Trails of Andalucia

8 days - from $2695

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!

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

Itinerary:

Day 1: Seville2: Seville3: Zahara de la Sierra - Grazalema4: Grazalema – National Park Walking Day (or free day)5: Ronda6: Granada7: Granada - Alhambra Palace8: Granada
Included:

• 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.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure taxes, visas, insurance, other meals, drinks, optional additional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

Peregrine tour leader, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.