Current as of: December 11, 2019 - 11:39 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2021

Sierra de Trek Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Guided Group 8 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: Min age: 16 TSA Moderate /  Programs: Walking & Trekking Challenging

Trip Overview

Although close to the , the dramatic massif of Sierra de Aitana has remained a secret from all but a few discerning visitors. We follow traditional footpaths and mule tracks, mostly along ridge lines, giving us spectacular panoramic vistas, and then descend to beautiful valleys with natural springs, fantastic limestone amphitheatres, and where castles dot distant hilltops. The rocky peaks and steep valleys which sweep down to the Mediterranean coast, benet from the privilege of a warm climate for over 300 days of the year, making it an ideal location for out-of-season walking.

At a Glance

 7 nights pension, all rooms en suite  5 days guided walking; 1 free day  Group normally 4 to 14, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs  Altitude maximum 1558m, average 1100m  Some rocky paths and steep ascents/descents

Trip Highlights

 Enjoy stunning views over the sparkling Mediterranean  Follow traditional footpaths through rugged mountain landscapes  Make the most of the 300 days of sunshine found here on a late getaway  Gain cultural insight from our local Spanish guide  Unique cultural activity on each departure (see Is This Trip for You? for more information)

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging)

You should be condent in your physical condition and ability to deal with heights and difcult underfoot terrain. The walking routes are all fairly long (around 15-20km a day) and vary in duration from 7 to 8.5 hours per day (including stops). The trek is more on the challenging side - in ve days of walking we climb three summits, Serrella (1,361m), (1,410m) and Aitana (1,558m) with approx. 1,000m of ascent and descent on each of these days.

The majority of the paths we follow are footpaths and mule tracks. Some sections are with a gentle gradient, while other sections follow quite steep rocky paths (sometimes with scree slopes) and there are some sustained ascents/descents. We also trek some cross-country terrain.

This trip is for anyone condent in their health and tness. It is not recommended as a beginner's trek. It is suited for those who regularly hill walk and have put in some physical preparation beforehand.

Sierra de Aitana is very rich in ora and fauna and along the walks we will see a great variety of birds and owers. Castles dot distant hilltops, and we visit springs and snow wells as well as having plenty of time to soak up village life. In the evenings the hosts of our characterful family-run village pension will make us feel right at home.

Unique cultural activities - departure-speci c

To celebrate the rich culture of the Sierra de Aitana, each departure of this tour will include one special activity that will vary depending on the season. Planned activities are below (subject to change due to poor weather or other factors).

See the almond blossom - 9th February and 23rd February 2020

As spring arrives, take time to experience one of the most picturesque times of year as the almond trees blossom. A great time of year for keen photographers to visit the region.

Paella cooking - 8th March, 22nd March, 13th September and 20th September 2020

For those interested in Spanish cuisine, enjoy a cookery demonstration followed by a delicious lunch of traditional Spanish paella. Get involved in the preparation of the dish or simply observe and enjoy - it's up to you. A vegetarian option will also be available.

Orchid exploration - 29th March 2020

This departure is perfect for keen botanists. Time will be set aside to spot and photograph the many orchid varieties that can be found in the Sierra de Aitana.

Loquat fruit picking and jam making - 12th April 2020

45% of Spain's loquat fruit production is centred in the Sierra de Aitana region. Collect the fruits from trees in the grounds of the hotel and at the guide's organic farm, then eat them fresh or make a jam/chutney to take home.

Medicinal plants - 3rd May, 17th May and 31st May 2020

May and early June are the best time to nd white sage, thyme, rosemary and savory. With the guide's help, identify the herbs then collect and dry them. Herbal teas will be served during the week.

Visit an olive oil producer - 27th September and 18th October 2020 On these departures, you will have the chance to visit an olive oil producer to learn about the different varieties, sample different types of olive oil and buy items from different producers.

Wine tasting - 1st November and 22nd November 2020

Perfect for oenophiles, you will have the chance to learn about the different wines produced in Spain with two wine tasting sessions (one day for white wines and one day for red wines). Identify the distinct wine regions, varieties and processes, then enjoy the wines at dinner.

Chocolate factory visit - 6th December 2020

Visit the nearby traditional chocolate-producing village of . At a small, family-run chocolate factory, see the process of toasting almonds or cocoa, as well as the machinery used to create different textures and avours. A worker wil explain (with translation from your guide) about the different processes involved. Enjoy a chocolate tasting then have free time to explore the village and its many chocolate shops.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Adult min age: 16 Min group size: 4 Max group size: 14

Itinerary

Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Start village.

The tour starts at our pension in the little village of Benimantell, half way up on Guadalest Valley on the north face of the Aitana Massif. It can be time consuming to make your own way there so we recommend you coordinate your travel arrangements so that you can join the group transfer from Airport - please provide your travel details in advance. There will be a welcome brieng at the pension this evening.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 An enchanting walk passing the limestone needles of Penya Roc before walking through El Salt down to Collado Papatxi. We make our way to Racó de Tovaines, where we access the spectacular limestone peaks and needles of Penya Roc and walk through El Salt up to Collado Papatxi. This area enchants people with its soaring towers and walls of rock all around. Early sunset rays will highlight the spine of the jagged Castellets Ridge that stretches down to . We return through Pas del Comptador back to Benimantell.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 17 km / 11 miles Altitude gain (m): 768 Altitude loss (m): 768 Activity (hours): 7.30

Day 3 Walk up Peña del Rastrell for fantastic views over Guadalest Valley.

From Benimantell we walk down to Guadalest water dam and climb on a track to Peña del Rastrell. From here, we make our way up Tossal Redó and Almedia above Callosad'en Sarria, where we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Bay and Guadalest Valley. We then descend along the spine of Tossal Redó down through the old town of Callosa where we join the short transfer (approx. 25mins) back to Benimantell.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 13 km / 8 miles Altitude gain (m): 600 Altitude loss (m): 1012 Activity (hours): 6.5 Day 4 Climb Serrella Peak for vistas of the Aitana Range; descend via a magnicent gorge to Beniarda; visit a local olive oil factory.

After a short transfer to Abdet, we begin by ascending to Pico Serrella (1,323m) and follow the western spine of Serrella to Mallada del Llop (1,361m). We usually stop for a picnic lunch here to take in the sweeping views of the Aitana Range, and even the Mountains on a clear day.

After lunch we begin our long descent on the spectacular and remote Barranc de la Canal Gorge, with its two parallel ns of upturned limestone strata leading to an abandoned farmhouse at Penyeta de la Hedra. Inititally the descent is a fairly steep gradient on a rocky/scree surface, which we zigzag down. Scrambling is required on some sections. During the last stretch, the gradient lessens and we enjoy pleasant views of terraced olive groves and centenary carob trees, which lead us to the village of Beniardá.

In Beniardá there’s time to visit the local olive oil factory, a small scale outt producing award-winning olive oils. Afterwards we can either walk or be transferred back to our accommodation in Benimantell.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 15 km / 9 miles Altitude gain (m): 976 Altitude loss (m): 1100 Activity (hours): 8.10

Day 5 Free day; chance to head to the beach at colourful Villajoyosa or visit a chocolate factory. Today is a free day to relax or perhaps take the chance to head to the the beach at Villajoyosa or visit a chocolate factory.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 Summit Puig Campana (1410m) for panoramic views to the Costa Blanca and across the region. A fairly tough walk to complete the week - the summit of the Puig Campana (1,410m) with 360º panoramic views! Almost all of the peaks and ridges traversed on the previous days may be seen. On the other side the Mediterranean stretches to the horizon. We approach the north face of this mountain along good trails and paths, embarking on a gentle climb passing the Collao del Llamp to the Collao Pouet, the actual base of the mountain. From here, we climb a new footpath, which is steep and rocky, on the north face of this spectacular peak, returning to our vehicle from the Casa de Dios. Scrambling is required on some sections.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 15 km / 9 miles Altitude gain (m): 995 Altitude loss (m): 995 Activity (hours): 7.15 Day 7 Spectacular walk along the dramatic Simas Limestone Fissures; option to scale Aitana Peak.

From the pension we walk along the northern slopes up to the Font de Partagat and then scramble through Pas de la Rabosa, the only natural break on the Aitana, which gives access to the summit from this north side. We have lunch at the Simas limestone ssures, up to 90m deep, situated on a ridge near the summit of Aitana. It is an impressive geological formation and a perfect picnic spot. Weather permitting, it’s possible to climb the summit (optional). We then have another long descent today.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 18 km / 11 miles Altitude gain (m): 1107 Altitude loss (m): 1107 Activity (hours): 7.30

Day 8 End Benimantell village. The tour ends in Benimantell after breakfast. If you have not booked ights through Breakaway but would like to join the group transfer back to Alicante Airport you must request this at the time of booking.

Meals included: Breakfast

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter.

Accommodation El Trestellador Pension - Centre-based This is a centre-based trip, spending all seven nights at El Trestellador Pension in the village of Benimantell. El Trestellador is a pleasant family-run pension with a lovely garden, a large terrace, and simple en suite rooms. There is also a small unheated swimming pool, and picturesque Guadalest village is within walking distance. The pension's restaurant is locally renowned for its excellent traditional cuisine, and specialities include espencat vegetables and gazpacho manchego. There are tea/coffee/hot chocolate facilities available at all times in the restaurant, at the Breakaway meeting point.

Single accommodation is available (on request). Please note that paying for a single supplement only guarantees a room for single use and does not under normal circumstances mean that a twin or a double for sole occupancy will be provided.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single will only guarantee a room for single use. It does not necessarily mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Please note that a member of the group may be allocated a single room by default if the make-up of the group means there isn’t anyone for them to share with. Paying the supplement in advance is the only way to guarantee a single room.

Single supplements cannot be refunded retrospectively.

Single supplement from $271.25 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners (plus local wine with dinner) are included.

Breakfast: Continental style - local fruit, fresh orange juice, different types of bread, cakes, cheese, ham or bacon, tea and coffee. Lunch: Picnic lunches will usually consist of bread rolls with cheese and salad/meat, fruit, and muesli bars, biscuits or nuts. Our local guide usually also provides some snacks such as pickled olives, chocolates and dried gs. Evening Meal: As the main meal of the day, we enjoy a large variety of local cuisine including espencat, minxos (small pancakes) and oven-baked rice. Most of the food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal produce, and the pension produce their own olive oil. A reasonable amount of local wine is provided with the evening meal but additional beverages are not included.

Please note should the group transfer change to arrive earlier, or depart later, additional meals are not included. Please also note that no refund will be given for meals not taken or taken other than where designated.

Vegetarians, vegan and gluten free are well catered for given prior notice, and most other dietary requirements can also be accommodated as long as you let us know in advance (at the time of booking).

Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 20:00 and 21.30.

Transportation

A private mini-bus is usually used for airport arrival and departure transfers. Depending on the group size, the short daily transfers and organized excursions will be either by 9 seater van or private vehicles. On occasions your leader will need to make two journeys at the end of the walks so some members of the group may have to wait 20 minutes (or have another beer) to join the second transfer.

Weather & Seasonality

Weather Information

This area is known to have the most benign climate in the whole of Europe. The Winters are mild and sunny, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. At night however, temperatures can be chilly, especially in the mountains. The little rainfall is usually concentrated in very few days at the beginning of Autumn, but rain cannot be discounted altogether on any of the departures. The daytime temperatures in winter usually vary between 14ºC and 20ºC depending on altitude and orientation. These Winter temperatures are ideal for walking although, with the exception of the months of July and August, one can walk here the whole year round. In Spring and Autumn temperatures should be between 25ºC and 30ºC but May, June and September departures may experience some even warmer days, up to 35ºC.

Weather Charts Valencia Joining Instructions

Travelling Land Only: 8 days starting and ending in Benimantell

Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Benimantell in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions -sent approximately two weeks before departure. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our ofce or your travel agent.

Transfers Details

Airport transfers are included for those able to meet the group timings. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving at any other time, even if Breakaway has booked your flights.

If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged at designated times to coincide with the group timings - please check the group timing details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.

If you miss the group transfer or choose to make your own way to El Trestellador Pension in Benimentall, there are a couple of options to consider:

You can pre-book private arrival and departure transfers through Breakaway if you wish (payable in advance). Please ensure that you provide us with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure.

If you wish to make your way to Benimentall by public transport (bus and taxi) you can rst take a bus (operated by ALSA) from Alicante Airport to bus terminal. ALSA offer transfers between Alicante Airport and Benidorm bus terminal from 8:00 to 23:00 and they depart regularly throughout the day. The bus trip is direct and takes approximately 45 min. The price is approximately EUR 10 per person.

ALSA bus timetables and details can be found: https://www.alsa.es/rutas/benidorm-aeropuerto-alicante-altet.htm

Once you arrive at Benidorm bus terminal, you will need to take a taxi to Benimantell (El Trestellador Pension). The price for a taxi is approximately EUR 25-30 per taxi and it takes between 25-35 minutes.

Alternatively, a standard airport taxi from Alicante Airport to El Trestellador Pension should cost you approximately EUR 140 (per car).

Location start: Benimantell Location end: Benimantell

What to Take Essential Equipment

 20-30 litre daypack  Waterproof jacket  Rellable water bottle (1-2 litres capacity at least)  Walking boots with sturdy soles /ankle support are mandatory  Walking socks  Trekking trousers and shorts  Sun hat, sun block & sun glasses  Collared shirts (to cover your neck from the sun)  Waterproof trousers, woolly hat and gloves (Nov to Feb departures only)

Please note that tap water is safe to drink in the area which means all you need to do is bring a bottle to re-ll at the hotel. Please add this to your packing list as this will save on wasteful plastic bottles.

Optional Equipment

 Walking poles are strongly recommended  Blister plasters / Compeed  Sit mat (for picnic lunches)  Pocket knife (for slicing up picnic food)  Energy snacks / sweets  Trainers/walking shoes for evenings  Flip ops / sandals for evenings  Thermal ask (winter departures only)  Travel games, cards, MP3, book or reading tablet for evenings  Camera, charger and plug adaptor

Important Note: Please use a soft bag or holdall and not a hard suitcase for your main luggage as there is limited space for luggage in the minibus. Breakaway kitbags are available for purchase at GBP 25 including VAT, plus postage. Please note that they are only available to residents of the UK.

Reading List

Maps

Marina Baixa - Serra d'Aitana (1:20,000). This is available from Amazon, and the leader can also help you buy it locally. Practical Information Passport Spain

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs of cials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa Spain

No visa required for US passport holders.

For further travel advice please visit U.S. State Department at https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

There are no specific health risks on this trip.

Vaccination Spain

There are no specific health risks.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to- date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident of the United States, we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. Local Time

Spain's Timezone: Europe/Madrid CET (GMT +01:00)

Electricity

Spain's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins. 230 Volts AC.

Money Spain's Currency

The national currency of Spain is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication (October 2017) of approximately 0.84 to the USD, 0.67 to the CAD, 0.66 to the AUD and 0.59 to the NZD.

ATM Availability

ATM Machines are within easy reach during the week and can be found in Benimantell and Guadalest.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

For meals not included you should allow about EUR 10-20 each. Should you choose to take part in the activities in Villa Joiosa or Altea on the free day, a transfer can be arranged for between EUR 40 and EUR 75 per vehicle. You will also need Euros for extra snacks, drinks and any souvenirs bought during the week. Entrance fees to museums and monuments are not included.

Tipping

Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of between EUR 15 to EUR 20 per client. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver and the local staff at the hotel. This can be handed in to your leader at the end of the trip. For the local staff we recommend to budget approx. EUR 10 to EUR 15 per person. Responsible Tourism Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a nancial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Breakaway as a company.

On this trip, we spend the nights in El Trestellador Pension in the quiet village of Benimantell. Hence, our visit to the family-run pension will bring benets to the local community, providing employment and income opportunities.

As a trekking holiday, it allows easy access and exibility for clients to interact with the locals, visit local cafes and bars, support local produce and craft to facilitate cultural exploration and experience what life is really like in this part of Spain.

Water is especially important and whilst we must stay hydrated, it is also vital to not cause too much waste from single use plastic bottles. Tap water in Spain is generally safe to drink hence, we strongly encourage clients to bring their own reusable water bottles to rell throughout the trip. Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be condent in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway ofce and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our ofce or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be exible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE – STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771. https://www.breakaway-adventures.com Version 1