PICOS PEAKS & GORGES

The Picos de Europa is Spain's third highest mountain range, lower only than the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada. It is a spectacular range of limestone peaks, ridges and deep valleys. The high ground is a 'moonscape' of dramatic rocky terrain almost devoid of vegetation, while the lower valleys (locally known as 'Green Spain') are full of beautiful wildflowers in spring. Its terrain, tranquillity and inaccessibility make the Picos a walker's favourite. Bears, wolves and boars all still survive here, chamois are often spotted, and due to a total hunting ban are not shy and allow us to approach well within camera range. Fire salamanders, golden eagles and griffon vultures are all often seen, along with many other species. We walk from our small family-run hotel into the heart of this beautiful range, Europe's largest National Park, returning each night for one of the many home-cooked specialities on offer. The scenery, walking, hotel, food, climate and wildlife make this a great week's walking.

SPECIAL INTEREST COOKING & LANGUAGE WEEKS (Please see dates and prices page for departures)

These special weeks are the perfect opportunity to enjoy the wonderful variety of walks available in the Picos de Europa whilst learning Spanish or cooking some of the local specialities. On the Spanish Language Week short sessions during the week from our experienced local teacher will provide basic language skills, which you can practise with the Spanish staff and on your daily walks, helping you feel like a local in no time. Our special Cookery Weeks combine the daily walks with 5 lessons preparing the local soups and dishes from Fabada Asturiana (Spain's second most popular dish) to chick peas, leeks and potato. Please see the trip notes for more detailed information regarding these special departures.

FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ON SELECTED DEPARTURES

On a number of selected departures we are happy to be able to offer an unlimited number of single supplements free of charge (07/11/09, 05/12/09, 19/12/09 and 26/12/09).

FREE TRANSFERS AVAILABLE FROM SANTANDER

Should you choose to fly with Ryanair to Santander we are able to offer a free round trip transfer from the airport to your hotel on the group arrival and departure days.