TOURS
MAJORCA
CATALONIA
THE WAY OF ST. JAMES
ANDALUSIA
MAJORCA
8 day escorted and independent tours
Majorca is the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands and has many surprises in store for you as you walk from coast to coast through the Sierra de Tramuntana. During this tour you discover the inner life of Majorca on the deserted paths of the island. In the Sierra de Tramuntana and on the coast, you hike through olive groves to charming villages with manor houses and palaces. Enjoy the view of the sea, small islands and the delightful natural landscape.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Puerto Alcúdia.
After arriving we have a taxi transfer to the first hotel booked for you.
Day 2:
Costal hike on the peninsula Alcúdia
Welcome and orientation meeting this morning, then the start of the first hiking tour. One of the most beautiful walking treks leads between the bay of Pollenca and Alcúdia. We walk along the coast and climb a scenic cliff top to enjoy the panoramic views.
Day 3:
Pilgrim path Pollenca - Lluc
Transfer to Pollenca where we follow the historical pilgrim path to Lluc. The high peaks of the Sierra de Tramuntana accompany our walk over the pass passing the Puig Tomir. Shady groves of evergreen oaks, blossoming orchards and meadows line the route. A special highlight waits for us at the monastery Lluc: the botanical garden.
Day 4:
Pilgrim path Cuber reservoir - Lluc
In the morning we transfer to the Cuber reservoir, where we start the next part of the pilgrim path to Lluc. Today we walk up high into the Sierra and cross the passes to Lluc. An unusual landscape with high grass, rocks as found in high mountain regions. Sunny views of the steep coast and lush valleys certainly make this day a highlight of your vacation.
Day 5:
Pilgrim path Cuber reservoir - Soller
Today we again start at the Cuber reservoir and walk along the beach to the pass L’offres. We follow the serpentine trail up to Es Cornador where we enjoy the best view of the famous terrace-walk down to Soller. Of course we also take this walk down to the idyllic gorge and the gardens of Soller. We then take the old tramway along the coast to Puerto Soller.
Day 6:
Postal route Deia - Soller
A shuttle bus brings us to the artist colony Deia, the jewel on the west coast. In the bay of Deia, today’s walking tour leads along the coast up to the idyllic postal route to Soller. A visit of an old olive-oil press, fresh orange juice and a walk through olive groves round off the day.
Day 7: Palma de Mallorca
We take the famous train from Soller to Palma. Enjoy this journey up to the hillsides of the Tramuntana and through the fertile plains of Palma. After days of mountain solitude the liveliness on the Playa de Palma is a remarkable change of scenery.
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Tour Rating - moderate
Daily distance up to 6 hours, you walk up to 17 km. per day.
Ambitious mountain walking tour mainly on craggy walking trails. The serpentine paths over the Tramuntana are good but lonesome. Huts or shops aren't available during the daily stages and you have to carry enough to drink with you!


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Day 8: Depart today or extend your stay in Palma.
Independent Tour - Schedule and Price
| DATES 2010 |
Start any Sunday from April 4th to June 20th; and from Sept. 5th to October 17th
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| Price per person |
CAD |
$965 |
| Single room |
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$200 |
| Extra nights in Palma p.p. |
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$100 |
| This tour includes: |
- Welcome and tour explanation
- 5 nights in 3 and 4* hotels
- 2 nights at the monastery Lluc
- Breakfast buffet or extended breakfast
- Half board, minimum 3-course dinner in the evening
- Luggage transfer
- Transfers to the walking tours
- Train fare Soller – Palma
- Well signposted routes
- Route book and detailed travel description
- Walking rucksack per room
Paid Locally:
Tramway fare Soller to Pt. Soller approx € 1,-
bus fare Pt. Soller – Deia approx. € 2,00
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Escorted Tour - Schedule and Price
| DATES 2010 |
26th September |
| Price per person |
CAD |
$1150 |
| Single room |
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$200 |
| Extra nights in Palma p.p. |
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$100 |
| This tour includes: |
- Welcome and tour explanation
- 5 nights in 3 and 4* hotels
- 2 nights at the monastery Lluc
- Breakfast buffet or extended breakfast
- Half board, minimum 3-course dinner in the evening
- Luggage transfer
- Transfers to the walking tours
- Train fare Soller – Palma
- Well signposted routes
- Route book and detailed travel description
- Walking rucksack per room
- Local English speaking guide
Paid Locally
- Tramway fare Soller – Pt. Soller
(approx € 1,50)
- bus fare Pt. Soller – Deia
(approx. € 2,00)
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CATALONIA
8 day escorted tour
Our region for this guided walking holiday is the beautiful region of northern Catalonia. Framed by the Pyrenees, northern Catalonia has many different faces. Within a relatively short distance, the warm, volcanic hills of the Garrotxa National Park give way to a more gently rolling landscape coated with olive groves, vineyards and woods of cork oaks. Cross the final ridge before the coast of the Costa Brava, and you discover yet another scene, wonderful rocky coves, stunning sandy bays and the rugged Cape Creus headland. To walk here is a revelation. Our accommodation for this guided walking holiday is situated in the beautiful historic medieval town of Castelló d`Empuriés. Located in the heart of the village built on the ruins of the former home of the Count of Castello, Casa Clara offers all the comforts to make your stay on our holiday a memorable one. Each of the uniquely designed rooms are fitted with fully reversible air conditioning and all have en-suite bathrooms. They offer lovely views of the village. ( see some pictures of the accommodation below )
In the evenings we sit down as a group and enjoy a meal at one of our favourite restaurants, we choose a different restaurant every night. It’s a time to sit down and relax, reflect on the days walking, to have a laugh and to enjoy each others company.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1
Today arrive to Gerona airport where you shall be met and transferred to the lovely Catalan village of Castelló d`Empuriés. Once you have checked in a relaxed a little Steve our local guide will take you for a stroll around the village.
Day 2 Sunday Cap de Norfeu 6 hours Accent 280m
Today will can start with one of the most wonderful coastal walks in the region. This is a beautiful trail that we believe fulfil's every walker's hopes and dreams. This stunning coastal walk starts at Cala Monjoi and traverses the coastal slopes to Cala Joncols. We make an excursion on the way to the Cap de Norfeu, a rocky promontory reaching far into the sea.
Day 3 Monday Sant Quirze de Colera
6 hours Accent 700m
Today we have an outstanding mountain and valley walk around the cloister of Sant Quirze de Colera. This Romanesque cloister is situated in a broad valley basin where the waters of numerous mountain streams collect. This circular walk along the ridge between Coll del Teixo and the Coll de Banyuls shows the many differing features of this section of the Serra de I’Albera nature reserve, and offers outstanding sweeping views to as far as the Canigou Massif.
Day 4 Tuesday The Zona Volcanica
6 hours Accent 400m
Today we heard more towards the Pyrenees. Only a few kilometres from the central axis of the Pyrenees our walk today takes us around a geological curiosity, a volcanic area with numerous volcanic domes, in the excellently preserved natural park "Zona Volcanica de la Garrotxa". The Garrotxa National park is one of the highlights of inland Catalonia.
Day 5 - Wednesday rest day Today you can have an optional rest day , relax around the village of Castelló d`Empuriés or explore on your own the surrounding countryside. For those wanting an something just a little different maybe you can try a tandem skydive !. Our guide is also an instructor.
Day 6 - Thursday Punta del Cap de Creus
5.5 hours Accent 150m
Today another glorious hike. A fantastic walk along an old trail from Cadaques to the lighthouse located on the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, the Cap de Creus. Most tourists drive there and miss out on the austere beauty of the scenic seaboard and it's rich variety of flora. We'll end up at the absolute tip of the Punta del Cap de Creus, with nothing left but the open sea in front and the fantastic formations of the ravaged cliffs behind.
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Tour Rating - moderate
This tour requires a good level of fitness as you hike through the foothills of the Pyrenee's for up to 6 hours per day. The paths and trails are in very good condition and well marked.

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Day 7 - Friday Monestir Sant Pere de Rodes
4.5 hours Accent 680m
Today a fabulous last walk before your departure tomorrow. Beautiful flowers and bewitching views over the northern Cap de Creus await you. We start in the hamlet of La Port de la Selva and make our way along a lovely trail which offers numerous opportunities for fantastic views of the coast, cliffs and mountains of the Northern Cap de Creus. We arrive at the spectacular Monestir Sant Pere de Rodes, then make our way up to the Castell de Sant Salvador de Verderra with it beautiful views over the bay of Roses.
Day 8 - Saturday departure
Today after breakfast we shall arrange transfers back to Gerona airport. Say goodbye to your new friends and start your trip home.
Schedule and Price
| TOUR DATES |
25th Sept, 23rd October
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| Price per person |
CAD |
$1375 |
| Single room surcharge |
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$200 |
| This tour includes: |
- 7 nights in a 3 star hotel with private facilities and daily breakfast
- 3 course dinner each day
- Packed lunches on walks
- 5 Guided walks
- Transfers from Gerona airport
- Information Pack
- Transfers to all walks
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THE WAY OF ST. JAMES
10 day independent tour
(7 and 14 night itineraries also available)
The very first pilgrims way to Santiago de Compostela, better known as “El Camino del Norte” dates back from the Early Middle Ages when devotees coming from northern Europe traversed the northern green provinces of the Iberian Peninsula on their way to the holy shrine. At this time the route now followed to the south, was in the hands of the Moors.
We offer a walking tour that follows part of the coastal St. James way, which runs through the Principality of Asturias, providing a combination of cultural heritage, folklore and nature. The tour traces the spectacular coastline of surf beaches, picturesque fishing villages and scenic hilly landscapes, dotted with Pre-Romanesque churches set in small historic villages.
At the end of the walk a regular coach transfer is available to take you to Santiago de Compostela to stay in a comfortable hotel with courtyard and garden, in the old city for a further two nights.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival at Asturias airport and taxi transfer to the first accommodation in the coastal village of Prado Depending on the time of arrival, a scenic walk can be made by climbing the adjacent hill “Pico de la Forquita” (340m) from where you have beautiful panoramic views of the Sierra del Sueve and the Cantabrian Sea.
Day 2 Prado to Pernus Descending towards the coast, you will soon come across the waymark with the blue/yellow St. James shell, the sign that you are on “El Camino del Norte”. The famous pilgrims' way runs through green meadows bordering the scenic coastline. Now and then we cross little white, sandy beaches sheltered by rocks which allow you to literally step in some huge footprints left by dinosaurs, who once inhabited this region. ~ 5h
Day 3 Pernus to Villaviciosa We leave the coast behind and head for the green hills. Our path contours rural villages and hamlets of typical Asturian houses with wooden balconies and “hórreos”, before reaching the famous ancient church of Priesca (AD921), a jewel of the Pre-Romanesque architecture. Crossing the delta and tidal river “Ria Villaviciosa”, a nature reserve and breeding place for migratory birds from the north, we follow a small stream and cross the valley before reaching the lovely country town of Villaviciosa, your accommodation for the next two nights. ~ 6h
Day 4 Circular Walk/Sightseeing A pleasant walk via the hilltop Monte Cubera from where beautiful views over both the Cantabrian Sea and the surrounding Sierras to the little town of Villaviciosa can be had. Coats of arms or “escudos” on the medieval houses in the old part remind us that it was here where Emperor Charles V first set foot on Spanish soil. Alternatively, by public transport or a taxi, charming neighbouring fishing villages like Lastres or Tazones can be visited. On one of the many terraces in the harbour you can eat fresh crab or other delicious fish dishes and tapas. Or you can walk to one of the nearby beaches. ~ 8 miles / 4 hours
Day 5 Villaviciosa to Valdedios Following the valley through numerous villages you arrive at the monastry of Santa María de Valdediós. The monastery dates back to the 13th century and the adjacent picturesque Pre-Romanesque church “San Salvador” has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Cistercian monks offer their guests a unique and comfortable stay in the monastery. ~ 5h Day 6 Valdedios to San Justo Today we cross the heart of the cider region with its traditions and folklore. There are apple orchards everywhere and in autumn the juicy sweet smelling fruits will be squeezed and made into sparkling cider. Many farms have their own “llagar” cider bodega with presses and wooden barrels for storage. ~ 5h
Day 7 San Justo to Oviedo After a short transfer back to the seaside we follow a pleasant trail that runs along the coastline with its sheer cliffs and secluded small white sandy beaches which can only be reached on foot. At Peñarrubia, the coastal path winds around the rocks to finally join the promenade around the bay of San Lorenzo, the city of Gijón's main beach. From Gijon you travel by local train to the city of Oviedo (price not included), the capital and cultural centre of the Principality. The Asturian King Alfonso II The Great initiated from Oviedo the very first pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela (813 AD). Apart from the main monuments and elegant medieval houses, you'll find numerous colourful plazas dotted with little restaurants, taverns and bars which invite you to enjoy some delicious tapas and other gastronomic dishes from the region. ~ 4h
Day 8 Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela.
This morning you transfer by coach to Santiago de Compostela (own expense). The balance of the day is free.
Day 9 Sightseeing in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 10 Departure.
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Tour Rating - easy to moderate
There are some low hills and the walks average 9 miles per day.


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Schedule and Price
| DATES |
Start any date 1 February to 1 December
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| Price per person |
CAD |
$1550 |
| Single room |
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On request |
| This tour includes: |
- 9 nights in small guesthouses and country hotels, Casa de Aldea, and a monastery, in a double room with private facilities
- Maps and route details in English
- Luggage transfers
- Taxi transfer Oviedo airport to first hotel
- Emergency support.
- 4 evening meals (not on days 3,4,7,8 and 9)
Note: 7 night tour is priced at CAD$860.00 per person
14 night tour is priced at CAD$1800.00 per person
Inclusions vary from the 10 day tour above
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HIKE IN ANDALUSIA
8 day escorted tour
This fabulous hiking vacation in Andalusia is a guided walking holiday and cultural experience. During the week you will be based in Alhama de Granada a small town midway between Malaga and Granada and at an altitude of around 800m. You will be surrounded by olive groves and fruit trees. This region is really little explored by the tourist , away from the Costa’s you are in the true rural Spain. Stunning scenery , secluded countryside and a fabulous year round climate.
Throughout your holiday our guide Terry will take you on some of the most wonderful hikes in the region , we have three easy to medium grade walks for you to enjoy. Mixed with the walks will be guided tours to some of wonderful historic cities and towns with breathtaking Moorish architecture and stunning quaint streets. Of course nothing will be rushed as this is the true Spain where life rambles on at a nice relaxed pace.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Arrive at Granada or Malaga airports and be met by Terry , he will drive you to your hotel in Alhama de Granada. Here we shall have a welcome meeting with time to settle into your rooms and take in the amazing views from your hotel. I am sure Terry will be having a beer tonight with you all.
Day 2 Gorgeous Alhama Walking approx 3 hours easy walk
Starting from the Moorish castle of Alhama de Granada we walk through the town to El Balneario which is the natural hot waters. We then pass the 1st century Roman bridge and continue to the Lake at El Ventorro. Now a nice stop and a refreshing drink before walking back through the gorge to Alhama. As you approach Alhama you will see the houses hanging
to the cliff edge and the many examples of the old caves houses used by locals in the past. Evening meal in the renowned La Seguriya restaurant directly over looking the Gorge.
Day 3 Cordoba
Our first cultural visit to the ancient city of Cordoba. We will have a full day hear to sample this great city and we shall stay for our evening dinner in the city before returning that evening.
Day 4 Pork and Herbs !
A wonderful 3-4 hours walking tour in the Parque Natural at the foot of the Sierra Tejeda mountains. Here you will have amazing views over to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the local cortijos. Here we shall have our picnic lunch.
Day 5 Montefrio
Our second cultural visit to Montefrio. This is a mountain top retreat of the ancient Spanish and has some stunning views and some lovely local walks. We shall explore the town and the Archaeological sites with ancient tombs.
We shall stop on our way back to the hotel at a local restaurant for dinner.
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Day 6 Harina y Agua 3-4 hours medium walk
Today we shall walk from the flour mills of Alhama to the dam and lake Bermejales. We shall have picnic on route and dinner at Pepe Reya in Alhama.
Day 7 Granada and Alhambra Palace
No visit to Andalusia is complete without going to Granada. We shall visit the famous Alhambra Palace followed by some site seeing in the city.
Day 8 Departure
Now it is time to say good bye to the new friends you have made. Terry will drive you back to the airport during the day for your departures.
Tour Rating - easy to moderate
There are some low hills and the walks average 9 miles per day.
Accommodation
Our usual accommodation is a lovely restored house in the village of Alhama de Granada, very professionally run by a Dutch couple. The Casa Sonrisa will be your base for the full week. Each night you shall eat out in different restaurants.
Schedule and Price
| DATES 2010 |
19th June, 18th September, 23rd October
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| Price per person |
CAD |
$1350 |
| Single room surcharge |
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$200 |
| This tour includes: |
- 7 nights bed & breakfast in a nice local guesthouse rated 3 star
- Dinner each day
- Packed lunches on walks
- Guided walks and driver on cultural visits
- Transfers from Malaga or Granada airports
- Information Pack
- Details on tourist attractions
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