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Adventureline International, North Spain.– "The Picos de Europa Mountains." In 2008, from June 25th until July 4th - 9 nights/10 days.
Brittany Ferries "Plymouth - Santander", for foot passengers costs about £115 return (includes private en-suite cabin). Various arlines fly to northern Spain. BA and EasyJet fly to Bilbao, Ryanair fly to Santader - and these days, each for as little as £20 one way. Currently (Jan 15th) Ryanair are offering flights to Santander for just 1 penny one way plus taxes - crazy! The Picos are situated about 100 km southwest of Santander. The main ranges are of white/pink limestone and are very abrupt - somewhat similar to The Dolomites in Italy. High peaks (up to 2650m) are interspersed with deep beech-forested valleys, where centuries old farming methods are still practised. Staying with our English friends Mike and Lisa, in their lovely renovated farmhouse in a small hamlet near Potes with beautiful views, we’ll take daily walks in the valleys, along the ridges - and high up above the tree line. We’ll also walk the magnificent Cares Gorge - a breathtakingly deep gorge with an amazing footpath hewn from the rocky sides. We’ll also possibly spend a night in a mountain hut (refugio) - giving us the opportunity to reach the highest parts of the range where "limestone pavements" and jagged peaks are the home to wild creatures such as mountain Chamoix, Griffon Vultures and Eagles. In this case, we would traverse over the central massive in two days. Brown bears and wolves still inhabit these mountains. To reach the highest parts of the central range, there is a very spectacular cable car that whisks us up over 2000 feet in one sweep, making the very high tops much more easily acccessible for day hikes. The climate here in early summer is very pleasant - often with warm sunshine by day - up to 28C. In late June and early July, the wild flowers are perhaps the most stunning thing to observe (apart from the breathtaking scenery and wildlife!) and in particular the flora of the wild hay meadows is absolutely amazing, with for example, many species of beautiful wild orchids. Lisa is an excellent cook - and the hospitality at Casa Gustavo is superb. Transport provided, including collection from Bilbao or Santander. Cost is 1150 euros including absolutely everything - and wine! Party size limited to a maximum of 9.
Please email us for an individual and fully illustrated 2008 "Trip Dossier". |
| Telephone - +44(0)1209 820847 |
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