Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Moderate
Baggage Transfers
May to October
This is a 7 night, self-guided route which explores the length of the Valle de Tena, high in the Spanish Pyrenees – staying in a different village each evening. The Pyrenees offers some of the most remote and wild walking of any of our destinations and each day you will enjoy some of the best medium and high level walks in the area. This is a wonderful route – with fantastic views throughout – plenty of variety and a real sense of journey as you head up the valley.
Your route doesn’t just “stay low” but gets up into the higher mountains. You’ll stay at small traditional Pyrenean villages with narrow winding streets and stone houses centred around medieval churches.
This holiday has been designed with intermediate walkers in mind – but each day you will be able to choose between either a shorter or longer option. You’ll cover a reasonable distance each day – between 10 km (6 miles) and 14 km (9 miles) (and up to 20 km (12 miles) on the longer options).
On a Collett’s village to village holiday, we do all the hard work, so you don’t have to. Comprehensive route notes and maps keep you nicely on the move. Your baggage is transported to the next carefully-selected overnight stop, where well-earned refreshment, replenishment and relaxation await you in charming surroundings. A good night’s sleep and a generous breakfast set you up for another fabulous day. Booking is easy: simply choose your dates, contact us and we will confirm your holiday asap. Then look forward to it, in the knowledge that every detail is taken care of.
28 May to 9 October 2022
You can start any day
(Airport Transfers are available on Sundays only)
15th July to 10 Sep – £1,095
All other dates – £995
Single supplement – £125
Optional upgrade to a junior suite in Hotel Tierra de Biescas – £45 pp
7 Nights
Moderate
Shorter Options: 10.5km – 16km
Longer Options: 15km – 21km
Shorter Options: 200-700m
Longer Options: 650-1100m
7 Nights Accommodation
in handpicked 3* & 4* hotels
Dinner
each evening either in the hotel, or a local restaurant
Packed Lunches
on Days 2 & 7
Baggage Transfers
from hotel to hotel
Welcome Briefing
on arrival
Detailed Route Cards
including maps, route descriptions, GPX tracks etc.
24/7 Telephone Support
provided by our local partner, based in Biescas
Flights & Insurance
Zaragoza Airport is the best/nearest airport to fly into
Transfer from Zaragoza
This is available at a supplement
Packed Lunches (on Days 3,4,5 & 6)
options available locally to suit all budgets
Bike hire if you would like to bike on Day 7
GPS hire if you are worried about navigation, you can hire a GPS which has all the maps and tracks marking. The price is 35€ per trip.
Drinks, snacks & all other extras
Arrive independently
See Travel & Other Info Tab above
Or book a transfer to/from Zaragoza Airport or ‘Delicias’ Rail Station.
Transfer times are based around the Ryanair flight from Stansted airport to Zaragoza.
In uncertain times, booking with financial peace of mind is essential – as members of ABTA, our walkers have been doing this for over 23 years. In addition, our booking conditions are now more flexible than ever:
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Arrive in Biescas and settle in. Briefing in the evening about the week ahead, going over the route and giving you a chance to ask any questions.
Meals – Dinner
Overnight – 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas
Shorter Option: Santa Elena – Panticosa: 13km, ascent: 700m
Longer Option: Biescas – Panticosa: 18km, ascent 860m
In the morning, you can either head out straight from the hotel, or we can give you a short lift to the area known as Santa Elena to cut the distance down for the first day. The route passes under the high cliffs of the Sierra de Tendeñera where you see the valley open up before you. Roughly halfway along the route you reach the pretty village of Hoz de Jaca where there is a kilometre long zip-line which you can ride across the lake. It’s great fun and makes for a nice break in the days hiking.
The hike’s full of history as you pass a neolithic dolmen, the scenic church of Santa Elena and bunkers built by Franco to defend against invasion through the Pyrenees.
Meals – Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Overnight – Hotel Sabocos, Panticosa
Shorter Option: 12km, ascent: 530m
Medium Option: 14km, ascent: 500m, descent 1050m
Longer Option: 19.5km, ascent: 1100m
Today, you have a choice of two circular routes. The shorter option passes through lovely woodland into the meadows of the Valle la Ripera. At the head of the valley, you get to the area known as Rincon del Verde, where 700-metre vertical cliffs rise up from the meadows.
The longer option heads up the Valle La Ripera, continuing over a 2000 metre (6560ft) col where you have the option of a side trip to the peak of Montaña del Verde (2288m, 7500 ft) which has wonderful views over the area. As you descend you pass the glacial tarn of Ibón de Sabacos before descending down to Panticosa.
There is an excellent mid-length option from mid-July to late August when the ski gondola is running. This takes you up 700 metres into the high mountains from where you can take a fantastic hike back down to Panticosa – highly recommended.
Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight – Hotel Sabocos, Panticosa
Shorter Option: 10.5km, ascent: 200m
Longer Option: 15km, ascent: 800m
Continuing your journey you head into the northern half of the Valle de Tena. Either have an easy half day’s walk around the lake of Embalse de Lanuza, spending an afternoon in picturesque Sallent.
Alternatively, climb steeply to the viewpoint of La Cucuraza for bird’s eye views back down to Panticosa and the Valle La Ripera where you hiked the day before. As you continue you get great views into the northern part of the valley and the border peaks before you descend steeply down to the very pretty village of Sallent.
Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight – Hotel Almud, Sallent de Gallego
Shorter Option: 13km, ascent: 300m
Longer Option: 21km, ascent: 900m
Hike along the beautiful Rio Aguas Limpias – the river of clean water. You can have a leisurely day walking to a lovely picnic spot. Alternatively, head higher to a series of lakes set amongst spectacular mountain scenery or the peak of Musales (2654m) (8707ft). Second night at Hotel Almud.
Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight – Hotel Almud, Sallent de Gallego
Route – 16km, ascent: 700m
Including optional side trips: 18km, ascent: 1000m
Today you cross over to the western side of the valley and head south. The route passes through lovely alpine meadows which are covered in orchids during early summer. The views are great throughout the day. There are two optional side trips to two summits. One to Punta del Pacino (1965m) (6447ft) for panoramic views across the valley – you can see nearly the whole weeks hiking route from the summit.
The other side trip is to Punta de la Cochata (1911m) which is a short and sharp ascent involving a bit of scrambling. You descend past the tiny village of Sandinies to Tramacastilla.
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight –4* Hotel El Privilegio.
Shorter Option: 14km, ascent: 500m
Longer Option: 20km, ascent: 650m
Bike Option: 40km; ascent: 630m
Today, one route option passes through the woods of Betato before climbing through meadows to the lake of Ibon de Piedrafita nestled under the vast cliffs of the Sierra de Partacua. The longer route takes a longer track through higher meadows to the lake. Both routes finish at the village of Piedrafita where you’ll be picked up for a short transfer to Biescas where you’ll spend your final night at Hotel Tierra de Biescas.
There is also the option to do today’s route by mountain bike. We’ll arrange for the bikes to be delivered to your hotel either the evening before. The route is mainly on 4*4 track and passes through lovely meadows. You can cycle right back to the hotel in Biescas. There is a choice of either standard or electric bikes – if you don’t cycle regularly choose the electric bike – there’s a lot of up!
Meals – Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Overnight –4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas
Breakfast at the hotel and final morning in Biescas before departing for your homeward journey.
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Terrain – most of this walking holiday is off-road on rugged terrain so you will need proper walking shoes with cushioning and support. There is little shade so adequate weather protection is also vital. We strongly recommend the use of walking poles. A reasonable level of fitness is essential.
Accommodation – the itinerary is based on half board in handpicked 2*, 3* & 4* hotels.
Lunch – packed lunches are included from your overnight accommodation on two of your walking days. Additionally, you can generally pick up supplies from local bakers or mini markets before you set off each day.
Party size – please note that the minimum party size is 2. For groups of 2 or more where a single room is needed, the single supplement is £125.
You can arrive at the start of the walk in Biescas by car, public transport or taxi (which we can arrange) or on Sundays you can join a transfer from Zaragoza airport or train station for £80 per person (for the return journey). Private transfers are available any day for 200 € (one way for up to 8 people). If you would like a private transfer from any other destination (Barcelona, San Sebastian, etc) please ask us for a quote. If you drive, there is ample and safe parking at the hotel in Biescas and it’s fine to leave your car there for the week while you’re hiking.
From the UK
There are direct flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza. You can also fly to Barcelona and hire a car and drive to Biescas or catch the AVE fast train to Zaragoza where we pick up at both the train station and the airport on Sundays or you can catch a bus to Biescas.
From outside Europe
Most of our guests from outside of Europe fly via Barcelona or Madrid, combining a stay in one of these two excellent cities with their walking holiday. From Barcelona it’s easier to hire a car and drive to Biescas (around a 4 hour drive). Madrid has excellent rail links with Zaragoza (1 hr 20 mins, €80 return). From Zaragoza you can either meet our transfers on Sunday, hire a car or take a bus to Biescas.
If you have any questions about getting here or would like any advice then please drop us an email.
Extend your stay? – if you would like to add extra days in Porto, or the surrounding areas, before or after your walking holiday, simply let us know and we can help you arrange this.
Walking Holiday & Travel Insurance – we recommend you buy a good insurance package at the time of booking (or certainly prior to purchasing flights or booking ferries etc.), so that you are covered in the unlikely event of you having to cancel for an ‘insurable’ reason.
For more information on Walking Holiday & Travel Insurance – Click here
At Your Own Risk – please read important notes below entitled – At Your Own Risk
General Information
For general information on healthcare whilst travelling, visit www.bit.ly/HealthcareAbroad
For pre-travel information visit www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
Or use the ABTA information line on 020 3117 0599 or visit www.abta.com
You participate in all our self guided village to village walks at your own risk and responsible for your own safety.
All self-guided ‘village to village’ holidays are enjoyed entirely at your own risk and it is important that you understand that whilst the route notes are accurate at the time of writing, the situation on the ground may change and this itinerary relies on your sound judgement and decision making throughout. Our self-guided village to village itineraries have been organised so that you might enjoy a route and associated accommodation you may not otherwise have discovered having organised the itinerary yourself. It represents nothing more than the opportunity to go out on a series of beautiful walks in wonderful walking areas, with the support of knowing that many of the logistics have been arranged for you. It is a fact that hill and mountain walking can and is associated with personal injury and death. By coming to such areas, you are exposing yourself and your party to the possibility of personal injury or even death. In such an event, Collett’s Limited trading as Collett’s Mountain Holidays will not be held responsible for your interest in the outdoors and your involvement in walking, which can occasionally have tragic consequences. The information provided uses only marked paths which are in use at the time of writing, however, it is your responsibility to continually assess the suitability and safety of the route throughout the walk and to undertake any action necessary to avoid any terrain which each or any member of the group is not comfortable with. The route choice also assumes an ability to read maps and navigate competently. It is the responsibility of each individual in the group to make an assessment of the information provided, and to make an informed decision about whether the itinerary is suitable for them. Finally, during your village to village holiday organised by Collett’s Mountain Holidays you act at your own risk on any ideas, information and opinions included in any material prepared by us or on our behalf to help you get the most from the area.
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Here is a list of all our Village to Village routes. Simply contact us with your chosen route and dates, and we’ll do the rest . Once confirmed, you can then book your travel, relax and look forward to your holiday. Remember, the earlier you book, the better availability generally is and the quicker we can confirm.
Camino de Santiago – A Northern Route – Moderate/Long – From from £995
A delightful mix of coastal hiking on the magnificent Costa Verde and inland hill walking in Basque beauty.
Kitzbuhel to Cortina – A Grand Alpine Traverse – Moderate/Long – From £995
Weave your way from the foothills of Austria to the high drama of the Italian Dolomites.
Corsica Mountains to the Med – Moderate/Hard – From £1045
Explore the mountains, coast and culture of stunningly beautiful Corsica.
Basque Country Walking – Enchanted Villages – Moderate – From £985
Explore this quiet corner of the Spanish Basque Country with its captivating views and unspoilt nature. A bit quieter and off the beaten track.
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
My dad and I recently finished the Camino tour with Collett's. This is my second tour with Collett's (previously did a wonderful Dolomites tour).
The tour was excellent, from start to finish. The logistics, from arrival transport, luggage transport, and taxi pick-up, was efficient and well-organized. Javier, the on-the-ground guid(Read more...)
What an amazing week we had walking part of the Northern route of the Camino de Santiago. Certainly a challenge and hilly but with the right shoes, preparation and muscle rub - achievable! Spectacular scenery and attention to detail on route cards. Javier, the local agent was always on hand if needed and a very good communicator. H(Read more...)
Just a quick email to thank you and the team for organising our recent holiday in Northern Spain. From the beginning when Javier collected us for the transfer to Hondarribia and took the trouble to show us around San Sebastián, so we were able to make the most of extra time in San Sebastián on our return, we knew we would have a good (Read more...)
This was a great break. Excellent hiking along what must be one of the most beautiful stretches of the Camino del Norte.
As with all the other Collett holidays I have taken, the accommodation was excellent (Getaria was a special favourite), the food was good and Javier, our Colletts contact on the ground, was great. He was knowledgeab(Read more...)
Coastal Walking, Self-Guided Walking, Spanish Cuisine and Wine. The hotel Antsotegi was fine but rather 'tired'. It could be a lovely place with a bit more care and attention. Although the people there were polite and friendly, everywhere else the hosts were excellent. They were extremely kind and helpful, especially at the hotel near(Read more...)
A friend of mine and myself selected to go on the Camino holiday having had very positive experiences on previous trips organised by Collett's. We have found everything great. The information before had about the trip were good and the advice to get there by public transport very useful.
We were met at San Sebastian bus station by Ja(Read more...)
Loved the variety in the route, from hills/mountains, to country lanes, forests, and farm properties. Least enjoyable was walking thru harvested pine plantations, but understand that it is sometimes unavoidable. Really happy we took this 'less travelled' route. Packed lunches varied, most were very good. The best was the one from Casa(Read more...)
Hotels/guesthouses were all fantastic. Good locations, pleasant hosts. The first night's included meal was a bit of a let-down, as the intended restaurant was closed and none of the staff at the replacement spoke English. Also, while breakfasts were all good, some did not serve until 8:00 or even 8:30 on weekends, rendering an early d(Read more...)
Local contact was knowledgeable and friendly. Checked in at the end of first two days to be sure things were going well. Great accommodations. A few more lunch choices would be good.
Great rooms and innkeepers. More choices for lunch. Diversions from the Camino were well thought out and provided some scenic and photo ops.
Excellent (Read more...)
Been on holiday with you a few times before. Personal service, attention to detail, great staff in the office and the resort, lovely walks.... I could go on.