| Journey through al-Andalus |
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Andalucia,
the most southerly region in Europe has
spectacular scenery and climate. It has been the
jewel of civilisations for thousands of years.
The most influential invaders of all, the Moors,
ruled the region for seven centuries and named it
al-Andalus.
Our unique 8 day
Journey starts in Cómpeta
and ends in Tarifa, the most
southerly point in Europe. The accommodation on
route is in carefully selected family hotels with
twin or double bedded rooms. Luggage is
transported between locations. It is
possible to opt out of walks on any day but few
choose to so. |
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Itinerary  |
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Day
1 - Cómpeta Wine
New arrivals transfer
from Malaga airport to Cómpeta. Time for a
welcome drink, tapas, exploring the town
or a siesta for those who started early.
In the evening we discuss practical aspects of
the holiday over a glass of Cómpeta wine,
supposedly the best muscatel in the
province. This is followed by dinner at Cortijo
Paco one of our favourite restaurants.
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Day 2 - Through the Mountains
After
breakfast in the Plaza, a short transfer takes us
high above Cómpeta to pick up the the old silk
route into Granada province. The walk is
then about 11 miles through remote countryside
with spectacular views. The pace is relaxed, with
no time constraints other than thoughts of a cold
beer in Jatar on the other side of the sierras.
A short road transfer then takes us to
El Cruce, our simple hotel close to the lake
of Los Bermeales.
Walking time 5 - 6 Hours |
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Day
3 - Granada and the palaces of the Alhambra
After a
breakfast, Paco and Roberto drive us to the Plaza
Rib-Rambla in the centre of Granada
and we walk up to The Alhambra.
Entrance fees to this stunning Moorish complex
are included in the holiday plus time to see and
marvel.. Later we meet up for an unforgettable
lunch in the Plaza San Nicolas and then
walk though the old Albaicin to catch
the late afternoon train to Antequera.
We stay for two nights in a converted palace
hotel in the historic centre of this attractive,
ancient town.
Total Walking time 2 - 3 Hours
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Day
4 - Antequera and El Torcal
A thousand
years ago, Antequera saw many
battles between Christians and Moorish forces.
Now it has 23 churches, much charm and character,
and few tourists. A few miles away lies El
Torcal, a massive high plateau of
glaciated limestone sculptured by the elements
into spectacular sights and scenery. Our walk
takes us through El Torcal Alta with the
option of a unforgettable walk back to the fort
in Antequera. Walking time 1 or 5
Hours
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Day 5 - South to Tarifa
We leave
Antequera by train for Ronda. In
just over an hour we reach the centre of this
historic town. After some free time to explore,
our walk takes over the famous gorge towards the Parque
Natural of Grazalema. At Benoajan
we re-board the train for the 'best rail journey'
in Andalucia. Our final destination is Tarifa,
the most southerly tip of Europe. We stay for
three nights, our hotel built into the walled
defences of the old town. Walking
time 4 - 5 Hours |
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Day 6 To Africa
Officially the
rest day but many guests choose the optional day
excursion to Tangier. The
crossing takes 45 minutes from the quayside close
to our hotel. Tangier is an exciting and vibrant
city and the crossing to Africa is very much part
of the theme of the Journey. Back in
time for a 'sundowner' and lots to talk about
over dinner. |
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Day 7 - On to the beaches
Our last walk
takes us into the cork oak forests of the Alcornocales
high above the Straights of
Gibraltar. We are likely to see Grifon
vultures soaring above the sheer rock faces and
views acoss to Africa. Far below, we see the
silver-white beaches where the Moorish invaders
landed in AD 711. A truly fitting end to our own
adventure.
Walking time 4 - 5 Hours |
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Day 8 - Buen Viaje
Farewell
breakfast, transfers to Malaga or Gibralter. |
Click for comments on
the holiday
Click
for Foto Album
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| Dates
& Prices |
Autumn 2010
Sun Sept 19 -26
Cost £645** p/p |
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Spring
2011***
Sun May 8 - 15
Cost £665** p/p |
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What is included:-
- 7 Nights accommodation with breakfast.The first
night will be at Spanish Steps. Subsequent nights
in carefully chosen hotels with double or twin
room with en-suite facilities*.
- Three-course meals with wine at favourite local
restaurants or hotels. (Excluding rest day)
-Guided walks and travel costs for all elements
of the Journey excluding the optional day
excursion to Tangier(approx. 60 Euros).
- Entrance to the Alhambra Palace
- Transfer of bags.
- Airport transfers at specified times from
Malaga airport on arrival and Gibraltar or Malaga
airport on departure.
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* Single supplement charge is £95
per week.
** Less £25 when booked with a Cómpeta based
holiday.
*** See Stop Press |
| The Starting Point
for the holiday is Malaga airport with a 2.00
pm pick up. On departure, transfers
arrive back in Malaga at 12 Noon.
Alternatively, some guests choose to leave from
Gibraltar. This gives an extra dimension to the
holiday and reduces the two hour road transfer
back to Malaga. Click here for travel and booking
information. |
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