sell out quickly, the Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour offers availability for various starting times that travelers should check.

The tour is subject to limited capacity, so early booking is recommended. Fortunately, the tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans.

This generous cancellation policy allows for a full refund, ensuring peace of mind. The tour is available in both Spanish and English, catering to a diverse audience.

• Likely to sell out
• Check availability for starting times
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Available in Spanish and English

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, food and drinks are not included in the tour. Participants must bring their own. The tour only covers transportation, entrance fees, and liability insurance.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour participants spend approximately 2 hours exploring the medieval village of Santillana del Mar and around 1.5 hours visiting the Altamira Museum’s Neocave. The remaining time is allocated for transportation and any additional stops along the way.

Are There Any Additional Costs During the Tour?

The tour does not include any additional costs beyond the initial price. Food and drink are not provided, so you will need to budget for their own meals and refreshments during the tour.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

According to the tour overview, travelers don’t need any special equipment. Comfortable shoes are recommended for navigating the cobbled streets in Santillana del Mar. Otherwise, the tour provides transportation and entrance fees to the featured attractions.

Is the Tour Accessible for People With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues due to the cobbled surfaces throughout Santillana del Mar. Those with disabilities may face difficulties navigating the medieval village and accessing the Altamira Museum.

Recap

This tour offers an immersive cultural experience, exploring the medieval charm of Santillana del Mar and the renowned Altamira Museum. With transportation, entrance fees, and liability insurance included, it’s a well-rounded excursion. Early booking is advised due to its popularity and high customer ratings. Suitable for most ages and mobility levels, this tour promises an enriching journey through Spain’s captivating history and heritage.