Day 1: Arrival and transfer to the hotel in the Hocho Valley

Arrival in Bilbao under your own arrangements (flights booked on request), pick-up around 14:00 at Bilbao Airport by our local German-speaking walking guide.

Your walking week begins with a stroll through the cultural city of Bilbao. First, a walk along the river to the Guggenheim Museum with its world-famous architecture. There are plenty of opportunities for a bite to eat, e.g. typical pintxos, coffee and cake, or similar; in the late afternoon drive to Hecho in the Pyrenees, followed by a welcome dinner at our mountain hotel and an introduction to the days of walking in the Pyrenees.

Day 2: Walk in the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Aragon

On this first day we follow old herders’ paths to explore the green Hecho-Tal with views of the 2,400 m Peña Forca. On the trail the wild Aragón-Subordán River is crossed on a medieval bridge. In the afternoon, a stroll through the mountain village of Hecho, where the first king of Aragon was born, to soak up the typical atmosphere of a pretty mountain village (approx. 4 km, 2½ hrs, 250 metres of ascent).

Day 3: Walk to the Mallos de Riglos rock towers, wine tasting

Drive out of the Hechotal into the Pre-Pyrenees, then walk through Mediterranean vegetation with almond and olive trees to the impressive rock formations of Riglos; in the afternoon visit an organic winery and toast a successful day’s walking with a tasting, then return to the hotel (approx. 6 km, 250 metres of ascent, 3½ hrs).

Day 4: Roman road and Höllenschlund

After a very short drive, a walk along a well-preserved Roman road, which is also an age-old variant of the Camino de Santiago. On the way back to the hotel you pass through the impressive Höllenschlund gorge (3 hrs, 6 km, 350 metres of ascent).

Day 5: Abandoned villages and vultures

Walk to a viewpoint with a uniquely beautiful outlook over the Hecho-Tal, the wild lower Veral-Tal and the main ridge of the Pyrenees.

On the way back – with a bit of luck – watch numerous wild vultures feeding at a feeding station. The guide explains how to recognise the different species in flight and spot nests on the rock faces, and talks about the habits of these large and impressive birds.

In the afternoon visit the mountain village of Ansó, justly awarded as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages. Afterwards drive to an abandoned village, with insights into former village life and why many villages in the region were abandoned (7 km, + 250 m, - 250 m, 3 hrs).

Day 6: Romanesque monastery San Juan de la Pena

En route on the Camino de Santiago you are treated to a unique panoramic view of the main ridge of the Pyrenees. Visit the famous Romanesque monastery of San Juan de la Pena, built into the rock. In the afternoon visit the beautiful village of Santa Cruz de la Serós. Dinner at the hotel (approx. 5 km, 250 metres of ascent, 3 hrs).

Day 7: The most beautiful high valley in the Pyrenees

Walk, under the watchful eyes of vultures and chamois, through the high-mountain landscapes of the main Pyrenean ridge; sheer rock faces rise steeply while magnificent views open up onto numerous impressive peaks. En route, very well-preserved Stone Age rock tombs – dolmens – line the path.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast transfer of participants to Bilbao Airport, homeward flight under your own arrangements (departure not before 13:30!!).

Start in Bilbao with a stroll to the Guggenheim, then drive to the Hecho-Tal and dinner together. Walks on shepherds’ paths with views of Peña Forca, to the Mallos de Riglos with a wine tasting, along a Roman road through the Höllenschlund gorge. Viewpoints, vulture-watching and an abandoned village. Visit to the monastery of San Juan de la Peña and Santa Cruz de la Serós. High-mountain circuit with a dolmen. Return transfer to Bilbao. Sure-footedness and fitness required.

We can book flights from your chosen airport to Bilbao at a competitive price, information on request. Minimum 4 people.