national parks & ancient villages
Valencia is a mountainous region, with a rich history of culture, civilisation, agriculture and wine making. In the 16th Century its wines were considered to be the best in the world and in recent times are seeing a vibrant rebirth at the forefront of organic winemaking. It is home to some of the finest castles in all of Spain, spectacular National Parks and glorious verdant landscapes unfamiliar to many visitors. The gastronomy is second to none and a warm greeting is guaranteed from people keen to welcome to you to the real Valencia.
hiking week
Our week explores the Vall d'Albaida, Serra Mariola and the surrounding area, as we take you on beautiful walks, through mountains and wine county and into stunning National Parks, to the most scenic villages and historic towns from our countryside base located in the most beautiful corner of Valencia and Alicante. We take time to stop and visit some of the sightseeing highlights and sample the best coffee, restaurants and views to be found anywhere.
The week balances fantastic hiking with visits to historic sites, towns and vineyards.
We also take you to the start of each trail (vehicle transport if required) and collect you at the end of the walk, to return to Casa Sanz for a 3 course post-walk meal with drinks, craft beer and organic wine.
We can tailor the walks in terms of distance and elevation to suit your requirements and fitness levels.
who is it for?
Weeks arranged for abilities.
Mountain routes can be tough
Wine routes can be easy
Bespoke distance & elevation
how hard is it?
Difficulty: all
Daily distance: 6-36 km
Total distance: custom
Daily climbing: custom
Minimum group size: 4
Maximum group size: 8
highlights
Bocairent & Covetes del Moros
Agres Convent
Anicent ice caves
Montcabrer
Pou Clar
Xativa Castle
Bodega wine tour
Emita Sant Esteve
Hand picked coffee stops
Dinner in fantastic restaurants
dates & prices
2019-2020 Season
Availability from £745
*B&B Only From £55
Per Person Per Night
typical trip overview
Summary of the weeks hiking, daily distances and climbing. Extensions for longer walks are available to add more miles and mountains. We have tourist videos for each destination in our media library
Day 01 Arrival day & welcome reception
Day 02 bocairent - 15km
Day 03 pou clar - 6km
Day 04 rest day, hike or sightseeing
Day 05 agres montcabrer - 16km (1-way)
Day 06 xativa castle - 10km
Day 07 sant esteve 10km
Day 08 depart
The itinerary is indicative of the planned week, it may be adapted according to your arrival and departure flights, local conditions, and to the level of the group - enabling hikers to get the best out of their week. Guided support and vehicle pick up and return is available.
day 01: arrival
One of the escapar team will meet you on arrival at the airport and transport you directly to the retreat.
If you are arriving on an early flight and wish to hike, we can recommend easy walks into the Serra Grossa and Serra Ontinyent. It's locally known for good reason as the 'Tuscany of Valencia'. We have many other routes to choose from, if you want something more challenging.
day 02: bocairent
From the Finca to the historic town of Bocairent over the Serra Ontinyent for lunch.
You have the option to return to the Finca on foot or we will collect you to relax in the afternoon ahead of dinner in the evening.
Click for official Bocairent tourist information.
day 03: pou clar
From the Finca to the local beauty spot know and Pou Clar or Pozo Claro. The source of the river Clariano is located nearby and you have the opportunity to bathe in the cold mountain water. This is best reserved for hot summer days!
From Pou Clar we will explore the ancient bridges, historic mountain side mills located where Ontinyent was previously sited before moving further down the val d'Albaida.
Click for official Ontinyent and Pou Clar tourist information.
day 04: rest day
On the rest day you can choose to put your feet up and relax at the Finca, go sight seeing, walking or perhaps a gentle spin to a Bodega.
We recommend and can arrange the following:
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Day in Xativa and trip to Xativa Castle
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Day trip to Valencia
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Long walk and lunch in Fontanars
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Sighting, shopping and Menu del Dia in Ontinyent
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Train ride through the Serra Mariola to Alcoy
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Wine testing Bodega visit and trip to Villena
day 05: agres
The most challenging walk of the week takes us to the peak of Montcabrer in the heart of the Serra Mariola via the Cava Gran ice caves. the route is open all year, but ascends to nearly 1300m so appropriate clothing is required in the winter.
We take lunch in Agres Convent, with it's spectacular views of the Serra Mariola and val d'Albaida below.
day 06: xativa
A wonderful climb from the ancient town Xativa and its imperious castle, sitting atop ridge on Via Augsta road.
Click for official Xativa castle tourist infomation
day 07: sant esteve
A stunning hike to finish the week, climbing into the Serra Grossa to Hermitage Sant Esteve. The views of the vall d'Albaida and Ontinyent are unequalled and hot days we finish the week with a celebratory picnic within the church grounds.
Click for official Sant Esteve tourist information
what is included?
7 nights accommodation
scheduled airport transfers
daily room cleaning service
hiking kit wash
swimming pool and towels
Wifi
the hiking
5-days hiking
Support vehicle (as required)
GPX route map files
Wikiloc routes
Organisation of rest day trips
food & drink
welcome reception
continental breakfast
coffee & soft drinks
post-hike 3 course meal
restaurant or packed lunches
group dinners
finca paella night
restaurant bookings
restaurant transport
not included
flights
travel insurance
cost of evening meals
