Walking in Andalucia
Walking in Andalucia
Walking in Andalucia
8 Days Starting and ending in Algamitas
Visiting: Spain
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TDS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 15
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Outside the golden cultural triangle of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, the rural landscape of Andalucia is breathtaking, and what better way to appreciate its diversity than on foot. The walks take us through rugged hills, picturesque fields of sunflowers, olive groves, the limestone peaks of Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park and the stunning El Chorro Gorge & Caminito del Rey. In this corner of Europe the excesses of modern life do not seem to have taken root and our home for the week is the perfect example: a rustic, homely cortijo in the heart of the agricultural countryside. During the week, a whole day is reserved for exploring the magnificent city of Seville. For those looking for more of a challenge, our departures graded level 4 feature longer walks on steeper terrain.
Highlights
Itinerary
Fly to Malaga and transfer to Cortijo Rosario, located in the heart of the
authentic Andalucian countryside, approximately 100km from Malaga. Our
converted farmhouse is just a short walk from Algamitas, a peaceful
traditional village far from the hustle and bustle of the big towns or
cities. This location is ideal as it gives the chance to experience the real
Spain, whilst still offering very easy access to the best walking areas and
Andalucian towns such as Olvera, Setenil and Seville which we'll visit during
the week.
Day 2
Today we take a guided walk on the trails and paths around the Cortijo and on
to the neighbouring village of Villanueva. The countryside surrounding
Algamitas is picture-perfect, covered with olive trees, beautiful farmland
and rolling hills. During the walk, our leader will give us a good overview
of the rural lifestyle and traditions of this part of the world, which are
largely based around the production of olive oil. An optional tapas lunch in
the village gives us a chance to soak up the authentic Andalucian atmosphere.
Once back at the Cortijo, we have some free time to relax by the pool or
enjoy a drink on the lovely outdoor terrace. We then have dinner and stay
overnight at the Cortijo.*
*
Walk Profile: Distance- 12km/7 miles, total ascent 330m and descent
330m, approx. 6 hours walking including stops.
Â
Day 3
Our private bus will drive us high into the Grazalema Mountains over the Pass
of the Doves. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere reserve in 1977, the Sierra de
Grazalema was declared the first natural park in Andalucia in 1984 and is one
of Spain's most ecologically outstanding areas. The park is famous for its
spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and
gorges. We walk up past this fantastic scenery and down into the white
Village of Benaocaz.
Walk Profile: Distance- 9km/ 5 miles, total ascent 272m and descent
545, approx. 4-5 hours walking including stops.
Day 4
Today we set out from the Cortijo Rosario, walking through Algamitas farmland
to the abandoned monastery of Canos Santos, where we will have lunch. In the
afternoon we follow the Ruta de los Molinos along the river that runs through
the famous white village of Setenil de las Bodegas. Built under the
overhanging ledge of a gorge, Setenil is not only famous for its peculiar
architecture but also for its bars, restaurants and food shops which are
ranked as the best in the region. We have free time to discover Setenil and
later return to the Cortijo by private minibus.Â
Walk Profile: Distance- 14km/ 09 miles, total ascent 275m and descent
275, approx. 5-6 hours walking including stops.
Day 5
In the morning we transfer by private minibus to the magnificent city of
Seville. The day is free to sightsee at our own pace. Now the capital of
Andalucia, Seville was one of the first conquests of the Moors. After the
fall of the Cordoba Caliphate in the 11th Century, under whose direction it
previously lay, it became the most powerful city in 'Al Andalus'. Near the
city centre is the evocative 'Giralda', an architectural masterpiece dating
back to the 12th Century. Close by is the magnificent 'Alcazar', a complex of
palaces dating back from Roman times and later used by both Moorish and
Christian rulers. It has fine examples of Moorish and 'Mudejar' architecture,
rivalling Granada's 'Alhambra', and stunning sculpted gardens. After the
Christian re-conquest Seville became famed as the gateway to the 'New World';
Christopher Columbus negotiated here with Queen Isabella to fund his epic
voyage to the Americas, bringing her back untold riches and making Seville
one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. After immersing ourselves in
Seville’s history and culture during the day, we enjoy the vibrant
atmosphere of the city in the evening. We return to the Cortijo after dinner.
Day 6
A short drive takes us to the El Chorro Gorge where we are dropped off at the
Guadalhorce Dam and reservoir where we begin our walk. The walk will take us
to the start of the amazing Caminito del Rey, which offers some of the most
spectacular scenery in Spain. The Caminito del Rey is a narrow cliffside path
hanging 100m above the waters of the river Guadalhorce. Originally built
around 1905 and improved around 1921 it fell into disrepair and over the past
decades, the path became known as ‘the most dangerous path in the world' or
even the ‘walk of death'. The new Caminito del Rey was re-constructed and
reopened to the public on 28 March 2015, with the route and design of the
path keeping as closely as possible to the old one but now respecting high
safety standards. Due to overwhlemingly positive feedback, as of 2017, this
walk is an included activity and your leader will be walking this path with
the group.
After we finish the walk along the Caminito del Rey, there will be the chance
to relax and have a little rest by the reservoir.
The Caminito del Rey ticket is included in the cost of the trip and will be
arranged by Exodus upon booking. However please be aware that for
reservations made less than 90 days prior to departure, there may be a
supplement to pay to guarantee entrance as ticket numbers are limited. We
will be able to check this upon booking and confirm the amount of the
supplement if it applies.
Walk Profile: Distance- 8km/ 5 miles, total ascent 175m and descent
275m, approx. 3 hours walking.
Day 7
Today we walk a circuit around the impressive Penon Crag that looms over the
Cortijo Rosario. El Penon is the highest point in the province of Seville
– 1130m above sea level, offering dramatic views of the landscape around
Algamitas and neighbouring villages, hills and farmland. On the way back to
the Cortijo we stop for some drinks in a lovely panoramic terrace.
Walk Profile: Distance- 13km/ 8 miles, total ascent 470m and descent 470m,
approx. 5 hours walking including stops
Day 8
Those on the group flight will be transferred to Malaga for the group flight
back to London.
What's Included
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Caminito del Rey walk
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 All breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches and 6 evening meals are included
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All accommodation
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Transfer for group flights
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners.
What's Not Included
-
Single supplement
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Visas & vaccinations
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Travel insurance
Food
All breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches and 6 evening meals are included.*
*
*Breakfast:* Continental buffet-style breakfast with local fruit and yoghurt.
*Lunch:* Packed lunches are provided for most day walks, usually filled with
cheese/cold meats. On some days it is possible to enjoy some authentic tapas
in local villages.
*Dinner:*Â All food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal produce,
and the meals come with complimentary wine as well as tea/coffee. A selection
of soft and alcoholic drinks are available at the bar (payable locally).
Vegetarians are generally well catered for at the Cortijo Rosario. Please
advise us on booking if you have any special dietary requirements.
Accommodation
Our base for the week is Cortijo Rosario, a converted farmhouse reserved exclusively for our groups. In the heart of the romantic AndalucÃan countryside, in the Seville province, the cortijo overlooks the small village of Algamitas and is within reach of Seville city and the charming town of Ronda.
Together with its neighbouring sister village Villanueva, Algamitas is known as the forgotten village: modern development has more or less passed by and life goes on as it has for generations. Little English is spoken in the villages, as the tourism boom on the coast has not affected the welcoming community. The main income is agriculture, with olives the predominant crop along with cereals, wheat and sunflowers. This rural location really offers a fascinating insight into the real AndalucÃa.
All rooms have private bathrooms and there is a bar, lounge, outdoor dining area, and a lovely pool open year-round (not heated). There are also two friendly dogs and a cat owned by the manager that like to lie on the patio in the sun.
Cortijo Rosario has been renovated while retaining its traditional heritage. It is not a luxury villa or hotel, but all rooms are unique and have different sizes, as per the original structure of the building. Towels are changed once during the week and rooms are serviced every other day.
AmenitiesÂ
Pool
Bar
Lounge
Outdoor dining area
Wi-fi
Honesty bar
Worth knowing
There is one single room available, which can be guaranteed on a 'first-come, first-served' basis with a supplement payable in advance on booking.
We may be able to confirm double rooms for single use closer to departure. Please contact our sales representative no more than two weeks before departure to check if this is available.
 Due to the remote location, special dietary requirements must be declared and requested at the time of booking.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.