Current as of: December 4, 2019 - 14:21 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2021

Secret Trails of Medieval Spain Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Guided Group 8 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: Spain Min age: 16 TSR Moderate  Programmes: Walking & Trekking

Trip Overview

The undiscovered lands of Old Castile, one of the historic mediaeval kingdoms of Spain, encompass an incredibly varied landscape where high plains and fertile valleys alternate with rugged hills, dramatic ridges and deep wooded gorges. Here, in the heart of the nation's gone but remembered glory and power, we venture on a fantastic journey during which we walk secret pilgrims’ routes, explore rich mediaeval heritage and enjoy the typical warm Spanish hospitality.

At a Glance

 7 nights in a traditional Spanish family-run hotel  5 days centre-based walking; 1 free day  Group normally 4 to 16 plus UK leader. Min age 16 yrs  Altitude maximum 1278m, average 1000m

Trip Highlights

 Follow historic pilgrim routes  Enjoy impressive gorges and spectacular scenery  Stay in a family-run hotel based in a traditional historic village  Explore the city of Burgos with its impressive Gothic Cathedral on your free day  Attend vespers sung in Gregorian chant by Benedictine monks

Is This Trip for You?

Activity Level 3 (Moderate)

This is a moderate walking holiday with 5 days walking and 1 free day. The walks follow historic pilgrim routes, mule tracks and trails through the rural countryside of the Spanish heartland, as well as allowing free time to explore the cathedral city of Burgos.

The tracks are mostly well marked but some of the terrain under foot can be a little rough. All walks take around 5-6 hours and require a moderate level of tness. Walking is on a variety of dirt tracks, gravel and some tarmac. There are some rocky sections that may require some scrambling and in less visited areas be aware paths may be overgrown and rougher underfoot, therefore walking boots are recommended. A few steep ascents and descents should be expected. Walking hours stated in the itinerary are given as approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.

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: 16

Itinerary

Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Start Covarrubias.

Our trips starts in Covarrubias, a small village and municipality in the province of Burgos located approximately 200km north of Madrid.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 Circular walk in the Valles de Ura, home to numerous species of local ora and fauna. We set out from Covarrubias and walk by the Arlanza river to the village of Puentedura and then down into a gorge. After lunch we climb out of the gorge and make our way to a hermitage, Ermita de Redonda, and then back to Covarrubias.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 20 km / 12 miles Altitude gain (m): 224 Altitude loss (m): 224 Activity (hours): 5

Day 3 Full-day circular walk: ascend the Sierra de las Mamblas and circle the distinctive Muela mountain.

We climb out of Covarrubias to another hermitage, Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Mamblas, followed by lunch on the ridge looking north. After lunch we complete the circuit of Muela and return to Covarrubias down a wooded valley.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 17 km / 11 miles Altitude gain (m): 445 Altitude loss (m): 445 Activity (hours): 5 Day 4 Beautiful walk from Rio Arlanza to Santo Domingo de Silos; visit the beautiful Benedictine monastery.

We take hired transport along the Arlanza river and then climb gently onto the plateau for a break at the Tenadas de Valcarcel with a second break at Tenadas del Campo and lunch on the top of the ridge facing the spectacular mountain of San Carlos. We descend to Silos with time to visit the Cloister museum (optional) before being collected by our private transport for the return journey to Covarrubias, taking in a short visit to La Yecla gorge on the way back.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 15 km / 9 miles Altitude gain (m): 340 Altitude loss (m): 331 Activity (hours): 6

Day 5 Walk through vineyards and beautiful valleys to the 'The Three Villages', three remote and primitive settlements. We leave Covarrubias by the Arlanza river and climb through vineyards on the way to the rst village of Retuerta. We then climb over the ridge and descend to the second village of Castroceniza. Lunch will be taken in this beautiful valley on the way to the third village of Ura. Another climb out of the valley takes us through forest and farmland to a highpoint overlooking Covarrubias, before descending back to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 20 km / 12 miles Altitude gain (m): 380 Altitude loss (m): 380 Activity (hours): 6

Day 6 Free day to relax or visit cathedral city of Burgos and its many sights.

A suggested day is to take the 9:00 public bus to the cathedral city Burgos and its many sights. Return on 13:00 bus to Covarrubias for tapas lunch at our hotel. The choice of a siesta or short afternoon walk before an optional evening visit to Silos for vespers is possible before dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Day 7 Walk along the crest of the Sierra de las Mamblas for stunning panoramic views.

Another steady climb out of Covarrubias brings us through the dense forest to a limestone edge. After lunch we continue along the edge with wonderful views to the Sierra de la Demanda, before descending back to Covarrubias. An optional visit to a bodega (winery) is possible before dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 21 km / 13 miles Altitude gain (m): 572 Altitude loss (m): 572 Activity (hours): 5

Day 8 End Covarrubias. Out trip ends today in Covarrubias after breakfast.

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 Hotel Rey Chindasvinto This is a centre-based tour, spending 7 nights in the 3-star family-run Hotel Rural Rey Chindasvinto based in the picturesque village of Covarrubias.

The hotel is an elegant conversion of a traditional village house, set in a quiet square within the town walls. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation whilst retaining a mediaeval feel, with each of the rooms named after a local king or queen. Twin bedded and single rooms have a shower and WC, TV and telephone. Free Wi-Fi is also available in the hotel. The excellent dinners are accompanied by complimentary wine and include a good choice of regional and vegetarian dishes.

There are a limited number of single rooms which can be requested at the time of booking. Single supplements are subject to availability.

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 $155.00 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

All breakfasts and 7 dinners are included. The excellent home cooked dinners are accompanied by complimentary wine. Please note that mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 20:00hrs and 21.30hrs. The hotel offers a picnic lunch each day for a charge of EUR 5 or there are local shops to purchase your own lunch items from.

Vegetarians are 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). Please note that food choices may be limited.

Transportation

Transfers to and from the airport will be in a private bus. On other days, private and public buses will be used.

Weather & Seasonality

Weather Information

The weather should be warm and sunny, but it may feel quite cold when the temperatures drop overnight - so a eece is advised for evenings and early mornings. This is northern Spain and a rainy day is always possible, including the possibility of a thunderstorm, so do not forget to take your waterproofs. An umbrella can be useful in a sudden heavy shower and can also be used as a parasol should the temperatures rise! Because of the risk of strong sunlight, suitable sun block should be applied and a sufcient quantity of water should be carried each day.

Weather Charts Central Spain

Joining Instructions Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Covarrubias

Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Covarrubias 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. Accommodation check-in times are normally from around 12:00.

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.

In order to travel to Covarrubias independently from Madrid there are two options:

The rst option is to take a taxi from Madrid airport to Hotel Rural Rey Chindasvinto, but this is likely to cost about EUR 250. Please be aware Madrid taxi drivers are not used to doing long distances, so it would be important to emphasis that the destination is the village of Covarrubias in the Province of Burgos.

The second option is the long distance bus from Madrid. For this particular route you need to use a company called ALSA -http:// www.alsa.es. Please use this website to plan your journey. The fare to Lerma is currently about EUR 15 and the journey from Madrid to Lerma takes about 2.5 hours. There are a limited number of buses on Saturdays; however, services during the week run hourly. Lerma is about 25km from Covarruvias. At Lerma bus station it is necessary to take a taxi to Covarrubias and the only taxi company in the area is Turisdan – their mobile number is (+34) 600 500 400. This taxi will cost around EUR 20. It would be sensible to call in advance to book once on the bus to Lerma.

Location start: Covarrubias Location end: Covarrubias What to Take Essential Equipment

 Comfortable walking boots  Windproof jacket and warm layers (including a light eece)  Sun hat, sun cream and sun glasses  Daypack (25-30 litre capacity)  Rellable water bottle (1-2 litres)  Waterproof clothing in case of wet weather

Optional Equipment

 Walking Poles

Reading List

Ghosts of Spain - Giles Tremlett (Faber and Faber) is subtitled 'Travels through a country’s hidden past' and is a readable interpretation of Spain’s history.

Rough Guides and Lonely Planet produce good general purpose guides to Spain.

Maps

Walking maps are not available locally, but may be purchased in the UK from The Map Shop, Upton upon Severn - Telephone: 01684 593146 - Website: www.themapshop.co.uk There are three maps that cover all the walks and they are in the 'Cartografía Militar de España 1:50 000' series: Lerma (sheet 19-12) Salas de los Infantes (sheet 20-12) Huerta del Rey (sheet 20-13)

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 t 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

There is an ATM in Covarrubias. The hotel does not have a credit card system and drinks and other incidentals should be paid for in cash at the time.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

The hotel offers a picnic lunch each day for a charge of EUR 5 or there are local shops to purchase your own materials. Drinks and tapas at the hotel are very reasonable - most small drinks and individual tapas cost about EUR 2 each!

Optional Excursions

The public bus to Burgos costs about EUR 6, but entrance fees to monuments and museums will depend on what you visit (some may be free on the production of an EU passport). The visit to Silos for vespers if likely to cost EUR 5-10 depending on numbers. In Covarrubias, a visit to the church museum will cost about EUR 6. We suggest that you allow about EUR 30 for all of these.

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

At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage.

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

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