This 15-day journey showcases the best of north-east Spain as we discover hidden valleys, stay in Romanesque villages flanked by mist-covered mountains, taste regional specialties and enjoy half and full day walks in the pristine Pyrenees. After meeting in the Catalonian capital of Barcelona, we travel to the Boi Valley. This is our base for hiking amid the glacial lakes, alpine meadows, silver birch and aspen of Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, Catalonia’s only national park. Our journey in the Aragon Pyrenees includes a week in the vibrant Huesca province, following cobbled stoned streets to the pilgrim and national park trails. In the Benasque Valley, we hike around the foothills of Pico de Aneto, the highest peak of the entire Pyrenees range. From the medieval town of Bielsa, we walk to the Tella chapel and Pineta valley. From mountain villages, we explore the impressive World Heritage listed Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. We spend time in the upper canyons of Ordesa gorge and walk across the French border to the Ossau region. To the west in the Navarre province, we step back in time staying in the remote village of Isaba. One of seven main villages in the Roncal Valley, this region is famous for traditional agriculture, stone and wood architecture along the Esca River and some lesser-known walks in the Pyrenees. On the Bay of Biscay, the jewel of the northern Spain, San Sebastian provides a magnificent sea change. Then onward to Bilbao, a perfect end to the journey with a chance to soak up Basque culture, food and history.
- Meet in the Catalonian region with time in beautiful Barcelona and the Boi Valley
- Explore glacial lakes of Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park
- Spend a week in the Aragon Pyrenees with medieval villages canyon and plateau walks
- Discover Romanesque chapels and pilgrim trails at Valle de Pineta
- Stay in the traditional village of Isaba Navarre in the Roncal Valley
- Soak up San Sebastian, the seaside jewel of Spain’s Basque country
- Stay in historic hotels, lodges and family-run inns featuring regional cuisine
Price: A$10,420 Twin share / person (Starts Barcelona, ends Bilbao)
Single Supplement: A$1,927
Note: For guests who request a single room the single supplement will be charged. For single people who prefer to share, we will try to find a suitable room mate, but if this is not possible the single supplement surcharge will apply.
Minimum Group size: 9 guests
Special Interest: Cuisine, Botanical, History, Culture, Geology
Walk Rating: Moderate, 5-12km per walking day with some shorter or longer options. Age is not necessarily as important as your fitness and recent walking experience, and anyone of reasonable fitness should be able to join this tour. We reserve the right to be flexible with the itinerary to allow for unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions and group fitness.
Inclusions
- 14 nights twin share accommodation in 3-4 star hotels, village B&B’s, mountain lodges with private facilities
- Meals include – 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 10 Dinners
- All transfers as listed in itinerary
- National Park, monastery and museum entry fees where noted
- Professional tour leader assisted when required by local tour guides
- Basic group tips
- Pre-departure material including background & personalised A-Z tour information and destination tour companion
Exclusions
- Airfares & taxes to start / from end of tour
- Airport transfers
- Heavy or excess baggage
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses e.g. IPT tour leader tips, drinks (alcohol, tea & coffee), water outside of touring days, laundry, telephone, or optional tours/excursions
Leo San Sebastian
Leo San Sebastian grew up in Spain’s Basque Country and has been a professional tour leader for over 25 years, leading walking holidays throughout Spain, Morocco, the French Swiss & Italian Alps, South America and Asia. Over the past 20 years he has created and led our Spain, Morocco and Portuguese programs. Leo’s care and concern for travellers, his passion and desire to showcase the areas we visit along with engaging local guides will ensure an enriching trip and one not easily duplicated if travelling independently.