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.