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The Picos de Europa, a mountain range soaring to nearly 9,000 feet just 20 miles from the Atlantic coast, is an area of impressive limestone spires, cavernous gorges, and rugged trails that lead to isolated villages untouched by the hand of time. This is an unexpected - and totally captivating - side of Spain (you won't find castanets or flamenco music here!). But you will find beautiful mountains with challenging trails and an enchanting Celtic culture that's a world away from the rest of Spain.

Our unique itinerary is exclusive, and you'll see it all through the eyes of our own native son Erik Perez, who loves introducing hikers to places that mean the world to him. Besides enjoying the local culture and hiking the mountain trails, you can also try some optional rock climbing under his caring, expert tutelage. Erik is one of the finest guides you'll find anywhere - just ask anyone who's been on one of his trips!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Challenging hikes in a hidden corner of Spain on an itinerary exclusive to MTS!
  
• Explore ancient mountain villages accessible only by foot with comfortable lodging each night (including a parador)
  
• Discover the delights of sidra (a local fermented apple drink), fine Spanish wines, and locally made Cabrales cheese
  
• Take in endless views of dramatic limestone peaks, deep gorges, and dramatic lunar landscapes
  
• Witness the rich Asturian culture that includes ancient Spanish and Celtic traditions

Day 1 - Meet in Oviedo, Spain, and transfer to a beautiful parador near Cangas de Onis, home of King Pelayo, who started the Christian reconquest of Spain in the 8th century.

Day 2 - Warm-up hike, with an optional ascent of Peņa Santa de Enol (8,000') for views of an ocean of saw-toothed peaks. Visit the neo-Romanesque basilica of Covadonga before returning to Cangas de Onis.

Day 3 - Hike across a pass to Valdeon, a valley between the two large massifs of the Picos de Europa.

Day 4 - Hike through the dramatic Cares Gorge and then up to Bulnes, a town reached only by foot. Continue across an open valley to Sotres.

Day 5 - Hike across the central massif of the Picos, ascending rocky trails to the base of several limestone peaks. Optional scramble up Pico Tesorero (8,300'). Descend to a well-appointed mountain hotel in Aliva.

Day 6 - Hike through local villages or optional scramble up Pico de la Padiorna (7,500').

Day 7 - Return hike through the Duje River Valley to Sotres. Drive to seaside Ribadesella and view the Paleolithic rock art at the caves of Tito Bustillo.

Day 8 - Transfer to Oviedo and depart. (The September departure can be done back-to-back with our Across the Pyrenees trip.)

Photo Credits
Both images: ŠTara Starr-Keddle (MTS Staff)