Pamplona (Navarra), Vitoria-Gasteiz (capital of the Basque Country), Poncebos & Senda del Cares (Picos da Europa in the Asturias) & Valladollid (Castilla y Leon) - Spain - Cities, villages, food, wine, a bit of retail therapy & the third epic hike on this trip
Once again we leave early in the morning do our early shopping at Mercadona and make our way to Pamplona in 2hr20min then stop for a lovely lunch along the way at the Derry Tavern in the Basque Country, then on to Vitoria-Gasteiz, then 3hr20min to Poncebos in the Picos da Europa. We stay at the same hotel we stayed last time, Hostal Poncebos, 45euros including breakfast. We wake up early, have a very decent breakfast and make our way to the very famous Ruta del Cares. We tried to do this about 18 months ago but, to Paul's disappointment, I chickened out. So 3 days earlier I suggested to him that we try and do it again. We start at 8.30 am and finish at 2pm, 23 kms in 5.5 hours, usually people do it in 7 to 8 hours. Not easy and very scary but absolutely worth it. Afterwards we go back to the hostal for a cold beer and a lovely lunch, a menu del dia for 12 euros. Entrees were Spaghetti with Cabrales blue cheese sauce and a fabada Asturiana, mains were Lacon (ham steak) and roast chicken, both with fries and followed by two lovely homemade deserts, bolo de la abuela and a cheesecake, all washed down with a very decent bottle of red.
We then made our way to Valladollid and check in at the nice and comfortable Ibis Hotel, 64euros (more on the weekends) and fold for the night. Deliriously tired but absolutely happy. Another early morning as we head to the local wholesale food market for a very traditional Spanish breakfast, tortillas, tostada con tomate and cafe con leche. Then it´s time to see the historical old town of the very pleasant city Valladolid. After walking around this lovely city we then go for some retail therapy. First stop is the El Corte Ingles Outlet (centro de oportunidades in Spanish), followed by a couple of shopping centres and another supermarket. And of course we go back to the same place in the central market we had breakfast so we can have lunch, another menu, 12euros (carne con batatas, pasta salad, costillo, lomo and two delicious deserts with a bottle of rose).
Now its time to hit the road back home after 12 absolutely perfect days. Home, Sweet Home, after another fabulous roadtrip (3,500 kms, 25 places visited over 12 days). A perfect mix of cities & villages, completing our 73rd country visited (Andorra), 3 epic hikes in 3 of the most iconic national parks (Somiedo, Ordesa y Monte Perdido & Picos da Europa), great food & wine and a little shopping. That's all for now, will see you on our next trip.
Here's a map of our road trip for those interested ....
