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From Granada to Fes
11 day walking adventure
With walks in the south of
Spain and the north of Morocco
The Legacy of Andalucia
"All lands, in their diversity are one, and all men are neighbours and
brothers."
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This classic 11 day walking holiday
follows the ancient Route of the Almoravids linking the
Nasrid palaces of the Alhambra in Granada to the
imperial city of Fes. It is the result of more than
15 years personal experience leading walking & hiking groups
through Spain and Morocco.
The tour can be arranged for just two people or a
small group of friends and can be started on any date.
If you would prefer to join a group, we also have fully escorted tours
starting on Set Dates. This unique holiday is likely to appeal
to those seeking a 'once in a lifetime' active yet culturally rewarding
holiday exploring the old Moorish kingdoms of Europe and Africa - the Legacy
of al Andalus.
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Accommodation for each of the 10 nights includes a selection of splendid
Palacios, Riads and
other historically interesting buildings. Meals we include in the
holiday offer the chance to experience authentic local cuisine
*The walks both in Spain and Morocco are in areas of outstanding
natural beauty. For the walks in Morocco and the town and city walks we
engage local guides. Many of the sights to be seen have changed little
since medieval times.
* Travel between
locations is by road, rail, sea and by foot. Those that choose can opt
out of any of the walks to allow more time for cultural activities or
resting. |
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Itinerary |
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Day 1 - Arrival
The starting point for the holiday is
Granada in the south of Spain. You stay for two nights in the
historic centre of this world renowned city.. In the early evening you
will be joined by our resident English, Spanish-speaking guide for a
welcome drink and the chance to talk through your visit to Granada, one
on the great destinations in the whole of Spain. You will also be given
the detailed itinerary for each day of your walking adventure to the imperial city of Fes. |
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Day 2 - Palaces of the Alhambra
Morning walking tour includes the
Plaza Rib Rambla and Arab market, the caves at Sacromonte and the
Albaicin, the city's medieval Moorish quarter. We have lunch in the
Plaza San Nicolas with unforgettable views of the Alhambra. Early
evening visit to the Alhambra Palaces and gardens followed by our Ruta
de las tapas, a gastronomic tour of the traditional Realejo quarter
of the city.
Walking time 4
Hours |
Day 3 - To Ronda
We leave Granada for Ronda by
train En route we break our journey at Antequera There is time
to explorethis historic Roman town that saw huge battles between
Christian and Moorish forces. We also include a short walk through El
Torcal the massive high plateau of glaciated limestone that
lies to the south of the town. The walk through spectacular scenery
sculptured by the elements is just unforgettable.
Walking time - 4 Hours
After the walk we re-board the train
for Ronda where we stay for one night in a palacio hotel in the old
town. |
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Day 4 - Ronda to the Mediterranean
The dramatic and dominant location of
Ronda has attracted civilizations since time began. Our overnight stop
allows time to explore this enchanting and most historic of towns. We
include a visit to the Palacio Mondragon the home of the
Moorish kings who also ruled Chefchaouen (see days 8&9).
We leave Ronda by foot below the the famous gorge towards the Parque
Natural of Grazalema. We re-board the train later in the day for
Algeciras and then transfer by road to Tarifa, the most
southerly tip of Europe where westay for two nights.
Walking time 4
Hours |
Day 5 - A day inTarifa
Tarifa is the most southerly
town in Europe and site of the Moorish invasion of the Iberian
peninsular in 710 AD. (An occupation that was to last for over 700
years.) Your hotel in Tarifa is carved from the fortified walls of this
old Arabic Spanish town. Tarifa is a great place to chill out, as one
would expect with one of the worlds top windsurfing beaches on the
doorstep. There are also some excellent self guided walking options for
those keen to stretch their legs!
Walking time 0 -
4 Hours |
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Day 6 - To Africa and
the Rif
From Tarifa we take the fast ferry to Tangier. Everything is so different but modern
Tangier has an unexpected affluence. Our walk to Cape Spartel starts in
the pine forests to the west of the city and close to the King's summer
palace. It is a delightful coastal walk with great views across to Cape
Trafalgar, scene of the most famous of all sea battles (1805)
After lunch at Cape
Spartel you transfer by road to Chefchaouen
where we stay for
three nights.
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Day 7 - Walk to berber villages
After a breakfast of fresh
orange, crepes and honey your walk takes you through the east
gate of the medina and back into the past. As you pass through
countryside you see fully laden donkeys heading into market and Berber
ladies tending the pastures, sights that have changed little since
medieval times. For lunch you will stop for a traditional meal in a
Berber village on the south side of Jebel Tissouka. You can
then choose to continue the circular walk back to Chaouen or return by
4x4. Walking time 5 or 3
Hours
Before dinner drinks on your
sumptuous roof terrace and time to reflect on a very special day |
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Day 8- 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. |
Day 9 Chaouen to Fes
The journey from Chaouen to Fes by road is
just over 4 hours. On route we break to journey for our final rural
walk through the wooded southern slopes of the Rif, followed by lunch
in a traditional rural house. This is good preparation before our
arrival into Fes regarded by many as one of the most traditional cities
in Morocco. We stay for our last two nights in a sumptuous riad
on the edge of the old medina (Fes el-Bali). |
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Day 10
Walking Tour of Fes
The old medina can be initially mind
boggling and overwhelming to the unsuspecting visitor. It is home to
around 150,00 people and has not significantly changed for a 1,000
years. Once you adjust to the scale and pace of the medina, it reveals
it's charms in most unexpected ways. Our escorted walking tour starts
from our hotel, exploring and seeking out the very best parts of this
huge walled medieval city. The tour can take from 2 to 4 hours
depending on distractions and includes a break for a tranquil and
traditional Fassi lunch
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Day 11 - Onward travel
There are some international services from
Fes airport including a direct low cost service to London Stanstead.
Other options include leaving by train from Fes to Tangier/Spain or
Marakech. |
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Cost per person Euros 1,795*
Based
on a group of two people sharing
*Less per person for pre-formed larger groups
Click here for currency convertor
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What is included
plus more information on
Sleeping, Eating,the Walks,
Travel & Booking
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