A region of Spain ideal for walking in summer
Guided walking, history, landscapes — small international group — north-central Spain
Natural Parks of Old Castile
A region of Spain ideal for walking in summer
Guided walking, history, landscapes — small international group — north-central Spain
In the steps of Celtiberians, Visigoths, El Cid, Al-Mansûr, Picasso and Machado, we explore the present and past of the Duero and Ebro rivers of Soria and Burgos: the roots of Old Castile!
ONE WEEK Activities: exploration of old Castile — 5 mountain walks of 4h-5h30 and one of 2h30, on (sometimes steep and/or stony) paths with a few 'off path' sections; denivellations of up to +500m/day; visits to many picturesque villages and historical sites lost in the countryside. Group 10 maximum.
FULL BOARD EXCEPT 1 DINNER (Thursday), in hotels, in twin rooms (private bathrooms): 3 nights at Quintanar de la Sierra and 4 at Trespaderne.
DATES (Wednesday-Wednesday)
2011 24-31 August [can be combined with 'Picos de Europa National Park'].
PRICE 795 euros per person; single room supplement 135 euros.
RENDEZVOUS & DISPERSAL Bilbao airport. Book a plane arriving at Bilbao by 15.00; for the return, one with check-in after 12.00. Please consult us if you wish to arrive by coach, train or car.
Location of this programme:
DAY-TO-DAY
WEDNESDAY: Transfer to Quintanar de la Sierra, in the Sierra de la Demanda (3 nights here).
THURSDAY: Panoramic circuit, on foot and by 4WD, in the Northern Iberian Cordillera: the Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park and the remarkable scenery of the Lagunas de Neila.
FRIDAY: Superb ascent of the Pico de Urbión (2229 m/7313 ft, one of the highest peaks of the Northern Iberian mountains), and the source of the río Duero. Exploration of the mysterious Mozarabic sites round Quintanar de la Sierra.
SATURDAY: Travelling north we visit Visigothic Quintanilla de las Viñas and quaint Covarrubias with its half-timbered houses, before arriving at Poza de la Sal: one of the world's most important salt diapires — we explore the unique landscape, the salt pans and guardian castle. Four nights at Trespaderne in the Merindades Natural Park.
SUNDAY: Merindades walk on the ridge dominating the Ebro, Nela and Oca valleys and in a gorge along the never-completed Santander-Mediterranean railway. Oña abbey. The delightful village of Frías with its spectacularly-set castle.
MONDAY: The fantastic scenery and numerous vultures of the Cañones del Ebro.
TUESDAY: Valdivielso: a walk in search of some surprising Roman, Visigothic and Romanesque remains. Ascent to the ridge of the Sierra de Miravacas, with views of the undulating crests of the Merindades and the windswept plateau of the Páramo de Masa.
WEDNESDAY: Transfer to Bilbao. For those continuing with us in the Picos de Europa: lunch and transfer to Potes.
For an unequalled view of the Natural Parks of northern Spain, combine 'Old Castile' and 'Picos de Europa National Park':
14 nights, Wed-Wed, 24 August-7 September 2011,
at the special price of 1465¤, single supplement 270¤.
See also our NEW holiday, Discover Northern Spain!
walking: Andalusia / walking: Extremadura / M&C Cuenca-Teruel / Discover Northern Spain
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