Wessex Continental Travel
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Wessex Continental Travel
2022
Essential Information
We are pleased to present our programme for THE SAILING TO SANTANDER Classic Tours
2022 In addition to our regular programme of breaks we are planning a series of retro holidays this year in which
Our crossings to Spain are based on sailings on the we are delving back into the archives to select a few of our best trips from bygone years.
We look forward to our 46th year of arranging travel for flagship cruise-ferry “Pont Aven” and a 2-berth cabin
our discerning clientele. As we’ve always done, our aim with shower and WC is provided. On board this excellent We dropped these holidays in recent years because the progress of cheap flights from Provincial airports
to is to arrange relaxing, value-for-money holidays with 40,000 tonne vessel are many facilities to enhance your made them appear expensive in comparison. However, the cheap flights rarely turned out to be so cheap
nice company, interesting excursions, good food and journey – swimming pool, live music, live cabaret, fine
dining, self-service restaurant, coffee shop, two cinemas when adding the extra costs involved and were certainly a lot more inconvenient than just stepping on a
accommodation and above all , with no-hassle. As coach near your home or driving to the port of departure where there is easy parking.
simple as that! showing the latest films, shops, piano bar and sun deck.
ABOUT US Alternative cabin options: We feel that coach holidays will come back into their own in 2021 for various reasons and one of the main
reasons is no-hassle! Another point to consider is that we have never told our hotel partners what to
We have been operating holidays since 1974 and we are A 4-berth cabin for exclusive use of 2 persons costs an charge. We have always accepted their price with no argument whatsoever. We use 3* and 4* hotels
totally independent, don’t belong to any associations or extra £90 per cabin, return.If you’d like an outside 4- offering room with private facilities; breakfast and dinner with wine though on Wine Tours we take lunch
have any connection with any other company or berth cabin it can be arranged for an extra £50 per cabin rather than dinner on the estate or at a nearby restaurant.
organisation. We have no debt. We don’t borrow and return (i.e. a total of £140 return).There are NO 2-bedded
have neither the need nor the intention to do so in cabins on the ship i.e. cabins with 2 ground berths.If you Above all, we have strived to bring value for money. Doing holidays at the lowest cost inevitably means
future. need ground berths you have to request a 4-berth cabin cutting corners which is never in the passengers’ interest. Our job is to do the work, yours to enjoy and
for 2 persons and pay the supplement shown above.All relax and we will go all out to maintain that ethos.
THE COACHES Single Supplements include sole use of a 2-berth
cabin.There are NO 2-berth outside cabins available.We
Our tours will be in modern vehicles fitted with reclining cannot obtain Club Class, De Luxe or Commodore Class
cabins .
Short Breaks
seats, toilet and drinks machines. The coaches have seat Our nearest Continental neighbours are just 120 miles across the Channel, closer than travelling to Wales if
belts and most are air conditioned. The coach travels all you live in the South West but you will need a passport! For a complete change of scene and an interesting
the way (unless otherwise stated). We operate a non THE HOTELS AND CATERING break ,French-style, come with us to Brittany for a relaxing travel experience, some good food and new
smoking policy on board the coach. sights. Nothing too complicated there!
All rooms will have private facilities ie. toilet and bath/
SEAT ALLOCATION shower. Generally, buffet breakfast is always provided
and on tours with half board, dinner is also provided
This is made at the time of booking. We will try and usually with wine included. The wine is not unlimited Wildlife Tours
satisfy specific requests but ordinarily you will be seated and usually follows the convention of a quarter bottle of Our modest programme of tours is based solely in Northern Spain . A Minicruise from Plymouth to
in order of acceptance of booking from front to rear. We wine per person. You can purchase more if you wish. Santander starts and ends the tour with an interesting variety of locations in Green Spain in between. Good
never place anyone in the back seats unless they have company, nice hotels and good food are guaranteed!
requested them or without notifying you that they are On the vast majority of coach holidays dinner is
all that remain. normally a set meal for the group but dietary variations
can usually be accommodated within reason. You
should note that in countries bordered by the Atlantic,
Wine Tours
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT We’ve been running Wine Tours for over 40 years to France, Spain and Portugal. Mostly they are for private
fish is commonly served. We limit any fish dinners to a
maximum of two per tour. organisations such as firms, associations, wine societies but we have also had a public programme each
Sadly we have no control over this and usually we year. Our aim is to provide an interesting holiday with friendly company and featuring an appreciation of
subsidise the rate charged to us. If you pay the single wine, mental and physical! Importantly, it gives you the opportunity to bring back plenty of “samples” , a
supplement you will always have a room to yourself and Other dinners reflect the country in which we travel and
we ensure that no bizarre local tastes (snails, razor feature denied to air travellers!
where applicable, a cabin to yourself. You will never be Apart from the wine, we know that fine cuisine is an essential part of a wine tour and without making a
required to share. shells etc etc) are served.
song and dance about it we incorporate this aspect within all the tours.
TOUR ESCORT THE EXCURSIONS
On some tours we will have a Tour Escort but increasing All the excursions described in the brochure are Jazz Tours
costs have caused us to limit this aspect these days. completely free of charge. We can’t emphasise enough that this is first and foremost a holiday and whether you like jazz or not, the
travel experience is what it is all about. We’ve taken Bands to France, Germany, Portugal and Spain and the
Their prime function is to ensure that the trip runs BOARDING THE SHIPS significant aspect has always been good company, nice hotels, interesting excursions and great music.
smoothly, they are not employed as local historical
experts. We have no control whatsoever of this process. We are
obliged to follow the instructions of the ferry company. Private Groups
PAYMENT Usually passengers have to walk on and off the ships Over the years we have arranged tours for many diverse groups to various destinations. From Firms’
but sometimes this is changed without prior notice. Groups, Football Clubs, Bridge Clubs, Farmers’ Groups,Marathon Runners, Golfers, Military Groups, Social
We take a deposit of £50 per person for tours of at least Groups - you name it, we’ve probably done it!
5 days’ duration and £20 for short breaks. The balance is If you have walking difficulties you must notify us at the Contact us if you have a group wishing to go away for a few days.
normally requested a month before departure. We time of booking and we will be able to ensure that you
charge 2% of the balance cost for the use of credit or go on board in the coach.
debit cards.
2 3
Table of Contents Short Break
Santander Cruiser 3 days
Short Breaks This is our version of the Spanish Minicruise which we ran on behalf of Brittany Ferries for 11 years. We’ve
Wine Tours renamed it Ocean Express to avoid any confusion with any similar programme the ferry company may
Santander Cruiser 5 decide to operate themselves.
Burgundy Wine Tour 28
Normandy Bounce Back 6 It’s a simple affair - just a relaxing cruise across the Channel and into the Atlantic from Plymouth to Santander
Burgundy Wine Tour 29 and back.
Beach Break in Asturias 7
Sancerre & The Loire Valley 30
For anyone interested in the seaborne wildlife it is a brief
opportunity to seek out cetaceans and pelagics during various
San Sebastian - Green Spain THE BASQUE COUNTRY 8 times of the year.
Rioja Wine Tour, Navarre and the Basque Country 31
For others, an opportunity to let the world go by and take it easy
St Malo Weekend 9 - free from phone calls, TV, crowds and the bustle of ordinary life.
Rioja Wine Tour, Navarre and the Basque Country 32
A chance tor smokers to obtain cheaper product and wine lovers
Paris and the (Arc de Triomphe) 10 to stock up.
The ship has many amenities to keep you occupied during the
Normandy Christmas Special 11 crossings such as live entertainment, cinema, swimming pool to
name a few.
Classic Tours
We usually leave Plymouth on a Sunday at 1645 and a 2-berth
Costa Verde Portugal 10 days 12 cabin is provided. We arrive at 1400 on Monday . The return
sailing leaves at 1700 and reaches Plymouth at 1400 on Tuesday.
Brittany Tour 13 We can’t guarantee that you’ll have the same cabin on the return crossing so we advise that you travel light
to avoid lugging a suitcase around the town!
Atlantic Cruise Drive 9 Days 14 Your ticket will be given to you on the day of departure by our Representative.
Jazz Tours
Jazz in Asturias with The Panama Jazz Band 15
Departure dates:
Jazz in Cantabria Soain 16
Jazz in Concarneau Brittany 17
2 -berth cabin per 4 berth cabin 2 persons, 4 berth cabin 3 or 4
Wildlife Tours Date person per person persons, per person
Asturias Wildlife Tour 18 March 27th £149 £189 £139
April 24th £149 £189 £139
Asturias Wildlife Tour 19
May 22nd £169 £199 £159
Navarre Wildlife Tour 20
June 26th £169 £199 £159
Navarre Wildlife Tour 21
July 17th £199 £249 £219
Steppes Wildlife Tour 22 £159
Sept 25th £169 £199
Steppes Wildlife Tour 23 £139
Oct 23rd £149 £189
Montana Palatina Wildlife Tour 24 Single supplement add £50.00 ; Outside Cabin (4-berth only ) Add. £50 ( per cabin,NOT per person)
Children : under 4 – free: between 4-15 – less £20 There are no 2-berth outside cabins
Montana Palatina Wildlife Tour 25 Ferryport Plymouth
Wine Tours
Ribera del Duero Wine Tour 26
Ribera del Duero Wine Tour 27
4 5
Short Break Short Break
Normandy Bounce Back 3 days Beach Break in Asturias 6 days
We know that many travellers were disappointed when lockdowns caused us to cancel the Christmas This break is run in conjunction with our Wildlife tour to the same destination. By sharing the transport
Special. Especially as there had been little or no travel for most in 2020 and a large pent up demand costs we are able to create a viable holiday.
had emerged. That demand is growing and lots of people just want to get away for the sake of getting
away and as soon as possible. We’ve laid on this “taster” break to assuage that demand and show Our hotel is the 4* Mirador de la Franca which sits on a secluded beach at
that there is travel life out there. Come and join us and get back in the groove! We are guessing that Ribadedeva in the Province of Asturias. The main feature of this region is its
we’ll be back into normal operation by this date but if not we will go on the first Friday that normal magnificent scenery ranging from sandy beaches and rugged coves on its
travel resumes. superb coastline to rolling fields of maize and apple orchards which stretch
into the Picos de Europa, the western end of the Pyrenees mountain
We will therefore set off from Plymouth on Friday and drive to Portsmouth where we will catch the chain. Woods and forests compete with tumbling streams and larger rivers
overnight ferry to Caen. On arrival we will drive to Bayeux where the weekly market will be taking place. for your attention and the absence of crowds enhances the experience. The
After absorbing the atmosphere of the market and doing some sightseeing we will now drive to the 4* hotel sits on a secluded beach and you have the choice of chilling out on
Leclerc Hypermarket near the British War Cemetery. this beach or joining the excursions where we will make alternative
arrangements for non-Wildlifers.
After shopping and refreshment we’ll drive to the coast and the small You’ll travel with the Wildlife group throughout though you will part with them at certain stages as they go off
town of Arromanches where the famous Mulberry Harbours were to search for the local wildlife.
constructed to assist the D-Day Landings in 1944. The remains can still If you prefer, you can stay at the hotel and enjoy the beach and the local area and miss the excursions
be seen at sea when the tide is low. entirely. Visit the Asturias Wildlife page for the precise details of the excursions.
On the final day we will all travel to Llanes together and the Wildlife group will drop the rest in the port and
During the afternoon we will start a drive along the coast past the go off and do their thing. You'll have a couple of hours to stroll around this pleasant resort and fishing port
famous Gold and Sword beaches on our way to Ouistreham. There will and take some refreshment before we resume our drive to Santander and the 1545 sailing to England.
be free time in the port to relax and have some refreshment. We'll lay on
a celebration dinner at a local restaurant but you can opt out if you wish
and the cost (£27) will be deducted from your bill. Departure date
May 29th £435
We take the overnight sailing to England, reaching Portsmouth at 0815 on Sunday morning. We then
drive back to Plymouth and expect to arrive around lunch time. September 11th £435
The trip will only go ahead if all travel restrictions between the UK and France are lifted and there are no Ferry with 2-berth cabin;3 nights 4* hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinners with wine;
barriers to normal travel. excursion;transport to and from hotel
PS We would have preferred that this trip sailed to and from Plymouth and visited Brittany but in 2021 £110 (Cabin & room)
there are no overnight sailings from Roscoff to Plymouth.
Plymouth Ferryport
Departure date
TBA £149
Included in the cost: the ferry sailing with a 2-berth cabin(upgrades available); travel by executive
coach; excursion in Normandy . ( Less £27 if you don’t want the dinner)
Supplements : 4-berth cabin for 2 - £10 extra per person . 4-berth cabin for 3 or 4 - £10 per person less
Outside cabin. £15 per cabin ; Single supplement(cabin) £40;
Pick up points: Plymouth-Newton Abbot - Exeter-Bridport-Portsmouth
6 7
Short Break Short Break
San Sebastian - Green Spain THE BASQUE COUNTRY 6 Days St Malo Weekend 4 days
Our visit to North Brittany takes in some of the most interesting places in this fascinating coastal region. We will
This is the first Province of the region known as Green Spain( the others are Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia). be staying in the famous Pirates’ city of St Malo near to the old "Ville Enclos" . Inside this walled sector there
Green Spain is so-called because it is green! Very green! Most of us recall sunshine, sangria and sandy are many bars, cafes and excellent restaurants so we have made this a B & B visit in order that you can explore,
beaches backed by somewhat sparse landscape and arid fields. This region enjoys lots of sunshine and also drink and eat at your leisure in this popular area.
some rain as the Picos de Europa mountain range( the end part of the Pyrenées) backs its coastline. We’ve
been taking clients to this region – from the French border to the Portuguese border -for over 30 years and Friday - We set off from Plymouth on the overnight sailing. A cabin is provided. We reach Roscoff at 0800.
they return with us year after year. San Sebastian is one of Europe’s most elegant resorts, set as it is on two
superb beaches. Classic architecture is built around the vibrant harbour area with its lively tapas bars, some On Saturday- After disembarkation we drive to St Brieuc where it is market day in one of the largest outdoor
of the best in the country, especially for seafood, and in the background are the hills of the scenic Basque markets in France. In the early afternoon we continue to St Malo and to our hotel where we stay for the next
Country. This was the setting of our first tour to Spain, a 7-day visit in 1971 which cost all of £29! two nights with breakfast .
We’ve returned many times since and the lovely city has never lost its appeal. We can thoroughly
recommend it to you as a perfect view of a very different type of Spanish beach holiday. It’s the real thing! On Sunday - We leave the hotel after breakfast and make a short drive to the oyster port of Cancale where we will
have time to sightsee and take refreshment before resuming our excursion to the charming medieval town of
We sail from Plymouth on Sunday and a cabin is provided. The ship has many diversions to keep you occupied Dinan. We return to St Malo for overnight.
such as live entertainment, swimming pool, cinema amongst others and fine dining or self-service restaurants.
Arriving in Santander on Monday we leave town and travel eastwards , past the major Basque city Bilbao and We leave the hotel on Monday and travel to Roscoff where we can relax and sightsee before taking the 1500 sailing
thence to the elegant resort of San Sebastian, one of Europe’s finest resorts with two excellent beaches and a to England.and will reach Plymouth at 2010 when the coach will return to the original pick up points.
range of top class shops(if you have the time and money!).
We are staying at the 4* Hotel San Sebastian which is located about 300m from Ondaretta Beach in the western Departure Dates
area of the city. We stay for three nights with breakfast and dinner with wine included. May 5th £325
Tuesday is a free day to explore the area at your leisure. However, for those interested, the coach will take you to
June 2nd £325
the harbourside next to the city centre where you’ll find world-class tapas bars, many of which specialise in The cost includes: travel by executive coach; ferry crossings; three nights 3* hotel accommodation with
seafood. Ondaretta Beach will appeal to many and the larger La Concha Beach is separated from it by a well breakfast and dinner with wine(except first night); excursions as detailed.
known café, La Perla. Single Supplement £90
On Wednesday we travel eastwards on excursion to the last town before the border with France, Hondaribbia. Pick up points; Exeter - Newton Abbot -Torquay - Ivybridge - Plymouth
We spend the morning here before turning to San
Sebastian. The rest of the day is free to enjoy this
lovely city.
We depart the hotel on Thursday morning and drive
westwards into Cantabria and the fishing port and
resort of Castro Urdiales where we’ll stop for a stroll
and refreshment by the harbour. We continue to
Santander and stop at the Hypermarket to pick up
essential supplies . Our sailing leaves at 1545.
We arrive in Plymouth at 1045 on Friday morning and
after disembarkation the coach returns to the original
pick up points.
Departure date
April 17th ( Easter) £525
June 26th £525
October 9th £525
The cost includes: all travel by executive coach; ferry crossing with cabin; three nights half-board at the
4* hotel; excursions;Tour Guide.
Single supplement: £125 4-berth cabin(for two) £90 4-berth outside. £140 (NB There are no 2-berth outside
cabins)
Pick up points: Exeter-Newton Abbot-Torquay-Paignton-Ivybridge-Plymouth(Millbay Docks)
8 9
Short Break Short Break
Paris and the (Arc de Triomphe) 5 days Normandy Christmas Special 3 days
We know that many travellers were disappointed when lockdowns caused us to cancel the Christmas
There’s nothing we can add to the millions of words already written about the French capital except Special. Especially as there had been little or no travel for most in 2021 and a large pent up demand had
to say that the city has pleased our clients since we first ran a tour there in 1966. There’s something emerged. That demand is growing and lots of people just want to get away for the sake of getting away
new every time you visit and we hope this trip will prove no exception. We’re visiting when one of and as soon as possible. We’ve laid on this “taster” break to assuage that demand and show that there is
the world’s most famous horse races, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe takes place. Even if you are not travel life out there. Come and join us and get back in the groove! We'll only travel as soon as travel
interested in racing this is a world class event that doesn’t cost the earth and is a brilliant and restrictions are removed and we can operate normally. When we have a guaranteed date it will be posted
colourful spectacle, worth attending at least once in your lifetime. Apart from the race itself, this is here.
an opportunity to spend time in this beautiful city.
We will therefore set off from Plymouth on Friday and drive to Portsmouth
We leave the West in the late afternoon on Thursday and drive to Portsmouth to catch the overnight where we will catch the overnight ferry to Caen. On arrival we will drive to
sailing to Caen. A 2-berth cabin is provided. Bayeux where the weekly market will be taking place. After absorbing the
atmosphere of the market and doing some sightseeing we'll drive to the
We reach France early on Friday and set off eastwards by way of Évruex and Dreux and eventually we Leclerc Hypermarket near the British War Cemetery. where you'll be able
arrive at Versailles where we’ll make a short break for sightseeing. In due course we continue into Paris to stock up on all those French delights that you've been missing and have
and just over the Seine we check into our hotel for the next three nights. Dinner at the hotel is provided some refreshment. Then we will drive to the coast and the small town of
this evening. Arromanches where the famous Mulberry Harbours were constructed to
assist the D-Day Landings in 1944. The remains can still be seen at sea
On Saturday we will make a windscreen tour of the city and touch as many of its highlights as we can when the tide is low.
fit in during the time available – Champs Elysées-Arc de Triomphe-Eiffel Tower-Les Invalides-Notre
Dame. We return to the hotel and the evening is now free to continue exploring Paris. During the afternoon we will travel along the coast past the famous Gold and Sword beaches on our way to
Ouistreham. Here there will be free time in the port to relax and have some refreshment. We'll lay on dinner at
The big race is on Sunday and it’s a short walk by the side of the Seine to Longchamps Racecourse. a local restaurant but you can opt out if you wish and the cost (£27) will be deducted from your bill..
Basic entrance tickets are included but you can pay extra once inside to transfer to higher grade We take the overnight sailing to England, reaching Portsmouth at 0815 on Sunday morning. We then drive
facilities such as the French equivalent of Tattersall’s etc. The day is yours to enjoy the event or, if you back to Plymouth and expect to arrive around lunch time..
prefer, to continue exploring Paris at your own pace.
We are takings bookings now but do not require a deposit. The trip will
We leave the hotel on Monday and our journey takes us westwards via Chartres, Rennes and into only go ahead if all travel restrictions between the UK and France are
Brittany where we catch the 1500 ferry to Plymouth. This arrives at 2010. lifted and there are no barriers to normal travel. If all is well we’ll send an
invoice about a month in advance for payment. There is NO commitment
Departure date for you. If you can't or don't wish to travel you can opt out without
September 29th TBA penalty.
(The cost includes: travel by executive coach; ferry crossings with cabin on the outward sailing; PS We would have preferred that this trip sailed to and from Plymouth and
three nights B & B accommodation at a 3* hotel; one dinner at the hotel; entrance to visited Brittany but in 2021 there are no overnight sailings from Roscoff to
Longchamps; the excursions described; Tour Escort.) Plymouth .
Departure date
Pick up point Millbay Docks, Plymouth Christmas Special. December 2nd TBA
Included in the cost: the ferry sailing with a 2-berth cabin (upgrades available); travel by executive
coach; excursion in Normandy
Supplements : 4-berth cabin for 2 - £10 extra per person . 4-berth cabin for 3 or 4 - £10 per person less Outside
cabin. £15 per cabin ; Single supplement (cabin) £28;
Pick up points: Plymouth-Newton Abbot - Exeter-Bridport-Portsmouth
10 11
Classic Tours Classic Tours
Costa Verde Portugal 10 days Brittany Tour 8 days
In our opinion this is the perfect coach holiday combining as it does, a mini cruise, a trip through the
mountains, a stay by a beach, interesting excursions, excellent hotels and the opportunity to see parts of Brittany Ferries’ first passenger sailing from Plymouth to Roscoff was on January 1st 1974 and we
Europe that few British travellers visit especially this very fertile and lush region of Portugal. The 4* hotel were on it! Since then we have been arranging holidays and breaks to various parts of the Province so
sits on the long, sandy beach and is an ideal base for the holiday. There are large grounds in which there you can be assured that we know what people want and we have the knowledge to provide it. On this
are a swimming pool, tennis courts, mini golf, superb football pitch, paddling pool and inside the hotel are tour we’ll show you parts of the southern area and then cross country to the northern coast.
pool tables, table-tennis ,tenpin bowling, bar, poolside restaurant and fitness centre. The comfortable
bedrooms are air-conditioned and most have a balcony The dining room overlooks the beach and each Friday - We leave Plymouth on the 1345 sailing and arrive in
evening the main event is the spectacular disappearance of the sun over the horizon .Dinner is a buffet and Roscoff at 1945. From here we travel southwards to the Hotel
offers a choice of menu and there is some form of entertainment most nights including a Folklore Show de l’Ocean at Concarneau but will arrive too late for dinner. We
every Tuesday. The Staff are extremely courteous and helpful and, all in all, the hotel runs a most stay for four nights. The hotel sits across the road from the
professional operation designed to give their guests the ideal holiday experience – we can’t recommend it beach which is on the Baie de la Forêt.
enough and we go there ourselves! The hotel has lifts. This local area is known as Cornouaille in Breton, where the
Celtic language similar to Welsh is spoken, and our
Sunday - We leave Plymouth at 1645 and cross the Channel to Spain Saturday morning visit is to its capital, Quimper where it is
Market Day. The outdoor market is a bustling and typically
Monday - We arrive in Santander at 1400. After disembarkation we then French affair. This pleasant town is situated on the River Odet
drive across northern Spain and into Portugal to spend our first night at and its old Quarter is cobbled and lively. We leave in the early
Chaves in the mountain region of Tras os Montes at the first class Hotel afternoon and return to Concarneau with a refreshment halt at
Aquae Flaviae with a superb Brazilian Buffet for dinner. the bustling resort of Bénodet.
Tuesday - We resume our journey southwards with a short stop at pretty
Amarante before continuing to the coast and our resort hotel at Ofir On Sunday - Morning we’ll make a short drive to the famous artists’ town of Pont Aven where we spend
where we stay for the next five nights. the morning before returning to Concarneau for an afternoon at leisure, on the beach or around the
walled old town, Ville Enclos.
Wednesday - We travel inland to Braga which has more churches than
any other town in Portugal. After sightseeing we continue to outskirts to visit the famous basilica of Bom Jesus On Monday - We drive northwards to Audierne and then on to the most westerly point of France, Pointe
and then return to the hotel. du Raz. Here you have views to the Isles de Sein where Brittany Ferries’ ships returning from Spain thread
their way through the islands. Our next stop is the medieval village of Locronan where we tarry a while
Thursday - We plan a completely free day to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel. We recommend a stroll before returning to our hotel.
along the beach to nearby Apulia at lunch time to have an interesting lunch with the locals at one of the
intriguing restaurants which back on to the beach. Tuesday -We leave Concarneau and start our journey to the north coast. We’ll reach St Malo in the late
afternoon and check into the Hotel Ibis Styles for three nights. The hotel is in St Servan and is 15 minutes
Friday - We travel southwards to the main city, Porto. Here we will visit a Port Lodge on the river then have stroll from the old walled town known as the City of Corsaires.
time for sightseeing and shopping. The “Ribeira” is in the Old Quarter and is a fascinating mix of old cobbled
streets and quays along which are scores of restaurants and bars serving the freshest of local produce. The On Wednesday - We travel inland for a short distance to the riverside of Dinan where we stop for
cruise ships which traverse the Douro start from here as do the harbour sightseeing boats. sightseeing. We continue into the town itself with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings. On leaving
Dinan our final stop is at a cider maker for some local refreshment before returning to the hotel.
Saturday - In the morning we make a short drive to the port and resort of Viana do Castelo where it is market
day and usually a Folklore Group will be performing in the main square. In the afternoon we drive inland to On Thursday - We take a coastal drive to one of France’s most important heritage sites, Mont St Michel. In
the old Roman town of Ponte da Lima situated on the river of that name. the afternoon we’ll make a stop at Cancale, a famous oyster port and resort.
Sunday - We leave the hotel and drive southwards and then across central Portugal to the Spanish border at Friday - We leave St Malo in the morning and travel westwards to Roscoff for our final leg stretching
Vilarformosa. We stop at the lovely little town of Cuidad Rodrigo for sightseeing and refreshment. We then before we catch the 1500 sailing to Plymouth. The ship arrives at 2010 and after disembarkation the coach
continue to the outskirts of Valladolid where we spend the night at the excellent Hotel La Vega. returns to the original pick up points.
Monday - We resume our drive to Santander where we catch the 1700 sailing to England. Enjoying the cruise Departure date
we reach Plymouth in the late afternoon of the tenth day and then return to the original pick up points. May 28th £825
Departure date Cost includes: travel by air-conditioned coach ;ferry crossing ; seven nights’ 3 hotel accommodation
; one night B & B only; 6 nights with buffet breakfast and dinner with wine; dinner on final day; all
May 22nd & Sept 4th £845 excursions as described.
Cost includes: travel by air-conditioned coach with WC; ferry crossing with 2-berth cabin; seven nights’ Single supplement £210
4* hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast and dinner with wine; all excursions as described; Tour
Escort or local Guide. Pick up points:
Single supplement (room & cabin) £245 ; Guaranteed sea view £50 per room Exeter-Newton Abbot-Torquay-Paignton-Totnes-Ivybridge-Plymouth Ferryport
Pick up points : Exeter - Newton Abbot - Torquay - Paignton - Totnes - Ivybridge - Plymouth
12 13
Classic Tours Jazz Tour
Atlantic Cruise Drive 9 Days Jazz in Asturias with The Panama Jazz Band 6 days
The aim is to drive along the rim of the Atlantic Ocean around the Bay of Biscay and enjoy aspects of coastal
Spain and France . We use nice hotels throughout, the travelling is not arduous and we begin the holiday with a Once again we will be taking the Band to Green Spain ,so called on account of its rolling meadows,
sea cruise to Spain to get you thoroughly relaxed and into the holiday mood. We’ve kept the time in the coach extensive woodlands, tumbling streams and glorious sandy beaches dotted with rocky outcrops. It's a glimpse
down to a minimum so that you can enjoy the places we visit without rushing about. If you are looking for a of the real Spain and you will be surprised at the landscape if you've never been here before.For the past few
unique holiday with a difference – we think that this is it! years we have made this a 5-day tour because of the ferry schedule but for 2021 Brittany Ferries have reverted
We pick up at the points detailed below and make our way to Plymouth. to a previous schedule which means we can now spend 3 nights at the hotel and thus make a longer holiday of
Sunday - We sail at 1645 and the facilities of the superb cruise-ferry “Pont Aven” are at your disposal as we cross the trip. As in the past , we will be staying at the Hotel Mirador de la Franca in Asturias where we had our first
the Channel - swimming pool, cinemas, shops, piano bar, live Spanish jazz tour in the 90’s. The hotel has been upgraded to 4* in recent years and sits on a secluded, sandy
entertainment etc. beach overlooking the ocean. It has pleased our travellers for over 26 years who love the hotel's idyllic
On Monday - We arrive in Santander at 1400 . After disembarkation situation and the friendly attention from all the staff. A copious buffet breakfast starts the day and no one
we then drive eastwards to the charming resort and fishing port of goes hungry at dinner!
Castro Urdiales where we make a brief sightseeing halt. In the late
afternoon we continue to the elegant city of San Sebastian, one of Sunday - We’ll depart Plymouth on Sunday and sail to Santander. A 2-berth cabin will be provided for the
Europe’s premier resorts. We check in to the 4* Hotel San Sebastian overnight crossing. The ship has many diversions for your pleasure- swimming pool; two cinemas; fine dining; live
for two nights with buffet breakfast and dinner with wine entertainment; bingo; quizzes ; piano bar and a large observation deck.
included. The sandy Ondarretta Beach is just 300 metres distant Monday - On arrival at Santander at 1400 we disembark and travel westwards to the 4* Hotel Mirador de la Franca
and this leads on to the famous La Concha beach which continues which sits on a secluded, sandy beach overlooking the Atlantic. We stay for three nights with buffet breakfast and
around to the fascinating harbour area of the city. dinner with wine. Each evening, the Band plays after dinner for your entertainment.
On Tuesday - We’ll leave you to your own devices in this most Tuesday - We make a drive into the Picos de Europa mountain range along the spectacular Hermida Gorge to
pleasant resort. Choose time on the beach; a trip up to Monte Igueldo at the end of the beach or mooching in the Fuente Dé where there is a cable car. We’ll have some time here before visiting the little mountain town of Potes.
harbour area and city centre. Returning to the hotel for dinner, the Band will play for your entertainment until late.
On Wednesday - We head towards the border with a short sightseeing halt at the little town of Hondarribia which Wednesday -We leave the hotel after breakfast and drive to the resort and fishing port of San Vicente de la
faces France across the river. We resume our journey in the early afternoon and travel to Bordeaux where we stay Barquera where we’ll do some sightseeing and have lunch before travelling eastwards to Santillana del Mar, one
for two nights in a 4* hotel in the woodland area in the outer suburbs. of Spain’s major heritage sites. We return to our hotel for dinner and entertainment.
On Thursday - We drive along the River Gironde to the charming wine Thursday -We leave the hotel and drive to Santander where you’ll have some time for sightseeing before we board
town of Pauillac where we’ll stop for sightseeing and refreshment. In the the ferry for the 1545 sailing to England. Enjoy the cruise homewards and make the most of the ship's amenities.
afternoon we drive to the centre of Bordeaux for individual sightseeing Friday - We reach Plymouth at 1045 and after disembarkation the coach returns to the original pick up points.
before returning to the hotel for dinner. The Panama Jazz Band
On Friday - In the morning we leave the hotel and drive northwards The band’s motto is “Happy Jazz” and this certainly reflects the members attitude to their music. They excel in
eventually to the fishing port and resort of La Rochelle where we stay for playing the jazz classics but are not averse to playing old music hall songs etc.
two nights. if that brings happiness to the audience.
On Saturday - We have a short excursion to the Iles d’Oleron and then Don’t be misled by their fun attitude for they are also deadly serious
return to La Rochelle for free time. exponents of fine jazz. We’ve been taking them abroad for over 25 years and
On Sunday - We resume our ride parallel with the ocean through Nantes they have consistently delivered the goods to their dedicated followers and
and into Brittany with a sightseeing stop at Vannes We resume the ride for won over new fans each trip.
our final overnight at Concarneau.
On Monday - We leave the Atlantic behind and head northwards to Roscoff stopping for final sightseeing before
catching the 1500 ferry to Plymouth. This reaches England at 2010 and after disembarkation the coach returns to
the original pick up points.
Departure date
June 19th £925 Departure Dates
April 24th £565
Cost includes: travel by air-conditioned coach ; cruise-ferry crossing with 2-berth cabin; seven nights’ 3 and
4* hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast and dinner with wine; all excursions as described, Tour (The cost includes ; all travel by executive coach; ferry sailing with cabin. (upgrades available); three nights
Escort. with half-board at a 4* hotel; entertainment by the Panama Jazz Band and excursions as detailed.)
Single supplement (room & cabin) - £260
Single supplement (cabin & hotel room) £110
Pick up points: Exeter - Newton Abbot - Torquay - Paignton - Totnes - Ivybridge - Plymouth Ferryport
Pick up points: Bath-Keynsham-Bristol-Gordano-Exeter-Newton Abbot-Plymouth
14 15
Jazz Tour Jazz Tour
Jazz Cantabria Spain 6 Days Jazz in Concarneau Brittany 5 days
Cantabria is one of the four Provinces that make up “Green Spain”and our destination is the small resort of This tour is a repeat visit to a popular hotel which has been pleasing our
Isla about 25 miles east of Santander. This scenic Province boasts golden beaches interspersed by rocky clientele for many years. The 3* Hotel de l’Océan is situated on the Baie de
crags and behind the coastline is a land of meadows and rolling hills which ascend to the Picos de Europa la Forêt at Concarneau and there’s always a genuine welcome from the
mountains. Fishing, dairy farming and tourism are the main staples of the local economy. Hénaff family for their guests especially the jazz followers. Nicely
Our hotel, the 4* Olimpo, sits on a small cliff overlooking the bay, has pleasant gardens, a small outdoor decorated rooms with flat screen TVs and private facilities with either sea
swimming pool and tennis courts. Good food, and plenty of it, is a feature of this friendly hotel. As we are view or garden view. There’s a heated covered pool in the garden and a
fond of telling folks who complain about the quantity of food on offer - you don’t have to eat it all!! jacuzzi and Hammam next to it. The cuisine is exactly what you would
We sail from Plymouth on Sunday and a cabin is provided. The ship has many diversions to keep you occupied
expect from a family-run hotel of fine repute.
such as live entertainment, swimming pool, cinema amongst others and fine dining or self-service
restaurants. Thursday We pick up as indicated below and drive to Plymouth to catch the
Arriving in Santander on Monday we leave town and travel 2200 overnight sailing to Roscoff. A 2-berth cabin is provided for the
eastwards about 25 miles to Isla and the Hotel Olimpo . overnight sailing.
After check in you’ll have plenty of time to explore this
pleasant coastal village. Friday We reach France at 0800 and after disembarkation we drive to Morlaix, the main market town of this region
The hotel faces a large sandy beach and assuming that the where we stop for sightseeing and refreshment . In the late morning we resume our journey to Concarneau to check
weather is favourable the rest of the day is free to enjoy that in to the Hotel de l’Océan for three nights. There’ll be plenty of time to relax and explore the immediate area of the
beach. There is a small outdoor swimming pool at the hotel. hotel, maybe stroll on the beach or take a dip in the swimming pool before dinner and entertainment by the Band.
There is also a tennis court and gardens leading down to the
beach. Saturday This morning we’ll set off on the short drive to Quimper, ancient
We stay for three nights with breakfast and dinner with capital of Cournouaille. It’s market day so you have time to enjoy the bustle and
wine included. The Band plays after dinner for listening and activity of a typical French market. In the early afternoon we drive to the the
dancing. outskirts of the town and visit a local Hypermarket, We then continue to
Bénodet for a stroll along the promenade and before we return to the hotel.
Tuesday - Today we’re travelling eastwards to the charming After dinner the band will play to entertain you.
fishing port and popular resort of Castro Urdiales. We spend the
morning here and then return to Isla for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore Isla or just take it easy. Dinner is at 2030 Sunday. After a leisurely buffet breakfast we will drive southwards to the
followed by the Band. interesting old city of Vannes which has a jumble of cobbled streets around its cathedral. There’s a nice marina just
off the city centre with pleasant walks.In the mid-afternoon we head back to hotel for dinner and music.
Wednesday _This morning we head off for the foothills of the Picos de Europa mountain range. Our drive takes us along
the Pas Valley to Reinosa, a small town at the entrance to the ski slopes. Monday We leave the hotel after breakfast and begin the journey northwards to Roscoff. We catch the 1500 sailing
After a short sightseeing stop we now drive along the side of the Ebro Dam to the Escudo Pass where we begin a
stunning descent down the Besaya Valley. We’ll pause at the pleasant spa village of Puente Viesgo for sightseeing and to Plymouth which arrives at 2010.
refreshment. We recommend a little walk along the river bank. Then it’s back to Isla and the hotel. Dinner is at 2030 After disembarkation we return to the original pick up points meaning a late arrival in the Bristol/Bath area
followed by the Band.
Departure Dates
On Thursday morning we drive to Santander stopping at the Hypermarket en route to pick up essential October 27th £456
supplies . Then it’s time for sightseeing in Santander before we board the “Pont Aven” for the sailing to Cost includes: all travel by executive coach; ferry crossing to and from France with cabin overnight ; three
England at 1545. nights’ 3* hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner with wine; excursions as described; jazz every
evening; Tour Escort
We arrive in Plymouth at 1045 on Friday morning and after disembarkation the coach returns to the original
pick up points. Supplements: Single room & Cabin £120 Room with sea view: £30 4-berth cabin(for 2) £40
The cost includes: all travel by executive coach; ferry crossing with cabin; three nights half-board at the
4* hotel; excursions; Tour Guide. Entertainment by the Band on three nights.
Departure date
July 3rd £599.
Pick up points : Bath-Bristol-Taunton-Exeter-Newton Abbot-Plymouth
4-berth cabin(for two) £90 4-berth outside Cabin £140 (NB There are no 2-berth outside cabins)
Single supplement: £125
This hotel was the destination for our first tour with the Panama Jazz Band in 1993. It is fitting that the
last our is to the same destination
16 17
Wildlife Tours Wildlife Tours
Asturias Wildlife Tour 6 days Asturias Wildlife Tour 6 days
Our wildlife programmes offer some of the best wildlife watching from the open ocean to the mountain tops in This day we will participate in a guided visit to observe spectacular carrion birds at a feeding place in the Picos de
the best birding areas of Northern Spain , renowned for its birding diversity and the opportunity to experience Europa National Park. Privileged spectators will learn and observe the food behaviour, hierarchies of scavengers
the splendour of the ocean. The sea element offers both cetaceans and Pelagic birds and details of sightings and will also learn to differentiate between various species and understand the behaviour of these majestic birds.
within the programmes will be provided within each of our 5 or 8 day holidays. Your voyage will be with Paul
Burley, an experienced Guide who will look after you all the way and once in Spain our local Guide, Javier Gil Thursday The Cantabrian Campigne. We leave the hotel and drive a short distance westwards to the resort and
Vaquero, will take over. These two experts will make your visit a memorable experience as you join them in port of Llanes. We have an easy walk of about 2 hours . This is a flat area dotted with meadows; the vegetation
observing some of the best wildlife in these incredibly spectacular places. Nice hotels and good food and wine includes few trees, brush and scrubland alongside the Cantabrian coastal cliffs. These are indeed amazing places
will enhance your visit! Asturias 5 days This visit to the Picos de Europa will be of interest to those who wish to to observe passerines and other avian species. This is a protected area for birds near Llanes and an easy place to
see not only the migration of the many Pelagic seabirds that cross our open ocean but also the most iconic spot interesting birds like Red-Backed Shrike, Sardinian Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Iberian Chiff-Chaff, Melodious
birds of the Picos mountains in Northern Spain. Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Iberian Grey Shrike, Peregrine falcon, Crag Martin, swifts, …etc
After our stroll we will now drive to Santander. We board the ferry at 1545. We will then be sailing through the Bay
On Sunday - Meet at the Plymouth Ferryport where we catch the 1645 sailing to Spain. A 2-berth cabin is provided of Biscay to once more look for birds and cetaceans.
and upgrades are available as detailed in Essentail Information. Our Guide,Paul Burley, will meet you in the
Terminal Building at Plymouth Ferryport. On Friday morning - We find ourselves proceeding to the English Channel for more sightings of sea birds and
We will be setting off from Plymouth and crossing the English Channel towards the Ushant on the north western cetaceans before reaching Plymouth at 1045.
tip of France. We will be sailing at the time of the migration and we will be hoping to see many of the pelagic NB. The anticipated sightings in June will be slightly different to those in September. Contact us for
seabirds that include Skua’s, shearwaters, Petrels, Sabine gull and many more. Cetacean species include Common details.
dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Harbour porpoise and Minke whale.
The next morning we are in the Bay of Biscay where we will resume looking for seabirds and cetaceans. At this time Departure date
of the year the Bay of Biscay can be truly spectacular and offers some amazing sightings of migratory seabirds and May29th £540
a fantastic diversity of whale and dolphin species. September is a favoured time for the most experienced wildlife th
September 11 £540
enthusiast and a must for any who wish to see nature at its very best. Both seabird rarities and many species of
whales and dolphins make this a chance not to be missed.
On arrival in Santander on Monday at 1400 we pick up our coach outside the terminal and proceed to our 4* hotel, (The cost includes : ferry crossing with 2-berth cabin; three nights 4* hotel accommodation with buffet
the Mirador de la Franca. The hotel is situated in a quiet cove on the Atlantic coast and it is from here we will be breakfast, dinner with wine; two packed lunches; all transportation whilst in Spain; British and Spanish
setting off each day on our birding trips in to the Picos de Europa. In the evening our local guide , Javier Gil expert Guides
Vaquero, will join us at the hotel to discuss the following days’ birding before our evening meal. Single supplement £110 (Room and cabin)
Tuesday. The Alpine birds. The Picos de Europa National Park, is one of the best places in Europe to observe and Plymouth Ferry Port
enjoy alpine birds like alpine accentor, snowfinch, wallcreeper, red-billed chough, yellow-billed chough, water
pipit, and much more. It is also the perfect place to see the Cantabrian Chamois. All of them can be watched easily
on the upland areas in very good walking conditions and quite flat.
In Fuente Dé, we will take the cable car up to the highest and alpine area, nearly 2.000 m. above sea level. From
here, we have a simple walk along the easy walking old mining paths, we will try to enjoy these amazing groups of
birds.Furthermore, other species like raptors such as the griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, golden eagle, booted
eagle, common buzzard and ravens, crows and a great variety of little passerines can be observed in the area.
Wednesday. The Feeding Station for Lammergeiers and
Scavenger birds. Scavenger or carrion birds, play a key role in the
functioning of mountain ecosystems. They help accelerate the
process of returning nutrients to the system. At the same time,
they help reduce the risk of disease to other species, whether wild
or livestock.
Although some of these species disappeared many years ago
from the Picos de Europa, we can now proudly say that all of these
species have returned to these unforgettable mountains: Griffon
Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier and recently, it is not
unusual to spot Black Vulture. Other opportunistic species such
as Golden Eagle, Red and Black kite, Ravens, Common Buzzard,
Crows etc. can also be found scouring for carrion.
The feeding point of Picos de Europa National Park, is one of the
specific actions for the reintroduction of the Lammergeier in the Picos de Europa National Park, spearheaded by
the Lammergeier Foundation.
Once a week, the staff of the Lammergeier Foundation, in collaboration with the local slaughterhouse, leave the
remains of lamb and kids as a supplementary feed to complement the natural diet of these carrion birds
18 19Wildlife Tours Wildlife Tours
Navarre Wildlife Tour 6 days Navarre Wildlife Tour 6 days
Meet at the Plymouth Ferryport where we catch the 1645 sailing to Spain. A 2-berth cabin is provided and
upgrades are available as detailed below. Once on board, our marine Guide, Paul Burley, will have a chat with We leave the hotel on Thursday but before we get on the road there'll be a short stroll in the area to have a
you about the crossing and the possible sightings. Enjoy the cruise , it’s very much part of the holiday.We will final look at the activity before setting off to Santander where we once more board the Pont-Aven for our
be crossing the English channel and on to the Bay of Biscay where we will be looking out for some of the 1545 sailing to England.
Pelagic seabirds such as Manx shearwater and possible Great skua among the more regular seabirds that can
be seen at this time of the year. It is at this time in the Bay of Biscay that we often see good numbers of Fin We spend our last day sailing through the waters west of the French coast and on to the English channel
whales and Common dolphins and possibly the Cuvier’s beaked whale. Striped dolphins, Pilot whales and where we will be looking for more Pelagic seabirds, Common dolphins, Harbour porpoise and Minke
Bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen along with the possibility of Sperm whales and Sowerby’s beaked whale. Friday 21st May - We reach Plymouth at 10.45 this morning.
whales.
On Monday we reach Santander at 1400 and meet our Spanish Guide, Javier Gil Vaquero, at the port where the
coach awaits. We set off southwards through Cantabria and La Rioja and thus into Navarra. We check into the 3* Departure date
Hotel Alfaro in Alfaro for three nights on half-board with wine. On April 10th £545
our daily outings we will be supplied with a packed lunch.
Before dinner, we will have enough time to visit the colony of Ferry crossing with 2-berth; transport in Spain; three nights 3* hotel accommodation with breakfast
storks at the “Colegiata de San Miguel”. This colony is made up of and dinner with wine; two packed lunches;English and Spanish experts to guide your visit.
a hundred stork settled on the roof of this Baroque temple, built
between the 16th and 17th centuries, and which has a special Single supplement £120 (Room and cabin)
plan for their maintenance, in order to the birds return each year
to the municipality after spending the autumn and winter in Plymouth Ferryport
Africa.
This is the biggest colony in the world located in a single building
and an amazing place to be visited just with a short walk from the
hotel.
On Tuesday our location is The Bardenas Reales Natural Park
The Bardenas Reales is one of only a few dry deserts in Europe and is definitely the most impressive of them all.
There are several unique geological formations and some lovely landscapes. Occupies an area of 42,000
hectares and is situated in the southeast corner of Navarre along the border with Aragon.
We will visit the White Bardena. This is the central plain of the park and
the one that is most desert-like. It is characterized by deep gorges and
white ground, due to the large presence of of salt. This area is one of the
best places in Spain to find as special birds as Black Bellied Sandgrouse,
Pint-Tailed Sandgrouse, Black Weathear, Dupont ́s Lark, Calandra Lark,
Crested Lark, Lesser Short Toed Lark, Thekla ́s Lark, Iberian Grey Shrike,
Rock Thrush, Short-Toed Lark, Tawny Pipit, Black-Eared Wheatear...etc
On Wednesday we’ll be Birding in the Pitillas Lagoon and surroundings.
This natural area, is a Nature Reserve, a Special Protection Area for Birds
and a Wetland of International Importance, which gives an idea of its
exceptional environmental value. The nature reserve offers shelter to
around a hundred species, which represent almost a third of those that
can be observed in Navarre, and this makes it the second most important natural reservoir in Navarre in terms of
the diversity of nesting birds.
But not only the lagoon is an interesting place in the area. All the easy walks in the surroundings with scrubs and
some trees bring the best environment for the nesting of hundred species of birds. In May, all of them defend
their breeding territories by using defensive calls and display courtship behaviour to attract the mates. This is the
best moment to find all of them.
The most interesting birds in Spring are: Cattle Egret, White Stork, , Skylark, Cetti ́s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola,
Dartford Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Eastern Subalpine Warbler, Western
Orphean Warbler, Western Bonellis Warbler Firecrest, Bearded Reeding, Penduline Tit, Red- Billed Chough, Rock
Sparrow, Cirl Bunting, Purple Heron, Little Bustard, Black-Winged Stilt, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Bee Eater,
Woodchat Shrike, Lesser Kestrel, Alpine Swift, , Iberian Chifchaf, and some raptors like Golden Eagle Grifon
Vulture Black Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Short Toed Eagle, , Booted Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Montagu ́s
harrier . A paradise for all kinds of birders!
20 21Wildlife Tours Wildlife Tours
Steppes Wildlife Tour 6 days Steppes Wildlife Tour 6 days
On this short visit to Northern Central Spain we’ve been able to combine two interests, pelagic and terrestrial passerines like Penduline Tit, Bearded Reeding, Iberian Chiffchaff, Zitting Cistícola Cetti´s Warbler, Cirl Bunting,
bird watching , and package a short visit to encompass both. Of course, we can’t guarantee that the Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Rock Sparrow, Spanish
advertised wildlife will appear on cue but no doubt this is something you’ve lived with for years. However, our Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Woodlark, Bee-eater, Crested Lark, Short-
expert Guides are confident that the dates selected are quite propitious for our purpose. We use a Spanish Toed Lark, Calandra Lark, Spectacled Warbler, Dartford Warbler,
coach on this programme and everyone meets at the Ferry Terminal in Western Subalpine Warbler…etc
Plymouth. If you'd like to have more information on the birds/cetaceans just We start out in the morning for our first session and will return to
send an e-mail and we'll pass it on to our experts for reply. the hotel for lunch. Our afternoon session will begin as the heat
leaves the day and in due course we return for dinner.
A complete contrast to the coastal programme is the area near Palencia in what
is regarded as the Spanish Steppe and we’ll be taking a close look at Lago de la Thursday We leave for the coast after breakfast and a final stroll
Nava. The bird target may be really interesting for birdwatchers who have in the area of the hotel. We’ll have a little time in Santander
already been in one of our previous groups or are making a first visit with us : before we board the ship for the 1545 sailing to England. Once
Great Bustard, Bustard, Lesser Kestrel, Crested Lark, Woodlark, Montagu´s again, Paul Burley will be on hand during the sailing to offer
Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, advice and assistance as we sail through the Bay of Biscay to once
The Nava lagoon is the main area of passage for this species in Spain. It will be more look for sea birds and cetaceans.
hot, so the last thing you’ll need is foul weather clothing! The paths are quite
flat so it’s going to be easy going all the way and we have built in recuperation Friday - Enjoy the cruise homewards on the “Pont Aven” as we cross the Channel to look for birds and cetaceans.
breaks to make the bird watching as comfortable as possible. We’ll arrive at Plymouth on Friday at 1045.
Sunday - We’ll set off from Plymouth’s Millbay Docks at 1645 on the flagship
cruise-ferry “Pont Aven” to sail to Santander on Spain’s north coast. A 2-berth Departure date
cabin is provided for both sailings. May 8th £530
We''ll sail the English Channel towards the Ushant on the north western tip of
France. . In Summer we can look forward to the wealth of wildlife that can be The cost includes: Travel by executive coach; ferry crossing with cabin; ; coach travel in Spain as detailed;
found in the English channel and into the Bay of Biscay where we can see good numbers of Manx Shearwater and three nights 4* hotel accommodation with buffet breakfast and dinner each day at the hotel with wine;
occasional sightings of Great Skua, sea birds and many species of cetaceans that include dolphins , Beaked whales one lunch; excursions with local wildlife Guides; activity with Cetacean Guide as detailed.
and Fin whales.
Supplements : Single room and cabin - £90
Monday - When we land in Spain at 1615 the local coach meets us at the Ferry Terminal and we drive out of the
city and southwards over the Cantabrian Cordillera . With us now will be our two local Guides, Javier and/or Angel Pick up point: Millbay Docks, Plymouth
and they’ll have an in depth talk with you on the journey to the Palencia. We’ll check into the Hotel Real
Monasterio San Zoilo for three nights. In the late afternoon the
Guides will show you the immediate area before dinner.
Tuesday /Wednesday
La Nava Lagoon
The area of Palencia in North-Central Spain is an amazing place
to enjoy Steppe birds like Little Bustard, Crested Lark,
Woodlark, Short-Toed Lark, Calandra Lark, Black-Bellied
Sandgrouse, Pin-Tailed Sandgrouse, Raptors like Marsh
Harrier, Hen Harrier, Montagus Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Red and
black Kite, Booted Eagle and of course hundreds of Storks. But
without any doubt, the Great Bustard is one of the most
amazing and special birds in the Iberian Peninsula and this is
probably one of the best places to enjoy it.
La Nava Laggon is without any doubt one of the most
interesting wetland in the Iberian Peninsula. It Is located in northwest Spain on the “Tierra de Campos Plateau”
near Palencia. It is a RAMSAR site, a wetland of international importance since 2002. La Nava is an internationally
important nature reserve and resting place for migratory birds. 225 species of birds were counted (among them
50 % of the species living in Spain, and more than 60 % of the birds registered in the Red List). Furthermore , Ducks,
rails, waders, gulls…etc, Special birds like Purple Heron or the Cattle Egret, congregate in the scenery one of the
highest ornithological quality in Spain.
Both The Steppe and the Lagoon are amazing places to look for passerines in spring. In Spring, birds defend their
breeding territories and court other mates by using elaborate birdsongs. This is the best moment to enjoy
22 23You can also read
