This self-guided multi-activity tour explores one of Iberia's secret jewels - Castile's Sierra de Gredos - the highest and wildest mountains in Central Spain, with numerous peaks in the glacially-sculpted Central Massif over 2300m, culminating in Almanzor (2592m), one of Spain's most prestigious ascents. This is superb terrain for outdoor adventure, in a magnificent environment that few overseas visitors have yet experienced, where ibex, multicoloured lizards and soaring birds of prey jostle for your attention with spectacular views, myriad lichens, wildflowers and butterflies. The summer itinerary begins with an afternoon and night in Avila - one of Spain's most spectacular historic cities, designaged a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and famed for its medieval walls. The other 6 days will be spent in the Gredos mountains, based in the heart of the range - the Tormes River Valley - at an elevation of nearly 1,500 metres - with cool temperatures and spectacular views of the mountains throughout your stay. On most days you will have a chance to cool off by swimming in crystalline natural river pools. Our concept for this tour is to schedule 2 days of walking and 1 day of biking, leaving the other 3 days for you to fill in with "optional" activities as you please, as follows: Scheduled Activities 2 days / 1 night on an exciting excursion to the Gredos Cirque, with 1 overnight at the Elola Hut. We recommend adding an extra night (see below) to allow you to relax and fully explore this wonderful place. mountain bike riding in the Tormes Valley on easy trails through Scots pine forest and alongside the pristine Tormes River Optional Activities - please consult us for prices extra day / night on excursion to Gredos Cirque 1/2 or full day walking in the cool alpine zone from 1800 - 2200 metres, grassy meadows, spectacular ridge walks and simple scrambles among high peaks on the superb granite of the Gredos Regional Park 1/2 of horseback riding on forest trails, mule tracks, bridle paths and sections of a royal livestock road in the Tormes Valley and higher up in the mountains - with Spanish-speaking guide. (Full-day options are available for experienced riders. Please consult us) 1/2 day of fun at a "rope adventure park" - rapelling/abseiling, etc. - with Spanish-speaking instructors (limited English is spoken, but safety instructions at this park are simple, and you are clipped in to a harness at all times) 1/2 or full day of rock climbing - with English-speaking instructors (limited English is spoken, but safety instructions are simple, and you are clipped in to a harness at all times) 1/2 or full day of fauna observation with an English-speaking local biologist visit to Gredos Regional Park Visitor Centre (free) NOTE: All of the above "optional" adventure activities are run by local specialist companies, who meet all regulations and licensing requirements, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands! Availability of some options depends on group size - on many occasions, you may be able to fit in with others already signed up for the activity. Guided or "long-weekend" versions of these itineraries are available.

THE FACTS

Price in double/twin room	635 EUROS. Discounts for groups 3 +
Price in double/twin room	870 EUROS. Discounts for groups 3 + UNIVERSAL CURRENCY CONVERTER
Price for optional activities(s)	Consult us.
PRICE INCLUDES: For full details concerning prices, please see our General Information and Booking Conditions	- 7 nights accommodation - 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 3 full-course evening meals with wine - Local topographic maps with walking and biking routes marked (scale 1:25,000) - Detailed daily route instructions for scheduled walks and rides - Mountain bike and helmet rental - All luggage transfer and ground transport as required by itinerary, between tour starting and ending points) - Local English-speaking Iberian Adventures contact
ACCOMMODATION IN "STANDARD" LODGINGS:	Family-run 2 star or equivalent "character" hotels and country inns. 1 nights in mountain hut (no shower, shared bunks, shared toilets, etc.)
DATES	Daily Departures on any Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday year-round
DURATION	8 days / 7 nights (6 days activites + 1 day in Avila)
STARTING POINT & ENDING POINT	AVILA - 115km / 72mi NW of Madrid - several buses and trains daily from Madrid
AIRPORT PICKUPS AND TRANSFERS:	We can arrange for you to be met at Madrid's Barajas Airport and transferred to the tour starting point, and also for you to be transferred directly from the tour ending point back to the airport. These will cost 65 euros per person (2 person party) and must be paid directly to the driver.
DIFFICULTY GRADING	Scheduled Walks: C-    Scheduled Biking: B+

*For more detailed information, please contact us by e-mail, fax or post

 

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