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Santillana del Mar and Altamira Museum Tour from Santander

Northern Spain, Spain5 hoursGuided in Spanish, English

Visit the medieval stone village of Santillana del Mar and the museum of the Altamira cave, home of some of the world's finest prehistoric art. Transport and museum entry are arranged for you.

5 hoursExplore at your own pace
Shared groupKeeps the experience personal
Spanish, EnglishLive guide or host
CancellationNon-refundable: tickets are issued for your chosen date and time

Highlights

  • Entry to the Altamira Museum and its Neocave
  • Prehistoric art explained in context
  • A walk through medieval Santillana del Mar
  • The Romanesque collegiate church of Santa Juliana
  • Return transport from Santander

Full description

Some fifteen thousand years ago, people painted bison, deer and horses on the ceiling of a cave in Cantabria. The original Altamira cave is closed to protect the art, but the museum beside it holds a careful full-size replica, the Neocave, alongside exhibits on the people who made the paintings.

This half-day trip from Santander combines the museum with Santillana del Mar, a village of stone mansions, cobbled streets and a Romanesque collegiate church. Your guide shows you around the village, and there is time to taste local sponge cake and milk before heading back.

Itinerary

  1. Depart Santander

    Leave the city by minivan or coach for the 30-minute drive west.

  2. Altamira Museum

    Visit the Neocave replica and the museum's exhibitions.

  3. Santillana del Mar

    Walk the village with your guide, then enjoy some free time.

  4. Return

    Drive back to Santander.

Included

  • Return transport from Santander
  • Entry ticket to the Altamira Museum
  • Live guide in Santillana del Mar

Not included

  • Entry to the original cave
  • Food and drinks
  • Collegiate church entry

Meeting point

Central Santander; the exact pick-up point is sent with your confirmation.The exact spot and your host's details arrive with your confirmation.

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Know before you go

  • The original Altamira cave is closed to the public; the visit is to the museum and its replica.
  • The museum is closed on Mondays and some holidays.
  • Santillana's streets are cobbled; wear comfortable shoes.
  • Times are confirmed with your booking and may change with the museum's hours.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see the real cave?

The original cave is closed to protect the paintings. The museum's Neocave is an exact replica made using precise surveys.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes. The museum is very visual, and the village walk is short and easy.

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From USD 92 per adult
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