You will walk in the footsteps of El Cid, Almanzor, the Catholic Kings and the Celt Iberian and Romans who inhabited these lands.
* 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
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Rîo Duero, Evergreen Oaks, Pastoralists Route.
Welcome. Your journey begins today in the capital city of Soria where you will meet your fellow travel companions and your hosts, Alfredo and Louise. We will leave the city behind and take a short drive to the rural countryside of Gomara. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch beside a picturesque isolated hermitage overlooking the Duero River Valley. The River Duero is noted for its wild trout and fresh water crayfish.
Our walk today will take you past woodlands clothed in Pines, Poplars, Holm Oaks and Gall Oaks. Fill your lungs with the clean air, due to the lack of heavy industries in the province. Wild herbs scent your pathway and during autumn the ground comes alive with wild mushrooms. We take a short scenic drive 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. The town 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.
Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner, where you will have the chance to sample some of this regions delicious cuisine complimented with Spanish wine. 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 or The Puerta de la Villa, situated in the historic quarter next to the medieval gate. Which hotel we use will depend on size of the group. Total Distance Walked: 10km (6 miles) Overnight in Almazán. Includes: (L), (D).
Day 2: Catholic Kings Route, Cistercian Monastery, Jalón River Valley, El Cid.
Your journey continues this morning after breakfast as we take you on a scenic drive in the comfort of our exclusive vehicle. The first stop is at the timeless village of "Morón de Almazán", which has 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 Morón we continue in the footsteps of Isabella and Ferdinand heading south, passing the walled village and Castle of Monteagudo de los Vicarías. Our destination is the magnificent Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Huerta, a masterpiece of architectural styles from throughout the centuries. You will have time to marvel at the Gothic refectory, 12th century kitchen and the ‘Knights’ cloisters before our delicious lunch in the village.
Today’s walk will begin at the picturesque village of Somaen in the Jalón Valley and follow the route of the great Castilian hero ‘El Cid’. We will pass through little stone villages of yesteryear, and take you through unspoilt countryside where nature and wildlife is abundant. These lands have 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 the Hostal Rural Babieca, located in the historic quarter for your convenience. This traditional stone house is typical of Medinaceli, including comfortable modern day furnishings. After an interesting day in rural Soria, enjoy dinner in the old quarter of this ancient settlement. Total Distance Walked: 10 km (6 miles) Overnight in Hostal Rural Babieca Medinaceli. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Medinaceli Tour, Romans, Moors, Rock Engravings.
This morning we will explore the medieval town of Medinaceli, named "Ocilis" in Roman times and "Medinat Salim" during the reign of the Moors. Its narrow irregular streets conceal a wealth of history. We will appreciate intricate Roman mosaics, wander through the 12th century Arab gate and 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. After lunch we begin our walk along ancient pathways, passing cultivated fields of sunflowers and wheat and rolling limestone hills.
Our walk will follow the same old paths that shepherds have taken for centuries before us. The quiet semi abandoned villages with solid stone houses, only enhance the feeling of tranquility and isolation. Our short transfer back to Medinaceli takes us via a Romanesque hermitage built next to a cave where ancient rock engravings were discovered. The remainder of the day is at your leisure before a pleasant dinner. Total Distance Walked: 12km (7½ miles) Overnight in Hostal Rural Babieca Medinaceli. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Fossils, Ancient Tombs, Dupont’s Lark, Griffon Vultures, Wild Deer, Medieval Frescoes.
This morning you will visit 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, along with an ancient form of the elephant, deer, wolf and lion. After a fascinating insight into the history of this region, we take you on a small deserted road 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. We take our time to investigate Romanillos and its ancient tombs, Romanesque church and 16th century stone crosses which are placed throughout its streets.
Today’s village to village walk starts at Barahona, where our path 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 Vulture, 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. Our exclusive vehicle awaits at the end of the walk, to transfer us to Berlanga de Duero for our overnight stay. We stop on route at the 11th century hermitage of San Baudelio, which contains one of the most important examples of "Mozarabe" art in Spain. The 11th to 12th century colorful frescos are of Christian and Arab influences.
Dinner is not included this evening, this allows you the freedom to explore the restaurant options available in Berlanga de Duero and mix with the locals. A list of recommendations will be provided to assist you. Berlanga de Duero is a charming medieval market town with a 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. Total Distance Walked: 11km (7 miles) Overnight in Hotel Fray Tomas Berlanga de Duero. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 5: Berlanga de Duero, Medieval Village, Almanzor, Incense Junipers, Nature.
This morning we will take a delightful walk around the town viewing some of the best 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 specimens of flora and fauna never seen in Spain before. A quiet country road through cultivated fields, limestone hills and forgotten villages, will take us 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.
We take our time to 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. You will gain an insight into times gone by, as we take you inside one of the traditional homes. Today we enjoy relaxed country walking over lands that haven’t changed much since the middle ages. Nearby we discover some of the best preserved "Sabinas", (Incense Junipers) in the world, a species that is now considered endangered.
Our environment changes as we approach the "Nature Reserve La Fuentona" and wander beside a meandering stream with Pines, Poplars, Junipers and the fresh smell of lavender and sage in the air. Our walk will finish at "La Fuentona", 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 and dinner 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. Total Distance Walked: 9km (5¾ miles). Overnight in Casa Rural de Calatañazor, Calatañazor. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Rock Art, Celt Iberian, Roman Numancia, Soria Capital
Today is an interesting mix of human history in Soria, spanning some 5000 years. As we leave our medieval world behind us, we head to the grazing lands of Mount Valonsandero, where our walk will take us to rock art which dates from 3000 - 2000 BC. From Valonsandero you will visit 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, where we will spend the afternoon exploring some of the capitals most important places of interest, including the impressive Knights Cloisters of San Juan de Duero, of Arab influences, the church of San Juan de Rabanera and its interesting mix of architectural styles from the 12th century. Then onto the Plaza Mayor and not forgetting 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. This evening we celebrate our memorable journey with a farewell feast of typical Sorian cuisine and Spanish wine.
Total Distance Walked: 5km (3 miles) Overnight in Hotel Alfonso VIII Soria Capital. Includes: (B), (L),(D).
Day 7: This morning after breakfast it is time to say "hasta proximo", until next time! As we bid farewell to our new found friends. Includes: (B).
Notes: Please note distances of walks are approximate only. Walks may vary slightly due to weather conditions, group size and route accessibility.
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 double occupancy room with en suite. Experience the regions historic architecture first hand.
- 6 Continental breakfasts.
- 6 Lunches.
- 5 Dinners with wine. Dinners are enjoyed in restaurants chosen for their use of local produce and region menus.
- Exclusive Transport throughout the journey from the designated start point to the end point of the tour, Soria Capital.
- Luggage Transfers. Your luggage will be transferred between hotels.
- Assistance and Advice with regard to arranging ground travel within Spain, to and from Soria.
- All entry fees to attractions included in the itinerary.
- Services of your hosts, Alfredo and Louise, founders of Spanish Footsteps. You will be escorted by us throughout your holiday. We will provide you with all you need to know about this unique corner of Spain.
Notes: Please note any bookings requiring a single occupancy room will be subject to an additional single supplement.
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