Page 69 - World Expeditions: Active Europe - Sherpa Expeditions

HOTEL / MOUNTAIN HUT / REFUGE TOUR CODE: PDE
Discover the soaring peaks of Spain's Picos de Europa
Rising from the ocean, the Picos de Europa is one of the most striking
mountain ranges on the Iberian Peninsula. Just 40km long and 20km wide,
the jagged limestone peaks rise to 2600m and contrast sharply with the lush
valleys dotted with small hamlets far below. Rich in wildlife such as chamois,
hedgehogs and wild boar and an abundance of wildflowers, the national
park is a delight. Perhaps the most striking feature of the Picos is the deep
gorges and rivers which divide the range into three distinct massifs. The
focus of this walk is between the central massif (Macizo Central), home to
the highest peak Torre de Cerredo (2648m) and the eastern massif (Macizo
Oriental). Highlights include walking in the wide glacier valleys overlooked
by the limestone peaks, the authentic villages and the ascent to the base
of Naranjo de Bulnes' west face, considered to be the signature peak of the
region. At night stay in small family run hotels in Arenas and Sotres with
opportunities to sample local specialities such as the famous blue cheese,
Queso de Cabrales.
ITINERARY: DAY 1 | Arrive Arenas de Cabrales 2 | Walk to the summer
meadows of Nava above the Cares River with superb views of the Picos
(5.5hrs) 3 | Transfer to Tielve and walk through beech forests to Sotres (4hrs)
4 | Walk the easternmassif of the Picos (5hrs) 5 | A loopwalk aroundTresviso
(5hrs) 6 | Ascend to the foot of the west face of Naranjo de Bulnes* (5.5hrs)
7 | Descend to Bulnes and walk through gorges (5hrs) 8 | Trip concludes
INCLUSIONS: Ξ 7 breakfasts, 6 dinners Ξ 6 nights in 2‑3 star hotels on
a twin share basis, 1 night in a mountain hut (or extra night in hotel ‑ small
supplement applies) Ξ transfers as described Ξ luggage transfer except day
6 Ξ information pack including route notes & maps per group of 1‑4 people
Ξ emergency hotline
NOTES: High season is from 11 Jul to 14 Sep and a supplement applies.
Departures before mid June may not be able to ascend to the mountain refuge
due to snow conditions and an alternative route will be suggested. Sotres hotel
supplement applies.
Walking in the Picos de Europa
3 8 DAY SELF GUIDED WALK GRADE
Savouring the views in the high trails of the Picos
B a y o f
B i s c a y
M e d i t e r r a n e a n S e a
T yr r h e n
S e a
Las Arenas
Madrid
Tielve
Bulnes
Spain
France
HOTEL / GUESTHOUSE / B&B TOUR CODE: UWA
Discover the hidden beaches and breathtaking coastline of
the Algarve's unspoiled west coast
Experience the renowned beauty of the Algarve coastline well away from
the tourist areas on this inspiring walk along enchanting sections of the
Atlantic coast. As you make your way towards the south‑western most point
on the European continent by foot you'll pass idyllic beaches, sand dunes
and dramatic steep cliffs that see surprisingly few visitors compared to the
busier resort based beaches. The walk has been carefully researched and will
be appreciated by those who want to enjoy one of Europe's most celebrated
coastal scenes but away from the crowds. Starting in the north the route
will have you trekking through the Sudoeste Alentejano en Costa Vicentina
Natural Park called to Cape Saint Vincent and finally Cabo de Sao Vincente.
The trip will be an assault on the senses with tasty regional specialties and
good wine to enjoy, the aroma of eucalyptus and thyme mixed with the fresh
sea air, a wide variety of Mediterranean flora and fauna to spot and of course
plenty of time to enjoy the traditionally relaxed Portuguese lifestyle.
ITINERARY: DAY 1 | Arrive Faro, transfer to Zambujeira do Mar
2 | Circular walk along fishermans trails (7hrs) 3 | Pass by rolling dunes en
route to Odeceixe (5-6hrs) 4 | Choice of 2 routes to Vale de Telha (5 or 7hrs)
5 | Transfer to Arrifana and continue to Carrapateira with choice of 2 routes
(4 or 7hrs) 6 | Walk to the historic town of Vila do Bispo (6-7hrs) 7 | Last
stage of the walk to Cape St Vincent, transfer back to Vila do Bispo (4-5hrs)
8 | Trip concludes
INCLUSIONS: Ξ 7 breakfasts Ξ 4 nights in simple family run pensions,
3 nights in hotels with swimming pool, all twin share with private facilities
Ξ luggage transfers on days 3, 4, 5 & 6 Ξ transfers on days 2, 4, 5 & 7 Ξ detailed
route descriptions and maps Ξ 7 day emergency hotline Ξ transfer from and to
Faro Airport (discount available should this not be required)
NOTES: high season is from 26 Mar to 4 Apr and from 1 Jun to 30 Sep ‑
supplement applies.
Algarve Coastal Walk
8 DAY SELF GUIDED WALK GRADE 3
Walkers on the Algarve coastline at Carrapateira Beach
Faro
Zambujeira
Cape
St Vincent
Spain
Portugal
| 69 >> for detailed trip notes visit >> utracks.com
DATES 2015
Daily from 20 Apr to 25 Oct
Joining Arenas de Cabrales
DATES 2015
Daily except 15 Jul to 31 Aug and 20
Dec to 9 Jan
Joining Faro Airport