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| Spain: Granada to Seville
An 8-Day tour starting from $3,598
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| About This Tour | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From legendary Granada to vibrant Seville, this walking journey explores the best of Southern Spain; the most beautiful mountain villages and spectacular mountain ranges. You begin in the royal city of Granada, the last jewel in the Moorish crown, where you walk the massive fortifications of Granada’s Alcazaba, the exquisite Alhambra royal palaces, and the extraordinarily engineered gardens of the Generalife. You then move to the gloriously pastoral land of the Torcal de Antequera Nature Reserve and the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Here you meander along mountainsides terraced with olive groves, cork forests, and lush valleys contrasting with rocky landscapes. These areas are as beautiful and fertile today as they were 500 years ago and the classic pueblos blancos (white villages) have largely preserved their traditional lifestyle and culture. At night you relax in charming hotels in the tranquil countryside near La Joya, the serene village of Grazalema, and Ronda — one of Southern Spain’s most beautiful towns, perched dramatically on both sides of a deep gorge. The tour culminates in the passionate city of Seville, home to flamenco dancing, tapas, and bullfighting. |
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• Experienced, friendly and engaging guides
• Transportation during the trip • All accommodations while on tour, including charming mountain village and fine urban properties, all private baths • All meals included except one lunch and one dinner; alcoholic beverages not included
DAY 1 Granada; 3 miles, easy; transfer to La Joya-Antequera
This morning you enter the extraordinary world of the Alhambra and Generalife. Touring the ancient buildings and gardens, you relish spectacular views over the city of Granada and the Albaicin (the old Moorish quarter), a more impressive vista offered around every corner. After enjoying lunch in this ancient city, you set out for the village of La Joya, approximately two hours by coach, your home for the next two nights. After checking into your stylish hotel, a welcome drink of jerez (sherry) or vino dulce de Málaga (sweet wine from Málaga) is served on the hotel terrace, with splendid views towards the Montes de Malaga and Mediterranean coast. This evening you savor a welcome feast at the hotel. Hotel Fuente del Sol, La Joya - Antequera DAY 2 Hotel Fuente del Sol to Antequera; 8.5 miles, moderate (1,200-ft elevation gain and 2,000-ft elevation loss). Torcal de Antequera; 1.5 miles, easy (150-ft elevation gain and loss). This morning you rise to a hearty breakfast before setting off for the day. The first walk departs from the hotel to the historic town of Antequera. The path passes isolated cortijos, traditional Andalucian farmhouses, as it skirts the Cerro del Águila (Eagle Hill). At the Cortijo del Robledillo (Oak Tree Farm), you continue on a cordel (a driveway) used by shepherds travelling with their flocks of sheep and goats since time immemorial. You follow the cordel to the pass at Escaruela, and enjoy views of the distinctive limestone massif landscape of the Torcal along the way. Once through the pass, you drop down steadily before lunch and a visit to dolmens in Antequera. A short bus ride after lunch takes you into the heart of the Torcal de Antequera, a labyrinthine maze of surreal karstic rock outcrops dating to the Jurassic period. The area supports a variety of orchids, wild roses, mountain goats, and griffon vultures. After an easy walk around the Torcal, during which you may spot some fossils, you transfer back to the hotel where you have time to settle in before dinner. Hotel Fuente del Sol, La Joya - Antequera DAY 3 Montecorto to Grazalema; 9-10 miles, moderate (2,200-ft elevation gain and 850-ft loss) Following breakfast, you check out of the hotel and board the coach for a two-hour transfer to the village of Montecorto, where a walk to the mountain village of Grazalema begins. Initially climbing steadily away from Montecorto, the trail descends, then rises again to crest a ridge boasting spectacular views. You walk through undulating countryside of mixed farmland, hillside pastures, and open woodland, through the Guadalete valley, catching the occasional glimpse of Grazalema well before arrival. After a picnic lunch, you walk the remaining distance to Grazalema, nestled cosily on a hillside below the Gaidovar mountains. Your hotel, the Puerta de la Villa, is located in the heart of this traditional white-washed village and surrounded by the Sierra de Grazalema National Park. Tonight’s meal features a bounty of the region. Puerta de la Villa, Grazalema DAY 4 Grazalema to Benaocaz; 6.5 miles, moderate (800-ft elevation gain and loss) or Grazalema to Benamahoma; 8.5 miles, moderate (1,700-ft elevation gain and 3,150-ft elevation loss) Depending on the time of year, you walk either to the village of Benamahoma or to the village of Benaocaz. The walk from Grazalema to Benamahoma climbs steadily to a dramatic summit at 4,000 feet in the Sierra de las Cumbres and then skirts the north face of the Sierra del Pinar (clad with the Spanish fir, a rare relic from the last ice age, which are found in only three areas of Spain). Along the way you pick a spot to spread out a picnic lunch of local cheeses, meats, vegetables, fruits, and breads. The walk ends in the enchanting village of Benamahoma, where the streets are lined with orange trees exuding the scent of their blossoms for most of the year. The alternative route goes from the village of Grazalema to the village of Benaocaz; a charming village situated in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this park is one of Spain’s most ecologically important areas and is home to the griffon vulture, deer, roebuck, Egyptian mongoose, and even the imperial and royal eagle. The walk takes you through dramatic countryside with panoramic views and past the spectacular crevice known as the Salto del Cabrero (Goatherd’s Leap). Following either option, there is time to relax at your hotel or stroll the town’s narrow streets before another festive meal. Puerta de la Villa, Grazalema DAY 5 Grazalema to Montejaque; 10.5 miles, easy to moderate (500-ft elevation gain and 675-ft elevation loss) Today’s walk to the village of Montejaque rises to the Puerto do los Alamillos (Poplar Pass) before dropping again to follow the gentle meanders of the Campbuche or Gaduares stream through open cork oak forest. Once through the pass, you find yourself walking through picture-perfect farmland unchanged over the centuries. In the afternoon you transfer approximately a half hour to the town of Ronda, where you spend the next two nights at a parador hotel in the heart of the city. One of Andalucia’s most dramatically situated towns, Ronda is tucked in the mountains and perched on cliffs overlooking a spectacular river gorge. There is time to take a short stroll and take in the stunning views before dinner in one of the nearby restaurants overlooking the gorge. Parador de Ronda, Ronda DAY 6 Walking tour of Ronda; 2-4 miles, easy city and trail walking Today you have a full day to explore the lively bustling town of Ronda. The visit takes you across the Puente Nuevo, or new bridge built in the 18th century, which spans the dramatic 350-feet-deep Guadalevin River Gorge, known as El Tajo. You then enter the central Casco Antiguo (old quarter), packed with churches, palaces, and the remains of mosques and other reminders of Spain’s glorious Moorish past. After, you recross the gorge to visit the oldest bullring in Spain with its delightful museum. This afternoon you are free to further explore this historic town, visit a museum, browse the galleries, or relax at your hotel. There is also a short afternoon walk option available that offers splendid views of Ronda. Your guides are available to assist with lunch and dinner options and suggestions. Parador de Ronda, Ronda DAY 7 Seville; 3-5 miles, easy city walking After one final breakfast in Ronda you depart for a two-hour transfer to Seville. Located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville is one of the most important historical and cultural cities in Europe. Your exploration of this fascinating city begins with a stroll through the narrow streets of the Barrio de Santa Cruz. This historic quarter with its beautiful houses, flowered balconies, richly decorated facades, and hidden patios is a treat to explore. Next you visit the Alcazar (royal palace) — founded in the 10th century by Abd Al Rahman III and converted most notably by Peter the Cruel for use as his palace. The palace displays varied architectural styles from Islamic to Neoclassical and features multiple delightful gardens, fountains, and pavillions. Seville also takes credit for the original tapas (small Spanish dishes and appetizers) and is home to thousands of tapas bars, where one can sample a wide variety of dishes including seafood, sausages, vegetables, cheese, olives, as well as wines. Your sojourn in Andalusia culminates with a final evening in this seductive city where the legendary Don Juan began conquering hearts of women across Europe. You take in all that Seville has to offer, including sampling the array of tapas, trying una copa de manzanilla (a glass of dry sherry wine), and attending a spectacular flamenco performance. Vincci La Rabida, Sevilla DAY 8 Departure Day The tour concludes after breakfast. You are free to depart at your leisure for your next destination, or continue your explorations of this fascinating city. Note: The above is a 2008 itinerary. The 2009 itinerary will be available soon - please call for details Itinerary Changes Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.
• Tours of cultural hubs Seville, Granada, and Ronda • Walks through Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, UNESCO-preserved reserve, and the Torcal de Antequera Nature Reserve • Rural, whitewashed luxury hotels and palatial city accommodations All tour prices are per person, in US dollars, based on double occupancy.
2008 Single Supplement $550 2009 Single Supplement $705 As arrangements are confirmed at least a year in advance, the tour price is subject to change. Reserve early to guarantee the best available price. |
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
