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Arrive at El Milano Real, your luxurious base for the next 7 nights, tucked away in the northern foothills of the Sierra de Gredos. Before dinner you will be welcomed with a glass of champagne and have the opportunity to discuss your week's walking options.
A pine carpeted track takes you first to the peaceful River Tormes then, ascending gently past wild strawberries and pink crocus, you enjoy incredible 360 degree views of the jagged Gredos mountains. Ibex cluster in the luscious pastures peppered with springs and fountains.
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 4
This magnificent walk takes you up to the impressive Laguna Grande set between the majestic Morezon and Almanzor peaks - the latter being the highest in the Gredos at 2,592m. The wild and dramatic glacial bowl is a fantastic picnic spot - look out for sure footed ibex silhouetted against the skyline. Above, red kites and huge griffon vultures soar on the thermals.
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 5
A great day for enjoying the diverse landscapes of the Northern Gredos. Wend your way across the broom-covered hillsides with long distance views to tiny white villages nestled in the vines. There are shady pine woods, and flower-filled meadows where black Avila cattle graze as you pass to reach idyllic picnic spots by the river.
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 6
Activity Hours: 3
We've left today free for independent exploring, however we strongly recommend the 50 minute drive to the historic Spanish city of Avila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set against a backdrop of the Gredos Mountains, this walled city - many sections of the walls are still intact - dates back to 11th century, and its 87 towers and 9 gates are the most complete in Spain. Alternatively, Salamanca, is arguably the country's most graceful city with its dual Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals, and is just 90 minutes away.
If the skies are clear today, you'll feel you can see forever! It's not unusual to have 70km views south all the way across the plain to the Toledo Mountains - especially if you climb to the top of the Morezon (2389m). A real 'on top of the world' experience shared only with wild goats!
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 4
If you choose to stay close to home, today's relaxed walks explore the valley of the River Tormes. Look out for dippers as you amble past stunning waterfalls and through the shady forests and alpine meadows reminiscent of Switzerland. Alternatively we provide a selection of walks in the southern Gredos, just a 45-minute drive away.
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 4
* 7 nights single-centre accommodation
* All gourmet breakfasts and evening meal on first night
* Management by local hotelier
* Route directions and maps
* Car Hire essential
* Europcar Group B air-conditioned hire car (on flight inclusive packages)
The cuisine of Gredos is simple but tasty. Local specialities include roast
lamb (cordero asado), haricot beans cooked with chorizo sausage (judías del
barco) and cochifrito, which is a pork stew with aromatic herbs. On this
holiday, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a combination of traditional
local and Spanish dishes and more elaborate international creations. Fresh
seasonal produce is the prime ingredient so menus change depending on what is
in season and available locally.
Spain is renowned for the quality of its wine and this includes those from
the Castilla-Léon region, although not much of it comes from the area
surrounding the Sierra de Gredos. Castilla-Léon is predominantly known for
its red wine, which includes D.O. Ribera del Duero produced using the
tempranillo grape. The flavours range from fruity young reds to fuller-bodied
aged wine. Another robust local wine is the D.O. Toro (meaning ‘bull’).
White wine produced in the area includes D.O. Rueda, cultivated in the
Valladolid province based on the local grape, Verdejo. Rueda is the main
white that you will find in the Madrid area and prices are reasonable. You
will find an extensive wine list at the hotel offering a wide selection of
local, regional and international wines. We have included wine on your first
evening to introduce you to those available.
* 7 nights single-centre accommodation
* All gourmet breakfasts and evening meal on first night
* Management by local hotelier
* Route directions and maps
* Car Hire essential
* Europcar Group B air-conditioned hire car (on flight inclusive packages)
*Classification: *Self-Guided
*Average daily distance on move on days:* 12.6km (8 miles). Please note that
these are the average distances for the shorter walks , however on three of
the days there is the option to extend the walk.
*No. of days Walking:* 5
*Terrain:* The walks are on varied terrain (Variable; rocky, stony paths and
walks through forest on tracks). Walking boots are essential, and walking
poles are reccommended as there are several long descents. The itinerary page
describes just a selection of the many excellent walks possible in this area.
Some of the higher walks may not be possible in early season due to snow.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk
independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the
logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a
map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace.
It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we
make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may
be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised
together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone
number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is
normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to
charge for this service.
Hotel
Excellent hotel serving superb regional cuisine. You'll eat well on this
holiday, our luxurious rural retreat, the stylish Hotel El Milano Real offers
outstanding gastronomic menus. With an extensive bodega of more than 500
Spanish wines, we've included wine on the first evening to give you a taste
of what's on offer! There are fabulous views from the hotel itself and the
excellent Aguas de Gredos spa centre is just next door, great for aching
muscles and offers a 15% discount to Headwater customers.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local
representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of
the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of
interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided.
Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are
subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A
supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy
of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
The cuisine of Gredos is simple but tasty. Local specialities include roast
lamb (cordero asado), haricot beans cooked with chorizo sausage (judías del
barco) and cochifrito, which is a pork stew with aromatic herbs. On this
holiday, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a combination of traditional
local and Spanish dishes and more elaborate international creations. Fresh
seasonal produce is the prime ingredient so menus change depending on what is
in season and available locally.
Spain is renowned for the quality of its wine and this includes those from
the Castilla-Léon region, although not much of it comes from the area
surrounding the Sierra de Gredos. Castilla-Léon is predominantly known for
its red wine, which includes D.O. Ribera del Duero produced using the
tempranillo grape. The flavours range from fruity young reds to fuller-bodied
aged wine. Another robust local wine is the D.O. Toro (meaning ‘bull’).
White wine produced in the area includes D.O. Rueda, cultivated in the
Valladolid province based on the local grape, Verdejo. Rueda is the main
white that you will find in the Madrid area and prices are reasonable. You
will find an extensive wine list at the hotel offering a wide selection of
local, regional and international wines. We have included wine on your first
evening to introduce you to those available.
*Alternative Air Travel*
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area. If you would like to
use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf
(£30 admin fee per person). We can also book UK shuttles to connect with
your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
*Air prices include our standard flights/transfers*
British Airways Heathrow to Madrid 09:15/12:40 and car hire (Europcar Group B
air-conditioned hire car). Drive to hotel, 1 hr 50 mins. Return: Drive to
airport, 1 hr 50 mins then British Airways Madrid to Heathrow 12:20/13:50.
*Standard transfers*
Tour only prices exclude flights and hire car.
In April and October expect temperatures in the 40-60°F/5-15°C with high
chance of rain showers though it could also be simply partly cloudy and more
temperate. Temperatures in May, June and September tend to be about
10°F/5°C warmer than April and October. Expect a combination of sun,
showers and clouds. July and August are typically sunny and warm
(60-80°F/15-25°C). Occasionally in summer there can be very hot days so it
is always important to make sure you have enough water.
Light walking boots (good walking trainers will suffice)
Small daypack for camera, guidebook, etc.
Water bottle to use when walking and sightseeing (2 litre)
Sun cream
Hat
Sunglasses
Waterproofs
Warm clothes
Walking poles
You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all
drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per
day. On the days where lunch is not included expect to spend €10-€15 for
lunch.
* Visas and vaccinations
* Travel insurance
* Single supplements
* Hire car (on land only packages)
* Dinner on subsequent nights (available for supplement)
* Picnic lunches (available for supplement)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.