Spain — Europe — Explore Worldwide 2008/09 online holiday brochure

EUROPE SPAIN " PORTUGAL Cycling the backroads MALLORCA Tramuntana Traverse TREKKING GRADE B Ref OL JFMAMJJASOND JFMA 8 DAYS HOTELS/MONASTERIES MOUNTAINS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN Tramuntana Traverse Ref OL MEDITERRANEAN SEA PUERTO SOLLER Puig Major 1445m LLUC Lake Cuber Soller Deia Pollenca PORT DE POLLENCA Tomir 1102m TR AM U N N TA A R AN G E Formento Peninsula From Lluc, the old merchants route winds out of the mountains, with views of forests and eventually the sea and descends to the atmospheric 18th century town of Pollenca and its fascinating back streets. We continue to the coast where we have a chance to walk to the pine-clad northern coast, explore the Formentor peninsula by bike or to take it easy, beachcomb and relax on the nearby beaches. Lluc Monastery MALLORCA ( S PA I N ) Active Aracena! 8 DAYS GUESTHOUSES SIERRA DE ARACENA & GUADIANA VALLEY Ref LAA Palma Airport 0 JFMAMJJASOND JFMA Bay of Palma km 25 On our twin-centre trip we explore the delights of two quite different little-known and contrasting regions of rural Spain and Portugal on foot, bicycle and by canoe. We include several easy activities for those looking for soft adventure, though more strenuous options are available locally if you prefer. Alternatively, take it easy, relax and enjoy the lovely surrounding countryside. Our accommodation has been carefully selected to ensure a combination of comfort, local character and location. In the little-known Sierra de Aracena The Sierra de Aracena is a great place for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It remains green and lush even in the height of summer when much of Andalucia dries out in the heat. The white-washed village of Castano, meanwhile, still offers the real Spain beautiful walks, great tapas, good wine, sleepy afternoons and, on occasion, wild fiestas! Castano is also a great base for Canoeing beneath Mertola castle exploring the nearby city of Seville. Well follow old drovers trails and mule tracks to the town of Aracena, and have time to visit its castle ruins. Our charming guesthouse is a typical village house with several public rooms, a garden and terrace. Mertola & Guadiana Valley Natural Park By contrast, in Mertola, our riverside base is the Residencial Beiro Rio, a classic townhouse which originally housed a mill over 100 years ago. The guesthouse has magnificent views of the Guadiana river and is ideally located in the heart of the old town. Mertola is overlooked by a castle (which is well worth a visit). The region around Mertola has several points of interest including the Alcaria Hills, Pulo do Lobo, several 15th century water mills and a choice of scenic rambles in the surrounding Natural Park. Here we plan to take to the water and enjoy a gentle paddle down the river aboard twinseat canoes. This one-week walking trip concentrates on the rugged Tramuntana range which rises dramatically out of the plains then plunges steeply into the sea. We travel on foot on ancient pathways, first of all along the coast then up and through the backbone of this beautiful island. Scenery aside, there are traditional towns and villages to explore along with monasteries and a spectacular railway journey. Soller & the rugged coast From Palma we take the old railway across the plains before crossing the mountains to the delightful town of Port de Soller. This is our base for 2 days we visit Deia and follow the paths along the coast. On our second day we make our first foray into the Serra de Tramuntana and walk down from Cuber Lake. Across the Tramuntana Our path threads on up through the mountains and we take the trail via Gorg Blau to Lluc, set amongst awe-inspiring peaks. One of the highlights of our trip is to stay in the still working monastery with the option to hike up Puig Tomir (weather permitting) for panoramic views or to take an easier route on the pilgrims trail through the valley woodlands to Caimari, starting below rocky peaks and descending into the fertile plains. FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Palma; train to Port de Soller. 2 In Soller; walk to Deia (5hrs). 3 Bus to Cuber Lake; Walk to Soller (5hrs). 4 Bus to Cuber Lake; walk to Lluc (7hrs). 5 In Lluc; optional walks. 6 Walk to Pollenca (6hrs); taxi to Port de Pollenca. 7 In Port de Pollenca; optional walks, beachcombing. 8 Bus to Palma; fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 5nts hotel, 2nts monastery; 7 breakfasts included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/On foot/Train/Tram. Comment: The Serra de Tramuntana range offers some of the Mediterraneans finest mountain scenery and is a world away from the crowded Costas. We visit the island in autumn and spring when the weather is at its kindest. Walking is graded as moderate, with the possibility to opt out of any days activity. Luggage is transported between hotels, so you can walk unencumbered. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader, driver(s) plus luggage vehicle. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Seville; transfer to Castano del Robledo village near Aracena for 4 night stay. 2 Walk to Aracena (approx. 16km); optional visit to castle 3 Cycling in the Sierra de Aracena (approx. 23km). 4 At leisure; optional horse riding, walking or day trip to Seville. 5 Transfer to Mertola (Portugal) for 3 night stay; orientation walk. 6 Easy half day canoe excursion (approx. 7km). 7 Optional walk in Natural Park do Vale do Guadiana. 8 Drive Seville; fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 4nts Posada del Castano in Castano del Robledo village, 3nts Residencial Beiro Rio in Mertola; 7 breakfasts included. Both guesthouses are small, family-run and provide simple yet comfortable bases from which to explore their scenic surroundings. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Charter bus transfers/On foot/Bicycle/Double-seat fibre-glass canoe. Optional horse-riding is a popular local activity. Comment: Travelling is kept to a minimum with each transfer taking between 2 to 3 hours. Included walks are graded easy with the occasional moderate stretch. Canoeing is suitable for beginners. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus transfer driver(s). Back-up support is provided whilst cycling and canoeing allowing shorter activities if preferred. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. Views over the Mediterranean Active Aracena! Ref LAA Serpa Vale do Guadiana NP Canoeing Optional walks G Sierra de Aracena NP Hinojales nca Ch a CASTA�O DEL ROBLEDO Optional horse riding Sierr a More Detail of na Sierra de Aracena Hinojales National Park Activities Aracena MERTOLA S PA I N To/from Seville airport Sierra Galarozo de A r a c e n a Aracena ua diana PORTUGAL Trek length and gradients 1200m 1000m 800m 600m 400m 200m 0m Day 2 12km Port de Soller Port de Soller Lluc Monastery Lluc Monastery CASTA�O DEL Alajar ROBLEDO km 0 50 0 Linares Optional visit to castle & caves km 10 Rest Day optional walk Gulf of Cadiz Day 3 13km Day 4 15km Day 5 Day 6 18km 38 Essential information, departure dates & prices see Pricing & Information Supplement

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