European Journeys

Journeys in south-western Europe

In 2008 when we moved with our three children from Tanzania, East Africa to a tiny village nestled in the Spanish Pyrenees, we were astounded by the beauty and relatively low development of this rugged mountain chain.

Pyrenees

Rising majestically between France and Spain, the Pyrenees Range remains one of Western Europe’s less-traveled treasures. Here it is rare to encounter travelers from anywhere aside from the two countries it separates. This formidable mountain chain extends from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, creating a natural fortress between the Iberian Peninsula and continental Europe.

The range presents two distinct faces – its French slopes are verdant and dramatic, carved by plunging valleys and swift streams, while the Spanish side transforms from green meadows in the west to sun-baked terrain appearing more African than European in the east. In keeping with the geological divide, the histories of the two sides of the mountains have been for the most part distinctly different.

For a period of 700 years the land south of the range was influenced by the Islamic culture from North Africa. During the renaissance France, to the north, was an engine of European culture and modernity.

However, the sheer size of the range has meant there has not been a clean separation between one side and the other. Instead, these rugged mountains are themselves a cradle of variation. Valleys hide endemic plants, and ridges separate them from their neighbors. The same is evident in the peoples who live here. The most obvious of these differences is language, where on the southern side of the range three major tongues – Basque, Castilian and Catalan are spoken, alongside smaller linguistic treasures like the Cheso dialect of Aragonese, while a forth language, Galician flourishes further west. Each valley and ridge tells its own story of cultural preservation and evolution.

South-western Europe

Radiating from our mountain redoubt, we have traveled extensively over the Pyrenean part of south-west France and throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The treasures of this area include its remarkable geology, astoundingly rich history, and diverse sub-cultures, customs, festivals, and cuisines. As our interest grew, we expanded the areas we include in our custom journeys choosing a few special regions to focus on.

From the sun-drenched plains of Spain’s high-altitude meseta to the verdant valleys of northern Portugal, these lands hold stories spanning millennia. We can delve into the past, learning about the rich history of the area from long before the Roman Empire through the period of Arab and Berber influence to the modern era. We also offer travel experiences in the most modern train, the “Ave”, and by the oldest means – on foot.

Our bespoke adventures adapt to your passions – whether you seek invigorating mountain trails, gentle walks from ancient village to sacred shrine, scenic cycling routes, or culinary discoveries. Witness local traditions at a village festival, taste a selection of local wines in a vineyard, enjoy a scenic flight in a light aircraft over high mountain ridges, spend an afternoon fishing for trout, or paddle tranquil waters by kayak.

Explore our carefully chosen areas: from the dramatic landscapes of the Catalan Pyrenees and the arid villages of Teruel in Aragon, to our home in the mystical Central Pyrenees, or the unique Basque Country where mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. Walk the historic St James’ Way to the sacred cathedral in Galicia, or venture south to experience the Moorish splendor of Andalucía, the cork oak forests and steppes of Extremadura, and Portugal’s timeless charm.

With knowledge of your interests, preferred travel dates, and group characteristics (including children or elderly travelers), we can design an unforgettable journey replete with fun, exciting, and interesting events.