AWAY FROM THE CROWDS stress free and comfortable walking, cycling and scooter holidays for those who want to really discover a region, as a traveller rather than a tourist…
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AWAY FROM THE CROWDS a different way to discover the countryside, the people, the places, and the culture at your own pace; on foot, on bicycles, or on Vespas… with all the creature comforts and excellent local cuisine…
SPAIN UP CLOSE NEW WAYS TO TRAVEL
SPAIN UP CLOSE
HIDDEN TRASURES FOR THE DISCERNING TOURIST
Our tours take place in Segovia, a little-known region of central Spain. It is a land of splendid artistic and cultural heritage, nature, gastronomy, folklore and traditions. Despite being so close to Madrid Airport and enjoying dry and sunny weather for most of the year, it still remains relatively undiscovered and unspoilt.
With the pine and oak covered hills of the Guadarrama Mountain Range as an imposing backdrop, the gently sloping landscape extends to the North towards the plains of Castilla in a sea of juniper and holly oak forest, filled with aromatic herbs.
Its limestone buildings and traditional architecture speak of civilizations that came and went. The Romans, the Arabs, and most of all, the medieval Kingdom of Castilla and Aragon…
Its wildlife speaks of a landscape largely untouched by man, where shepherds still protect their herds from wolves and eagles dominate the skies above, where wild boar roam free and thousands of butterflies fill the hot air on summer days.
The authenticity of its folk customs and traditional way of life makes this relatively unknown part of Spain a remarkable destination for the discerning tourist. Despite being just over an hour’s drive away from Madrid airport, the area remains true to its rich cultural and historical
All our tours include a day visit to the magnificent historic city of Segovia, a World Heritage Site, renowned for its medieval architecture, and one of the most beautiful Spanish cities.
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Amongst its most important monuments are the 11th century fairy-tale castle, the best-preserved roman aqueduct in the world and the dominating 16th century Gothic Cathedral.
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS the experience is yours! But let us arrange the best walks and cycle routes that take you to the best places, the best hotels, and the best restaurants, so you can concentrate on really experiencing life in the region you are visiting…
NEW WAYS TO TRAVEL
RELAXING TOURS IN THE HANDS OF LOCAL EXPERTS
We believe in facilitating a genuine travel experience with the aid of local knowledge, ensuring safety and a good standard of accommodation and meals… and no nasty surprises!
Independent Travelling is the new buzzword in Tourism but the difficulties posed by language barriers and the lack of local knowledge very often lead people to the usual tourist haunts and they go home having travelled uncomfortably and ended up in the same old touristy places.
Before you arrive you’ll receive a comprehensive pack that includes detailed maps and a guide so you can start enjoying your holiday from home:
Itinerary Pack
Local 1:25000 maps with your trail clearly marked. |
Detailed itinerary description. |
Recommendations for local shops, places to visit and things to do. |
Advice and suggestions to make the most of your holiday, safely. |
Information about your accommodation including check in times and meal times. |
Apart from your itinerary pack full of our local knowledge your trip also includes:
What’s included?
Transport for you and your luggage to and from the Airport (Madrid or Valladolid), and, on some itineraries, transport to visit the city of Segovia. |
All high quality accommodation based on en-suite rooms with creature comforts, in small rural hotels. |
Luggage transfers between accommodations. |
All your meals based on local style breakfast and dinner and picnic-style shepherd’s lunches and complementary wine |
Depending on your choice of holiday, hire of touring Donkey, fully equipped touring Bicycles or Vespas, as required. |
Travel insurance. |
24 hour emergency support only a phone call away to help you with any unforeseeable problems. |
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS the experience is yours! But let us arrange the best walks and cycle routes that take you to the best places, the best hotels, and the best restaurants, so you can concentrate on really experiencing life in the region you are visiting…
We believe in facilitating a genuine travel experience with the aid of local knowledge, ensuring safety and a good standard of accommodation and meals… and no nasty surprises!
+puede ser un botón
Before you arrive you’ll receive a comprehensive pack that includes detailed maps and a guide so you can start enjoying your holiday from home:
Itinerary Pack
Local 1:25000 maps with your trail clearly marked. |
Detailed itinerary description. |
Recommendations for local shops, places to visit and things to do. |
Advice and suggestions to make the most of your holiday, safely. |
Information about your accommodation including check in times and meal times. |
Apart from your itinerary pack full of our local knowledge your trip also includes:
What’s included?
Transport for you and your luggage to and from the Airport (Madrid or Valladolid), and, on some itineraries, transport to visit the city of Segovia. |
All high quality accommodation based on en-suite rooms with creature comforts, in small rural hotels. |
Luggage transfers between accommodations. |
All your meals based on local style breakfast and dinner and picnic-style shepherd’s lunches and complementary wine |
Depending on your choice of holiday, hire of touring Donkey, fully equipped touring Bicycles or Vespas, as required. |
Travel insurance. |
24 hour emergency support only a phone call away to help you with any unforeseeable problems. |
We do not include flights in our holidays because there are number of low cost airlines that can fly you to Madrid or Valladolid airports at bargain prices! (Easyjet, Ryanair, AirBerlin…)
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS move with the countryside and get to places slowly. Discover the essence of your destination. Spend time absorbing the subtle changes in the scenery and the different villages you go through …
7 NIGHTS CYCLING TRAIL
A CYCLING JOURNEY IN THE SPANISH HEARTLAND
A cycling journey for anyone with a sense of adventure and a thirst for discovering new places in unusual ways.
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All this in a region of special conservation importance for its rare species of birds and unusual habitats.
We provide you with fully equipped mountain bikes and carry your luggage door to door to all your accommodation. If you wish to travel as a family with children we provide you with children’s bikes, a trail-gator to convert your bike into a tandem, and a child seat as you require.
What is included?
Itinerary Description
This holiday is sold as Sunday to Sunday
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS with us you’ll stay at small, welcoming, family-
run hotels, off the beaten track, with relaxing surroundings. After a day exploring, you will deserve a fabulous place to relax and a fabulous dinner
7 NIGHTS FAMILY TRAIL
WALKING WITH SHEPHERDS (icono que falta)
A five day journey on foot, in the company of a donkey, along ancient drove roads and forgotten paths connecting quaint villages, with a visit to the beautiful city of Segovia to culminate your holiday.
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Gentle walks through striking Juniper woodlands and meadows dotted with coppiced Ash trees, sleepy medieval towns and villages full of history. Each evening you will relax in the comfort of a different rural hotel with all the creature comforts you expect from our holidays abroad.
You will find yourself enjoying picnics in the welcome shade of an obliging tree, watching a myriad of birds of prey soaring on the thermals and living a memorable adventure as a family together.
What is included?
Itinerary Description
This holiday is sold as Sunday to Sunday
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS with us you’ll stay at small, welcoming, family-run hotels, off the beaten track, with relaxing surroundings. After a day exploring, you will deserve a fabulous place to relax and a fabulous dinner …
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ON BICYCLES ON FOOT ON VESPAS WITH DONKEYS AS A FAMILY BIRDWATCHING
7NIGHTS FAMILY TRAIL 7 NIGHTS DE LUXE TRAIL 3 NIGHTS DE LUXE TRAIL
7 NIGHTS DE LUXE TRAIL
MEDITERRANEAN LANDSCAPES (icono que falta)
Gentle day walks along historic drove roads and country lanes in five stages, with a stay in a different small rural hotel each night, and two nights in Segovia to discover this beautiful city.
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The hotels we have chosen for this holiday are of the highest quality, without compromising their rustic and rural context.
You may choose to hire a donkey from us to accompany you on your journey, carrying your things for the day and taking you if you get tired. This holiday is about striking Mediterranean landscapes in the sun, ancient traditions, history and culture in the Real Spain.
What is included?
Itinerary Description
This holiday is sold as Sunday to Sunday
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS with us you’ll stay at small, welcoming, family-run hotels, off the beaten track, with relaxing surroundings. After a day exploring, you will deserve a fabulous place to relax and a fabulous dinner …
HOME NEW WAYS TO TRAVEL OUR HOLIDAYS OUR HOTELS ABOUT US GET IN TOUCH LINKS
ON BICYCLES ON FOOT ON VESPAS WITH DONKEYS AS A FAMILY BIRDWATCHING
7NIGHTS FAMILY TRAIL 7 NIGHTS DE LUXE TRAIL 3 NIGHTS DE LUXE TRAIL
3 NIGHTS DE LUXE TRAIL
TAILORED WALKING HOLIDAY (icono que falta)
We invite you to experience the landscape, wildlife, culture and history of the Real Spain, first hand.
Gentle day walks along historic drove roads and country lanes with a stay in a different small rural hotel each night, ending with an optional extra two nights in Segovia to discover this beautiful city.
+puede ser un botón
What is included?
Itinerary Description
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS a different way to travel for the discerning client. Taste the local food and wine; learn about the wildlife, history, architecture and traditions of the land you are visiting. We take care of all the details…
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ON BICYCLES ON FOOT ON VESPAS WITH DONKEYS AS A FAMILY BIRDWATCHING
7 NIGHTS VESPA EXCURSIONS 3 NIGHTS VESPA EXPEDITION
7 NIGHTS VESPA EXCURSIONS
A FUN WAY TO DISCOVER THE REAL SPAIN (vespa icon)
The combination of fantastic weather most of the year round and miles and miles of quiet, single track roads in beautiful landscapes, makes this little known region of Spain a great holiday destination to be explored on a Vespa.
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The Vespas are easy to drive, small 125cc motorcycles with no gears. They can be driven by anyone who has held a car driving licence for at least 3 years. Children from the age of 7 can be carried on the back of the Vespa by a parent or legal guardian.
What is included?
Itinerary Description
This holiday can start any day of the week.
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS a different way to travel for the discerning client. Taste the local food and wine; learn about the wildlife, history, architecture and traditions of the land you are visiting. We take care of all the details…
HOME NEW WAYS TO TRAVEL OUR HOLIDAYS OUR HOTELS ABOUT US GET IN TOUCH LINKS
ON BICYCLES ON FOOT ON VESPAS WITH DONKEYS AS A FAMILY BIRDWATCHING
7 NIGHTS VESPA EXCURSIONS 3 NIGHTS VESPA EXPEDITION
3 NIGHTS VESPA EXPEDITION
WINDING ROADS AND MOUNTAIN VILLAGES (vespa icon)
For those with a thirst to discover new places off the beaten track, in unusual ways.
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Later, you will travel down towards the plains of Castilla to discover its beautifully preserved medieval towns, amongst ancient juniper forests and cultivated landscapes, and the Duratón Canyon Nature Reserve.
This tour can be preceded or followed by visits to Madrid and/or Segovia, as you require. If you decide to stay in Segovia for a night or two we can arrange for you to have a bird’s eye view of its Cathedral, Castle, and Roman Aqueduct, by taking a Balloon Flight.
The Vespas are easy to drive, small 125cc motorcycles with no gears. They can be driven by anyone who has held a car driving licence for at least 3 years. Children from the age of 7 can be carried on the back of the Vespa by a parent or legal guardian.
What is included?
Itinerary Description
This holiday can start any day of the week.
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS because comfort is a top priority on our holidays, this service includes moving your personal luggage from hotel to hotel. We’ve hand-picked the best small family run hotels for you to relax in at the end of your day’s exercise…
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ON BICYCLES ON FOOT ON VESPAS WITH DONKEYS AS A FAMILY BIRDWATCHING
We believe these are hugely underestimated animals. Their excellent qualities as long distance travellers, strength and docile nature make them the perfect travel companions for travellers in our walking holidays. Children absolutely adore them and love riding them, leading them and looking after them. They walk at a relaxing pace and are predictable, peaceful, easygoing animals.
Donkeys in our lives! +puede ser un botón
These are tranquil and placid animals with tremendous energy and surprising stamina. They are also very well acclimatised to the heat and lack of water.
In recent times, with the increasing use of machinery in farming and the advent of modern transport their numbers have gone down dramatically and all three Spanish races of donkey are protected today.
Their role is changing. They are still used in rural areas to carry old people, to move herds of sheep and cows and in simple farming tasks such as ploughing vineyards and potato fields.
We offer the hire of a donkey in all our walking holidays:
7 NIGHTS FAMILY TRAIL
WALKING WITH SHEPHERDS (donkey icon)
7 NIGHTS DE LUXE TRAIL
MEDITERRANEAN LANDSCAPES (donkey icon)
3 NIGHTS DE LUXE TRAIL
TAILORED, TRANSHUMANCE WALKING HOLIDAY
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS we make it possible for families to enjoy active holidays by taking care of all the details: Suitable accommodation and meals, specially designed itineraries, and hire of donkeys and family cycling equipment…
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ON BICYCLES ON FOOT ON VESPAS WITH DONKEYS AS A FAMILY BIRDWATCHING
AS A FAMILY (ICONO DE LA FAMILIA)
Bring back the spirit of adventure to your family!
Walking and Cycling Holidays designed with children in mind. Our family walking holiday relies on the charm and strength of a donkey to encourage your children to walk happily, and much further than they ever did before.
In our cycling holiday we provide children’s bicycles, baby seats and tandem bikes to fulfil all your family’s cycling requirements, safely.
Our holidays on Vespa can also include children from the age of 7 as they can travel as a passenger with their parent or legal guardian.
Family-friendly holidays+puede ser un botón
We have designed daily trails that are pitched at the right level and are full of interest for all the members of the family. We have looked for adequate accommodation where you will feel more comfortable and which will keep the costs down. We have also taken care of special children’s menus and sleeping arrangements.
In the company of one of our experienced donkeys you will be amazed at how your children follow the day’s trail. They take turns pulling the reins and jumping on the saddle when they get tired and will share responsibility for the animal’s welfare.
These are beautiful, gentle animals, easy to handle and hugely photogenic. Their steady, gentle pace will make the trail much more enjoyable.
Cycling with your family is often limited to the pace and distance that the smallest member of the family con manage. With our “trailgators” you can make a tandem bike out of any two bikes in seconds, making it possible for everyone to go further and faster. We provide you with all the specialised family cycling equipment you need to make it happen.
We offer the following holidays suitable for families:
7 NIGHTS CYCLING TRAIL
A CYCLING JOURNEY IN THE SPANISH HEARTLAND (family icon)
7 NIGHTS FAMILY TRAIL
WALKING WITH SHEPHERDS (family icon)
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS a different way to travel for the discerning client. Taste the local food and wine; learn about the wildlife, history, architecture and traditions of the land you are visiting. We take care of all the details…
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ON BICYCLES ON FOOT ON VESPAS WITH DONKEYS AS A FAMILY BIRDWATCHING
Birdwatching (ICONO Del ave)
Observing and photographing new birds in the Spanish heartland.
We are preparing new holidays in which to enjoy the many species of birds that you will come across along the journey, in very special ways.
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS stress free and comfortable walking, cycling and Vespa holidays for those who want to discover a region beneath the surface, as a traveller rather than a tourist…
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ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD:
Because comfort is a top priority on our holidays, we’ve hand-picked the best hotels for you to relax in, at the end of your day’s exercise, with all the creature comforts and excellent local cuisine.
Fotos
With us you’ll stay at small, welcoming, family-run hotels, off the beaten track, with relaxing surroundings. After a day exploring, you will deserve a fabulous place to relax and a fabulous dinner.
Segovia: a land of roasts (un botón )
Roasts are common in the whole of Castile-León, but in Segovia they are something beyond the norm. There, it is terribly hard to decide whether to have the roast suckling pig or the roast suckling lamb, since both of these oven specialities are the most delicious things that the excellent local restaurants offer.
Beef is also great, specially the one that comes from the livestock that grazes in Prádena and Villacastín. Let us not forget that pork, ever-present in Segovian cuisine, is not only used for roasted dishes, but also in the making of excellent hams and sausages, like Iberian cured ham and the famous Cantimpalos chorizo, a spicy sausage that is very traditional of Spain.
If you are vegetarian don’t worry there will always be an alternative to a meat or fish dish!
Products from the local farms (un botón)
However, meat is not the only great thing in the local gastronomy. The rivers that cross this region provide a constant supply of great trout and tench, which is usually either baked or fried. As for the local produce, the farms yield excellent potatoes that give the right touch to the delicious traditional dishes. The excellent pulses from San Ildefonso Farm deserve a separate note, specially the judiones (large beans) which can be white, black or mottled. The farms in the Duratón riverside also yield excellent carrots and red cabbage, great chicory and endive (which are becoming very popular as of late) and, recently, also raspberries, which make the end of ever meal a that much sweeter.
Desserts (un botón)
Segovia's typical cheeses are made with sheep's milk. These sheep produce a very limited quantity of milk, but it is the best possible. Segovia's desserts are similar to the ones from the neighbouring provinces, but there is one that must be mentioned: the Segovian cake. The traditional ring-shaped pastries, florones and buns are examples of the varied confectionery that you can try in this province.
Wines (un botón)
There is nothing better than the wines with Designation of Origin Rueda to go with the delicious regional food. This D.O. includes parts of several municipalities in Segovia and its white wines top the list of the best in Spain. The Designation of Origin Ribera del Duero produces some truly excellent bottles. There are plenty of wines of distinction in this region.
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS stress free and comfortable walking, cycling and Vespa holidays for those who want to really discover a region as a traveller rather than a tourist…
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AWAY FROM THE CROWDS is a partnership between two brothers, eager to “seize the day”. (logo de las hojas)
As many other thirty something year old fathers, we are very aware that life can pass you by if you are not careful. We believe in the importance of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. We are seeking to provide for ourselves and other people opportunities to live genuine and intense moments with a sense of freedom. Moments with your life partner, family, or your close friends… Moments of discovery and adventure… Moments to remember.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
The environment and social and economic justice are important to us. In ensuring we provide more authentic holidays that allow people to truly experience a destination and its culture, we want to make sure that the local people they come across benefit as much as possible from their visit and that any negative environmental impacts on the place they visit are minimised.
Here is how we try to achieve this: +puede ser un botón
We transmit our social and environmental responsibility policy to our staff, destination suppliers and travellers.
We request waste management practice of suppliers (reduce-reuse-recycle).
We provide suggestions to travellers for how to reduce water use and minimise damage to the environment and wildlife as well as minimising negative impacts on local cultures.
We provide suggestions for destination visits to appropriate local social or environmental projects with direct or indirect environmental benefits or benefits to the host community.
We request that suppliers employ local people wherever possible and make use of local produce, manufacturers and other services.
Travellers are provided with suggestions of local services that provide local community benefits (e.g. restaurants, shops, craft markets).
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS stress free and comfortable walking, cycling and Vespa holidays for those who want to discover a region beneath the surface, as a traveller rather than a tourist…
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GET IN TOUCH (logo de piña)
We are always delighted to hear from you, please send us any questions, comments or feed back you may have. Thank you.