This was a fantastic pre winter trip, close to home. The region is spectacular, walking is challenging, food was amazing and the group were great company. It exceeded all of my expectations.
An Amazing Week Walking in the Picos de Europa We spent an amazing week in the Picos de Europa from 25th May to 1st June 2019 and both enjoyed it immensely. Even though our fitness levels were different, we were both able to benefit from the varied levels of the walks, some of which had optional climbs at a more challenging level. The scenery was stunning and was further enhanced by our leader Ignacio/Nacho's local knowledge and ability to judge the walk to suit the weather. This ensured we gained the most benefit from the scenery as some walks would have otherwise been spoiled by the mist due to their altitude. We enjoyed the many sightings of vultures, eagles, Asturian Mountain Cattle, goats, sheep, horses and chamois. The family run hotel Torrecerredo was very much understated as the food and service were exceptional with a very homely atmosphere. It is a credit to Jim and Pilar for such a well run hotel. We were presented every evening with a four course evening meal of Michelin Star quality. Picnic lunches were individually prepared to order and wrapped for us ready to take on our walk. The staff at the hotel were extremely friendly and accommodating. The beds were very comfortable and the hotel also offers a laundry service which most of the group availed of. We were very fortunate to be part of a fantastic group of 16 people who got on extremely well together and encouraged and supported each other throughout the week. The hotel bar was great to relax in after a day's walking with a bottle of local cider, beer or gin and tonic.
If you want to see the highlights of Spain and Portugal in a two-week period, then this tour will definitely achieve that. But if you want to see the country at your own pace and have more time to immerse yourself in the culture, history and atmosphere at each location and explore without a constant time schedule to keep to and a lot of time on the bus, then this tour is not for you. It is a great way to see a lot of places across both countries, but nearly every destination I left I wished I had more time there to explore. I will definitely come back to Spain and Portugal in the future, but next time I will hire a car and do it on my own at my own pace, spending a few quality days in each location. At least now because of this tour I know where to go back to and what I would like to see.