When, where, why, logistics

Current issues in travel

  • The Eye is Delighted Route book. How to get?

    The Routebook (which you will receive after deposit payment) contains practical info, maps and notes in case of walking / driving / cycling, suggestions for your packing list, recommended restaurants, hotel locations, service and emergency phone numbers. As we do not like to waste paper, you will receive a link to download and manage it at your convenience (smartphone, hard copy, etc.). If you are a fan of maps, ask about, we could get them.

    Can The Eye is Delighted organize all your transportation in Spain? Yes we advice you of the best options and can take care of all your schedules in Spain. Normally our customers have a lots of doubts how to get, return, connections from/to the airports, etc . Don’t worry about that, we know the best public and private transport solutions in order to save time and money.

  • How much luggage to take? How does luggage transport work on the way?

    As little as possible. It obviously depends on how much you need for your trip, where you are going, and what sort of trip you choose with us. But it’s worth bearing in mind that travelling light is generally more convenient. Good walking shoes or boots are the most important.
    In the routebook that you receive before your departing , you will find our proposal for a packing list.
    You hand your luggage in at the hotel reception each morning after your breakfast 8:00 and you receive you luggage early afternoon at the new hotel.

  • When is it best to travel?

    Every station of the year has changes. In general, we advise to the periods of spring and autumn (best dates). In these, the comfort of a sunny climate and the length of the day, almost assure the ideal conditions to you. From December to February it’s possible to hike the route , but you should be prepared for cold and snow.
    In any case, you will find different options as much if your election falls on an exit to individual like to group. Remember always to consult which is the suitable clothing.

  • Which is the lodging style?

    The Eye bets by the best value for money. The programs include selected establishments following these requirements:

    • Certain comfort but without luxuries: comfort, cleaning, good service.
    • Good situation in the route: beauty, conservation, human factor.
    • Chances to taste the gastronomy of the territory.
    • Rooms of 2/3 seats with option of individual.
    • Upgrade: You always could enjoy a luxury place to stay.
  • How far in advance do I need to book?

    We recommend booking your trip at least 90 days prior to departure.
    There is no minimum advanced time to reserve. Trips do sell out or become otherwise unavailable, so booking early or as soon as you are committed to traveling with us is the most reliable means of ensuring a spot on your holiday. Peak seasons: Easter holidays, 1st of May,12th October bank holidays.

  • Can I bring my kids?

    Yes. Most of the participants are aged between 20 and 75 years. Nevertheless we offer family vacations. We have selected hotels, restaurants and routes specifically with families in mind. Different locations are best suited for certain ages based on terrain and activities, which is why we have minimum age requirements. In any case, we can prepare the trip of your family. Consult with us.

  • What if I need help during the trip?

    You will have a contact on the ground with contact information sent to you before your trip. Local emergency numbers will be provided to you as well on the route guide. In case of emergency, you can always call us 24h around the clock. We will do everything in our power to help you

  • What if one day my legs suddenly cannot walk or cycle any longer?

    It happens that some people doing physical activities can get injuries, but still want to finish the trip. If you can still walk or cycle a bit, we recommend have a rest and travel with luggage ahead if you wish. If the damage is worse than that, please contact us, we will find a solution so you can still get as much out of the trip as possible.

  • What are the possibilities of buying food and water along the way?

    There are but not too much opportunities to buy food and drink along the way.
    At each stage there are supply locations, but these will be indicated in your personal guidebook that you receive before your departure. Most often it will be with a recommendation to get a packed lunch from the hotel.

  • Is it safe to walk or bike these treks alone?

    Yes, it is very safe. As elsewhere in the world, you obviously have to keep your eye on things, but to date we have never experienced theft or other unpleasant surprises among our guests. It is considered very safe, and of course, the local people along the way have a great interest in keeping it that way.

    And indeed, this is not only definitely possible but in fact solitude will be your main feeling.
    Ever wanted to take adventure into your own hands without having to worry about the nuts and bolts of how to make it happen? Now you can do just that. The Eye is Delighted’s self-guided trips combine the freedom to decide how you want to explore the solitude along the way.

  • What kind of paths will you walk / cycle on?

    Most often you will travel along quite good paths which are finely landscaped and well maintained. Quality of waymark is very good and signs place along the routes (cairns, finger posts, signposts and single paint stripes). At times, you come to smaller and less maintained or landscaped walks. You are provided of suitable map sections (scales 1:25.000). Low risk area with regard to navigation, weather and communications.

  • Do I need travel protection?

    The Eye is Delighted recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected, specially when self-guided trips. However it is not our business. Do not get us wrong, what we mean is that we are sure you find cheaper options in your own country. In any way The Eye is Delighted’s escorted activities is fully cover by a mandatory Liability and damages insurance that is running automatically.

We rate the difficulty of our tour

Physically: Activity Level Guidelines

  • Trekking and Hiking

    It depends on the selected trip and/or the activity. In general is preferable to have a small sporty level or training. This means that any person with a normal life and good health can participate. In most cases only the desire to enjoy is necessary.

    Walking grades are calculated by considering the length, gradient, distance and technicality of the route involved. Three walking grades: 1 Easy, 2 Moderate, 3 Challenging. Be realistic and then assess your own capabilities and preparation regime accordingly.

    Easy (1)
    Walk of less than 5 hours a day on average, on a path or a trail, accessible to everybody. Gentle terrain without steep climbs or vertiginous mountains and up to 400m ascent a day. Distance is less than 15 km. Experience is not necessary at this level. Anyone who is in good health can manage an easy grade.

    Moderate (2)
    Walk of up to 5 hours a day on average, on a path or a trail, and up to 800m ascent a day. Possibility of stages in altitude and/or steep climb, with no technical difficulties. Distance is less than 20 km on average. Experience is not necessary at this level but you need to be in good health and reasonably fit.

    Challenging (3)
    Stages can be more than 7 hours and more than 1000m ascent and / or 20 km long. Paths can be technical at times and/or steep. Fitness levels must be adequate and previous walking experience is desirable.

  • Cycling

    It depends on the selected trip and/or the activity. In general is preferable to have a small sporty level or training. This means that any person with a normal life and good health can participate. In most cases only the desire to enjoy is necessary.

    We rate the difficulty of our cycling tour on a three point scale from easy to Challenging. Some stages fall in between levels or fit into two levels, with the option to do extensions or take short-cuts, changing the difficulty level. Cycling grades are calculated by considering the length, gradient, distance and technicality of the route involved. Three cycling grades: I Easy, II Moderate, III Challenging. Be realistic and then assess your own capabilities and preparation regime accordingly.

    Easy (I)
    Middle mountain road itineraries, with few travellers and never longer than 45 km per day. Some sections, between 3 and 6 km, may be level 2. No height changes greater than 300 m.

    Moderate (II)
    The average distance is around 35-50km (22-31 miles) per day – although many days will have short-cuts and route extensions to allow you to go a longer or shorter distance.
    No height changes greater than 600 m. Middle mountain road itineraries, with few travellers. Some sections may be level 3. No height changes greater than 600 m.

    Challenging (III).
    For any ride at this level, fitness is important. These days are set in the mountains and will normally involve climbing on most days. The minimum distance is kept fairly low, generally ranging from 55-80km (34-55 miles), however, there may be one or two slightly longer days. The amount of climbing each day can range from around 500m to 1,800m. There are always optional extensions if you wish to cycle further

  • Motor riding

    We rate the difficulty of our tour on a two point scale. Some stages fall in between levels or fit into two levels.

    Level 1: These routes are the most basic trips. Such a route will be completely paved (accept for a possible gravel driveway or road construction spot,) and generally don’t have much in the way of complicated twists and turns. Factors like altitude, weather, wind, traffic, etc. are of a minimum concern to the average motorcycle rider. 

    Level 2: These routes are typically either completely paved, or almost completely paved, but may contain about 1-5% or so of simple hard-packed gravel/dirt necessary to proceed in spots along the same itinerary. The riding will likely have some twists and turns. Altitude, wind, and traffic are typically not a concern, but may not be perfect of course during your trip. (Please keep in mind, just because a tour might be a “Level 2” does not mean it is boring!)