1. CASTILLA: THE HEART OF SPAIN	Go to PUENTE HOME PAGE
Just south of Spain's famous Road of St. James pilgrimmage route, this area is nevertheless off the usual tourist routes. Strategically important during the medieval "Reconquest" against the Moors, warred over by Christian nobles and home to an early glimmer of what would become Spain, this part of Castilla can really be considered the Heart of Spain. Today we can see that history in castles (often in ruins but still impressive), medieval towns and one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe. Early churches and monasteries abound, from simple town churches to the evocative ruins of San Pedro along a river and Santo Domingo de Silos with its magnificent cloister.
So what will it be? A bit of the thousand-year-old pilgrimmage route or part of a pretty biking-walking path on an old railbed? A climb up one of the bluffs for the view and to find out what's on top? A walk along the river or through a gorge, or maybe up to a mountain lake? Shall we hear Gregorian chant, learn the story of the sunbeam and the sculpture, visit Roman ruins or a prehistoric archeological site? Like so many places, in the Heart of Spain deciding what to do can present some challenges! So tell us what sounds best for your group.
back to trip map	more photos this area
SUGGESTED TRIP:	Walking, 6-8 days
DESCRIPTION TERRAIN / DIFFICULTY:	This area is on the edge of a small mountain range, so part is fairly flat and part quite challenging. There are also some isolated bluffs that are fun to climb - some have cool surprises on top.
SUGGESTED GROUP SIZE:	Maximum 15 people, larger groups may be possible depending on exact route and group breakdown as some hotels are rather small.