WILDLIFE & WALKING IN EXTREMADURA
ACE Cultural Tours, working in partnership with the RSPB, is delighted to announce a new, low-carbon wildlife tour to Extremadura in westernmost Spain.
To minimise our carbon footprint we will journey to the land of the conquistadors by train via Paris and the Pyrenees, arriving in Valladolid, once the stronghold of the kings of Castile, in time for breakfast.
With its mighty Tajo and Guadiana rivers, its wild mountain ranges and its limitless rolling plains, Extremadura is one of the most untouched regions of Spain. In May Extremadura’s cork and holm oak dehesas are abundantly carpeted with rock roses and cistus, while the grasslands boast mile after mile of catchfly and marigold.
When summer guests such as the lesser kestrel and pallid swift arrive, and winter visitors begin their migration north, the Parque Natural de Monfragüe can justifiably lay claim to be the finest raptor-watching site in Europe.
Colonies of up to 200 vultures – griffon, black and Egyptian – make their home at Pena Falcon Rock, accompanied by black storks and rock buntings. At Los Barruecos – where “Spain was born” according to the locals – storks nest on huge granite boulders strewn beside remote paths.
Our tour will also unravel Extremadura’s fascinating regional history: Romans, Goths, Moors and conquistadors have all left their mark on this tranquil landscape – notably in the UNESCO-protected town of Cáceres, where the mediaeval quarter is ranks among Spain’s finest.
The Via de la Plata is an erstwhile pilgrimage route running from Seville to Compostela, whilst the Roman bridge over the Tagus at Alcantara is a wonder to behold.
During our stay in Extremadura we will sample the region’s gastronomic inheritance – especially its famous jamón Ibérico – and taste the local sherries and wines. Horse riding and cycling will be available for the more adventurous, alongside our series of leisurely walks.
The base for our trip to Extremadura will be the family-owned Finca el Vaqueril, a traditional 19th century farmhouse at the heart of a 350-hectare estate grazed by merino sheep and black Iberian pigs. Set deep within forests of cork oak and steppe grassland, the finca is studded with granite outcrops and criss-crossed by ancient tracks known as calleja. Bee-eaters, hoopoes, orioles, booted eagles and red-rumped swallows can all be spotted from the farm’s terrace, and a short walk reveals a wealth of wild flowers and majestic oaks. The bedrooms are comfortable and simply furnished with en-suite facilities.
Itinerary
Day 1Depart St Pancras 1405 on Eurostar to Paris then by high-speed train to Valladolid.
Day 2Arrive Valladolid 0620 and transfer by coach to Navas de Madrono (near Cáceres) for seven nights at Finca el Vaqueril. Afternoon: lake-side walk through oak dehesa landscape to Visigothic rock-cut graves and 19th century bull ring.
Day 3Walk (5 miles) through cork oak woods and plains (hoopoes, bee-eaters, bustards, thekla and calandra larks, birds of prey) to Brozas (lunch at 16th century Convento de la Luz). Evening lecture: Dehesa Ecology.
Day 4Walk (7 miles with shorter alternatives) through finca estate with picnic lunch. Afternoon: tour of estate with owner to learn about cork production and famous free-roaming black Iberian pigs. Evening: night walk for owls and mammals.
Day 5Whole-day excursion to Monfrague National Park (golden and Spanish imperial eagles, black storks, griffon, Egyptian and black vultures) with walk to Pena Falcon Rock (vulture and raptor nesting areas).
Day 6Whole-day excursion to medieaval town of Cáceres (World Heritage site): huge colonies of swifts, storks and lesser kestrels, walk through steppe landscape (great and little bustards, Montagu’s harriers, calandra larks) with visit to roller nesting area.
Day 7Historic town of Alcantara (palaces and monasteries) in Tagus Valley (giant Roman bridge over gorge), walk beside Tagus River (former border between Spain and Portugal, now national park): nightingales, crag martins, raptors.
Day 8Optional cycling or horse trekking through estate into steppe and dehesa. Evening: barbeque with local acorn liquors.
Day 9Los Barruecos (huge granite boulders, nesting white storks), Museo Vostell Malpartida (modern art museum housed in 18th century water mill) to Cáceres then by train to Madrid for 1900 departure via Paris to London.
Day 10Arrive St Pancras 1230.
Cost includes: return travel by train in a two berth cabin, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner & two picnic lunches, excursions & admissions.
Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £275 (Finca only), £450 (Finca & train).
