To enjoy this walking holiday you need not be a hiker or experienced walker, rather someone who likes taking some exercise whilst visiting some of the most beautiful scenery in Spain. Soria is on the easterly limits of Castilla y Leon. Easily reached from many of Northern Spain's air and sea ports this picturesque province of Spain is truly a destination for travellers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Distances in time by road to Soria from:
- Madrid Airport: 2½ hrs
- Zaragoza Airport: 2 hrs
- Vitoria Gastiez Airport:2¼ hrs
- Bilbao Airport and Seaport: 2½ hrs
- Santander Airport and Seaport: 3 hrs.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 : Meet the Ancestors, ‘El Valle’, Mountain Villages, Dinosaur Footprints
Welcome to Soria, the capital of the province. Your guided journey begins midday where you leave the city behind as we travel north 'to the rural area known as Little Switzerland, El Valle, The Valley'. This area is famed for its exquisite dairy products, honey, chorizo (cured Spanish sausage) and picturesque villages dotted on its hillsides.
After a delightful welcome picnic lunch explore this area as we take one of the many walks through some of the remote white washed villages and gain an insight into rural Spanish life of past and present. You will be taken on a forgotten path to a hidden hermitage and an abandoned village before following an old shepherds route past wild flowers and oak trees, to a lookout which offers spectacular panoramic views over the valley.
Tonight stay in the charming family run Posada Casona, a restored 18th century noble home in the enchanting stone village of El Royo. The Casona retains all the traditional architectural features of this area, including its Pinariega fireplace and oven. Later you can take a leisurely walk to marvel at the footprints left by dinosaurs over 100 million years ago. Tonight our small group will enjoy a delicious welcome dinner with wine, where you will sample some of this regions favourite gastronomy. Overnight in Posada Casona ‘El Valle’. Total Distance Walked: 6km (3¾ miles). Includes: (L), (D).
Day 2 : Picos Urbion, Laguna Negra, Pine Forests, Birth of the Rîo Duero
After breakfast we enjoy a scenic drive in the comfort of our private vehicle as we travel high into the ‘Sierra Urbión’, Urbion Mountain Range. This area of lush, dense pine forests is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, including Red Deer, Roe Deer and Wild Boar. It is in this popular walking area where we discover the magnificent ‘Laguna Negra’ the Black Lake. This glacial lake was formed during the last Ice Age; its impressive 80m (260ft) high granite walls cast a black shade over the waters below. You will have enough time to soak up the magic of this area, a favourite and inspirational place for the Spanish poet Antonio Machado.
Further along the ‘Sierra Urbión’ we find ‘Castroviejo’, enjoy a picnic lunch here before we take you on an energetic walking track to explore the natural beauty of this area. Discover a large collection of unusual rock formations and the ‘Cascada de Cueva Serena’, the cascade of the Serene Cave and on to panoramic views of the Duero Valley, truly breathtaking. Nearby is the village of Duruelo de la Sierra where fine Castilian timber furniture is made. It was outside a small church here in the 1960’s that the discovery of many ancient burial tombs was made. Our return journey will include a stop in the quaint village of Vinuesa, where years of history are held within its stone houses and Roman Bridge.
Overnight in Posada Casona ‘El Valle’. Total Distance Walked: 5½km (3½ miles). Includes: (B), (L).
Day 3 : Vultures, Eagles, Canyon Rîo Lobos Nature Park, Knights Templar
Your journey continues after breakfast as we depart ‘El Valle’ and head west on our scenic drive admiring the spectacular Sierra Llana and Cabrejas ranges. This is mycological country, the wild mushroom and truffle region. Spend the day exploring the Nature Park of ‘Canon Rîo Lobos’, River of Wolves Canyon. The 9500 hectares (23400 acres) of pristine wilderness was declared a Nature Park in 1985, for its natural beauty and variety of flora and fauna. Throughout the parks popular walking tracks you can see Vultures nesting on the Canyons limestone cliffs and majestically circling the skies above. Wandering past Holm Oaks, Junipers, Pines and Poplar trees you will be walking in the natural habitat of the otter, eagles, woodpeckers and other wildlife.
Today’s guided walk is along an ancient pilgrim route to the isolated Knights Templar hermitage of San Bartolome, the scene is a photographers’ delight. Lunch will be enjoyed near the village of Ucero, its Templar castle, one of the many in this province that give Castile its name. After the day exploring we arrive at the walled town of El Burgo de Osma for a two night stay in the historic quarter. Your accommodation is in the grand Posada del Canónigo, located next to the Cathedral in the town square. The Posada was built in the year 1556 by the Bishop of Valdes, the buildings restoration work has maintained many of its 16th century features, with modern amenities. Overnight in Posada del Canónigo El Burgo de Osma. Total Distance Walked: 7½km (4½ miles). Includes: (B), (L).
Day 4 : Route of El Cid, Medieval Frescos, Gormaz Castle
The adventure continues this morning as you follow in the footsteps of the great Castilian hero, El Cid. We drive south across the Duero Valley on a scenic route to San Baudelio. This small remote 11th century hermitage church contains one of the most important examples of ‘Mozarabe’ art. Its colourful detailed frescos painted between the 11th and 12th centuries are of Christian and Arab influences. From here we head north as we follow the route of El Cid, to Berlanga de Duero, a market town from the middle ages, its first Mayor none other than El Cid himself. Before lunch we explore the castle, palace and arcade streets where a 100 year old forge is still used by blacksmiths.
Today’s guided walk takes you across the plains passed grape vines, sunflowers, wheat fields and up to the castle of Gormaz. Built in the 10th century it is believed to be the oldest and longest castle in Western Europe. From this magnificent fortress you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the plains which were the frontier lands of the Reconquista. Back in El Burgo de Osma there is time to visit the Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles and one of the most important buildings of the region. Overnight in Posada del Canónigo El Burgo de Osma. Total Distance Walked: 8km (5 miles). Includes: (B), (L).
Day 5: Medieval Village, Ancient Juniper Forest, Karst Lake
Today is a delightful sample of the regions natural heritage. We say ‘adios’ to El Burgo de Osma as we head east. Travel back in time to the middle ages as we enter the romantic medieval hilltop village of Calatañazor, declared a national monument for its historic and artistic beauty. The adobe and wood facades, conical chimneys and narrow lanes were filmed in Orson Wells’ Shakespeare epic, ‘Chimes at Midnight’ and David Leans classic Doctor Zhivago.
Gain an insight into a life gone by as we take you inside one of these well preserved homes. It was around Calatañazor that the armies of the great Arab leader Almanzor were defeated. This battle was a defining moment of the ‘Reconquista’. Nearby we discover the ‘Sabinas’, perhaps the largest and best preserved Incense Juniper forest in the world, a species that is now considered endangered.
Your walk today will take you on a gentle path through the forest and onto ‘La Fuentona’, a lake with a subterranean world of caves that run deep under its waters. Its nickname is ‘Ojo de Mar’, The Eye of the Sea. Tonight’s accommodation is in the delightful Casa Rural El Dinario, a traditional stone manor in Garray. El Dinario is lovingly restored respecting the original features typical of the area. Overnight in Casa Rural El Dinario Garray. Total Distance Walked: 9km (5½ miles). Includes: (B), (L).
Day 6: Celt Iberian, Roman Numancia, Soria Capital
This morning you visit one of the most important Celt Iberian and Roman archaeological sites in Spain, Numancia. This small Celt Iberian settlement passionately resisted the mighty Roman armies for 20 years. Stroll along the ancient streets of this hilltop settlement which also provides you with spectacular panoramic views across the plains. This afternoon we will spend time exploring Soria, the capital city. Our walking tour takes you to the capitals most important places of interest. The impressive Knights Cloisters of San Juan, of Christian and Arab influences. The Palace of the Counts of Gomara, this national monument built in the Renaissance style is a testament to Sorias past great importance.
We also visit the 12th century church of Santo Domingo, its Romanesque façade said to be one of the finest examples in Spain. We have chosen for your final evening, the Four Star Hotel Alfonso VIII, one of the capitals finest hotels, it is centrally located for your convenience, an appropriate end to an unforgettable journey. Overnight in Hotel Alfonso VIII Soria Capital. Total Distance Walked: 5km (3 miles). Includes: (B), (L).
Day 7: This morning after breakfast it is time to say ‘hasta proximo’, until the next time! As we bid farewell to our new found friends. Includes: (B).
Notes: Please note distances of walks are approximate only. Walks may vary slightly due to weather conditions, group size and route accessibility.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 6 Nights accommodation in double occupancy room with en suite
- 6 Continental breakfasts
- 6 Lunches
- 1 Welcome Dinner with wine, a nice introduction to Sorian cuisine
- Exclusive Transport throughout the journey from the designated start point to the end point of the tour, Soria Capital
- Luggage Transfers
- Assistance and Advice with regard to arranging ground travel within Spain, to and from Soria
- All entry fees to attractions included in the itinerary.
- Services of your hosts, Alfredo and Louise, founders of Spanish M18184. You will be escorted by us throughout your holiday. We will provide you with all you need to know about this unique corner of Spain.
Note: Please note any bookings requiring a single occupancy room will be subject to an additional single supplement.
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