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Spanish Footsteps is a family run business based in the province of Soria in Northern Spain. Their walking holidays and cultural guided tours take travellers on a journey of discovery through one of Spain’s best kept secrets.......
Forgotten by mass development and off the international tourist trail, Soria has retained its charm and beauty of the past and offers visitors an escape from the hectic pace of modern life. Known for pure clean air, due to an expanse of forests, nature parks, grazing lands and lack of heavy industry, Soria is the perfect place to slow down, unwind and reconnect with the natural environment.
Spanish Footsteps is owned and operated by Alfredo and Louise Astorgano. With over 14 years experience in the tourism industry and a genuine love of the Soria province they created Spanish Footsteps so likeminded travellers can experience this unique corner of Spain.
Their self led trips allow you to explore at your own pace, aided by Alfredo and Louise’s first hand knowledge of the regions places of interest, historical sites, fiestas and local artisans.
 Guided tours are Spanish Footsteps' specialty. Led by Alfredo, an experienced tour guide, you’ll stay in some of the finest rural inns the province has to offer. Dine in restaurants recognized for their regional menus and use of local produce and visit some of Alfredo and Louise’s favourite places such as the Canyon Rio Lobos Nature Park.
The highlight of the park is the oxide tinted canyon walls that rise up to 200 metres (656 feet) in places, with stunning colour and formation changes throughout its 25 kilometres. The canyon's ledges and cavities are also refuge to more than 200 pairs of Griffon Vultures and other protected birds of prey. On a Spanish Footsteps tour you are almost guaranteed to see these large raptors circling the skies.
Follow shepherds routes and ancient paths that connect remote villages where you will find wild flowers and herbs which have been collected by the villagers for centuries. Thyme, Lavender, Rosemary, Heather and Sage fill the air with their distinctive scent and the Chamomile collected has long been used for medicinal purposes.
 No visit to Soria would be complete without stopping by the village of Calatañazor. Travel back in time to the middle ages as you enter the romantic medieval hilltop village, declared a national monument for its historic and artistic beauty. Explore the narrow lanes, adobe and wood homes and conical chimneys that are typical of the region.
Nearby stands the forest of ‘Sabinas’ (Incense Junipers). This Juniper forest has been silently maturing for centuries and it is perhaps the best conserved forest of Incense Juniper in the world, a species which is now considered endangered.
In the north of the province lies the ’Picos Urbión’ mountain range, a draw card for walkers and hikers. It is here you will find the glacial lake, Laguna Negra, a favourite and inspirational place for the Spanish poet Antonio Machado.
Whether you are an experienced walker wanting to take on a challenging trail or someone looking to seek out the inspiration of Spain’s romantic poets, Spanish Footsteps has a holiday for you.
More information at www.spanishfootsteps.com |
