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Our trip starts at 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 and traditional village far from the hustle and bustle of the big towns or cities. Contrary to many other travel companies, we have decided to select a rural base for our trip as we believe this gives the chance to experience the real Spain, whilst still offering easy access to the top tourist attractions and best Andalucian towns such as Olvera, Setenil, Seville and Antequera, which we'll visit during the week.
Today we take a half-day guided walk on the trails and paths around the Cortijo. 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. The route is very flexible and can be tailored to suit changes in the weather. The afternoon will be spent relaxing by the pool or enjoying a drink in the lovely outdoor terrace at the Cortijo. We then have dinner and overnight at the Cortijo.
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. Originally built as a minaret for the central Mosque in Seville, this mosque was later destroyed, and it is now the bell-tower for the enormous cathedral. 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 that of Granada's 'Alhambra', and has some lovely gardens. After the Christian re-conquest Seville became the gateway to the 'New World'; Christopher Columbus negotiated here with Queen Isabella to fund his epic voyage to the Americas.
Leaving Seville in the morning, we travel to Olvera, one of the most scenic of the 'pueblos blancos' or white villages. These villages were built during Moorish times as a border between what was then 'Al Andalus' and Christian Spain. In Olvera we have the opportunity to visit the Arab castle, which dates back to the end of the 12th Century. From here we head to Seteni 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. The town is also a good place to buy ceramics and local crafts. We return to the Cortijo and the rest of the afternoon is free for a dip in the pool or walks in the surrounding countryside.
Today we enjoy a free day to explore the tranquil countryside around the farmhouse or take an optional self-guided walk to a nearby village for lunch. Alternatively, it is also possible to visit Ronda or beautiful Cordoba. Train connections to these towns are limited, but your leader can help you to arrange some private return transfers locally (they do not need to be pre-booked before departure).
We leave the Cortijo today and transfer to the beautiful Moorish city of Granada. Here we spend a full day exploring the wonderful heritage of the historic centre. After an optional orientation walk in the morning arranged by our leader, we visit the Alhambra, indisputably the best-known monument and one of the most visited in Spain. The entrance 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. The remainder of the day is free to sightsee at our own pace: visit the Palacio Nazaríe, the most brilliant Islamic building in Europe, take a panoramic view of the city at sunset from the famous Mirador San Nicolas or simply enjoy some tapas and wine in the cosy town's streets. After immersing ourselves in Granada’s history and culture by day, there is a lot to do and see at night including optional flamenco shows.
Leaving Granada, we head to the historical town of Antequera, a little gem known as "the heart of Andalucia” because of its geographical location. The town's history dates back 5,000 years, beginning with the Bronze Age and successively inhabited by many cultures including the native Iberians, Romans and the Moors, all of which have left their mark for us. After exploring the town's highlights and great variety of monuments, we enjoy a delicious lunch in a typical local restaurant. In the afternoon we make our way to the nearby Natural Reserve of El Torcal where we enjoy a short easy walk which offers stunning panoramic views of the landscape below. The karst rock formations found here are unique and among the most important in Europe. Later we make our way back to the Cortijo, where we enjoy a delicious farewell dinner.
* 5 nights in a comfortable converted farmhouse and 2 nights in hotels
* Gentle day walks and sightseeing
* Group normally 5 to 15, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
* Alhambra ticket included; early booking highly recommended
All breakfasts and 5 dinners are included.
*Breakfast:* Continental buffet-style breakfast with local fruit and
yoghurt.
*Evening meal: *All food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal
produce, and the meals come with complimentary water and 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.
* 5 nights in a comfortable converted farmhouse and 2 nights in hotels
* Gentle day walks and sightseeing
* Group normally 5 to 15, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
* Alhambra ticket included; early booking highly recommended
*Activity Level: 1 (Leisurely)*
The majority of drives are short except for the journeys to Seville and
Granada, which may take up to 2 hours. During the week there is some gentle
walking involved.
Andalucia is usually very hot during the Summer months, possibly in the high
30s.
Please note all activities are optional and a rest day may be taken at any
point should you prefer to relax at the Cortijo.
*Alhambra Palace, Granada*
The entrance ticket is included in the cost of the trip and will be arranged
by Exodus upon booking. However please be aware that from 2019, for
reservations made less than 90 days prior departure Exodus may charge a
supplement on the ticket price to guarantee entrance as ticket numbers are
limited. Our sales department will be able to check this upon booking and
confirm the exact amount of the supplement if it applies.
*Special Festival Departures*
*Holy Week *
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is elaborately celebrated each year in Spain.
This is the week preceding Easter Sunday. Throughout the week, some 50,000
people put on traditional robes and parade in the various organised
processions, while the "costaleros" carry the religious statues on their
shoulders. Solemnity isn't the only keynote however - bars and streets are
full day and night with entire families celebrating this special event with
art, colour and music. If you fancy experiencing the unique vibrant
atmosphere of Seville during the Semana Santa, book our special festival
departures departing on the 04th April 2020 and 27th March 2021.
*Seville Fair*
Feria de Abril, or Seville Fair, is arguably the most important and
anticipated event in Andalucia. The Seville Fair traditionally starts two
weeks after Semana Santa, in a huge area in Los Remedios, to the south-west
of the city. This is a week of serious dancing, drinking, eating and
socialising. The sheer size of the April Fair's spectacle is extraordinary.
From around midday until early evening Sevilla society parades around the
fairground in carriages or on horseback, wearing traditional dresses. If you
fancy experiencing the festive atmosphere of Seville during this event, book
our special festival departures departing on the 25th April 2020 and 17th
April 2021.
*New Year's Eve departures (28th December 2019 & 26th December 2020)*
On these special departures the order of some of the activities on our
standard itinerary have been changed in order to spend New Year's Eve in
Seville. The special atmosphere throughout the city around this time is
incredible, a memory from Seville that you will cherish long after you
leave. After a day of sightseeing, we will head to the city centre and enjoy
the traditional celebrations and fantastic fireworks display.
Hotels & Farmhouse
Our main base for the week is Cortijo Rosario, a beautifully converted
farmhouse reserved exclusively for Exodus groups. Situated in the heart of
the romantic Andalusian countryside, the Cortijo overlooks the small village
of Algamitas and is within reach of Seville 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 them
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 lives of
these people, who are welcoming and keen to meet newcomers. The main income
of the community is agriculture, with olives the main crop along
with cereals, wheat and sunflowers. This rural location really offers
a fascinating insight into the 'real' Andalucia.
All rooms have en suite facilities and there is a bar, lounge, outdoor
dining area as well as a lovely pool. There are also two friendly dogs
owned by the manager of the Cortijo that like to lie on the patio in the
sun. Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available in the bar and sitting room areas.
Cortijo Rosario is renovated to a high standard whilst retaining its
traditional heritage. As such, the farmhouse should not be considered a
luxury villa or hotel. Towels are changed once during the week and rooms are
serviced every other day.
We also spend one night in Granada and one in Seville, where we stay at basic
but comfortable hotels with ensuite facilities located close to the historic
centre.
Please note that the number of single rooms is very limited and single
supplements (on request) may be actual singles or doubles for sole use
depending on availability.
An Exodus leader will be on hand throughout the week to help with your
orientation, guiding in the villages, on the short walking excursions and
will make sure everything runs smoothly. However, due to Spanish legislation,
Exodus tour leaders are not allowed to guide groups in cities, museums and
churches. You will be free to sightsee at your own pace in Seville and
Granada. If you wish to organise a private city tour with a local guide,
please request this to your leader on arrival and they should be able to book
it for you.
All breakfasts and 5 dinners are included.
*Breakfast:* Continental buffet-style breakfast with local fruit and
yoghurt.
*Evening meal: *All food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal
produce, and the meals come with complimentary water and 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.
Private minibus will be used for airport transfers and organised excursions.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is usually a daytime flight departing on Day 1
of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or Norwegian
Airlines (depending on availability).
As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one
of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date
timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be
confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Algamitas*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Algamitas in the
afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point
are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two
weeks before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
You can pre‐book private arrival and departure transfers through Exodus if
you wish (payable in advance). Please ensure that you provide us with all
relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure.
The cost for a private transfer from Malaga airport to Cortijo Rosario is
approximately GBP 150 per vehicle (1‐4 clients).
For more than 4 clients please check at time of booking for an up to
date price/availability.
Alternatively, the closest train station to the Cortijo Rosario is Almargen
and from Malaga you need to take a train to Bobadilla and change here to
reach Almargen. You can take any train to Bobadilla however only 3 connect
well with the trains to Almargen. Please visit www.renfe.es [1] for
up‐to‐date train times (you should search for Malaga ‐ Bobadilla and
then Bobadilla ‐ Algeciras). From Almargen you will need to take a taxi to
the Cortijo Rosario (approx EUR 30) or from Bobadilla (EUR 60). Taxis are
sometimes difficult to find. If you are having trouble finding one please ask
in the nearest bar or phone the Cortijo Rosario, who may be able to arrange a
taxi for you. Upon arrival, please make the owners aware you are part of the
Exodus group. If you are planning to make your own way to the Cortijo make
sure you contact the accommodation and inform the staff of your estimated
arrival time.
If clients wish to make their own way to the Cortijo Rosario with a taxi
from the airport it will be approximately EUR 160 with some taxis charging
extra per person (normally EUR 10). We would not recommend this option over a
private transfer or taking a train/taxi from Almargen or Bobadilla as many
standard taxis at the airport do not know the most direct way to the
Cortijo Rosario.
[1] http://www.renfe.es
Spring generally has pleasant daytime temperatures, getting a little cooler
in the evenings. There is the chance of some rain, which then offers views of
beautiful spring flowers. Summer months are hot and dry with temperatures
sometimes reaching 34-37 degrees. Autumn brings cooler weather although it is
still fairly dry. The possibility of rain is more likely in winter months but
temperatures usually stay mild in the daytime, becoming cooler after sunset.
* Comfortable walking shoes or boots for sightseeing and walking
* Small daypack
* Refillable water bottle (1-2 litre capacity)
* Some waterproofs (perhaps an umbrella)
* Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
* Small hand luggage/rucksack for the day and overnight in Seville and
Granada (main luggage can be left at the Cortijo).
At the time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the
recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing
only one piece of checked baggage.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
Swimming suit (for swimming pool)
For lunch in a modest restaurant, you should allow about EUR 10‐15. On
some days it is possible to eat Tapas lunches together as a group; if you
wish to take part in this the leader will arrange a kitty to cover the cost.
Entrance fees to monuments and museums are not included (though some are
free on the production of an EU passport). We suggest that you allow EUR
25‐30 for a dinner in Granada and Seville. You will also need cash to pay
your bar bill (drinks) at the Cortijo.
*Optional Excursions *
Private return transfers to Granada (on the free day): EUR 140‐150 per
vehicle (4 seater).
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly
appreciated. As a guideline we recommend to allow approx. €15 - 20 per
leader per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver and the
local staff at the Cortijo. This can be handed in to your leader at the end
of the trip. For the local staff we recommend to budget approx. EUR 20 per
person.
* Travel insurance
* Visas & vaccinations
* Single supplement
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.