THE ELS PORTS NATURAL PARK, TERRES DE L’EBRE, SPAIN - 7 Nights
THE TERRES DE L’EBRE
The Terres de l’Ebre is a beautiful, unspoilt region which encompasses the Delta of the River Ebro (the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula), the Ebro River Valley and the surrounding mountains of the Els Ports Natural Park. It is located to the south of the city of Barcelona in Eastern Spain. It is served by three airports, Barcelona, Reus and Valencia.
THE RESORT
Your vacation begins on arrival in Barcelona Airport. You will stay for 7 nights in the charming small town of Horta Saint Joan, made famous by the painter Picasso, who lived there for two periods of his life and where he made his first paintings in the cubist style. There is a fascinating Picasso Museum in the town. Horta is the largest of five settlements, which stand on the edge of the Els Ports Park and has a beautiful mediaeval town square with well restored old buildings. The nearby Convent of San Salvador is worth a visit. Horta is a great place for hikes into the mountains, including Mont Santa Barbara and the dramatic Roques de Benet.
THE HOTEL
Your hotel base for this vacation is the delightful Hotel Miralles, made from two old linked houses, on the edge of the town. It has 50 bedrooms, all en suite with central heating and television. It has a small lounge and a very attractive restaurant with beamed ceiling, serving delicious meals!
The owner is a real character, known for his picnic excursions by 4 wheel drive vehicles and his famous jokes (Not sure how these will translate into English!).
THE HIKING PROGRAMME
The program is designed to offer excellent hiking at Grades 2 and 3, as described overleaf but the actual hikes are always tailored to suit each individual group. With one experienced Footloose Leader and an excellent local English-speaking guide, we offer a choice of two hikes on each of the 5 hiking days, thus accommodating most degrees of ability. We will use a local operator to take you to the hiking areas, in 4x4s or passenger van, for easier mountain hiking or for more strenuous options, for those who prefer something more demanding. You will hike in the Els Ports Natural Park around the Roques de Benet, Mont Santa Barbara and Mont Caro, the highest point in the park at 4,730 ft.
NON-HIKING EXCURSIONS
During the vacation there will be 5 hiking days and one free day. This can be taken at leisure in Horta or we can arrange an excursion, with one of several possibilities. These include a full day trip to the Ebro Delta, with great bird watching, kayaking in the Ebro Delta or on the Ebro River or cycling along the “Greenway”, a disused railway track which has a gentle downhill gradient for most of its length. Your leader will be able to arrange a trip for you if you wish at extra cost.
FLIGHTS
Footloose of England does not arrange flights from the U.S.A to Spain.. We can however assist you by putting you in touch with suitable travel agencies, who will be pleased to book flights and arrange insurance etc. for you.
You need to arrange a flight to arrive before 11.00 a. m. on the 6th and depart from Barcelona on May 13th after say midday.
TRAVEL
Within Spain will be by 4 x 4 ,passenger van or deluxe coach (depending on numbers) from Barcelona Airport to your hotel and return. Local transport will be by 4 x 4 passenger van or deluxe coach as appropriate.
THE HIKING GRADES
The hiking program is designed at Footloose Grades 2 & 3. With two Leaders we can offer a choice of two hikes on each of the 5 hiking days. The distances and ascents / descents may be modified to suit the needs and abilities of the group members but will generally be :-
Grade 2 : Up to 3,000 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths. Terrain may be steeply inclined and rough underfoot, with loose rock at times. Snow may be encountered at higher levels. Distances 10-15 miles.
Grade 3 : Up to 1,500 feet of ascent / descent, on way-marked paths. Terrain may be steeply inclined at times and rough underfoot, with possibly some loose rock. Distances 5 - 8 miles.
Note : On some Grade 2 walks, more strenuous extensions may be offered
but only at the request of the members of the party.
PRICING
7 Nights, 19th April : £730.00
7 Nights, 3rd May : £730.00
THE PRICE INCLUDES
* 7 nights hotel accommodation in twin/double rooms, with private bathroom & toilet.
* 7 evening meals with breakfast each morning.
* All the transport costs necessary to fulfil the hiking program.
* Airport transfers from Barcelona Airport to the hotel and return.
* Services of one Footloose Leader and one local guide
* All local service charges and taxes.
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Flights to/from Barcelona ; Lunches ; insurance (strongly recommended !) ; optional extra sightseeing excursions (details will be advised by the Footloose Leader) ; single room supplements ; admissions to castles, museums etc. ; local transportation costs not part of the hiking program ; items of a personal nature, e.g. drinks, telephone calls etc.
TRIP EXTENSIONS
If you wish to spend a few days in Barcelona we can arrange hotels and other services for you at extra cost. In this case please give us as much notice as possible.
