Current as of: July 11, 2019 - 13:47 Valid for departures: From July 30, 2018 to December 31, 2030 Walking on La Gomera Trip Notes Ways to Travel: Guided Group 8 Days Land only Trip Code: Destinations: Spain Min age: 13 Leisurely / Moderate Programmes: Walking & Trekking W07LG Trip Overview Adult min age: 13 Itinerary Land Only Start City: San Sebastian End City: San Sebastian Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in San Sebastian Arrive at your hotel on La Gomera in time for dinner. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, Half Board) Meals included: Dinner Day 2 El Roque Agando Today's walk starts in the impressive surroundings of Los Roques with gigantic lava plugs all around us. We descend through colourful vegetation and Canarian Pine and palm trees to the pretty white cottages of Benchijigua, one of the oldest settlements on the island. A short climb rewards us with stunning views of the Santiago ravine, towered over by the colossal Roque Agando, before we finish our walk in the hamlet of Imada. Ravines and rocks are evidence of the erosion here after two million years without volcanic eruptions, while terraced fields colonise the steep slopes and goat-bells ring in the distance. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, Half Board) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 8 km / 5 miles Activity (hours): 4 Day 3 Garajonay National park A UNESCO World Heritage National Park since 1986, the ancient laurel forest of the Garajonay National Park is a magical green oasis. Today's walk descends gently through the high-humidity forest, alive with flora and fauna including wax myrtle, Canary laurel, blue tits and Bolle's pigeons; our expert local guide will share their knowledge with us. We follow one of the few streams on the island which flows all year round, down towards the hamlet of El Cedro where we stop for lunch in a local restaurant, dining on watercress soup, gofio, almogrote and goats' cheese, before continuing our walk through the forest. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, Half Board) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 8 km / 5 miles Activity (hours): 4 Day 4 La Merica Ridge Walk Starting in Arure with its patchwork of green and gold terraces, the ground opens dramatically on both sides. There are spectacular views from the ridge over the most emblematic valley on the island - Valle Gran Rey - to the left, and over Taguluche village far down to the right. We continue our walk, passing goat farms, until an abandoned canal leads us to a terraced plateau which is deserted apart from some ruined houses. We walk down to La Calera where locals grow bananas, mangos and avocados in abundance. It's time for a refreshing swim in the ocean and a relaxing drink. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, Half Board) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 7 km / 5 miles Activity (hours): 3 Day 5 Free Day Today you could explore the pretty harbour and old quarter of San Sebastian, which dates back 500 years to the Conquest of the Americas. Here you can see Columbus' house, the Church of the Incarnation and Columbus' well, where water supplies were taken for his final voyage. It's also market day here today. Or maybe just relax in the hotel's beautiful gardens by the pool. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, B&B) Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Vallehermoso Walk This walk reveals the very best of the island with verdant gorges, dramatic coastline, and magnificent views. From bustling Vallehermoso in the fertile north west, we ascend a lush ravine to the Santa Clara chapel for a picnic lunch. A stunning coastal walk and a beautiful descent with a commanding view of lofty Roque Cano, returns us to Vallehermoso. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, Half Board) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 9 km / 6 miles Activity (hours): 4 Day 7 The 1000m Villages Walk Today, a short and spectacular climb to the Garajonay peak, in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage National Park, rewards us with breathtaking views of the islands of La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. We'll pass fig, palm and Canary pine trees as we descend through some of the most iconic villages in La Gomera, the first being Igualero, from where we can see the UNESCO World Heritage monument to Silbo Gomero. We head on to the 16th century mountain village of Chipude, where we pass a huge rock fortress, The Fortress of Chipude (or Argodey) and where we stop for a typical Canarian lunch. We finish the day in El Cercado where traditional pottery methods are still used in some of the craft shops. Round off your week with a tasty local tipple such as guarapo, mistela or gomeron. (Staying at Parador de La Gomera, Half Board) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 11 km / 7 miles Activity (hours): 5 Day 8 Leave San Sebastian Accommodation Hotel Your base is the stunning and tranquil 4 star Parador in the charming capital of San Sebastian. Perched high on the cliff top and surrounded by exotic gardens planted with hibiscus, bougainvillea and palms, the hotel's pool is spectacularly positioned overlooking the sea and the colourful harbour below. It is built in traditional Canarian style with elegantly furnished wooden-beamed rooms with air conditioning and pretty interior patios. Excellent evening meals are served in the hotel, and expect to sample some typical Gomeran specialities. Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy. Single supplement from $434.00 USD Food & Transport Eating & Drinking Canarian dishes tend to be simple and elegant, owing much to sun-ripened tropical fruits such as paw-paw, prickly pear and bananas, local vegetables such as sweetcorn and potatoes, and fresh fish such as moray and snapper. Specialities include conejo al salmorejo (slow cooked rabbit with garlic, paprika and chili); rancho canario (a chickpea meaty soup), ropa vieja (chicken, pork and or beef stew); chocos (cuttlefish); and potaje de berros (watercress soup). The most popular fish are members of the sea bass family - cherne, cabrilla or merluza are common, and you may find grilled swordfish (espada a la plancha), as well as calamares (squid), gambas (prawns) and pulpo (octopus). All the islands produce their own wine. Worth a try are those from the DOC region Tacoronte Acentejo produced by Insulares Tenerife, Viña Norte, produced from Listan Negro and Negramol grape. Wine producer Bodega S. Vinícola from La Gomera is well known for its Garajonay, an aromatic yellowish white, produced from 100% Forastera grape. Transportation In order that you see as much of this varied region as possible, transfers (typically 45-70 minutes) are built into the beginning/end of most walking days. Weather & Seasonality Joining Instructions 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 office or your travel agent. Transfers Details Tour prices do not include airport transfers We can usually arrange pre-booked transfers for you at an additional charge (inquire for details and prices). Fly to Tenerife South Reina Sofia airport, then ferry (not included, inquire for details and prices) to La Gomera 19:00/19:50* (transfer to hotel, 10 mins, not included, inquire for prices for pre-booked transfer). Return: Ferry from La Gomera to Tenerife 07:30/08:20* (not included, inquire for details and prices) then fly out of Tenerife South airport. *Ferry times are subject to change. Nearest arrival airport: Tenerife South Reina Sofia airport, Nearest departure airport: Tenerife South Reina Sofia airport, Location start: San Sebastian Location end: San Sebastian What to Take Essential Equipment Walking boots Water bottle Daypack Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses Warm jumper Waterproof jacket Optional Equipment Walking poles Swimwear Reading List Lonely Planet - Canary Islands 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 officials, 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. 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.