Energetic trail...More details
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Day 1. Arrival |
Arrival at Valencia (recommended) or Alicante airport where one of our Representatives will meet you.
Travelling time from Valencia airport to Xativa is 45 minutes. Alicante to Xativia is 2 hours.
Once settled into your chosen accommodation the rest of the day is free. |
Day 2. Pic de la Ratlla
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Pic de la Ratlla is situated in the southeast of the region around the flood plains of the Xuquer River surrounded by 2 Sierras, El Cavall and Les Agulles.
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We start our walk at the forest house and follow the ascendant track past the deer reserve to the first of our mountain peaks ’L’Ouet - a lookout point in the shape of an egg. From here we visit the impressive ’Cova de la Galera’ before the path takes us to the peak of La Ratlla, the sierra’s highest point. Taking a steady walk along the ridge we reach the ‘Puntal de Massalari’ before beginning our decent to the ‘Font de la Sagonera’ where we will take short break and then make our way back along the valley to our starting point. |
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| The best of this route is the panoramic views of the sierra, the bordering areas, the vast rice fields and the Mediterranean coastline. (approx 6.5 hrs) |
| Day 3. L’Esquererola |
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The Mariola Sierra is famous for the beauty of its mountains, the purity of its’ springs and the richness of its vegetation. Lying between the provinces of Valencia and Alicante, the Mariola is the meeting point for 3 districts known as La Vall d’Albaida, El Comtat and L’Alcoia.Our meeting with the Mariola can only be described as magical. Setting off from Sant Cristófol. We make an immediate steep climb through the pine forest before the track levels out. Directly under the overhanging rock, much used by the local rock climbers we take a well deserved rest.
Progressing towards the peak of Montcabrer we take a steady climb on the winding pathway through hills, valleys and ravines, while the air tingles with the delightful aroma of a variety of herbs.
We descend on a zigzag track around the mountain in between rocks and through vegetation, over the Talecó de D’Alt in the direction of Sant Cristófol.
A thoroughly rewarding trail (approx 7.5 hours) |
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| Day 4. The monumental route |
Xativa’s rich historical and artistic heritage dates back to 30,000 BC, from a Neanderthal skull which was found in the nearby ’Black Cave’ or ’Cova Negra’. This town was the birthplace of Jose Ribera el Espanola , and of the Borgia Pope Alexander VI. Every town has a dark side and this was contributed by Felipe V who after winning the Battle of Almonsa in the War of Spanish Succession in 1713 ordered the city to be burnt to the ground.
Our route begins in Xativa, the capital of the region of La Costera and takes us through this historic town where we will visit numerous places of interest including Xativa cathedral on route to the Castle, standing out above the town,
sprawling across the hilltop with its 30 towers and 4 fortified gateways. This national monument is a result of a fusion
of 2 fortresses, 1 Iberian-Roman and the other Moorish. We will walk to the highest point of the Castle and enjoy the panoramic view of the ancient town. Here we will have lunch in the castle restaurant, before making our leisurely decent back to the town. |
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| Day 5. Day off |
Subject to local holidays, you have an opportunity to relax in this historic town of Xativa with its abundance of shops,
or if you wish, take a 45 minute train journey from Xativa directly into the magical city of Valencia and enjoy its many attractions from ancient to modern. Read more... |
| Day 6. Creu del Cardenal |
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La Murta Nature Reserve is located in the upper part of the La Murta Valley, and has recently been declared a new municipal nature area by the Valencian Government.The reserve is of great botanical interest and contains over 1,000 plant species many of which are endemic to the area.
Picturesque from the moment we enter the park the wide forest path takes us towards the spectacular ruins of the 15th century monastery. Travelling further into the valley which provides an ideal habitat for wild flowers and birds of prey, the pebbled path narrows as we commence our ascent until we reach our second highest where we can catch our breath whilst enjoying the views.Our decent retraces our steps for a short while before veering off to join an undulating track which gradually gains height leading us to our second peak of the Sierra.The path then contours around the massif down towards Pic de la Cabreta.
We finish on the north side of the National Park at the foot of the Sierra Cavall Bernat. (approx 6 hours)
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Day 7. El Canyon |
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This spectacular walk consists of 2 diverse terrains.
Starting from a small Spanish hamlet, we venture into a verdant pine forest, and with every step taken, the delicate
aroma of wild herbs will fill your nostrils. From here, the terrain alters dramatically as we pass ruins from bygone
days and a truly magnificent wave-curl rock formation.
A sharp descent through the valley follows, before a steady climb. We gradually progress along a plateau with fantastic vistas for about an hour, then lunch will be taken whilst enjoying the breathtaking views of the canyon opening up
before you.
After snaking our way down into the depths of the canyon, we trace our path through a myriad of rock formations and colours. Add to this the ever circling birds of prey and the haunting sounds of wildlife, the continuing aroma of herbs
and the magical display of wild flowers, this all presents itself as a truly wonderful experience where your senses will be awakened - even the silences are deafening! (approx 8.5 hrs)
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| Day 8.Departure |
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After your final night in the remarkable province of Valencia we will transfer you back to the airport. |
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