Santillana del Mar og Altamira Museum med billetter - små grupper

This tour was a great example of why guided visits to some places make all the difference. Santillana del Mar is lovely, and the Altamira Museum is a must for those interested in paleo-history and art, but we would have gained much less appreciation and knowledge of both places without Pepe's interpretation. We were picked up right on time at our designated meeting hotel and after gathering other members of our group of eight made our way first to Santillano del Mar, roughly 30 kilometers from Santander. The medieval structures and cloister are not as grand as the major cathedrals of Spain, but they have a wonderful charm and provide insight into what towns (as distinct from fortified cities and rural villages) were like. After making the short walk to the main square and visiting the cloister, we had about an hour on our own to enjoy some local treats (quesada and sabaos) and visit some small shops. The Altamira Museum is only about 2 kilometers from Santillana. It is located at the site of the cave with its art (paintings and wall carvings) produced between 35,000 to 13,000 years ago. Visits to the cave itself were ended about 25 years ago, and so the major attraction is now the reproduction of the cave ceiling within the museum. A replica of the ceiling surface was created, and then an artist reproduced the art using the same materials and techniques as were used by paleolithic artists. There are interpretative videos and signs within the "neocueva," but Pepe pointed out specific elements on the ceiling and provided additional information about them. Entrance to the exhibit is by timed entry. It appeared that fewer than 25 people were admitted on about 15 minutes spacing. We had about 15 minutes before our assigned entry and about 15 minutes after we left the "neocueva" to review the other exhibits at the museum and its gift shop. The collection is small, but worth taking some time to see. The experience is admittedly not the same as it would be to visit the cave itself, but the need to protect the original cave art that was deteriorating from the impacts of thousands of visitors each year is well understood.

It is a sensory journey to medieval and Renaissance times. Known for its incredible conservation, this villa wraps you in an atmosphere of nobility and tranquility that makes it one of the most magical stops in northern Spain. I am Angeles-Travel Advisor Chord

The tour was well organized, authentic, a must if you are interested in the history of the country and prehistoric times. Our guide Jairo was very nice, well organized and knowledgeable . The Altamira caves and museum are definitely worthwhile seeing.

Very good experience & driver. He also gave good restaurant recommendations. Highly recommended for all.

Good and intresting trip. Our driver Maria explained many intresting facts. The village of Santillian was very olde worlde. Tje rock paintings was very unusual.

Jairo was a fantastic guide! He was very knowledgeable and great with our young children. The caves were so cool to see and Santillana de Mar was a gorgeous city.

This is a visit to the caves of Altamira and the town of Santillana del mar (there is no museum). It was absolutely worth it! After all, you can not go to Santander without having seen the cave paintings (albeit in faithful copy) of this site. Santillana was also worth visiting. Also great that the excursion is done by car and that they pick you up at the hotel.

This trip is worthy! Santillana Del Mar is a beautiful and picturesque town! The Altamira Museum was very educational and interesting!

Maria was excellent as a guide. Very attentive, very understandable, and above all very well informed about the history of Santillana del Mar and Altamira.

Our guide, Pepe, did a great job of showing us the interesting Santillana del Mar and was very knowledgeable about Altamira cave which increased our enjoyment of the tour.