Overview
Discover spectacular scenery following historic pilgrim routes
The undiscovered lands of Old Castile, one of the historic mediaeval kingdoms
of Spain, encompass an incredibly varied landscape where high plains and
fertile valleys alternate with rugged hills, dramatic ridges and deep wooded
gorges. Here, in the heart of the nation’s gone but remembered glory and
power, we venture on a fantastic journey during which we walk secret
pilgrims routes, explore rich mediaeval heritage and enjoy the typical
warm Spanish hospitality.
Highlights
* Follow historic pilgrim routes
* Enjoy impressive gorges and spectacular scenery
* Stay in a family-run hotel based in a traditional historic village
* Explore the city of Burgos with its impressive Gothic Cathedral on your
free day
* Attend vespers sung in Gregorian chant by Benedictine monks
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Madrid; transfer to Covarrubias.
Fly to Madrid and transfer to Covarrubias (approx. 2 hours transfer),a
small village and municipality in the province of Burgos located
approximately 200km north of Madrid.
Day 2
Circular walk in the Valles de Ura, home to numerous species of local flora
and fauna.
We set out from Covarrubias and walk by the Arlanza river to the village of
Puentedura and then down into a gorge. After lunch we climb out of the gorge
and make our way to a hermitage, Ermita de Redonda, and then back to
Covarrubias.
Day 3
Full-day circular walk: ascend the Sierra de las Mamblas and circle the
distinctive Muela mountain.
We climb out of Covarrubias to another hermitage, Ermita de Nuestra Seora
de Mamblas, followed by lunch on the ridge looking north. After lunch we
complete the circuit of Muela and return to Covarrubias down a wooded
valley.
Day 4
Beautiful walk from Rio Arlanza to Santo Domingo de Silos; visit the
beautiful Benedictine monastery.
We take hired transport along the Arlanza river and then climb gently onto
the plateau for a break at the Tenadas de Valcarcel with a second break at
Tenadas del Campo and lunch on the top of the ridge facing the spectacular
mountain of San Carlos. We descend to Silos with time to visit the Cloister
museum (optional) before being collected by our private transport for the
return journey to Covarrubias, taking in a short visit to La Yecla gorge on
the way back.
Day 5
Walk through vineyards and beautiful valleys to the ‘The Three Villages’,
three remote and primitive settlements.
We leave Covarrubias by the Arlanza river and climb through vineyards on the
way to the first village of Retuerta. We then climb over the ridge and
descend to the second village of Castroceniza. Lunch will be taken in this
beautiful valley on the way to the third village of Ura. Another climb out of
the valley takes us through forest and farmland to a highpoint overlooking
Covarrubias, before descending back to the hotel.
Day 6 Free day to relax or visit cathedral city of Burgos and its many sights.
A suggested day is to take the 9:00 public bus to the cathedral city Burgos
and its many sights. Return on 13:00 bus to Covarrubias for tapas lunch at
our hotel. The choice of a siesta or short afternoon walk before an optional
evening visit to Silos for vespers is possible before dinner.
**
Day 7
Walk along the crest of the Sierra de las Mamblas for stunning panoramic
views.
Another steady climb out of Covarrubias brings us through the dense forest to
a limestone edge. After lunch we continue along the edge with wonderful views
to the Sierra de la Demanda, before descending back to Covarrubias. An
optional visit to a bodega (winery) is possible before dinner.
Day 8
To Madrid; fly to London.
* To Madrid; fly to London.
