Walking in Spain
Grab your walking shoes and join us on this unique journey, in the mountains of Spain. Each day while walking you will begin with a hearty breakfast in a 15th century farmhouse, which has been lovingly restored into a beautiful rural hotel – our home away from home for this wonderful tour. We meet in the historic town of Oviedo, and depart from there too. Its easy to transfer to most European cities from there, Barcelona or Madrid.
The daily distances are between 10 and 15 km and there is a support vehicle that will pick you up and drop you at the final meeting point (often a village that you can explore) or back at your accommodation.
2024 Bookings ARE OPEN
20 – 28 June 2024
9 days / 8 nights / Easy to Moderate
(There are only 12 places – so early booking is advisable. Bookings close at the end of April)
An Overview
Who will guide you?
During the hikes, along with two members of our team, you enjoy can learn from our experienced, bilingual Spanish guide who will teach you about the areas that we walk and stop in.
Who is the tour aimed at?
- Foodies: People who are interested in Spanish food and wine. We visit small villages with markets and local restaurants and enjoy a cooking class.
- Walkers / hikers: People who love walking.
- Lovers of Culture and History: Walk along the ancient trade routes and visit small villages and learn about the history.
- Nature lovers and explorers: Everyone looking to explore an entirely unique and special area.
- Solo Travellers and travel partners/friends.
- Anyone looking for a fun and inspiring adventures.
The scenery: Breathtaking. From mountains to valleys, to beaches and through forests.
The terrain: Varied. You need to be reasonably fit. We walk an average of 10-15km per day
The I tineary
Day 1: Arrival Day. (20 June 2024)
Arrive in Oviedo. There is an airport near Oviedo (OVD) with regular flights from Madrid, Barcelona, and other points in Spain and Europe. There are international flights from London and Paris. For train travel information within Spain, visit: www.renfe.es. For bus service, visit: www.alsa.es.
Our team will meet you at the booked accommodation in Ovideo at 14h00 for checkin and then take you to explore the old part of town, visiting the sights such the magnificent San Salvador Cathedral and one of the many cafes that line the streets of this medieval town. We enjoy a fabulous welcome dinner of tapas in one of the local sidreria (cider bars).
“a delicious, exotic, beautiful, clean, pleasant, tranquil and pedestrianised city, like it didn’t belong to this world, like it didn’t exist. Oviedo is like a fairy tale” – Woody Allen
Day 2: (21 June)
Breakfast at your hotel, check out and then a visit to the El Mercado de Fonton (market). The streets in el casco antiguo are packed with stands of fresh fruits, homemade cheeses, handcrafted goods and an assortment of everyday items, new and old. We then continue exploring Oviedo and have a tapas and pincho’s lunch. In the afternoon we will be collected at the bus station by the owners of our hotel and we will then head south through the river valley basin in the mountains.
Day 3 – 8: (23-27 June)
Discover Northern Spain on foot with daily guided hiking and exploring. This is a ‘backroad’ Camino experience, where there are hardly any other people around.
Unwind and relish in the comforts of the same home each morning and night, while enjoying the extensive mountain trails of Asturias every day. Situated in a small rural hamlet, inside the Ubiñas La Mesa Natural Park, there is a large selection of routes, many of which leave right from our back door.
As with any great vacation, food is an integral part of what we offer you. A hearty breakfast, freshly prepared will set you up for your day’s activities. Pack your small daypack and away we go! We will follow gentle hiking trails along footpaths and ancient trade routes, through narrow canyons, over mountain passes, and into wildlife reserves. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, deep gorges, and crystal clear rivers, there is nowhere better to breathe in the pure mountain air and stretch your limbs, than right there.
Hiking between 10-15 kilometres each day (distances can change to individuals / groups ability), one will find solitude in Spain’s natural spaces and inspiration in its untainted villages and rural architecture, where it feels like we have stepped back in time.
After a day of trekking, we’ll unwind with a glass of delicious locally made wine and dine on traditional fair using local ingredients and produce from their bountiful organic garden. Let us share with you how best to make paella, tortilla de patata or our secret recipe for sopa de ajo (garlic soup).
Join us on a trip of a lifetime.
Day 9: (28 June)
Check out after breakfast and return to Oviedo. You will be there by 10h00. Please book your departing transport accordingly.
Q & A for the Walking:
What is the terrain like?
There will be some long, slow climbs through farming areas but not Himalayan or Rocky Mountain like terrain. The paths are well worn and are not difficult. We walk along a lot of secondary farming roads, through forests of chestnuts, hazelnuts and apple orchards. Hiking boots/trail shoes are an essential. Please be sure your boots are well broken in.
What if I get tired?
We have the luxury of a fully supported van, which can pick you up at certain points on many of the walking trails. We will try to provide an optional hike if you feel that the hiking in the hills maybe too difficult. This is not an endurance race; we want you to have a great time and take time to absorb the beauty of the area and enjoy it. We encourage people to ride in the van if feeling fatigued or to walk more miles if they have the energy or simply to kick back at the hotel with a good book if you feel so inclined. There is also a pilates/yoga room at the hotel for stretching and relaxing.
The Details:
Package A: This price includes both airport transfers – plus accommodation, meals, entrance fees in Ovideo and daily lunches
- Per person sharing: Euro 2500.00
- Single supplement: Euro 2950.00
- Per person sharing: Euro 1950.00
- Single supplement: Euro 2400.00
Please note there is limited single accommodation in private rooms. There are twin rooms available so if you are happy to share we will match you with someone similar in the group.
Payment policy:
A deposit to secure your place: Euro 1000.00. The balance via International Bank Transfer, no later than 30 April 2024.
Group Size:
There is a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 12 people. We need to reach the minimum number by no later than the 30th of April 2024. The deposit of Euro 1000 secures your place and in the event that we do not reach the minimum number, your deposit will be refunded in full on the 1st of May 2024.
What is included?
20th of June: (Package A only)
Airport transfer from Ovideo airport to Ovideo. Bed and breakfast in 4 star hotel accommodation in Oviedo and a fabulous welcome dinner of tapas in one of the local sidreria (cider bars). All drinks at dinner. Entrance into the Basilica of St. John, which is end point for the Camino Del Norte. A historic tour.
21st – 28th of June: (Package A & B. Daily lunches package A only)
- Transfer from Ovideo to our accommodation.
- Accommodation in a restored farmhouse. All bedrooms have private bathrooms, TVs, phones and either a balcony or patio. There are double rooms and twin rooms – with either a village or a mountain view. Wifi is available. Use of multimedia room (living room) with a grand selection of international movies. Daily cleaning service (bedrooms).
- Daily transport to and from your walks.
- Wholesome and complete breakfasts every day.
- All lunches (package A only) While hiking we will stop at markets and get picnic supplies or stop at a restaurant for lunch.
- A cooking demonstration / class.
- Gourmet dinners with wine.
- Use of the yoga room and all props (blankets, belts, blocks, eye-bags).
- Daily guided hikes with bilingual guides who will share with you the history and culture of the local people, mountains and sea.
29th of June:
- Breakfast and transport to Ovideo. (Package A & B)
- Airport transfer to Ovideo Airport (Package A only)
What is excluded?
- International and national flights
- City taxes.
- Any incidentals or additional activities of a personal nature.
- Emergency evacuation or transport out of the itinerary, during the tour.
- Travel insurance, equipment insurance and medical insurance.
Optional extras:
- Massage (around 50 Euros for an hour).
- Laundry (15 Euros a load).
Travel insurance:
Adequate travel insurance for this tour.
- Make sure that you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers Wild Wellness cancellation policies (see below) and your international flight’s cancellation policies (ask your airline when booking).
- We recommend that you have your electronics insured for damage and loss. Wild Wellness will not be held liable for any loss or damage under any circumstances.
Passports, Visas, Medical Aid, Cash and Vaccinations
- All visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least six months.
- Please check if your country requires a Schengen Visa. The link for South Africans is: http://www.conscapetown.esteri.it/Consolato_Capetown/en/per-chi-si-reca-in-italia/
- Please bring EUROS or US DOLLARS with you to use or change at travel desks. Make sure you let your bank know that you are taking your card overseas to use or bring a travel wallet.
- Ensure your Medical Aid knows that you are travelling abroad.
- As far as we are aware – no vaccinations are required for Spain.
- Head torches for the evenings.
What should I wear or bring?
- We are visiting Spain in Summer in the mountains! This will be great hiking weather. So warm during the day and cool in the evenings.
- Swimming costumes and waterproof jackets.
- Your own basic medical aid kits and any medications that you require.
- Sensible, worn in hiking boots / walking shoes and socks.
- A lightweight daypack.
- Yoga or pilates clothing if you would like to make use of the facilities at the Farm House.
- Computers and reading material for relaxation.
- A huge sense of adventure and the knowledge that you are going to hike, eat, love, listen to, feel, drink, experience, cook, photograph and totally soak up SPAIN!
You have to be able to be on your feet for at least 6 hours a day, and walking fit. Quite simply, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the hike.
To help with this, we will supply you with a free 6 week fitness program carefully designed for our hikes, to specifically build you up to a level that you will be able to enjoy the whole experience, be walking fit and strong around your knees, ankles and thighs.
Luggage and gear:
Standard luggage as per your airline. You only hike with a day pack and water bottles. There are walking sticks/trekking poles that you can use for free at the hotel. You do not need to travel with them. 205019
Would you prefer to talk to one of our team? No problem!
Indemnity
By booking this hike you agree to be bound by Wild Wellness indemnity terms and conditions. Wild Wellness, it’s staff, employees, suppliers and partners will not be held responsible for loss, injury, death or damage, including consequential loss of any nature whatsoever while on this hike, in the shared transport, in the accommodation or during an activity of any sorts. By booking this hike you understand and accept this.
You will be requested to sign an indemnity prior to the start of your hike. Failure to do so will result in you not being allowed to hike, and no monies will be refunded.
Intellectual property
