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Trails Of Andalucia


Andalucia's splendid landscape, food and culture are the focus of this walking adventure that takes us into the heart and soul of Spain's most passionate region




Andalucia's splendid landscapes, food and culture are the focus of this walking adventure that takes us into the heart and soul of Spain's most passionate region. It has been described as the 'least European' part of Europe and was the last stronghold of the Moors, who first arrived here from North Africa in the 8th Century. Early records show an unusual tolerance for cultural diversity during the Muslim occupation of southern Spain, but gradually the Moorish population was driven further and further south until there was nowhere left to go. Seville fell in the early 13th-Century and Granada endured until 1492, when the Moors were finally expelled. Yet it was this history that has made Andalucia what it is today. Seville is the vibrant provincial capital and home of flamenco, whilst the area around Ronda is one of the most beautiful, yet undiscovered parts of the Iberian Peninsula. The landscape is hilly and dotted with delightful small towns and villages of unquestionable beauty. With narrow little streets and alleyways exuding a distinctly Moorish air, these charming places are often built on steep slopes and their houses usually resplendent with wrought-iron balconies, draped with bright red geraniums. Walking around the town of Ronda, with its dramatic position above a deep ravine, is always fascinating, while Granada offers a wonderful insight into the rich culture of the Moorish period with its piece de resistance being the splendid and incomparable Alhambra Palace. After all our walking and exploring, we relax in the evenings and watch Andalucia come to life by treating ourselves to the delicious local cuisine. To walk in the hills and through the villages and meet the friendly people of this region is to celebrate life as only the Andalucians can!



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Tour Highlights

  • UNESCO World Heritage-listed 11th Century 'Red Castle' of Alhambra
  • The most famous of the 'pueblos blancos' - 9th Century BC Ronda
  • The Flamenco taverns of Granada
  • Seville's cultural diversity

Inclusions

  • • The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leader.

    • Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): walking tour of Seville including Alcazar Palace; Zahara de la Sierra; the pueblos blancos (white villages) and Cueva del Gato (Cat´s Cave); and walking tour of Ronda’s old quarter and gorge.

    • 2 days in Granada including Alhambra Palace, the Christian Cathedral district, the Moorish Albaizan Quarter and traditional Moroccan souks.

    • Walk into the ancient forests of Grazalema National Park.

    • Visit to Molino Viniculo - a traditional family-run ‘cold’ olive oil press, for a demonstration and tasting.

    • Free time to explore Seville, Grazalema and Granada.

  • Local bus
  • Private vehicle
  • 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners

Trails Of Andalucia

Day 1
Seville
Meals Privided:
, Dinner
Your trip starts today with your arrival in historic Seville - home of the flamenco! Iberian Airlines operates daily nonstop services to Seville from London, Paris, Barcelona and Madrid. Another convenient method of reaching the capital of Andalucia is by fast train (AVE) which takes less than three hours from Madrid. Whilst at your discretion, we recommend arriving and departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transports minimal carbon emissions. No activities are planned during the morning or afternoon so you may arrive at any time. Take the opportunity to explore this most flamboyant of cities whose charms lie not only in its sights and sounds but also with its culinary temptations. You may wish to book some pre tour accommodation and arrive a day or two early, to enjoy one of Seville's World Heritage Sites, the Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower, Triana´s nightlife and dining, or just discovering its winding streets & small plazas of the Barrio Santa Cruz. Please make your own way to the joining hotel (details are in your travel documents) which is located in the heart of the Barrio (district) Santa Cruz famed for its shady narrow laneways. The Barrio de Santa Cruz was originally home to an active Jewish and Muslim community. This shaded warren was designed in medieval times to provide refuge from the great Andalusian heat. In the evening we meet our tour leader and fellow travelling companions at a Welcome Meeting (this is at 7pm at the reception of our hotel), where our leader will give us a briefing on what lies ahead on our tour. This is followed by a light orientation walk of the area and dinner in a local restaurant where a variety of local delights will be sampled.
Day 2
Seville
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
This morning after breakfast we embark on a walking tour that will reveal to us many of Seville's finest sights. With the knowledge of our local leader to guide us we will explore the labyrinthine maze of narrow cobblestoned streets and lazy sun speckled squares in the Barrio Santa Cruz and El Centro. Situated on the Rio Guadalquivir Seville has been a site of habitation since Roman times before being conquered in turn by the Visigoths, Moors and lastly Christians who captured the city in 1248 led by Fernando the 3rd - known as El Santo (The Saint). This cultural diversity is richly portrayed in Seville's architectural legacies to this day. A highlight of the morning will be a visit to Seville's magnificent Alcazar Palace - one of the country’s most impressive and historic monuments as well as the lovely Botanical Gardens Maria Luisa and the incomparable Plaza de Espana. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to further explore. We highly recommend the Cathedral of Seville and the Giralda Tower (entrance not included). One of Europe’s largest Cathedrals and home to Christopher Columbus’s elevated tomb. Tonight join the rest of the 'Sevillana,' and soak up the ambiance as the city comes alive. Famed Tapas bars, live music and locals spilling out onto the cooler evening streets will see you quickly becoming part of the spirit of alegre (joy). Perhaps a flamenco show this evening - Olé. (3-4 hours urban walking).
Day 3
Zahara de la Sierra - Grazalema
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
Today we transfer to the beautiful Grazalema National Park and visit the splendid village of Zahara de la Sierra (1 1/2 hours) on route. The spectacular location of this white washed village, set as it is clinging to the edges of a dramatic mountain range, makes it visable for many kilometres and has been called a Moorish eagle's nest. Overlooked by it's medieval castle we enjoy a guided visit through its narrow alleyways where we see the 16th Century watch tower, imposing town arch and the beautiful Church of Santa María de la Meza with its baroque design. We also take a short walk outside the village walls to the Molino Viniculo, a traditional family run ‘cold’ olive oil press for a demonstration and tasting. Andalucia is the world's largest producer of olive oil and the locals enjoy it with their breakfast, lunches and dinners! It is also the basis of Andalucia's most famous contribution to world gastronomy - gazpacho. It is then a short 30 minute drive to Grazalema village proper over the stunning Dove Pass route high up in the Sierras. (3 hours village walking)
Day 4
Grazalema – National Park Walking Day (or free day)
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
A day at rest if you wish. Alternatively the option of taking a nature walk into the ancient forests and hilly landscapes of the Grazalema National Park. The walk is led by your leader and caters to both light walkers and those seeking an adventurous day in this region made famous by Romans, Moors and Bandits. The walk begins by exploring Grazalema's village streets and carpet weaving tradition and then follows a mountainous circuit over an ancient drovers path where we can observe native flora and fauna - possibly even eagles and vultures. From here guests can return to the hotel for a restful afternoon exploring more of the village while others may wish to carry on to explore the verdant natural areas with their leader. Please note, today’s walking distance and terrain is subject to group interest, prevailing weather and seasonal factors. (4-6 hours hill walking / subject to conditions).
Day 5
Grazalema - Ronda
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we depart Grazalema for the iconic village of Ronda (literally meaning surrounded by mountains), we will have one night’s stay here. Prior to arriving at Ronda, we take a scenic detour where we witness outstanding natural and cultural landscapes of the pueblos blancos (white villages). A break at the refreshing Cueva del Gato (Cat´s Cave), allows us time to stroll around this park area and have a café on the terrace. One of Spain's oldest towns - dating back to the 9th Century BC - Ronda impresses with its dramatic location perched on an inland plateau at 744m. Lauded across many centuries, this most famous of 'pueblos blancos,' (white villages) has attracted travelers drawn by its craggy beauty for an age. It is linked to the romantic writers of the 19th Century such as Hemingway and Dumas who sought to gaze out from its elevated position across the patchwork of fields and floodplains beneath. We have an included walking tour of the old quarter as well as an easy walk into the picturesque gorge surrounding the town. This afternoon we learn the art of tapas from our leader who will guide us in the nuances of the famous tapas menus and wines of Ronda. Late afternoon offers free exploration time before we regroup for dinner in one of Ronda’s lively local ventas. (3-4 hours rural and town walking)
Day 6
Granada
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
After breakfast we travel by private minibus to enjoy the views of Andalucia’s rich countryside and tremendous geography. After a coffee break on route, we continue our journey to the former Moorish stronghold of Granada (3 hours driving total). This fine city imbues the Islamic tradition and hints at the ghosts of a very different past like no other in Andalucia. It was the last Muslim-controlled city to fall to the Christians in 1492. Put quite simply Granada is enchanting. This afternoon we walk in the historic Christian Cathedral district and witness this Moorish influence first hand. An opportunity to self guide into Granada´s Cathedral and Royal tombs of Isabel and Ferdinand is made available. Or simply wandering through the Moroccan Souk markets or observing craftwork like ceramics and leather goods can be insightful too. We recommend a meal of tapas in one of Granada’s lively squares beneath the Alhambra Palace this evening. Granada attracts a large student population from all over Spain lending a youthful ambiance to the cooler evenings and vibrancy to the city that will envelop you. (2 hours urban walking)
Day 7
Alhambra Palace - Granada
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
A highlight of our trip this morning or afternoon (pending our Palace entrance time), is a visit to the Alhambra Palace. Dating back to the 11th Century and taking its name from the Arabic for 'red castle,' Alhambra will challenge your visual senses with so much to entice. The dominating red fortress towers, sumptuous palace decor, multitude of architectural styles and magnificent gardens of the 'Generalife,' (literally meaning architect's garden) are all set against the brooding backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains and compete for your eyes attention. From the soothing pathways, fountains, impeccably maintained hedges and pools to the centuries old defensive walls, turrets and views overlooking Granada our visit to this peerless attraction will not disappoint. Once inside the palace you are free to wander around and make your own discoveries. As well today, your leader will take you deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaizan Quarter and traditional Moroccan Souks where tea houses and Arab craft stalls completely transpose you from traditional Spanish culture. Be sure to bring your camera! Tonight to celebrate our last night, we return to the heart of Granada's Albaizan Quarter to lanes and patios offering glimpses of the Alhambra's west flanks. An additional walk can take us past the non-touristic Flamenco Taverns where aspiring (and legendary) performers gather, socialize, share their talent and try new material. If there are any programs or concerts we can pay a small cover fee otherwise we can enjoy a drink and tapas and our guide will offer us some history of this unique place in the world of Spanish culture and musical heritage. A true 'highlight experience' because this part of Granada's culture is well off the tourist trail and nowhere else may one stumble upon some of Flamenco's most powerful contributors. (full day urban walking with breaks)
Day 8
Granada
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Our trip ends after breakfast this morning. Those who are wanting to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at time of booking. Iberia Airlines have daily flights to both Barcelona and Madrid from Granada airport 17km west of the city. There are also convenient rail options to Seville, Madrid and Barcelona available or longer (but cheaper) bus journeys to the north. One such coach company is Alsa (www.alsa.es).

IN A NUTSHELL

8 days
$2,695
15

TOUR INFORMATION

Start End Price
06/05/201213/05/2012 $2,695
13/05/201220/05/2012 $2,695
27/05/201203/06/2012 $2,695
03/06/201210/06/2012 $2,695
17/06/201224/06/2012 $2,695
02/09/201209/09/2012 $2,695
16/09/201223/09/2012 $2,695
07/10/201214/10/2012 $2,695
14/10/201221/10/2012 $2,695
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