8
10 976
The tour starts this afternoon at our hotel in Berchules where you will meet your leader and the rest of the group at the main trip briefing. Berchlues is located a 2 hour and 45 minute drive from Malaga Airport.
Today we will take a 20-minute transfer to the top of the Contraviesa mountain range that faces the hotel. We will walk through almond groves and vineyards with the Sierra Nevada as the backdrop, before walking through picturesque villages and enjoying splendid views of the local area. Our guide will point out the walking routes that we will take during the week so that we can get our bearings. We will walk back to the hotel, or for those who prefer to take a transfer, there will be the option to be collected from the town of Cádiar where we stop for a break and some refreshments.
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 5-7
Altitude Gain: 500
Altitude Loss: 600
Today we take a 10-minute transfer to Juviles, where there is a Mozarabic 10th century castle. Take the chance to see abundant local flora and fauna while walking through beautiful landscapes. The route takes us through several traditional towns and villages, such as Lobras and Timar, until we reach Cádiar. We walk back to the hotel via the GR7 long-distance path through the villages of Narila and Alcútar.
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 6-8
Altitude Gain: 550
Altitude Loss: 600
A 20-minute transfer takes us to the beginning of our walk exploring the nature of the Rio Trevelez Valley. We follow a forest trail with great views of the Taha villages before descending along Roman paths into the area of La Taha, a collection of Moorish villages hidden in a deep gorge. Lunch is taken in a bar, where we will be offered a selection of local dishes, as available on the day. Lunch is paid for locally.
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 6
Altitude Gain: 500
Altitude Loss: 500
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.
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 6-7
Altitude Gain: 600
Altitude Loss: 600
This walk will vary with the season and is the longest walk of the week. Normally, we take a circular walk from the hotel to take a deeper look at our home valley. Walking through the village of Bérchules, we follow the old mule trail that goes over the Sierra Nevada before arriving at the Junta de los Ríos - the last stand of the Moorish king, Aben Aboo. This is an amazingly scenic walk with opportunities to see ibex and birds of prey. Points of historical and folkloric interest are encountered along the way as well as paddling possibilities at the river crossing.
Distance in Km: 18
Distance in Miles: 11
Activity Hours: 7-8
Altitude Gain: 800
Altitude Loss: 800
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.
* 6 nights Hotel Los Berchules and 1 night Granada city centre hotel, all
rooms en suite
* 5 days centre-based walking; 1 free day
* Group normally 5 to 14, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Altitude maximum 2000m, average 1400m
* Some short steep sections
All breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches and 6 dinners are included.
*Breakfast in Berchules:* Cereals or yoghurt, toast with marmalade or
tomato, fresh orange juice and tea/coffee. A similar continental breakfast is
provided in Granada.
*Lunch:* Bread, cheese/cold meat, tomato, chocolate/biscuits, fresh fruit,
and local products are provided as part of the packed lunch.
*Dinner:* First course usually typical Spanish soup, main local dish with
meat/fish and vegetables, followed by fresh fruit or typical sweet for
dessert.
*Vegetarians:* It is possible to cater for vegetarians and other dietary
requirements. Please inform us at time of booking.
Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually
taken between 20:00 and 21.30.
* 6 nights Hotel Los Berchules and 1 night Granada city centre hotel, all
rooms en suite
* 5 days centre-based walking; 1 free day
* Group normally 5 to 14, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Altitude maximum 2000m, average 1400m
* Some short steep sections
*Moderate - Activity Level 3*
This centre-based walking week takes us through some of the finest scenery
and villages in the sierras, with magnificent long distance views and many
fantastic walks on the mountain flanks, ridges and in the valleys. We
consider the walking to be moderate and no previous experience is needed.
We reach some fairly high elevations and on one day, walking from the highest
village in Spain, the route can reach 2,000m above sea level. Whilst the
gradients are reasonable, you should be prepared for some short, steep
sections both uphill and downhill. You should be reasonably fit before you
join this trip, though the walks are not long and the pace is leisurely. On
most days we will walk for 5 to 7 hours on a mixture of forest roads and
paths, some of which are rough, stony and difficult underfoot. Although we
are in Andalucia, most walks involve some wet sections whatever the season,
so good walking boots are essential. The heat can make the walking quite
demanding at times.
Walking distances and hours stated within the itinerary are given as
approximates only. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary
depending on the pace of your group.
*Please be advised:*
The entrance into the Alhambra is not included in the tour and should you
wish to pay a visit on the last day in Granada you must purchase your own
ticket in advance. We recommend purchasing this as far in advance as possible
as they can sell out months ahead. Please refer to the 'Extra Expenses'
section of the trip notes for further details.
Hotels
You will spend 6 nights in the traditional rural town of Berchules, staying
in the family run Hotel Los Berchules. All rooms are en suite and all twin
rooms have balconies with a table and chairs offering views of the mountains
and valley. There is also a swimming pool (for use seasonally- usually June
to September) set amidst the garden, and a lounge/bar area with comfortable
sofas and a wood burning fire. Free Wi-fi is also available.
On your last night in Granada you will stay in a 3 star hotel in the city
centre, within walking distance of all sights and restaurants. Single rooms
here are limited but can be requested at the time of booking at a supplement
from GBP25 (subject to availability). In Berchules, single rooms are
available at no charge (subject to availability). These rooms are small and
basic, without a view and with no TV, but all are en suite.
All breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches and 6 dinners are included.
*Breakfast in Berchules:* Cereals or yoghurt, toast with marmalade or
tomato, fresh orange juice and tea/coffee. A similar continental breakfast is
provided in Granada.
*Lunch:* Bread, cheese/cold meat, tomato, chocolate/biscuits, fresh fruit,
and local products are provided as part of the packed lunch.
*Dinner:* First course usually typical Spanish soup, main local dish with
meat/fish and vegetables, followed by fresh fruit or typical sweet for
dessert.
*Vegetarians:* It is possible to cater for vegetarians and other dietary
requirements. Please inform us at time of booking.
Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually
taken between 20:00 and 21.30.
Minibuses are used as support vehicles during this trip, for transfers to and
from Malaga airport and between Berchules and Granada on Day 7.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of EasyJet (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.
Please note that many destinations now require Advanced Passenger
Information (API), such as your passport number, date of birth and
nationality, to be added to your booking before departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Berchules and ending in Granada*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Berchules 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.
Accommodation check‐in times are normally from around 3pm.
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.
The start hotel is 3 hours drive from Malaga airport, near the village of
Berchules and 8kms from Cadiar. If you are going to take a taxi to the hotel
then the cost will be about EUR 200. There are also buses daily from Granada
to Berchules with good connections to Malaga. The operator of the buses in
the area is called ALSA and their website is
Exodus"http://www.alsa.es/portal/site/Alsa.
Exodus
can also arrange a private transfer for you – please request a price. Upon
arrival, please let the hotel staff at reception know that you are part of an
Exodus group.
Andalucia enjoys one of the mildest off-season climates in Europe, normally
ideal for spring and autumn trekking. Days are warm to hot, with temperatures
ranging from 10ºC in early spring to 30ºC; nights are cool to warm, with
temperatures varying between 0ºC and 20ºC. The risk of rain is low,
particularly in September and October, but if it does occur it is most likely
to be an occasional shower or storm. April and May are the best months for
spring flowers, whilst February brings the Almond blossom. Mountains can
always make their own weather and as a result your guide may occasionally
vary the walks from those in the itinerary, so as to suit the weather.
* Small daypack (20-30 litre)
* Light waterproof jacket and trousers
* Strong walking boots (with good tread and ankle support)
* Lightweight warm sweater / jacket (2-seasons) for evenings
* Refillable water bottle (1-2 litres capacity at least)
* Sunglasses, sunhat & sunblock
Please note that tap water is safe to drink in the area which means all you
need to do is bring a bottle to re-fill at the hotel. Please add this to your
packing list as this will save on wasteful plastic bottles.
* Warm hat & gloves (March, April, May & October departures)
* Walking poles
* Swimsuit & towel
Please allow approximately EUR 80 in total for the meals that are not
included in the price of the tour.
*Optional Excursions*
If you would like to visit the Alhambra palace in Granada, tickets are
limited, so you will need to book this in advance - tickets can sell out
months in advance so we recommend purchasing tickets as soon as possible.
Tickets are usually available for purchase up to 3 months in advance.
Please visit:
When"https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/
When
booking, after having selected the tickets for the appropriate date it will
be necessary to pick a time to access the Nasrid Palace. We recommend booking
a slot for the afternoon. Please note that times availability can really vary
according to the date requested, when in high demand, slot choices will be
limited. The purchase should be made with a credit card you intend to take
with you on the holiday. When booking tickets online you can choose to print
your ticket at home, on the TVRs at the site or at the ticket office of the
Alhambra.
If you choose to print your ticket at home, it must be printed on A4, good
quality paper. More information about the booking and purchasing of these
tickets can be found on the above website.
If you wish to book your ticket over the telephone, you can also call +34 858
953 616
There are some very good audio guides available for just a few Euros.
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly
appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of between EUR 15 to
EUR 20 per client. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver and the
local staff at the hotel. This can be handed in to your leader at the end of
the trip. For the local staff we recommend to budget approx. EUR 10 to EUR 15
per person.
* Travel insurance
* Visas & vaccinations
* Single supplement
* Alhambra Ticket; purchase in advance if you wish to visit
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.