Overview
Stunning walks through Spain’s highest sierra; from Los Berchules to Granada
The Sierra Nevada is Europes second highest mountain range and towers over
southern Spain. Much of this dramatic landscape is a protected biosphere
reserve, rich in wildlife and home to many endemic plant species. Here, and
in the neighbouring Alpujarra region, we are rewarded with some of the finest
walking in Andalucia; from ancient chestnut forests to lavender and
broom-clad moorland and white-washed Moorish villages. A night in the city of
Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra Palace, is the perfect end to the
week.
Highlights
* Beautiful walks through Spain’s highest sierra
* Moorish white-washed settlements and the highest village in
Spain,Trevelez
* Family-run hotel offering stunning views and warm hospitality
* A night in Granada with a free day to explore this beautiful city
* Alhambra Palace and its grounds (optional)
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Malaga; transfer to Berchules.
Fly to Malaga; transfer to Berchules (2 hours and 45 minute transfer)
Day 2
Circular walk from the hotel door, following a stone-laid mule path with
panoramic views.
On this first day we take a circular walk from the hotel. Great views and
water babbling in the irrigation channels give a good introduction to the
Alpujarra. The area is generally agricultural and we will see how the land
has been managed through the ages. As well as spotting relics dating back to
the middle ages there are stunning views of the region. This will be the
shortest and least demanding walk of the week giving a chance to acclimatise.
Day 3
Descend into Guadalfeo Valley to the market town of Cadiar; climb through
hamlets to Juviles, site of Mozarabic 10th century castle.
Today there is the chance to see abundant local flora and fauna while walking
through beautiful landscape. The route takes us through several towns and
villages, such as Lobras and Timar, until we reach Juviles, home to a 10th
Century Mozarabic castle. A 10-minute transfer takes us back to our hotel in
Berchules.
Day 4
Walk along Roman paths through La Taha to explore Moorish villages hidden in
a deep gorge.
A short transfer takes us to the beginning of our walk exploring the nature
of the Rio Trevelez Valley. We walk along Roman paths through the area of La
Taha, a collection of Moorish villages hidden in a deep gorge. Lunch is taken
in a tiny bar, where we are offered a selection of local dishes, as available
on the day, lunch is paid for locally.
Day 5
Scenic walk from the white village of Trevelez (the highest village in Spain
at 1550m); return through working cortijos to see how the traditional way of
life continues.
Our day starts with a short transfer to the white village of Trevelez at
1550m, it is the highest village in Spain. The town is particularly famous
for the quality of its world-renowned Jamon Serrano. There are shopping
opportunities in this larger village and a chance to sample the ham at its
source. From here we enjoy a scenic circular walk involving riverside
sections and a chance to see the local cowboys handle their herds on the
hillsides.
Day 6
Walk through a great variety of landscapes, from moonscape to the verdant
upper reaches of Berchules’ Rio Grande.
The walk will vary with the season. Normally we take a circular walk from the
hotel to take a deeper look at our home valley. An amazingly scenic walk
giving an easy access through apparently impossible cliffs. Points of
historical and folkloric interest are encountered along the way as well as
paddling possibilities at the river crossing. We finish on the longest walk
of the week.
Day 7
Free day in Granada and optional visit to the Alhambra Palace (those wishing
to visit must purchase a ticket in advance).
Transfer to Granada (just under 2 hours) and free time to explore this
wonderful city at your own pace. There is the opportunity to visit one of
Europe’s most visited historical monuments – the magnificent Alhambra Palace.
If you would like to visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, tickets are
restricted so you will need to book this in advance.Please refer to the
‘Extra Expenses’ section of the trip notes for further details.
Day 8 Transfer to Malaga; fly to London.
End at Hotel Dauro and transfer with the group back to Malaga Airport (1.5
hour transfer).
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