£2,650 (deposit £250). This includes: air travel (economy class) on Iberia flights (Airbus 321); travel by private coach with additional back-up vehicle; accommodation as described below; breakfasts, 6 lunches (5 are packed lunches) and 6 dinners with wine, water, coffee; all admissions; all tips; all taxes; the services of the lecturer, tour manager, walking guides and additional baggage handler/driver. Single supplement £255 (double room for single occupancy). Price without flights £2,520.

In Pago San Clemente (2 nights): a pretty and rustic farmhouse hotel set in orchards and vineyards with simple rooms grouped around courtyards; quirky, charming but not luxurious; outdoor pool; comparable to a 3-star. In Guadalupe (2 nights): 4-star Parador in the converted 15th-century pilgrim’s hospital; traditional if austere decoration. In Plasencia (3 nights): 4-star Parador in a 15th-century convent with spacious and comfortable bedrooms and magnificent dining room. In Jarandilla (1 night): 4-star Parador and former residence of Charles V; rooms vary in outlook and some need updating. Dinners are largely in the hotels with a couple in restaurants.

This tour includes proper hill walking, some of it arduous, and fitness is essential; do not book this tour in order to get fit. Participants should be used to walking cross-country, uphill and down and be able to walk pleasurably for several hours at a time. The paths are often rough underfoot – rubble and stones require well-heeled walking boots and a good sense of balance. Even in the hills this part of Spain can be very warm in May and some walks offer little shade. Opting out of walks half-way is not always possible. Call us to discuss further.

We regret that applications from people aged 81 or over at the time of the tour will not be accepted.