#MAGICALVILLAGES-Northern Valleys Route

Arrival at the rural accommodation that we have chosen in Viana so that you can enjoy a GENUINE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE ON THE NORTHERN VALLEYS ROUTE. A unique experience that will allow you to discover the most impressive landscapes in northern Spain. It is a route that runs through a region full of history, culture and natural beauty, where you can visit some of the most charming and picturesque towns in the area. The beginning of the route takes place in Viana, a beautiful walled town located near the Ebro River. Upon arrival you will have time to rest from the trip and choose the best outfit for tonight. We will invite you to dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the accommodation to enjoy your well-deserved rest.

After a wonderful night you will go down to have breakfast because you have to regain strength for the day ahead. Today we set out to discover the treasures of Viana. We begin with a visit to the Church of Santa María. It rises majestically on the main street of Viana. Raised on a hill for defense against Castile, it is the last town on the Camino de Santiago as it passes through Navarra. We will continue with a Walk through the Ruins of the Church of San Pedro. It was the first church that was built in the then town. In the 18th century, extensions were made, damaging its main walls, causing them to collapse in 1844. We will end by visiting the Gates of the walls. In each of the cardinal points are the gates that gave access to the city. At the portal of San Felices, King Sancho VII the Strong laid the first stone on February 1, 1219. We will then invite you to eat at a local restaurant. After eating we say goodbye to Viana and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Elciego. This wine village is the perfect place to taste some of the best wines in the region. In addition, Elciego has a beautiful historic center, which will take us to times of fortune and wealth. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dinner with one of the typical dishes of the region, Patatas a la Riojana: A potato stew with chorizo, pepper and garlic, cooked slowly, in a local restaurant. After a full day, return to the accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Elciego. We begin by visiting the Parish Church of San Andrés. Immerse yourself in its history, admire its architectural details and enjoy the serenity and spiritual atmosphere that is breathed in this magnificent religious temple. Next, we will do a Hiking Route through the Meanders of the Ebro between Vineyards. An entertaining Circular Route from the town to the banks of the Ebro between vineyards and a wonderful landscape. We will then invite you to visit one of the most impressive wineries in Spain. The Marqués de Riscal Wineries. The silhouette of the Hotel Marqués de Riscal is what draws the most attention to these century-old wineries. Its innovative architecture is a reference point in the region. After the visit we will do a Wine Tasting. We will end this adventure by inviting you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region: Chops al Sarmiento: Made with lamb chops grilled with vine shoots, in a local restaurant. After eating we said goodbye to Elciego and continued our route to the next Magical Town, Cuzcurrita del Río Tirón. This town on the banks of the Tirón River is known for its impressive architectural heritage, which includes churches, palaces and old wine cellars. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dinner one of the typical dishes of the region, in a local restaurant. After a full day, return to the accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Cuzcurrita del Río Tirón. We start with the Church of San Miguel. In the very heart of the town, and forming part of the heritage complex of the Plaza Mayor, is the Church of San Miguel Arcángel, declared a National Monument since 1978. Next, we will visit the historic center. The town was walled because it was a stronghold with an external castle since the 14th century. A must-see is the Plaza in which the Church of San Miguel stands imposingly over the Tirón River. We will finish our visit to the Castle and laundry. Fortress with an irregular square plan and walled from the 14th century. At the foot of the castle is the 19th century laundry, built due to the proximity of the river waters. Immediately we will invite you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region, in a typical restaurant. After eating we say goodbye to Cuzcurrita del Río Tirón and we will continue our route to the next Magical Town, Santa Gadea del Cid. It is an ideal place for nature lovers, with impressive mountain landscapes and numerous hiking trails. It is known for its historical heritage. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dinner at a local restaurant. Return to accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Santa Gadea Del Cid. We begin by visiting the Espino Monastery. A complex that manages to merge 15th century architecture with current social activity. The individual decoration and exclusive character of the complex makes it a unique environment. Next, we will visit the Castle and walls. It stands on a rocky mound, dominating the entire environment. The preserved remains are from the 15th century, attributed building. The keep is six meters high. We will continue to the arcaded Plaza. Magnificent example of popular Castilian architecture, where the old medieval markets were held. In the square we can find the old “San Lázaro” hospital. We will finish our tour with a fantastic Hiking Route of the Ebro River and Broken Bridge. A circular route from Poblado de Iberdrola. An easy 5 km walk, for all levels of fitness, with easily accessible trails and for all levels. After this adventure we will invite you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region, El Lechazo in a typical restaurant. After eating we say goodbye to Santa Gadea del Cid and we will continue our route to the next Magical Town, Valdegovía. Located in a river valley, it is an ideal place to enjoy the nature and tranquility of the area. It has numerous hiking and cycling routes and impressive landscapes. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dinner at a local restaurant. After a full day, return to the accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Valdegovía. We begin with a visit to the Eremitorios artificial caves. The construction of caves dates back more than a thousand years and is very common in the north. Its origin is associated with the arrival of Christian hermits who lived in solitude. From there we will continue to the Varona Tower-Palace. It dates back to the 15th century. And the entire complex is defended with a crenellated barbican, walls with loopholes and a moat. It has a garden area with a fountain in the center. We will finish our tour with a Hiking Route in the Valderejo Natural Park. With an area of ​​3,500 hectares, one of the greatest attractions of the Natural Park is the gorge that the Purón River draws at the end of its journey through the valley. At the end we will invite you to eat in a typical restaurant before leaving Valdegovía and continuing to our next Magical Town, Castillejo de Robledo. This town located in a mountainous and wooded area is an ideal place to enjoy nature and the tranquility of the area. Known for its natural landscape. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dinner at a local restaurant. After a full day, return to the accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Castillejo de Robledo. We begin with a visit to the Templar Castle. The place name of Castillejo comes from its castle, property of the Knights Templar. It consisted of a double walled enclosure and there are mainly two towers, the cistern, and sections of the walls. Next, we will visit the rock hermitage of the Virgen del Monte, excavated in the rock taking advantage of part of a cave in a natural space. Legend has it that King Alfonso VII, while hunting, found the grotto with the image of the Virgin hidden in it. And if you are a wine lover, you cannot miss the experience that we have in store for you at Bodegas Castillejo de Robledo. In addition to enjoying a privileged natural environment, you will have the opportunity to tour its vineyards and learn up close the process of making its wines. At the end of the visit, you will be able to taste their wines in a guided tasting, where you will discover all the nuances and flavors that make them so special. At the end we will invite you to eat in a typical restaurant before leaving Castillejo de Robledo and continuing to our next Magical Town, San Esteban de Gormaz. Located in the Douro River Valley it is known for its rich history and architectural heritage, which includes the Church of San Miguel and the Castle of Gormaz. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dinner at a local restaurant. After a full day, return to the accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover San Esteban de Gormaz. We begin by visiting the Church of Santa María del Rivero. This magnificent example of Romanesque portico from the 16th century is located on a hillock. XII declared BIC in 1996. It houses the Virgen del Rivero, patron saint of the town, inside. Next, we will visit the Parish Church of San Esteban. The old church annexed to the Franciscan Convent is now a parish of the Sanestebeños. Inside, the image of the Christ of Good Bliss and the carving of the Virgin of the Castle. We will end our tour on the Bridge of 16 Eyes. Over the Duero River you can see the Bridge of 16 Eyes. Its current factory is from the 19th century. XVI. Here is a mural dedicated to the author of the Cantar del Mío Cid. At the end we will invite you to eat in a typical restaurant before leaving San Esteban de Gormaz and continuing to the last Magical Town on our route, Duruelo de la Sierra. Surrounded by the imposing Sierra de Urbión, this picturesque place captivates its visitors with its mountainous surroundings and its tranquility. It has a great historical heritage. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dinner at a local restaurant. After a full day, return to the accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Duruelo de la Sierra. We begin with a visit to the Church of San Miguel Arcángel. Temple built on a rock in which tombs are dug; It has a single nave, divided into three sections and a flat head, its construction belongs to different periods. Duruelo de la Sierra and its entire natural environment provide the perfect setting for a wide variety of activities, not only cultural, but also sports and recreational. It has its own Via Ferrata, in one of the most beautiful and spectacular corners of the Sierra del Urbión. Located very close to the area of ​​Castroviejo and Cueva Serena, Cuerda la Graja is the place where the route of our Vias Ferratas runs. These places are characterized by the grouping of large rocks that make up a labyrinth of alleys, viewpoints and natural esplanades; as if it were a small city. This via ferrata has two routes, an introductory one for the little ones of 70 meters and another more technical and demanding one of 450 m, composed of: five hanging or Tibetan bridges, a hanging walkway, a balance post, a Nepalese bridge, stairs..., a beautiful viewpoint with spectacular views from where you can see Duruelo de la Sierra and several surrounding towns and ends with a 164 m zip line (to immerse yourself in the pine forest). It is a different and very fun activity, it mixes mountains with hiking and climbing. It does not require learning techniques or being an expert in mountaineering. Furthermore, it is accessed by arriving in Castroviejo following the road to Cueva Serena and from there follow the marked PR and it will surely be a spectacular experience that you will never forget.