Two Continents
Walking Holiday
In
Greek mythology, Hercules slayed the giant Anteus
and married his beautiful widow Tingis. In
celebration, Hercules pulled Europe and Africa
apart using the peaks of Jebel
-Tarif (Gibraltar) and Jebel
- Musa for handgrips. Ever
after, these mountains have been known as the Pillars
of Hercules |
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Pillars are a a major feature of our
unique holiday with walks high above the
Mediterranean in both continents, plus two days
walking in the Rif mountains.
Our stays in Tarifa and Chefchaouen,
and visits to Tangier and
Tetouen are full of atmosphere and
interest. The two hotels we use are great places
to stay and experience the fascinating and
contrasting cultures of Europe
and Africa. |
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Itinerary |
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Day 1 - To
Tarifa
The holiday starts in
Gibratar but it is also possible to start in
Malaga. The Spanish border is just a stones throw
away from Gibraltar airport and the transfer to Tarifa
isthen less than an hour by road. The transfer
fom Malaga is longer and takes about two hours.
Our hotel in Tarifa is built within the fortified
walls of this old Arabic Spanish town, the most
southerly in Europe. The hotel Alameda is
our base for two nights and we return for the
final night of the adventure.. |
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Day 2 - Sierra de Bujeo
Our first walk
starts to the east of Tarifa. We take a pretty,
shady path that follows the Rio de los
Mujeres through the cork oaks of Los
Alcornocales and up to the ridge of
Bujeo. Here we have a picnic lunch
with far reaching views across the Straights to Jebel
Musa and, on a fine day, the Rif
mountains beyond. The walk along the ridge is
easy and the descent to El Bujeo is
gentle .
Walking time 5 Hours |
Day 3 - To
Africa
After an early
breakfast we take the fast ferry from the
quayside close to our hotel in Tarifa to Tangier.
Our first taste of Africa and transfer to a tiny
village close to the border into the Spanish
enclave of Ceuta. The village has a
pretty beach at the foot of the towering mountain
known as Jebel Musa. We take a coastal
path that then climbs up to a pass with
spectacular views back to Europe. The less
energetic may choose to shorten the walk and
enjoy a swim and lunch on grilled fish on the
beach.
Walking time - 4 Hours
After the walk
we transfer by road to Chefchaouen
where we stay for four nights. |
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Day 4 - Back in time
After a
breakfast of fresh orange, crepes and
honey our walk takes us through the west gate of
the medina and back into the past. We
see fully laden donkeys heading for the weekly
market and Berber ladies tending the
pastures. The menfolk and boys herd the goats and
look after the the fields. Our walk passes
through pretty countryside and villages that have
changed little since medieval times .Our return
route climbs up to the pine covered hills high
above 'Chaouen with great views of the town. We
get back to the sumptious roof terrace of our
hotel for refreshments and time to reflect on a
special day. |
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Day 5 - A day in 'Chaouen
"Chefchaouen
is one of the most beautiful towns of Morocco and
hangs like a crescent from the twin horns of
Jebel Tisouka (2,050m) and Jebel Megou (1,616m).
The medina, a mass of red tiled roofs crisp white
and blue washed walls is a precious 15th century
relic from the civilision of al -Andalus"
Our exceptional accommodation within the medina
is a masterpiece of Moroccan interior design
and a great place to stay in this unique,
colorful and friendly town. The souk and
bazaars are full of enticing hand made
goods and there is a photgraphic 'gem' at every
turn of the eye. A day to explore, relax and
enjoy. |
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Day 6 - Akchour and Gods
Bridge
The scenic
drive to Akchour is an hour but well
worth it. In the Spring our walk rises slowly up
from the river Ourd Farda to the Berber
village of Oudslef and into the rugged
scenery of the gorge. We get first sight of the
natural arch of red sandstone 200 feet above the
river. In the Autumn, our walk may allow us to
walk the river valley and view the 'bridge' from
below.
Walking time 4 - 5 Hours |
Day 7 - Back to Europe
Mororoccan time is two hours behind Spanish time.
This shortens the day but we do have time for a
visit to the fascinating Hispanic/Arabic city of Tetoun
on route back to Spain. The
Tetouanis claim they are true heirs of al-Andalus
and affectionately call their city 'the
daughter of Granada'. After an extended walking
tour of the souks and
medina we
have lunch before continuing by road to Tangier.
We take the late afternoon ferry back to Tarifa
and stay for the last night in our hotel within
the walls of the old town.
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Day 8 - Buen Viaje
After a
farewell breakfast, guests transfer to Gibraltar,
Malaga or follow their own onward travel plans. |
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Foto
Album
Click
here for comments on the holiday
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Autumn 2009
Sun Oct 11 - 18
£625per person*
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Spring 2010
Sat June 5 - 12
£645 per person *
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What
is included:-
- 3 Nights hotel accommodation in Tarifa in a
double/ twin room with ensuite*
- 4 Nights accommodation in Chefchaouen in a
double/ twin single room with ensuite*
- Breakfasts
- Evening meals with drinks (excluding rest day.)
- Guided walks for with transfers to trail heads.
- Travel costs including ferry Tarifa -Tangier
and return, and transport in Morocco.
- Airport transfers at specified times from
Gibraltar airport and return (see note).
* All hotel room are doubles. The supplement for
single occupancy of rooms is £95 per week. |
NB The holiday starts and ends at
Gibraltar airport and includes transfers to and
from Tarifa. We can also arrange
transfers from and back to Malaga airport but
there may be a small extra charge.
For further travel information please click on
Travel & Booking information |
