The self guided holiday listed here is based on the route of one of our guided journeys.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Rîo Duero, Evergreen Oaks, Almazan.
Your journey begins today in the rural countryside of Gomara. Take one of the many delightful walks of varying levels in the Duero River Valley. The River Duero is noted for its wild trout, fresh water crayfish and for nourishing the cereal fields in the region. The walks take you past woodlands clothed in Pines, Poplars, Holm Oaks and Gall Oaks. Wild herbs scent your pathways and during autumn the ground comes alive with wild mushrooms.
A short scenic drive takes you to the historic fortified hilltop town of Almazán, where in the 15th century the Catholic Kings Isabella and Ferdinand resided for a short period of time. Almazan is also famed for its exquisite Castilian furniture, made from local timber and for its tiny artisan bakeries, where you will find delicious sweet pastries for sale. Your overnight accommodation in Almazán will be in a charming family run hotel. The Estacion La Dehesa, formerly a train station built in 1895 it has been tastefully converted into a rural hotel. Overnight in The Estacion La Dehesa Almazán
Day 2: Catholic Kings Route, Cistercian Monastery, Jalón River Valley, El Cid.
Continue your journey this morning after breakfast, taking a scenic drive to the timeless village of "Morón de Almazán". Morón is noted as having one of the most beautiful village squares in Spain. One cannot help but contemplate the scene on that day in 1496 when the "Catholic Kings" visited. From here continue in the footsteps of Isabella and Ferdinand heading south, passing the walled village and Castle of Monteagudo de los Vicarías. Your destination is the magnificent Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Huerta, a masterpiece of architectural styles from throughout the centuries. Take time to marvel at the Gothic refectory, 12th century kitchen and the "Knights" cloisters.
Today there are a number of options for walking, for example: from the picturesque village of Somaen in the Jalón Valley, following the route of the great Castilian hero "El Cid". Archaeological evidence in nearby caves is proof that humans have inhabited this region for thousands of years. Pass through little stone villages of yesteryear and unspoilt countryside where nature and wildlife is abundant. Around the small village of Layna the land has been declared a "Special Bird Protection Zone" for the array of bird life that can be spotted, including the Dupont’s Lark, Skylark, Speckled Warbler and Black Bellied Sandgrouse.
Your accommodation for the next two nights is in the beautiful medieval town of Medinaceli, where we have chosen cosy lodgings in the historic quarter for your convenience. The hostel Rural Babieca, a traditional stone house typical of Medinaceli, with comfortable modern day furnishings. Overnight in Hostal Rural Babieca Medinaceli. Includes: (B).
Day 3: Medinaceli Tour, Romans, Moors, Rock Engravings.
Medinaceli was named "Ocilis" in Roman times and "Medinat Salim" during the reign of the Moors. Its narrow irregular streets conceal a wealth of history. You can wander through the 12th century Arab gate, be intrigued by the "Nevera", an Arab built cold store or enjoy panoramic views across the Jalón River Valley from the monumental Roman Arch. This is a triple arch, the only one of its kind in Spain. The grand stone Palace and noble homes seem to have avoided time here.
Enjoy a walk through quiet semi abandoned villages with solid stone houses, which only enhance the feeling of tranquility and isolation. You can visit Conquezuela, with its Romanesque hermitage built next to a cave where ancient rock engravings were discovered or stop by the quaint village of Yelo and its historic stone "Palomares" (Dovecotes) that sit overlooking the village. Overnight in Hostal Rural Babieca Medinaceli. Includes: (B).
Day 4: Fossils, Ancient Tombs, Dupont’s Lark, Griffon Vultures, Wild Deer, Medieval Frescoes.
Nearby is one of the most important archaeological and paleontological sites in Europe, Ambrona. Archaeological evidence found around Ambrona has revealed that early humans inhabited this area as well as an ancient form of the elephant, deer, wolf and lion. A small country road takes you to the interesting village of Romanillos de Medinaceli. Almost completely abandoned in the 1970’s it is redeveloping itself with the help of residents from Madrid and Barcelona seeking a rural holiday home. Spend some time investigating Romanillos and its ancient tombs, Romanesque church and 16th century stone crosses which are placed throughout its streets.
Around the village of Barahona, the countryside is quietly beautiful, scarcely known and all the better for spotting the Dupont’s Lark, a small shy bird with a characteristic whistle. Another bird to be found here is the large Griffon Vultures which can be seen circling the skies, sometimes in packs of thirty or more. This area is sparsely populated (around 2 people per square kilometer) allowing for a better chance of spotting wildlife. On your scenic drive to Berlanga de Duero, ensure you make time to stop on route at the 11th century hermitage of San Baudelio. It contains one of the most important examples of "Mozarabe" art in Spain. The 11th to 12th century colorful frescoes are of Christian and Arab influences.
Tonight stay in the charming medieval market town of Berlanga de Duero with its Castle, Convent and Palace remains. Its first mayor was none other than the great Castilian hero, ‘El Cid’. Your accommodation this evening is in Berlanga’s finest, the grand Hotel Fray Tomas, a former palace house built in the 15th century for the Marquises of Tovar and Valasco. Overnight in Hotel Fray Tomas Berlanga de Duero. Includes: (B).
Day 5: Berlanga de Duero, Medieval Village, Almanzor, Incense Junipers, Nature.
This morning, take a delightful walk around the town and its places of interest, including the Castle, built between the 15th and 16th century and the remains of the Renaissance Palace next to it. Close by is the house where Fray Tomas was born in 1487. Fray Tomas was credited with discovering the Galapagos Islands when his ship was sent off course on the way to Peru. He returned from the Americas with flora and fauna specimens never seen in Spain before.
A quiet country road through cultivated fields will take you to the idyllic Spanish medieval village of Calatañazor. The village set on a steep hill, commands outstanding views across the surrounding countryside. Stepping into Calatañazor is like being transported into medieval Spain. Explore this romantic village, declared a ‘National Monument’ for its historic and artistic beauty. Its adobe and wood beamed facades, conical chimneys and tangle of tiny streets are a natural movie set for a period film. Gain an insight into what life would have been like by visiting one of the small museum homes, which are filled with antique household items.
A momentous event in Spanish history took place here in 1002 AD. This is where the fearless Arab leader "Almanzor" went into battle for the last time. Nearby are some of the best preserved "Sabinas", (Incense Junipers) in the world, a species that is now considered endangered. The "Nature Reserve La Fuentona" is a great place to enjoy a walk. Follow the meandering stream with Pines, Poplars, Junipers and the fresh smell of lavender and sage in the air. Lavender was used by the Romans as aromatherapy to aid relaxation. "La Fuentona" is a beautiful small lake with a subterranean world of caves that run deep under its waters.
The "Nature Reserve" is home to various animals and birds, including Roe deer, foxes, owls, woodpeckers, vultures and eagles. Even the otter is starting to make a welcome return after almost being driven to extinction. Tonight enjoy lodging in this romantic village staying at the Casa Rural de Calatañazor; the building is one of the village’s original medieval homes, which retains its architectural beauty of the past. Its interior has been tastefully decorated in "Mozarabe" style. A sunset from the castle at Calatañazor is magical. Overnight in Casa Rural de Calatañazor, Calatañazor. Includes: (B).
Day 6: Rock Art, Celt Iberian, Roman Numancia, Soria Capital.
Experience an interesting mix of human history in Soria, spanning some 5000 years. Leaving the medieval world behind, head to the grazing lands of Mount Valonsandero. Here you can enjoy a short walk admiring many different examples of rock art which date from around 3000 - 2000 BC. Close by is one of the most important Celt Iberian and Roman sites in Spain, Numancia. The people of Soria talk about Numancia with pride, as for 20 years this small Celt Iberian settlement passionately resisted the numerous Roman armies. Stroll along these ancient Roman streets and visit a reconstruction of a Celt Iberian home.
Soria capital is just a short drive from here, spend the afternoon exploring some of the capitals most important places of interest, including the impressive Knights Cloisters of San Juan, of Arab influences, the church of San Juan de Rabanera and its interesting mix of architectural styles from the 12th century. Or perhaps the Plaza Mayor and the "Pearl" of Romanesque architecture in Soria, the church of Santo Domingo. Its carved stone facade said to be one of the finest 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. Includes: (B).
Day 7: This morning after breakfast your memorable journey comes to an end, so its "hasta proximo!", until next time! Includes: (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. Experience the regions historic architecture first hand.
- 6 Continental breakfasts.
- Maps of walks available, including information on what you may encounter along the way.
- Town and Village Maps of Almazan, Medinaceli, 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.
- Back up service via phone. We live locally and are available to help should you require assistance whilst in Soria.
***A single supplement applies if a single occupancy room is required. Triple occupancy rooms can also be arranged on request.***
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