As seen on
Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain
Northern Spain
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
10 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Covadonga Basilica and lakes
- Regions of Asturias, Cantabria & the Basque Country
- Guided walking tours in Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao & San Sebastian
- Coastal walking on GR121 (8km)
- Explore the Picos de Europa Central Massif & Iconic Naranjo de Bulnes peak
- Gastronomic delights: Cabrales cheese, tapas lunches & pintxos tour
Explore Northern Spain in this small group Spanish walking tour
Discover the flourishing culture of regions such as Asturias, Cantabria & the Basque Country, as well as taking part in guided tours of Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao and San Sebastian, with some easy walking in the Picos de Europa Mountains.
There is something about Northern Spain. You sit down at a table in the crisp sunshine, the waiter comes and pours country cider from a green bottle at arm’s length above his head, down into a pint glass held at his hip to oxygenate the liquid, giving it the fresh ‘zang’ you will experience nowhere else.
A local woman on the next table will ask you where you are from. Prawns will arrive dripping in garlic, then squid sizzling in virgin olive oil. The bread breaks in your hand like tectonic plates, the blue cheese smells like muertos, the Rioja wine adds a twinkle to your eye. Somehow just having lunch becomes a religious experience.
To your left the hazy peaks of the Picos rise up shimmering in the distance, to your right the Cantabrian Sea crashes against rocky coast in sprays of salt that reach up to the fertile campo laden with cows and horses. Squat, Japanese-looking terracotta-roofed Horreos abound, the wooden structures suspended above the ground on stone stilts, the traditional manner of storing maize throughout the snowy winter.
(Available as a small group tour or tailor-made holiday)
If you would like to learn more, you can watch our Northern Spain webinar here.
About the Picos de Europa
A little-known gem of a mountain range in Northern Spain, the Picos de Europa (‘Peaks of Europe’) spread for 20km across the stunning autonomous regions of Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and León, leading down to the emerald green coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. They offer some of the best hiking in Spain.
One of the first National Parks to be founded in Europe, the limestone peaks reach up to 2,600m where eagles and lammergeiers soar, from deep valleys and verdant pastures dotted with delightful rural villages and grazing animals. A widely accepted origin for the name is that they were the first sight of Europe for ships arriving from the Americas, and they remain deeply impressive as ever, yet somehow overlooked by mainstream tourism.
This adventure celebrates the very best of Northern Spain by exploring the culture and charm of the three neighbouring but contrasting regions of Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country. These historic kingdoms offer the traveller a wealth of experiences; from the wild beauty of the Picos de Europa mountains, to the striking Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, the mouth watering pintxos in San Sebastian, to the famous Basilica at Covadonga steeped in the history of the Reconquista of King Pelayo against the Moors from the South.
Striking a perfect balance of gentle walking in foothills and along the coast, enjoying informative guided city tours and exploring key sites in the notable towns of Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao and San Sebastian, this fully guided holiday with an English speaking local guide and private transfers will tell you the story of Northern Spain, narrated through its fascinating culture and traditions.
Day 1: Arrival into Bilbao
Transfer
Dinner
4 star hotel
After arriving into Bilbao you will be transferred to your hotel to check in. Meet your English speaking guide for your welcome briefing, and enjoy your first Spanish evening meal.
Overnight: Hotel Barceló Bilbao Nervión **** or Hotel Hesperia****
Day 2: Cantabrian Highlights
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
Today we explore some of the highlights of the autonomous region of Cantabria, whose delights are disproportionate to its size, which is small!
Firstly, we will explore the magnificent Santillana del Mar. The Collegiate Church & Cloisters of Santa Juliana, one of the most attractive examples of Romanesque, has origins dating back to 870, although the buildings visible today date back to the C12th. Also not to be missed is a chance to visit the NeoCave of Altamira; an exact reproduction of the cave of Altamira as it was between 13,000 & 22,000 years ago, with its well known bison cave paintings.
Then, we will move to Comillas, a small township in the autonomous community of Cantabria. From the second half of the 19th century, the Spanish royal family started spending their summers in Comillas, as a result, Comillas left an imprint of architectural relics such as palaces and monuments designed by renowned Catalan artists in particular, Gaudí or Doménech i Montaner. Besides this, there are many notable medieval and baroque buildings.
Finally, we will go to the lovely fisherman’s town of San Vicente de la Barquera. After lunch we head to our final destination in Espinama, crossing the stunning La Hermida Gorge.
Overnight: Hostal Remoña
Day 3: Excursion to Potes, Fuente De & Santa Toribio de Liebana Monastery
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Guest house
After breakfast, we head into the heart of the mountains (150mins), to the Fuente De cable car, for a fabulous and scenic ascent up more than 800m, to the Fuente de Glacier. At the top, we breathe in the stunning views and take a short tour to discover the area.
Continuing our journey we visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana, one of just 5 Christian sites (Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela & Caravaca de la Cruz) that has the privilege of missing perpetual indulgences; effectively a way of reducing the amount of punishment that one has to undergo for sins. It is also famous for the Lignam Crucis (wood of Jesus' cross) & illustrated religious manuscripts: the first Spanish Codice of the Beato de la Liebana.
This afternoon we visit a liquor winery to see how the locally famed 'Orujo de Potes'; a grape-based spirit (40% alcohol!) is manufactured, before returning to familiar Hostal Remoña.
Walking recommendation: Fuente dé. 2,5 km +150m -150 m
Overnight: Hostal Remoña
Day 4: Panoramic Tour of the Iconic Peak Naranjo de Bulnes, Cabrales Cheese & the Town of Sotres
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
The Central Massif of the Picos de Europa, and the National Park with the iconic Naranjo de Bulnes, beckons today. We will make a stop at the "Pozo de la Oración" to see the iconic peak of the National Park to learn about the characteristics of the massive limestone peak and the stories surrounding it.
We continue to Poncebos where the majestic Cares Gorge begins, and then we drive to the town of Sotres. We will set out on a gentle walk at Collado de La Caballar, offering beautiful views of the main summits of the Massif. After the walk, we will go to Arenas de Cabrales for lunch.
Our destination for this evening is Llanes. Our journey there (2hr) takes us through some stunning scenery.
Overnight: Hotel Paraíso or Hotel La Finca La Mansión
Day 5: Covadonga Lakes Circular Route
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
The walk starts from Lake Ercina in the heart of the Picos de Europa mountain range and heads up to the top of La Reblagas and then on to the beautiful Bricial Majada. A Majada is a high mountain meadow where horses, sheep or other animals are put out to pasture during the mild summer months.
The route then continues towards the Vega de Enol Majada, crossing a beautiful beech forest, where we will stop to eat with spectacular views of “Las Peñas Santas”. The route continues until Lake Enol. In the afternoon, we will stop in Covadonga to visit the church and the “Saint Cave”, where we can see the Virgin of Covadonga. We also do a stop in Ribadesella, a lovely small town on the coast.
Tonight we head back to Llanes for the night and to enjoy dinner.
Walking recommendation: Covadonga Lakes Circular route. 5km +200m -110m
Overnight: Hotel Paraíso or Hotel Finca La Mansión
Day 6: Excursion to Oviedo, capital of Asturias
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
The itinerary begins on Uría Street in Oviedo. After a leisurely stroll along this bustling shopping street, we will make our way towards the historic center.
Since the earliest days of ancient Oviedo, the Asturian capital has been closely associated with royalty and the upper classes. This rich history has shaped Oviedo into a modern, avant-garde city.
We will walk down Cimadevilla Street and emerge into the Plaza de la Constitución under the arches of the town hall. Though this building was destroyed during the Civil War, it was meticulously reconstructed to achieve its current majestic form.
On one side of the square, you'll find the Fontán Market, renowned for its fresh produce. The square itself is vibrant and lively, with cider-scented terraces and centuries-old arcades.
From Fontán, we will proceed to the Escandalera. The headquarters of the General Assembly of the Principality is sure to catch your eye.
The statue 'La Maternidad,' affectionately known as 'La Gorda,' is a notable work by Fernando Botero. Local legend has it that touching this statue brings love and good luck. From here, we will head to the Campoamor Theatre.
Your private tour of Oviedo will conclude in front of the Cathedral.
We return to Llanes for our final night and dinner at our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Paraíso or Hotel Finca La Mansión
Day 7: Explore Santander
Boat/Ferry
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
After breakfast, we enjoy the highlights of Santander, the capital of the autonomous community of Cantabria. Off the main tourist routes, it is a city often overlooked by international visitors, though popular with Spanish visitors. It has a stunning natural setting, with urban beaches, and meandering peninsulas, and a slower pace than you would expect for a capital city.
We visit the golden sands of Sardinero Beach, with crystal clear waters, and the Magdalena Palace set within 24 hectares of the Magdalena Peninsula. The former royal palace has opulent interiors and expansive gardens and was no doubt built here, in the 20th century, for its incredible views overlooking the Isla de Mouro and Bay of Santander. We also visit Santander Cathedral unusually consisting of 2 gothic churches, one above the other, constructed in the 13th & 14th centuries respectively. For a small fee, you can head up to the bell tower for incredible views of the surrounding area.
This afternoon we enjoy a leisurely boat trip to explore the Bay of Santander - a wonderful way to appreciate the coastline from a new perspective, before crossing into our 3rd region; Basque Country, and to Bilbao (1hr 15m), another exciting and under appreciated Northern Spanish city.
Overnight: Hotel Barceló Bilbao Nervión or or Hotel Hesperia
Day 8: Bilbao and surroundings
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
After breakfast, we head to the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, presents an alluring and futuristic space for the mix of modern & contemporary art it houses and is not to be missed.
There is a lot to pack into today, and it's from one 'out of this world' experience to another. Next up is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an islet on the coast of Biscay used by Game of Thrones in Season 7 to represent Dragonstone. The word gaztelugatxe [gastelugatse] comes from the Basque gaztelu, meaning 'castle' and atx, meaning 'rock'; together forming 'the rock castle'.The rock of Gaztelugatxe is a small island off the coast, reached by a man-made stone bridge leading to a narrow path with a mere 241 steps! Impressive and wild, set against the backdrop of the sea, a small church, over a century old, and dedicated to St John the Baptist, perches atop the rock.
In the afternoon, on the way back to Bilbao, we visit the lovely Basque town of Bermeo, famous for the fantastic surf.
Walking recommendation: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. 2 km -220m + 220m or San Juan de Gaztelugatxe view point. 600m -60m +60m
Overnight: Hotel Barceló Bilbao Nervión or Hotel Hesperia
Day 9: Zumaia Coast
Transfer
Breakfast
4 star hotel
Today, for those that would like to walk and enjoy the coastal air, we walk the well established and stunning 'Flysch' coastal pathway (around 4km at a steady pace). This route is a section of the GR 121 - also known as the Tour of Guipúzcoa - a walking route around the perimeter of the stunning Basque province, stretching over 300 kilometres (186 mi).
For those that are not so keen on the walk, you have the option to head straight to Zumaia and explore / relax until the rest of the group joins you. You may also fancy a trip to the coastal town of Zarautz, known for its 2.5km sandy beach, restaurants and shops - maybe time for a spot of souvenir shopping?
Walking recommendation: Zumaia coast. 4 +200m
Overnight: Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca or Sercotel Hotel Europa
Day 10: Explore San Sebastian
Transfer
Breakfast
4 star hotel
Last, but definitely not least, the fantastic city of San Sebastian awaits us today. We enjoy a guided walking tour around the main sites of the city including the Plaza de la Constituzion with its majestic Town Hall, Old Town (La Parte Vieja), and fishing port at the foot of the Urgull Mountain.
We end the morning with a private 'pintxos' tour (pronounced 'pinchos', and meaning 'tapas'), accompanied by a specialist in Basque gastronomic culture. After the tapas, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure; we are staying in San Sebastian tonight.
Overnight: Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca or Sercotel Hotel Europa
Day 11: Departure
Transfer
Breakfast
Your adventure has come to an end - it must be time to plan your next holiday! Enjoy breakfast before your transfer to Bilbao for your journey home.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is only available for part of the trip.
Private Transfer 2024 - One Way Arrival (1 to 2 people)
If your flight schedules do not align with our group transfers (please refer to the essential info page for timings), you will need to arrange private transfers. Note that these transfers are one-way, so if you require them for both arrival and departure, please select two. After booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
Private Transfer 2024 - One Way Departure (1 to 2 people)
If your flight schedules do not align with our group transfers (please refer to the essential info page for timings), you will need to arrange private transfers. Note that these transfers are one-way, so if you require them for both arrival and departure, please select two. After booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International Flights/Ferry & taxes
- Transfers outside our group transfer timings
- Comprehensive insurance
- Visas if required
- Lunches, 2 dinners, snacks & drinks.
- Drinks are not included on the Pintxos tour.
- Museum entrances for cathedrals, Gaudí house or Altamira cave museum.
Contents
Travel
Your YellowWood adventure starts in Bilbao. We can talk to you more about your travel options on an individual basis.
Arrival
For those of you who choose to fly into Northern Spain, Bilbao airport is a fully functioning, international airport welcoming domestic flights and those from Europe. Airport services include Duty Free, ATMs and Currency Exchange. On arrival at the airport you will go through passport control to baggage reclaim and onwards to Arrivals where you will be met by a driver / guide with a YellowWood Adventures sign.
Included in the cost of your adventure is a group transfer to and from the airport.
Group transfers are only available on the official start and end dates of the trip (see below for timings). Arriving or departing on any other days means group transfers will not be included. If you plan to arrive before or after the adventure dates and need assistance with transfers, please add these services when booking, or contact us directly to make the arrangements.
Once you have made a booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
You are also welcome to book your travel independently, and we will provide clear instructions on how to meet the group at the designated time and location at the start of your trip.
2024
Arrival Group Transfer Pick Up Time: 17:45 (from airport) - August 2024 only.
Departure Group Transfer Pick Up Time: 09:00 (from hotel) - August 2024 only.
2025
Departure Group Transfer Pick Up Time: 09:00 (from hotel)
All group specific, final details on where to meet your guide will be sent to you prior to the start of your adventure.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool when searching for flights, such as skyscanner or www.momondo.co.uk.
Travel by Ferry
Although the most timely way to get to this area of Northern Spain is to use a low cost airline, there is much joy to be found in incorporating your travel into your adventure and choosing the lower carbon footprint option of the ferry. You can travel to Bilbao from Portsmouth (23hrs 45mins), with Brittany Ferries. An added bonus to this form of travel is the opportunity to spot whales and dolphins in the Bay of Biscay!
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. As the situation in our destination countries can change, please do ensure you check regularly before your adventure.
We also receive notifications direct from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. The accommodation on this adventure are comfortable and welcoming hotel accommodation offering rooms with ensuite facilities.
We put time and effort into building our relationship with accommodation suppliers to ensure you have a great trip;
We choose accommodation based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel) and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Wherever we can we will choose smaller, more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, or in remote areas (like the mountains), we may not have a wide range of options. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things with are exciting and memorable and reflects the countries we are visiting.
Where hotels and refuges are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday, and accompanying the group each day (including during meals), will be a local, English speaking Spanish travel guide who knows Asturias, Cantabria & the Basque Country like the back of their hand! This ensures you are in excellent hands and that you have access to local knowledge.
We work jointly with our Spanish Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I fit enough?
Although you will be visiting the stunning Picos de Europa mountains (part of the Cantabria range) during your holiday, the focus of this holiday is a cultural exploration. To get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be in good physical condition and able to walk for around 3 - 4 hours (the city tours are a mix of walking tours with short transfers as required). You also need to be comfortable on coastal paths which may be narrow or uneven and naturally will include some gradient changes, in order to enjoy the rural and wildlife aspects of the adventure. Any walking is at the natural pace of the group, with regular stops and there is an alternative option if you are not wanting to join the 8km walk on Day 9.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
General information on Northern Spain
For information on Northern Spain, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specificinformation.
Reviews
YellowWood Adventures
This area of Spain is more difficult to travel to than one would think. Even more difficult to find a small group adventure holiday company offering an interesting & varied itinerary.
I have been enjoying group adventure holidays for many years, but had never travelled with YellowWood before. I will definitely be doing so again. The thought & effort put into the itinerary is exemplary.
Our guides Midori & Irene were passionate about this part of Spain, kind, fearless & fun. Joyful.
Our group of seven gelled well together, our life experiences making our time together even more interesting.
This holiday, in my view, gives you a very good & balanced overview of this part of Spain - and it’s fun.
Ten out of ten YellowWood!
Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain 2024
Diane
Great adventure! Well organized, guides were engaging, friendly and fun. Loved gentle hikes in the Picos de Europa. Learned so much about the culture and people of Northern Spain. Small group of travelers...couldn't get any better!
Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain August 2024
Kathleen
Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything! It certainly was an amazing adventure where we created lasting memories! There was a good variety of nature and city exploration. The region we visited was so beautiful and the people so friendly and gracious. Guides were knowledgeable and a lot of fun and were flexible to make changes as it best fit our group. Hotels were very nice and the restaurants were also very good! All in all a trip of a lifetime!
Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain July 2024
Enrique
My wife and I recently participated in the Historic Cities and Foothills of Northern Spain. It was truly an adventure. Our guides were great; they gently pushed the group in the hiking portions of the trip and provided memorable culinary experiences. This trip far exceeded our expectations in the locations we visited, the places we were lodged and the food. Picos de Europa, Asturias, and the Basque Region are truly phenomenal and made more desirable by YellowWood Adventures. Anyone thinking of traveling to this area needs to utilize this group. Thank you Midori, Sofie for a memorable adventure and YellowWood for organizing our experience.
Historic Cities & Foothills of Northern Spain 2024
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- € currency, or US$ or £GB to exchange
- Passport & insurance documents
- Credit / debit card for ATM use
- Prescription medication & antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser (70% alcohol) & min of 2 reusable & 10 disposable face coverings
- Washbag & usual contents - small travel bottles please! Biodegradable multi purpose soap can be used for washing clothes & self.
- Flannel & Towel (ideally quick drying travel towel)
Items for walking / sightseeing
- 20-30L daypack for hiking / sightseeing, with waist and ideally, chest strap
- Waterproof jacket (GoreTex or similar quality)
- Comfortable walking shoes / boots - already broken in...
- Sunglasses and high factor suncream
- Sun hat / baseball cap
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
Clothing
- General socks / underwear, including walking socks
- Suitable clothes / pjs for sleeping in at night
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops. NB technical fabrics dry quickly in hot or wet weather.
- Lightweight trousers (or skirts) and shorts for walking & sightseeing
- Sandals / trainers
- Warm jacket & fleece - Down or synthetic insulated jacket & light fleece recommended.
- Warm hat & gloves
Optional
- Waterproof stuff sacks & liners to keep kit dry.
- Torch with spare batteries / charger
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection. Light scarf useful for church visits
- Purification tablets as alternative to Aquapure Traveller Water Purification Bottle
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Phone & charging cables / plug
- EU plug adaptor
- Money belt or grab bag
- Walking poles
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
CLICK HERE to schedule a call online with YellowWood Founder Sam McManus.
Or call us directly 24/7 on: