On this preview we visit The Cuenca Region

Only a few hours from Torreveieja and already we have driven past a series of ancient castles, fields full of ripening corn with a blaze of bright red poppies gently swaying in the slipstream of our coach, and watched large bright the red morning sun turn to a bright golden ball suspended in a flawless blue heaven. This is the stuff that dreams are made of. Now we approach the reddish brown walls of a typical Cuenca gorge. Soon only a ribbon of blue sky can be seen above the coach as we move through the gorge. Then as if by magic a forest of  pine trees replace the gorge, a lively bubbling stream follows the contours of the narrow winding country road. A fisherman in green waders hopefully casts his fly for the umpteenth time. A trout breaks the surface, raising his hopes –once again. A few minutes later we pull up the drive leading to a rustic, stone built, country hotel. With cases in hand we are led to reception, where a smiling receptionist  is waiting to allocate our rooms. We have arrived on the “Coachtrips” excursion to the region of Cuenca. Half an our later we are sitting down to a hearty country meal with generous supplies of wine with which to wash it down. Satisfactorily replete, we slip of for a quick forty winks. The “Coachtrips” courier  has asked us to be downstairs a little later, to start our Cuenca experience. This involves a walk round the nearby village of Cañete. (The ancient capitol of the Serriana de Cuenca). One hour later you will be an expert on the subject of Cañete (Courtesy of the “Coachtrips” Courier). There you will be in the bar discussing the story of the Virgin of The Bramblas, why some castle doors are L shaped, who governed this ancient village, how old the village centre is, which river starts here, how old the village church is, and how old the village walls are. In other words, in one short walk you will become an expert on this wonderful old village. Not only will you become an expert, but with a few surprises along the way, you are likely to have good fun doing it.  So having impressed your fellow travelers with your new found knowledge, you slip upstairs for a quick shower and possibly another 40 winks. Then it is time to eat (and drink) again. This time though, after the meal we slip into a bit of home spun entertainment. Ably led by none other, than your “Coachtrips” courier.

For most, bed comes later rather than sooner. Lights out and snores all round.

Day two starts with the sound of birds chirping merrily outside the bedroom window. Ok if you like mornings. If not, just pretend they are not there. Breakfast is an interesting, if somewhat unusual Cuenca version of an English breakfast. It is served by the same hotel staff that were dancing with you last night. It must be the good country air that keeps them going. After breakfast, with a spring in our step we dutifully follow our happy, smiling coach trips courier, (probably not with a spring in her step because she doesn’t like mornings) and pile on to the coach. Today’s journey takes us past all of the above i.e. rivers, gorges, swaying poppies, green fields, bubbling streams etc.—but wait a minute. What has happened to the bright golden ball and the flawless blue sky? Well sometimes the sun doesn’t shine in Cuenca, but this area is so beautiful; it can actually manage without it. So off we go. First stop “Window of the Devil”. This marvel of nature, like a large igloo with windows, is so perfectly formed that you would think it was man made. The surrounding countryside is anything but man made. Gazing down a gorge hundreds of feet below, we can see the river Jucar winding steadily through the gorge. On the other side of the gorge is the rock face which gives its name to the “Window”. Strange hollows and caves on the rock surface give the impression of a Ghoulish face screaming across the gorge at us. In the car park is a stall where local pottery and carved wooden objects can be purchased. Moving on we come to the Ciudad Encantada ( The enchanted city). Here you will be pleased to know is a bar. So with bodily needs satisfactorily taken care of we set of on our trek round this magical natural creation which was formed over millions of years. Even the least imaginative of us can see in theses rock formations things like – the tornado – the bears – the sea lion- the toboggan run – the convent – the fight between the crocodile and the elephant and much more. On returning to the coach your courier will have a nice little surprise for you before we set off for our next port of call – the source of the Rio Cuervo. Another fabulous drive through  mountains, gorges, forests, tiny villages past  lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.  Frequently vultures can be seen hovering in the sky above us. (if you see this, please don’t strand still too long lest you confuse the vulture).

Arriving at Rio Cuervo our courier will now lead the willing off on a pleasant country walk. If you are able, then you can do all the walk. If not you can do part or none of it. Your choice, but it is worth the effort. Three hundred meters brings us to a large, dramatic waterfall, at the plateau below the mountain top we reach the point where the first waters of the Rio Cuervo bubble out of the rock. We continue on by the clear waters of the river through a forest carpeted with multicoloured spring flowers. Lunch today is cooked in the open air. A few more surprises follow before we make our way back to the hotel. More eating, more drinking, precedes yet another night of home spun fun.

Day three. Another Cuenca English breakfast, cases in the hold, a fond farewell to our new found friends at Cañete, then we are off to see the Torcas. A series of natural lakes of varying shades and colours. Then through the gorges and up the mountain side to the ancient part of the city of Cuenca. The climb by coach gives  the distinct impression of coming closer to heaven, so it comes as no surprise as we take the last  bend, to see a statue of Christ, arms outstretched as though welcoming us to this historical city. Visits to the 16 Century gothic cathedral, the famous hanging houses and the magnificent Parador round off  a unique interest and fun filled excursion. The unique rapport between the “Coachtrips” courier and the warm friendly people at this hotel – along with their extensive knowledge of the areas visited adds greatly to the quality of what is an exceptionally enjoyable, top value for money excursion.