Santillana de Mar & Santander Private Tour from Bilbao - 8h

Romanesque churches, cobbled medieval squares, and coastal palaces in one day

A private 8-hour tour from Bilbao to Santillana de Mar and Santander with a dedicated guide and driver, taking you through a 12th-century Romanesque church, the Plaza Mayor's historic buildings, Sardinero Beach, and Magdalena Palace. The itinerary is fully customizable to your interests. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour suits groups of two or more.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Santillana de Mar and Santander

• Visit Colegiata de Santillana del Mar
• Walk through Plaza Mayor de Ramon y Pelayo
• Drive past Zoo de Santillana
• Drive past Altamira Caves museum replicas
• Drive past historical tower cultural center
• Stroll along Playa Primera de El Sardinero
• Drive past Catedral de Santander
• Drive past Edificio del Banco Santander
• Drive past Magdalena Palace and gardens
• Drive past Centro Botín modern art center
• Drive past scenic gardens and small zoo

The experience

The Colegiata de Santa Juliana anchors Santillana de Mar, a 12th-century Romanesque church with a carved cloister at the heart of a medieval town built around cobbled streets and stone facades. Your guide walks you through the Plaza Mayor de Ramon y Pelayo, the central square lined with cafes and traditional architecture, and can arrange time at the Zoo de Santillana or the Altamira Caves museum just outside town, depending on what interests you. The whole town is small enough to explore on foot once you arrive.

Santander shifts the day toward the coast. You'll see Sardinero Beach, the city's main urban strand with golden sand and a promenade of restaurants, and pass the Magdalena Palace on its peninsula, a grand early-20th-century residence surrounded by gardens and sea views. The Cathedral of Santander, dating to the 12th century with Gothic and Renaissance details, and the Centro Botín, a modern art center designed by Renzo Piano, show the city's range from religious heritage to contemporary culture. Your guide shapes the stops and pace around what you want to see.

The tour runs 8 hours total, with your own official guide speaking English, Spanish or French and a separate driver handling the vehicle. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included, so the day starts and ends at your accommodation. A minimum of two people per booking applies. Infant seats are available if you're traveling with small children.

What’s included

• Private official tour guide for 8 hours.
• private vehicle with a separate driver for 8 hours.
• hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Bilbao.
• taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Tour Travel & More

Is this one for you?Book this private full-day tour if you want a dedicated guide and driver for just your group, allowing you to set your own pace between Santillana de Mar's medieval streets and Santander's waterfront.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

What is the Colegiata de Santa Juliana in Santillana de Mar?

The Colegiata is a 12th-century Romanesque church at the center of the medieval town, known for its architectural beauty and a remarkable cloister with carved columns. It's a historical and cultural landmark that anchors the town's character.

Can I customize which sites we visit on this tour?

Yes, the tour is entirely tailored to your interests. Your guide can adjust stops and time spent at each location, so you might focus on the medieval architecture, visit the Zoo de Santillana or Altamira Caves museum near Santillana de Mar, or spend more time on Santander's beaches and palaces depending on what appeals to you.

What beaches or coastal sites are included in Santander?

Sardinero Beach is the main stop, a popular urban beach with fine sand, clear water, and a lively promenade of cafes and restaurants. You can also see the Magdalena Palace on its peninsula, which offers panoramic views of the bay and is surrounded by gardens and smaller beaches.

Does the 8-hour tour include meals or entrance fees to museums?

The tour includes your guide and private vehicle for the full 8 hours, plus hotel or port pickup and drop-off. Food, drinks, and entrance fees to sites like the Altamira Caves museum or the Zoo de Santillana are not included, so you can choose which attractions to enter based on your interests.

How does pickup work if I'm arriving at Bilbao airport or a cruise port?

Hotel or port pickup is included, so your driver will meet you at your accommodation or cruise terminal in Bilbao and return you there at the end of the day. Confirm your pickup location and time when you book.