Vistas of Valencia

Location: Valencia, Spain. Holiday type: Guided walking, single centre. Groups of 4 to 12 people. Managed locally by hotelier. Activity level: 2 boots Duration: 8 days (7 nights) Hotels: Mid range/good value. Meals: All meals including wine except lunch in Valencia (day 5). Prices from: Please call. Departs: Selected Saturdays from 24 Dec '11 to 11 May '13   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights The deserted mountains behind Valencia form a varied region where traditional villages, perched on sharp ridges and valley sides, are a world away from the popular Mediterranean coastal resorts just 20 minutes distant. Superb flowers, birds and butterflies, and a fabulous day out in the city of Valencia!

Day-by-day itinerary

Saturday - You arrive in Parcent

A private transfer (70 mins) to Parcent - welcome drink and a stroll around the village before dinner.

Sunday - El Somo Circuit 12km/7.5mi/4hr

Today's walk winds between three inland gorges each more spectacular than the last! Farm paths through cherry orchards lead over open ridges, with ever more expansive views of the coast before we picnic in a ruined farmhouse below an impossible castle on a ragged vertical peak. From here we wind past bright pink velorium above a sunken chasm, and descend through almond terraces perfumed with camomile back the start. Tonight David cooks a huge wagon-wheel sized paella on the terrace!

Monday - Caballo Verde 12km/7.5mi/4hr

A ferocious battle between the Moors and Christians - the last on mainland Spain during the Spanish Reconquest - took place on the Caballo Verde Ridge high above Parcent village in 1609. Today we follow a steady stepped trail cut centuries ago by Arab traders through almond terraces leading up to this ancient battlefield, marked by a lonely cross on the rocky hillside. We picnic with views out to the distant Balearic Islands before descending from a rocky saddle into Benichembla Village for a drink in the lively local bar.

Tuesday - Coll de Rates 11km/7mi/4hr

We walk through orange groves into the Carrascal range, ascending the Barranco Negro and picking wild blackcurrants as Bee-eaters wheel and chatter overhead. Look out for jonquils - perfect tiny daffodils - while thyme and wild Angelica line our mountain path almost all the way to the summit, from where we have views over several surrounding sierras. On returning to the village, look out for the pelota players in the late afternoon thrashing a ball to and fro along the main street to the cheers of local supporters!

Wednesday - Independent exploring in Valencia

After breakfast we give you a lift to the station to catch the train (45mins, tickets included) to the splendid city of Valencia. Visit the Plaza de Mercado, cathedral, Museo de Bellas Artes (original works by Goya and El Greco) and the world-heritage site of the Lotja de la Seda (Silk Market). The landmark of the city is undoubtedly the City of Arts and Sciences, and avant-garde museum complex that attracts in excess of 4 million visitors a year.

Thursday - Smugglers' Cove Walk 7km/4mi/4hr

Many coves and beaches near Parcent were well used as smuggling depots in olden days. Our route winds down a rocky defile filled with lavender and wild fig to a stunning turquoise bay, where the surrounding cliffs are honeycombed with illicit storage caves connected by mule tracks. We ascend to a superb seaside trail leading below soaring cliffs and walk below tumbling waterfalls, before returning to the beach for a swim, and a transfer back to the hotel.

Friday - Berniere Ridge 14km/8.5mi/5.5hr

Few walks offer as many high impact views as today's circular route around the 1000m high Berniere Ridge near the coast. A steady ascent leads to an amazing natural cave - after ducking through it (just 15m) fabulous coastal views stay with us to our picnic spot - a ruined C16 Moorish fortress! After exploring the extensive ruins we pass over a saddle to Echo Gorge and follow a breathtaking traverse to the sound of cicadas and skittering lizards, before an easy descent back to our starting point.

Saturday - You leave Parcent