Trip Overview
Several days are set aside to enjoy the scenic and lush highlands of Cazorla,
Ronda and Grazalema, exploring the wild mountain landscapes which
surround us. Of course, no visit to Andalusia would be complete without
seeing the beguiling Moorish architecture and gardens of Granada,
Cordoba and Seville.
We head to Granada to see the marvellous decorative art of the Alhambra
and the Generalife, the summer residence of the Caliph. From December
to May, Granada's spectacular Sierra Nevada mountain range is capped
with snow, providing a stunning backdrop.
Several days are spent relaxing and enjoying the sights of the Moorish
cities of Seville and Cordoba - two of Spain's most beautiful cities.
Cordoba's Mosque dates back to around 786AD - spacious and grand,
its great doors and cupola are strikingly decorated. There's time
to explore the old quarter, perhaps sampling tapas or the local sherry.
We visit Seville's cathedral, the largest Gothic building in the world
and Alcazar, the palace fortress of the Arab Kings. Finally, we spend
time in the beautiful Pueblo Blanco of Grazalema, resting in a glorious
national park where various walks are possible.
This trip combines walking in the countryside along with exploring
some of Spain's most beautiful cities. Walks are all optional and
vary in duration to suit people of all abilities.
Day 1 - Join tour Malaga. Arrive and
check-in at the hotel. An orientation walk around the city centre
is included in the evening taking in the main
sights. Overnight hostal and breakfast. H+.
Day 2 - Bus to Granada. In the morning we travel by public bus
to the famous Andalucian city of Granada. The Arabic name ‘Al
Andalus’ was given to the
part of Spain under Islamic control for some 800 years. We include
an afternoon orientation walk around the city which indicates
the main points of interest including the Albaicín, the
old Moorish quarter, where many Islamic traditions are retained,
giving the city its characteristic look of white walls and narrow
streets. From the highest point are spectacular views across to
the Alhambra and Generalife with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop.
When dusk falls, we suggest a stroll around the old Moorish Quarter
to see its illuminated patios. 2 nights hostal and breakfast.
H.
Day 3 - In Granada. A major highlight of our trip is our guided
visit of the magnificent palace of the Alhambra. In 1239 Muhammad
al-Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty and Sultan of Granada,
began work on this, the finest example of Moorish architecture
outside the Arab world. The fabulous decoration in stucco, both
inside and outside the buildings, reveals the purest
expression of a sophisticated civilisation just before its decline.
We also visit the Generalife, one of the most beautiful landscaped
gardens in the world, which surrounds the summer residence of
the Caliphs. It is possible to spend
all day enjoying the Alhambra and Generalife, and those who wish
to, may stay on after our visit. There are many interesting parts
of the city which also warrant a closer look, so the rest of the
day is free for personal exploration.
Day 4. Drive to Cazorla Using our own bus, we drive along scenic
roads to the attractive mountain town of Cazorla, nestling in
a spectacular natural amphitheatre, overlooked by two Moorish
castles. The steep, winding streets,
whitewashed houses and balconied windows of its old quarter are
full of character. An afternoon orientation walk immediately puts
us in touch with the ‘real’ Spain. 4 nights hotel
and breakfast. H+.
Days 5, 6 & 7 -In Cazorla. Our walking programme over the
next threedays is intended to be flexible and reflect the interests
of the group. There will be plenty of free time to discover the
delights of the town and also the nearby Natural Park of the Sierra
de Cazorla y Segura, a wild and rugged region, designated a conservation
area on account of its dramatic beauty and wildlife.
Day 8 - Bus to Cordoba This morning we drive to the ancient town
of Ubeda, set amid myriad olive groves on the borders of Andalucía
and La Mancha
(memories of Don Quixote!). Its fine cathedral, seignorial mansions
and other
edifices in golden stone give an idea of the reconstruction after
its recapture from the Moors. We continue to Córdoba for
an afternoon orientation walk, including a visit to the old Jewish
Quarter, the Judería. 2 nights hotel and breakfast. H+.
Day 9 - In Cordoba. Standing on the banks of the Guadalquivir
river, Córdoba was one of the most brilliant Moorish cities
and is for many, the most beautiful city in Spain. The Arabs established
themselves in Córdoba as early as 719AD, and before that
the Romans had left their own mark here. |
The Roman philosopher Séneca (who was compelled to commit
suicide by Nero) was born here, and among the sights of the
city is the Roman Bridge
(Puente Romano). We visit the renowned Mosque (Mezquita), an
extraordinary and unique building where history has superimposed
two faiths and erected two oratories on the one site. The early
massive structure dates back to the 8th century, its roof supported
by a forest of 850 coloured columns. Its jewel is the gleaming
and superbly decorated Mihrab (the niche facing Mecca), which
has survived in its original state. Also observe the Moorish
decoration on the great doors, the cupola and the mosaics. The
rest of the day is ours to explore the city. Like Granada, Córdoba
has a wealth of treasures locked away in its back streets with
secluded patios tucked behind delicate iron grills. The medieval
synagogues in Córdoba and Toledo are the
only two which remain in Spain today, the one in Córdoba
dating back to the 14th century. In the evening we suggest you
take in some traditional flamenco music and dancing (optional).
Day 10 - Train to Seville. It’s a two hour train ride
to Seville.The capitalof Andalucía brims full with life
and variety. It has a popular quarter in Triana and a highborn
area in Santa Cruz. Ramparts dating back to the 13th century,
the Alcázar, the Gold Tower and the Giralda, all remind
us of
earlier Moorish occupation. Yet while the Alhambra was being
built in Granada, the Christians occupied Seville, so many buildings
reflect the Mudejar, a mixture of Moorish and Christian styles.
Afternoon orientation walk. 2 nights hotel and breakfast. H+.
Day 11 - In Seville. On our full day in Seville, we visit the
cathedral, the largest (in cubic capacity) in the world. Built
in the Gothic style, it shows
obvious Renaissance influences and its interior is striking
in size and richness. We then proceed to the Alcázar,
a marvellous example of mudejar architecture. Queen Isabella
constructed an extra wing from where she controlled Spain’s
expansion into the New World of the Americas. There is a wealth
of things to see and do in Seville from museums and the Expo
(92) complex to the splendid view from the Giralda tower; there
is also the
possibility of taking an excursion to the former Roman settlement
of Italíca, birthplace of the Emperor Hadrian and at
one time, the third largest Roman city in the world.
Day 12 - Drive to Ronda. The morning is normally free. We take
a local
bus to Ronda one of the original Pueblos Blancos (white town).
Here we will have time to wonder the streets and marvel at the
El Tajo gorge and visit one of the oldest bullrings in Spain.
Overnight hotel and breakfast. H+.
Day 13 - Public bus to Grazalema. Nestled beneath the limestone
peak of San Cristobal, Grazalema is a perfect base for the walks
we undertake over the next few days. The Parque Natural contains
an ancient forest of Holm Oak and Montpellier Maple. Buzzards
and eagles soar high above, while
mountain goats graze the mountain slopes. There are a number
of walks in the Park, but the exact itinerary will be dictated
by weather conditions. Those wishing to relax can amble around
the delightful backstreets. 2 Nights
hotel and breakfast.
Day 14 - In Grazalema. Today, we set off after breakfast walking
through the rolling country side to Benaocaz (5-6 hours) stopping
en route to view the rich
valley of Puerto del Boyar. The walk epitomises ‘the real
Spain’ and a great way to end our tour.
Day 15 - Drive to Malaga; tour ends Malaga airport
Look below for departure dates.
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Accommodations
Hotels and Hostels 14 nights.
Meals
Breakfast Local Payment
Departure Dates
20 March - 03 April
03 April - 17 April
17 April - 01 May
01 May - 15 May
15 May - 29 May
29 May - 12 June
12 June - 26 June
26 June - 10 July
10 July - 24 July
24 July - 07 August
07 August - 21 August
21 August - 04 September
11 September - 25 September
18 September - 02 October
25 September - 09 October
02 October - 16 October
09 October - 23 October
16 October - 30 October
23 October - 06 November
06 November - 20 November
Local Payment $160 (100 EUR)
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