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Picos de Europa (8 Days)
offered by supplier M08426 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 8
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 20
people
Destination(s):
Spain
Specialty Categories:
Bicycle Touring
Season: April - October
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 1330 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1520 US Dollar (USD)
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A trip through what is probably some of the most spectacular and beautiful scenery to be found anywhere in Europe. Lush green valleys contrast with jagged limestone peaks. The Picos de Europa rise to over 2648 m (almost 9000 feet), providing gorgeous alpine scenery just a short distance from the sea. The area is so wild that it is still home to many rare animal species, including the wolf and the brown bear. Our route follows the perimeter of the three massifs and also gives us a chance to penetrate to the very heart of these unique mountains.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Llanes. Pick up from arrival point and transfer to the charming Asturian fishing village of Llanes. Introduction to bikes and tour leader. We may also have time to explore the nearby coastline and Llanes itself. We should also try the locally produced cider, so typical of Asturias. Includes: (B);
Day 2: Llanes – Lakes of Covadonga - Cangas de Onís. Today’s ride takes us through the Sierra de Cuera, the foothills of the Picos. A climb shortly after leaving Llanes gives us magnificent views of the coastline and of the Picos themselves. Finally we descend to the ancient Asturian capital of Cangas de Onís.
A trip extension takes us to the Lakes of Covadonga, within the Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa. This is a climb to some of the most beautiful and famous scenery in the Picos. Cyclists who do not wish to do the climb may take advantage of our backup vehicle to get a lift to the top. Total distance: 45 km – 28 miles, 85 km – 53 miles (with Covadonga extension). Includes: (B);
Day 3: Cangas de Onís – Posada de Valdeón. This stage takes us from Asturias to the province of León in Castile. We take an easy ride along the River Sella and then through the Desfiladero de los Beyos, a spectacular gorge which takes us into León with the Western Massif of the Picos to our left. We then climb over two passes with beautiful scenery before descending to Posada de Valdeón. As we approach our destination, we see the village nestling in the valley surrounded by the most incredible sheer rock peaks of the Massif Central of the Picos. Total distance: 61 km – 38 miles. Includes: (B);
Day 4: Posada de Valdeón – Riaño – Posada de Valdeón. As we stay 2 nights in Posada, today we can choose from 2 options, or even do both! Our first is a circuit which takes us away from the Picos through the equally beautiful Cantabrian Mountains and the village of Riaño, rebuilt on the shores of its reservoir after the original village was flooded. From here we return to Posada to be greeted with even more spectacular views of the Picos.
For our second option, we leave the bikes behind and put on our walking boots for one of the most famous walks in Spain, La Ruta del Cares. We follow the River Cares from Valdeón down through its so-called divine gorge and more fantastic scenery to the village of Puente Poncebos from where we transfer back to Posada.
Total cycle circuit: 73 km – 45 miles. Cares walk: 20 km – 12 miles. Includes: (B);
Day 5: Posada de Valdeón – Potes. Leaving Posada behind, we turn our back on the Picos and cycle towards the pass of San Glorio. Here we enter the neighboring province of Cantabria. A 27 km / 17 mile descent takes us back towards the Picos and into the valley of Liébana ending in its capital, Potes. If we wish to cycle more, we can cycle up a beautiful and little-known valley to Cucayo and enjoy the descent down to Potes again. Later we can enjoy the hustle and bustle of this charming mountain village. Total distance: 58 km – 36 miles, 82 km – 51 miles with Cucayo extension. Includes: (B);
Day 6: Potes – Fuente Dé – Potes. Fuente Dé is one of the most emblematic sites in the Picos. After a climb from Potes, we are suddenly confronted with its enormous sheer rock amphitheatre. From here, a cable car takes us to the top from where we can enjoy marvellous views over the surrounding mountains. We can take advantage of this privileged position to enjoy a walk through some of the high Picos and be impressed by the starkly beautiful limestone scenery before descending through the pastures of Áliva to the village of Espinama. We then return to Potes to enjoy another evening before beginning the final stage of our journey. Total distance: 46 km – 29 miles. Includes: (B);
Day 7: Potes – Carmona. Leaving Potes, we head towards the coast along the River Deva. After a short distance, we enter another impressive gorge carved through the mountains, La Garganta de La Hermida. A descent of the gorge takes us to the village of La Hermida. Here we finally bid farewell to the Picos and journey through equally beautiful scenery to the village of Carmona. This is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved in Cantabria and is a fitting place to enjoy our last evening before the return journey the next day. Total distance: 54 km – 34 miles. Includes: (B);
Day 8: Transfer Carmona – departure point. End of trip. Pick up from Somo hotel and transfer to departure point. Includes: (B);
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Spain
Bicycle Touring
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