is the most mountainous country in Europe after Switzerland, with dramatic changes occurring from steppes to high country very quickly. Winding through northern Spain, the river Ebro offers spectacular gorges carved by numerous tributaries, gallery woodland, cliffs and meanders. The Iberian steppes are unique in Europe, as their fine array of birds attests, while further north the 
Pyrenees straddle the high border with France. This eight day tour combines exciting hikes with outstanding birding, Catalan culture and excellent cuisine.
Day 1- 2: Meet at our hotel in Barcelona at 11:00. From here it is two hours to our first hotel near the old market town of Prades. The Montsant region offers a marvelous introduction to this area, with a low population density, winding roads, picturesque villages on hillsides and cliffs, and wines and olive oil of its own special character. Montsant is an ideal site for hikers wishing to combine birding & gastronomy. Afternoon walk on old farm trails help us to get a first taste of the region.
Montsant Natural Park offers a wonderful world of inland sea cliffs, mystical monasteries, olive groves and vineyards. Known as the Blessed Mountain, Montsant has age-old links with the extraordinary monastery of La Cartoixa de Scala Dei. Dating back to the 12th-century, the monks introduced winemaking which brought great wealth to the region. A circular walk from the hotel loops around Prades, ascending the highest point, the Tossal de la Baltasana and the beautiful hermitage of the Abellera. In Capafonts, we explore a very different type of sierra – the Motllats. We follow old mule trails, discover caves and cross ancient stone bridges. Some raptors we might expect include Bonelli's, Booted, Short-toed & Golden Eagle, Lesser Kestrel & Montagu's Harrier, Egyptian & Griffon Vultures.
Day 3: We cross the steppes of the Ebro River to near Zaragoza, and visit Fuendetodos, the birthplace of the artist, Francisco de Goya. We will search for steppe-land birds en route in the Ebro valley. Some possibilities include Great & Little Bustard, Black-bellied & Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Dupont's, Calandra Lark, & Short-toed Lark, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Stone Curlew or Rollers. In Zaragoza, Romans, Moors, Jews and Christians left their cultural legacy behind, and an afternoon walk will help us sample a selection of these legacies.
Day 4-6: We’ll turn our face northwards to the Pyrneees, heading to the region of the National Park of Aigüestortes. Set in the high Pyrenees it holds many of the typical high altitude species along with several very interesting forest birds. The blend of high mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and valleys, populated with their mammals (including chamois and alpine 
marmot), butterflies, plants and birds makes this an ideal spot for all kinds of nature lovers, not just birders. High mountain trails, numerous lakes and varied terrain offer the possibilities of many different excursions. In the high Pyrenees, enigmatic birds such as Wallcreeper, Lammergeier, Snowfinch, Alpine Accentor & Alpine Chough are found.
Day 7: We’ll head back to Barcelona, to spend our last afternoon taking in some of the sights of this vibrant city. Next to the Gothic Quarter, the mediaeval Ribera district begins. In its origins, it brought together traders and seagoing people, but with the passage of time many magnificent, small palaces were built as well. Narrow streets, with quiet squares and attractive corners, are home to an abundant collection of Gothic buildings, both civil and religious. Architects such as Gaudí, Doménech i Montaner or Puig i Cadafalch relied on the help of master craftsmen to fill the streets of Barcelona with fantasy. There is much to enjoy on our last day.
Day 8: Depart for home or points elsewhere in Spain.
