Cooking and walking holiday, Spanish Pyrenees
Our bestselling cooking and walking holiday is hosted by a husband-and-wife team passionate about nature and conservation. You’ll stay in their eco-consciously renovated 17th century farmhouse in the high Pyrenees surrounded by walking trails and locally-grown produce.
Albella Walking in Ordesa National Park Cookery workshops Walking in Spanish Pyrenees Visit local producers of goats’ cheese, wine and olive oil Somontano wine region, Aragon Chance to see bearded vultures
Price
€1695 excluding flights
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Description of Cooking and walking holiday, Spanish Pyrenees
This cooking and walking holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees is based in a 17th century guesthouse, located in a tranquil, untouristy area of the mountains. The week’s itinerary is recipe for a fun, active and also cultural holiday, combining walking in spectacular mountain scenery with informal cooking workshops held in the guesthouse's large kitchen, and plenty of wine too of course.
These enjoyable and relaxed sessions will cover some basic techniques, and you'll be able to create some classic Spanish dishes with a special (and healthier!) twist, as well as some of your hosts' favourite dishes using local and home grown ingredients.Your hosts are Simon and Lucy, who have a great combination of skills as self-taught chef and food scientist. As well as having an innate passion for the region, of course.
During the week, you will be guided on a series of full day walks through traditional villages and remote landscapes in both the uplands and foothills of the Pyrenees, such as in Ordesa National Park. The Aragon region is also home to the most delicious local produce which is why cooking here is such a pleasure.
With a maximum number of eight guests during the week, you will be accommodated in spacious rooms, all ensuite. The hub of the week, apart for the kitchen of course, is the terrace with its expansive mountain views (or the dining room when the weather requires it)
The price of this holiday includes accommodation, meals, cookery workshops, excursions and transport (but not transfers from airport or train station-for a charge of €80 pp return.). We do not charge a solo supplement on this trip.
*Do note that the walks involved are rated as moderate. In places the terrain is rocky, uneven and steep, so they are best-suited to fairly regular walkers. with suitable footwear - walking poles are recommended. The pace is pleasant though, with plenty of stops to rest and enjoy the views.
Price information
€1695 excluding flights
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Travel guides
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Reviews
46 Reviews of Cooking and walking holiday, Spanish Pyrenees
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 28 May 2024 by Tomer Shitrit
It was an amazing holiday. Everything was very organized and super clean. The cooking lessons were educational and gave us a lot of tools. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 May 2024 by Sylvana Pietromonaco
It was the best, down to the farmhouse, food, cooking lessons, hikes, location, tour guide (Alberto) and especially the hosts Simon and Lucy. Let me not forget the wonderful dog Moesha. Definitely would recommend this holiday and looking forward to returning. Thank you for a fantastic vacation! Read full reviewReviewed on 10 May 2024 by Catherine Alderson
A wonderful week, cooking and walking in a beautiful area with fantastic hosts, who worked non stop providing for everyone’s needs. The itinerary was very well organised and thought out - a great mix of walks and visits to interesting places and activities... Read full reviewReviewed on 08 May 2024 by Erika Boka
On a 10 point scale, we’d give them a 20! We thoroughly enjoyed Lucy and Simon’s energy and hospitality. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Jan 2024 by Judith Kahn
I have had a hard time starting this review mostly because I wanted the review to be perfect, which is how I felt about my time on this trip. Picking a "most memorable" part of the holiday is equally hard. I loved sitting outside for dinner with a view of the sun setting over the mountains. The hikes were challenging for me but the scenery was well worth the effort. The cooking classes were enjoyable, instructive, and delicious. The hospitality was warm and welcoming. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Nov 2023 by Debra Lichtenthaeler
The scope & breath of topics explored. Totally unexpected and totally enjoyed. Neolithic to medieval to civil war history, local geology, flora & fauna, conservation challenges & efforts, pilgrimage chapels to cathedrals, renovation issues in deserted hamlets, goat & sheep herding, local organic goats cheese, gorgeous scenery and doable hikes with picnic lunches. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Nov 2023 by Martha Nitzberg
It was the whole package: Location, cooking lessons with explanations of the science behind flavours… and hiking in the beautiful surroundings Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Nov 2023 by Lynne Harrison
The holiday was the perfect combination for me of culture, history and the outdoors but perhaps most memorable was the hospitality of Simon and Lucy who could not do enough to make sure that we all had the very best time. Read full reviewReviewed on 27 Oct 2023 by Lesley Bottomley
A fascinating week in an area where local knowledge made all the difference. The small group worked well, we were all able to hear the guides and get to places a larger group could not have accessed. It was all excellent. Read full reviewReviewed on 27 Sep 2023 by Gary Adamson
It was all excellent the combination of hikes and cooking school was very well balanced and enjoyable. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Jun 2023 by Carole Hopper
Enjoyed the wonderful walks and cooking workshops. I loved the way our days were fully organised... A rewarding experience with perfect hosts Lucy and Simon. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 May 2023 by Heike Oberg
Most memorable was the stunning location of Casa Allue as well as the genuine hospitality and passion of Lucy and Simon... Great holiday in beautiful landscape. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 May 2023 by Eva Akhurst
Excellent. The accommodation was excellent and the scenery stunning. Lucy and Simon are wonderful hosts who go to considerable effort to meet everyone’s individual requirements and preferences both with regard to food and activities. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Nov 2022 by Joy Stodart
All walks were marvellous and guided brilliantly by knowledgable hosts and local guides... An extremely enjoyable holiday with great food, very comfortable accommodation and terrific hosts. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Oct 2022 by Simone Lemstra
Very nice holiday, knowledgeable and informative staff, fantastic location. Read full reviewReviewed on 13 Oct 2022 by Jude Bull
The walks with Alberto, Simon and Lucy were special. Our knowledge of geology and vultures is greatly improved!... Excellent, will definitely be returning for one of their other activity breaks. Read full reviewReviewed on 17 Sep 2022 by Vicki Nash-Moore
Wonderful hosts, fabulous location, stunning views, good food, great hikes, guides... 10 out of 10 - far exceeded our expectations. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Jul 2022 by Robert Raiswell
Really excellent. The hosts are very engaging and friendly and nothing is too much trouble for them. The food is excellent and the location superb. Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Jun 2022 by Carole Hopper
A rewarding experience with perfect hosts Lucy and Simon Read full reviewReviewed on 28 May 2022 by Rosie Pocock
It was all really good - each day different, great fun and very packed. I took 3 books to read and managed 1 chapter of one book! Read full reviewReviewed on 15 May 2022 by Judy Ainger
Excellent...The most impressive aspect of this holiday was the attention to detail of special dietary needs, which I was most grateful for. Also, we both enjoyed walking in the Ordesa National Park and seeing bearded vultures in Revilla. The Casa Alue site itself is a memorable conversion and a wonderful base. Read full reviewReviewed on 11 May 2022 by Joanne Hill
Wonderful scenery, lovely hosts, stunning restoration of the old farmhouse Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Nov 2021 by Era Farnsworth
I loved being in the gorgeous Pyrenees. It felt as we were on top of the world, the beautiful mountains, rocks, trees turning color (late October), the giant soaring birds, the incredibly clear skies and freshest air. Read full reviewReviewed on 16 Oct 2019 by Jim Holmes
The most memorable part of the holiday was how expertly Lucy and Simon planned our activities, choose our guides and related to the local people. Read full reviewReviewed on 13 Oct 2019 by Margy Britton
The most exciting part of the holiday was walking the near the top of the Pyrenees. Read full reviewReviewed on 23 Sep 2019 by Anne Rogers
Spectacular views & great hospitality. Nothing was too much trouble. Read full reviewReviewed on 13 May 2019 by victoria taylor
The warm generous hospitality of the family who run the trip, the peace and beauty of the place so tastefully renovated and the laughs we all had cooking some of our meals were memorable. Read full reviewReviewed on 22 Oct 2018 by Paul Brown
Very good. We were on a cooking and walking trip and it exceeded our expectations to include wine tasting, beer making, local history, supermarket visit, castles, apple pressings, bird watching, animal spotting, amazing waterfalls, honey man, coffees, local restaurants, bird watching, gardening, fine food and and and. Read full reviewReviewed on 28 Sep 2018 by Vivienne Blandford
Be prepared to be bowled over by hospitality, ambience and experience. Read full reviewReviewed on 17 Sep 2018 by Kim Caldwell
Our hosts were great, catering to a group with different abilities and fitness levels, ensuring that we enjoyed all aspects of the holiday. Read full reviewReviewed on 17 Sep 2018 by Peggy Poole
Simon and Lucy incredibly thoughtful hosts in beautiful setting. Great food, eating out on patio, meeting local people and wonderful walking. Holiday couldn’t have been better! Read full reviewReviewed on 18 May 2018 by Diane Hall
First class. Lucy and Simon could not have been more helpful and accommodating and so knowledgeable. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 May 2018 by Anna Avery
Watching bearded & gryphon vultures flying in the foothills of the Pyrenees was memorable. Brilliant guide, fabulous scenery, not difficult walking. A good mix of walking/cooking/geology/local culture and all in a quiet place: lovely scenery & very friendly company. Read full reviewReviewed on 30 Oct 2017 by Mike Smith
Meeting a great bunch of like minded people on our trip including our hosts. The mix of activities we did worked really well, not just the cooking and walking but also everything else we managed to do including wine tasting, visiting the olive oil co-operative, evening visits to local historical town, and more. Read full reviewReviewed on 07 May 2017 by Una Carter
The most memorable moment was the beauty of the landscape, the freshness of the air, delicious food and invigorating walks. I could go on..... It was wonderful. I feel very much refreshed after it and it is heartening to know such places exist. Read full reviewReviewed on 07 Nov 2017 by Asma Abu-Taleb
The hikes were enjoyable with beautiful scenery all along. Very well planned and organized holiday and a feeling of living with a family, truly a memorable holiday. Read full reviewReviewed on 16 Oct 2016 by Deb Mickle
EXCEPTIONAL. Exceeded my expectations on so many levels. From the quality of accommodation and attention to detail with all aspects of the week . Read full reviewReviewed on 12 Oct 2016 by Clare Cotton
Breathtaking canyon walks far exceeding my imagination. Not forgetting having the experience of a lifetime as two Lamagayers (bearded cultures with 3metre wingspan) glided past me just a couple of metres away. Amazing. Read full reviewResponsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
We are passionate about the environment and the wildlife where we live. The Ordesa National Park is a World Biosphere Reserve and a ‘Special Protection Area for Birds’ with over 171 species, including the threatened Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus). We support the Bearded Vulture Conservation Foundation by donating the profits of aprons and T shirts and waxed wraps.This helps fund a breeding program in our area which has had great success.
There are also well over 100 species of butterflies and moths in our area, including the rare and beautiful Isabelina Moth (Actias Isabellae) and the Giant Peacock Moth (Saturnia Pyri). We have been successful in hatching the eggs and releasing the caterpillars for these moths.
At the farmhouse we have geothermal heating and hot water with minimal environmental impact. We also harvest rainwater for both the irrigation of our vegetable patch and garden, and for the washing machine. Thanks to the changing laws in Spain we have finally installed solar panels and batteries to help cover the electric needs in the guesthouse.
We recycle all we can, including building materials and furniture. For example all the vanity units in the luxury bathrooms are unique secondhand pieces of furniture, adapted with a granite top and basin. All the furniture in the house is antique or secondhand and has been or is in the process of being restored by Simon, your host. Many of the external doors are secondhand and have been adapted.
The beams and stone from the four year renovation of the property have been reused throughout the building process. We continue to reuse this material now as we landscape the garden.
People
We support the local economy wherever possible by employing guides, experts and teachers from our area. Our local food and drink producers receive payment for our visits and benefit from the direct purchases by us and guests alike.We involve our neighbours with our holidays, offering the possibility to visit their houses which have changed little through the centuries. This gives a unique insight into the culture and traditions of the high Pyrenees. In return we make donations to the village fund, for amongst other things the maintenance of our historic chapel of San Urbez (hermitage).
We also offer a guided visit to the chapel of San Urbez, explaining the stories about our saint, his miracles and the architectural features. For this, we ask our guests for a donation in the chapel collection box.
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