This Self Drive Journey is an excellent introduction to Soria in Northern Spain for those wanting an independent holiday. Enjoy the beautiful and varied landscape of Soria at your own pace, with the advantage of our local knowledge. The self drive holiday listed here is based on one of our guided journeys. Should you prefer a customized journey or different accommodation options please contact us and we will create a unique self drive/self guided vacation for you.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: ‘El Valle’, Mountain Villages
Your Journey begins as you head towards the rural area known as ‘Little Switzerland’. This area is famed for its exquisite dairy products, honey, chorizo (cured Spanish sausage) and picturesque villages dotted on its hillsides. Take one of the many walks through some of the remote white washed villages and surrounding countryside.
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 the area, including its ‘Pinariega’ fireplace and oven. Nearby you can marvel at dinosaur footprints left millions of years ago.
Overnight in Posada Casona ‘El Valle’
Day 2: Picos Urbion, Laguna Negra
Enjoy a scenic drive up to the ‘Sierra Urbion’, Urbion Mountain Range. This popular walking area is where you will find the magnificent ‘Laguna Negra’ Black Lake. This area of lush, dense pine forests is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, including Red Deer, Roe Deer and Wild Boar.
Further along the ‘Sierra Urbion’ is ‘Castroviejo’, a great place for a picnic lunch. Set off on one of the walking tracks to explore the natural beauty of this area and the panoramic views of the Duero Valley. Well worth a visit is the quaint village of Vinuesa, where years of history are held within its stone houses and Roman Bridge.
Overnight in Posada Casona ‘El Valle’ (B)
Day 3: Vultures, Eagles, Canyon Rîo Lobos Nature Park, Knights Templar
Today depart ‘El Valle’ and head west. 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 will see Vultures nesting on the Canyons limestone cliffs and majestically circling the skies above. There is a walk inside the canyon where you will discover the isolated Knights Templar hermitage of San Bartolome.
The village of Ucero is the gateway to the canyon, its Templar castle, one of the many in this province that give Castile its name. Ucero has the remains of a Roman canal which is within easy walking distance.
A short drive will take you to 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 (B)
Day 4: Route of El Cid, Medieval Frescos, Gormaz Castle
Today you can follow in the footsteps of the great Castilian hero, El Cid and discover the frontier lands of the Reconquista. Spend time exploring Berlanga de Duero, a market town from the middle ages, its first Mayor none other than El Cid himself. Across the plains filled with grape vines, sunflowers and wheat fields you will find the castle of Gormaz. Built in the 10th century it is believed to be the oldest and longest castle in Western Europe.
From this impressive fortress you can enjoy magnificent views across the Duero Valley. A must see is the small remote 11th century hermitage church of San Baudelio, which 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.
Before you leave El Burgo de Osma, we recommend you see 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 (B)
Day 5: Medieval Village, Ancient Juniper Forest, La Fuentona Lake
Today sample some of the regions natural heritage. Travel back in time to the middle ages in the romantic medieval hilltop village of Calatañazor, declared a national monument for its historic and artistic beauty.
The adobe facades, conical chimneys and narrow lanes were filmed in Orson Wells’ Shakespeare epic, ‘Chimes at Midnight’ and David Leans classic Doctor Zhivago. Nearby is perhaps the largest and best preserved Incense Juniper forest in the world, a species that is now considered endangered.
There are walks that take you through the forest or to ‘La Fuentona’, a lake with a subterranean world of caves that run deep under its waters. Tonight’s accommodation is in the delightful Casa Rural El Dinario, a traditional stone manor situated in the village of Garray. El Dinario is lovingly restored respecting the original features typical of this area.
Overnight in Casa Rural El Dinario Garray (B)
Day 6: Celt Iberian, Roman Numancia, Soria Capital
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.
Spend time exploring Soria, the capital city and its many 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.
Not forgetting 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.
Overnight in Hotel Alfonso VIII Soria Capital (B )
Day 7:
This morning your Spanish Footsteps Journey ends, ‘hasta proximo!’, ‘until the next time!’.
(B)
* Where is Soria?
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 travelers 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.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 6 Nights accommodation in a double occupancy room with en suite. Stay in some of the best locally owned and operated rural houses and hotels chosen for their charm and attention to detail.
- 6 Continental breakfasts.
- Maps of walks available, including information on what you may encounter along the way.
- Town and Village Maps of El Royo, Vinuesa, El Burgo de Osma, Berlanga de Duero and Soria Capital.
- Information pack created with our first hand knowledge of the regions places of interests, historical sites, fiestas and local artisans.
- List of local restaurants and food options for each overnight stay, including where to find some of our favorite picnic essentials.
*** A single supplement applies when a single occupancy room is required. Triple occupancy rooms can be arranged on request.***
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