The rolling green hills, rippling peaks, wild valleys, tranquil rivers and medieval villages hugging the hillsides of Catalonia are the setting for the latest self-guided walking holiday that European walk operator, On Foot Holidays, has launched in the hinterland of Barcelona in Spain.
The new, nine-night hiking route, complete with stays each night in enchanting country inns and numerous meals, brings to 41 the number of self-guided walking holiday On Foot Holidays now offers in 11 countries in Europe, and the 10th walk the company has in Spain.
The walk is designed for intrepid, independent travellers keen to fully experience the essence of a destination slowly, authentically and sustainably. Luggage is transferred between accommodation every day so hikers can enjoy the trail with just a light day pack.
The new walk begins in the pretty wine town of Falset in the hills above Barcelona, with days of scenic walking along high ridges, through river gorges and enchanting hamlets and hilltop towns like Tivissa, Miravet on the Ebro River, and Horta de Sant Joan, and past rolling vineyards, olive groves and cherry orchards. Lofty peaks near the end of the hike provide sweeping views before the walk ends back at the Ebro River in Xerta.
The route covers 10-19km per day and is graded medium in effort, with availability each year from April to June and from September to November.
The ‘Catalonia – the Southern Hills’ walk includes nine nights’ accommodation in rural inns and B&Bs along the route, daily breakfasts, five picnic lunches, four dinners, daily luggage transfers between hotels, and all directions, information and maps – printed or in digital version on On Foot Holidays’ new Companion App. The walking holiday costs from £1410 (British pounds) per person, twin-share (about A$2728 depending on exchange rates). Shorter six, seven or eight-night versions of the walk are also available.
* On Foot Holidays offers a 10 per cent saving when two of its hikes are booked for the one European holiday (discount applies to the cheaper holiday). On Foot Holidays’ other route in Catalonia links with the new route at Falset – perfect for a deeper immersion into these lovely and little-known landscapes Conditions apply. A discount of £40 per room is also offered for walkers opting to use a digital walking guide on their phones without printed materials.
Visit Catalonia: The Southern Hills – On Foot Holidays (direct link to walk) or www.onfootholidays.co.uk .
On Foot Holidays offers 41 self-guided walking tours in 11 countries across Europe. Accommodation and information packs are provided for all the routes. Walkers select their departure dates, luggage is transferred between hotels and all routes are designed by locals and tested by staff from On Foot Holidays.
