Geology of Aragon, Spanish Pyrenees: 7-day expert-led tour
- Duration: 7 Days (approx.)
- Location: Barcelona
- Product code: NS011
Highlights
- Uncover the amazing processes behind the formation of mountain belts as you’re immersed in the spectacular scenery and geological structures of the central Pyrenees.
- Discover ancient mountain villages, sample Pyrenean and Spanish cuisine, and visit a little-known wine region.
- Enjoy short walks in dramatic mountainous landscapes.
- Visit a location portrayed in The DaVinci Code.
- Stay in charming, welcoming hotels, each a unique reflection of its locality.
Overview
Explore the mountain landscapes, geology, culture, food and wine of Aragón, one of Spain’s distinct and unique Autonomous Regions in the Pyrenees.
The forces generated by the collision of the Iberian and European geological plates created the Pyrenees. The process exposed a fascinating mosaic of rocks and structures in the mountain range’s beautiful landscapes.
Throw in a sunny climate, superb local cuisine and fascinating culture, and it’s no wonder the Pyrenees are a glorious natural laboratory seemingly tailor-made for demonstrating the anatomy and evolution of a mountain belt. The area’s enthralling history and local culture are an integral part of your tour, with the carefully chosen hotels you stay in completing the experience .
Your tour begins in Barcelona, then takes you through the Sobrarbe region and the Pyrenean foothills. The town of Boltaña will be your base for three nights. After that, you’ll spend two nights in a beautifully restored historic hotel in the ancient town of Alquézar. Activities en-route to the mountains from Barcelona include a visit to an incredible mountaintop monastery, and wine tasting in the Somontano wine district.
You will travel to the higher ranges of Aragón, immersed in the landscapes, culture and science behind the origin of these spectacular mountains. You will visit medieval villages, cathedrals and mountain communities, and trace the path of the famous pilgrims’ way: the Camino de Santiago. Before your return to Barcelona, there will be time to visit the spectacular landforms of the natural towers at Riglos.
This tour’s activity level is rated as moderate (most walks are <2km, but a few are 3-4km). There is an optional longer walk along part of the Camino de Santiago. Transport will be in a comfortable vehicle suited to the number of attendees.2
Start/finish
Your tour starts and finishes in Barcelona, Spain.
Activity Level
Moderate (view our activity level definitions). The tour will include three walks of 3 to 4km (2.4 to 3.2 miles) as well as several walks of under 1.6km (1 mile). Elevations are between 50–1,000m (165–3,280 feet).
Transport
We will use a comfortable coach suited to the number of attendees.Weather
Autumn weather in Aragon is generally good with warm conditions during the day (18–28°C/65–82°F) and cool at night (10–18°C/50–65°F), although changeable weather conditions should be anticipated, with rain possible.Accommodation
We will spend one night in Hotel Casa Elliot, Barcelona, three nights in Hotel Revestido, Escalona, two nights at the historic Villa de Alquézar in Alquézar. See details of the hotels in the Need to Know tab.Testimonials
"Hard to imagine a better geoculture tour – quality leaders, quality geology and scenery, quality food, quality hotels and quality everything else, plus perfect September weather. Oriol also had the unique knack of drawing real time sketches on a whiteboard that brought out the essence of the geoviews such that a non-geologist could immediately absorb.
In all the perfect tour for both the professional geologist interested in the broader picture and those just wishing to learn about geology and the geography it creates. The Pyrenees had it all in abundance."
The Geology of the Pyrenees, Spain | Nick C, September 2024
"Having now been on two GeoCultura tours I would recommend them to anyone with an interest in finding out about geology.
The tour leader and his assistant were great. I cannot emphasis how good the tour leaders on both tours have been. It is what has made the tours for me. Their knowledge and the ability to impart it to someone who is not a geologist and make it understandable has been amazing. After all I come on these tours to be educated.
The meals were spectacularly good."
The Geology of the Pyrenees, Spain | Paul W, September 2024
"Learning more about the formation of the amazing Pyrenees, a beautiful part of the world made even better by knowing more about it.
Meals were lovely, showing us different aspects of the local cuisine, and very sociable.
This tour gave an amazing opportunity to visit the Pyrenees, learn about the way of life in the area and find out how this beautiful landscape was formed."
The Geology of the Pyrenees, Spain | Penny R, September 2024
"Best bits – The good group the humor and good relationship. The beauty of the area. The fantastic food. Historical villages. Very good organization and planning."
The Geology of the Pyrenees, Spain | Lisbeth C, September 2024
"The presentations on geology – pitched for curious beginners, but comprehensive and Henry kept finding more examples to show us.
I liked the mix of science and culture."
The Geology of the Pyrenees, Spain | Jim M, September 2024
