Itinerary Include flights Expand all London to London Day 1 Arrive in Hoyos del Espino Arrive at El Milano Real, your luxurious base for the next 7 nights, tucked away in the northern foothills of the Sierra de Gredos. Before dinner you will be welcomed with a glass of champagne and have the opportunity to discuss your week's walking options. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 The Seven Springs Walk A pine carpeted track takes you first to the peaceful River Tormes then, ascending gently past wild strawberries and pink crocus, you enjoy incredible 360°ree; views of the jagged Gredos mountains. Ibex cluster in the luscious pastures peppered with springs and fountains. Returning to the village, there's time for a drink in one of the friendly local bars before a gourmet dinner in the spectacular dining room. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 La Laguna Grande This magnificent walk takes you up to the impressive Laguna Grande set between the majestic Morezon and Almanzor peaks - the latter being the highest in the Gredos at 2,592m. The wild and dramatic glacial bowl is a fantastic picnic spot - look out for sure footed ibex silhouetted against the skyline. Above, red kites and huge griffon vultures soar on the thermals. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Navarredonda A great day for enjoying the diverse landscapes of the Northern Gredos. Wend your way across the broom-covered hillsides with long distance views to tiny white villages nestled in the vines. There are shady pine woods, and flower-filled meadows where black Avila cattle graze as you pass to reach idyllic picnic spots by the river. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Optional visits to Avila or Salamanca We've left today free for independent exploring, however we strongly recommend the 50 minute drive to the historic Spanish city of Avila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set against a backdrop of the Gredos Mountains, this walled city - many sections of the walls are still intact - dates back to C11, and its 87 towers and 9 gates are the most complete in Spain. Alternatively, Salamanca, is arguably the country's most graceful city with its dual Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals, and is just 90 minutes away. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 6 The Morezon If the skies are clear today, you'll feel you can see forever! It's not unusual to have 70km views south all the way across the plain to the Toledo Mountains - especially if you climb to the top of the Morezon (2389m). A real 'on top of the world' experience shared only with wild goats! Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Waterfalls and Meadows If you choose to stay close to home, today's relaxed walks explore the valley of the River Tormes. Look out for dippers as you amble past stunning waterfalls and through the shady forests and alpine meadows reminiscent of Switzerland. Alternatively we provide a selection of walks in the southern Gredos, just a 45-minute drive away. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Leave Hoyos Del Espino Meals included: Breakfast
Hotel Excellent hotel serving superb regional cuisine. You'll eat well on this holiday, our luxurious rural retreat, the stylish Hotel El Milano Real offers outstanding gastronomic menus and a la carte picnics on all walking days. In the evenings, expect mouth-watering temptations such as venison with wild berries or beef carpaccio with foie gras shavings and mustard vinaigrette. With an extensive bodega of more than 500 Spanish wines, we've included wine on the first evening to give you a taste of what's on offer! There are fabulous views from the hotel itself and the excellent Aguas de Gredos spa centre is just next door, great for aching muscles and offers a 15% discount to Headwater customers.
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