This centre based guided trip explores the best of the contrasting scenery offered by Spain's magnificent Picos de Europa National Park and the nearby Cantabrian coast, a unique combination of mountain and seaside walking unmatched elsewhere in Europe. Not as celebrated as the Alps or as big as the Pyrenees but of surely equal stature as far as dramatic silhouettes and excellent walking terrain are concerned, the Picos de Europa are Spain's most spectacular mountains. Located less than 25 km inland from the Cantabrian Sea, this impressive range's limestone peaks rise to over 2600m. The bulk of the national park falls within the boundaries of Asturias - not only Spain's greenest, wildest and most mountainous region, where bears and wolves still roam and a traditional way of life remains, but also blessed with some of the country's most attractive coastline, an endless succession of grassy pastures, rocky headlands and sandy shores. The itinerary starts with 4 days of classic walks in these unique mountains with our expert local guides - through lunar landscapes and alpine meadows with eagles and chamois observing you from rock outcrops towering above, while cattle and shepherds meander below. Then we take you to the nearby coast for 2 final days of walking on little known paths along the cliff tops and coastal meadows linking secret coves and golden beaches. This beautiful region is pocketed with ancestral hamlets set among verdant meadows, where traditional eateries offer flavourful seafood, meats and cheeses, to be washed down with the famous local apple cider. This is a surprising part of Spain unknown to most, where emerald landscapes can suddenly be covered by swirling mists rolling in from the ocean, and Celtic pride and the eerie sound of bagpipes are deep rooted in the local culture - but it captures the hearts and minds of all who come.

The Facts

PRICE PER PERSON in double/twin room	1090 Euros - 800 Euros depending on group size: 4 - 14 pax UNIVERSAL CURRENCY CONVERTER
INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE:	- 7 nights' accommodation - 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 7 full-course evening meals - fully-qualified English-speaking mountain guide/tour leader - all ground transport required for itinerary between tour starting and ending points, including cable car ticket - high-quality local topographic map For full details concerning prices, please see our General Information and Booking Conditions
DATES 2007:	July 1 - 8 Aug 5 - 12 Sept 16 - 23 This tour is also run on a custom basis for small groups of 4 and up. The best dates are from late May to late September.
DURATION:	8 days / 7 nights
MIN / MAX PERSONS IN GROUP:	4 / 14
STARTING / ENDING POINT:	Asturias's Aviles/Oviedo International Airport, which can be reached by air from the UK and also have several daily connections by train and bus from Madrid and other Spanish cities.
LEVEL/TERRAIN:	C
ACCOMMODATION:	7 nights in quality 2-star or equivalent hotels and rural inns with en-suite bathrooms.

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

 

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