A summer journey in Soria, Burgos & León
Guided walking, history, nature — small international group — Castilla-León
Discover Northern Spain
A summer journey in Soria, Burgos & León
Guided walking, history, nature — small international group — Castilla-León
16 DAYS (15 NIGHTS) Activities: exploration of old Castile and León — 11 days with walks of 2-4 hours on (sometimes steep) paths; denivellations of between +100 and +450m a day; visits to Soria, Astorga, León, Ponferrada and to many picturesque villages and cultural sites. Group 10 maximum.
FULL BOARD EXCEPT two evening meals (in Ponferrada) which are not included, in hotels in twin rooms (private bathrooms) in Berlanga de Duero (3 nights), Quintanar de la Sierra (2), Trespaderne (3), Ponferrada (5) and León city (2 nights).
DATES (Tuesday-Wednesday)
2012 12-27 June, 21 August-5 September.
PRICE 1625 euros per person; single room supplement 290 euros.
This programme can be booked in two sections: from Tuesday (day 1) to Wednesday (day 9) morning, returning by train from Burgos to Madrid, price 885 euros, single +155 euros; from Wednesday (day 9) afternoon (arriving by train from Madrid to León) to Wednesday (day 16), price 845 euros, single +135 euros. A return is also possible on Tuesday (day 15) morning by train from León to Madrid: reduction of 80 euros on the holiday price and 20 euros on the single supplement. Ask us for train information.
RENDEZVOUS & DISPERSAL Madrid airport. Book a plane arriving at Madrid before 15.00; for the return, one departing after 17.00. Please consult us if you wish to arrive by coach, train or car.
Location of this programme:
DAY-TO-DAY
TUESDAY: Transfer to Berlanga de Duero (3 nights): evening stroll around its gorge, castle and outstanding gothic collegiate church.
WEDNESDAY: The exceptional Mozarabic Ermita de San Baudelio. Canyon walk of Caracena, a tiny village with two Romanesque churches and a spectacularly-set castle. The troglodyte Celtiberian-Roman site of Tiermes.
THURSDAY: Numancia, scene of the Celtiberians' last resistance to the Romans, and Soria city, a Mudéjar and Romanesque jewel surrounded by the high windy Meseta plateaux. Visit of Calatañazor, a fabulous Mediaeval village, with a walk in the páramo, habitat of many vultures. Gormaz, the world's biggest mediaeval fortress.
FRIDAY: To Peñaranda de Duero (palace with wonderful artesonado ceilings), the narrow Yecla gorge, Visigothic Quintanilla de las Viñas, quaint Covarrubias and the superb Romanesque cloister of Silos monastery. Two nights at Quintanar de la Sierra.
SATURDAY: A day in the Sierra de la Demanda: the Pico Campiña and the Neila lakes.
SUNDAY: The Huelgas Reales monastery at Burgos. Poza de la Sal: one of the world's three most important salt diapires — we explore the unique landscape, the salt pans and guardian castle. Three nights at Trespaderne in the heart of the Merindades.
MONDAY: Cillaperlata walk alongside the Ebro and Nela rivers. Delightful Frías.
TUESDAY: Valdivielso: a walk in search of some surprising Roman, Visigothic and Romanesque remains. Oña abbey.
WEDNESDAY: Transfer via Burgos and León to Ponferrada (5 nights), with interesting visits en route to the superb Roman villa of La Olmeda, Sahagún, once one of the busiest towns of the Camino francés (lunch here), and Mozarabic San Miguel de la Escalada.
THURSDAY: In El Bierzo, a fertile broad vale surrounded by the Montes de León: walk of the vineyards (local varieties red Mencía and white Godello) and Astur (pre-Roman) acropolis of Castroventosa. Visit to a bodega. Ponferrada Templar castle.
FRIDAY: The beautiful Valle del Silencio, surrounded by the peaks of the Montes Aquilianos. Walk in the steps of San Genadio (C9) from the San Pedro monastery to Santiago de Peñalba, one of the best-preserved Mozarabic churches.
SATURDAY: One of the highlights of the fortnight: the Roman gold mines of Las Médulas. You will be surprised by the most fantastic man-made landscapes. Cornatel castle.
SUNDAY: The Los Ancares range, separating León from Galicia. The glacial lake of Cuíña and the curious dwellings (descended from the Astur tribes), the pallozas.
MONDAY: The delightful hamlet of Colinas del Campo de Martín Moro Toledano (the longest place-name in Spain?) and a walk in its Sierra. Astorga Roman city, arrival at León.
TUESDAY: León: fabulous stained glass in the cathedral and Romanesque San Isidoro. Tapas.
WEDNESDAY: Transfer to Madrid; visits en route depending on departure times. On 5 September, this holiday can be followed by our NEW relaxing week in Asturias 'Candás and the Costa Verde' - please consult us for arrival/departure information.
For other holidays in northern Spain see:
walking: 'Natural Parks of Old Castile' (June, July, August)
and 'Picos de Europa' (June & Aug-Sep)
relaxing weeks: 'Candás and the Costa Verde' (July, Sep, New Year 2013)
and 'Relaxing Berlanga' (October)
historical journey in Aragón: 'Aragón y Ebro' (June)
walking: Andalusia / walking: Extremadura / M&C Cuenca-Teruel
nature rambles / Relaxing Zafra / Relaxing Almagro / historical journeys
festivals / Spanish courses / for groups, families or friends
Holiday index+calendar / Introduction in English / How to book / e-mail us
