SIERRA NEVADA & GRANADA

Day 1
Fly to Malaga; transfer to Berchules (2.45 hours transfer).

Day 2
On this first day we take a circular walk from the hotel. Great views and water babbling in the irrigation channels give a good introduction to the Alpujarra. The area is generally agricultural and we will see how the land has been managed through the ages. As well as spotting relics dating back to the middle ages there are stunning views of the region. This will be the shortest and least demanding walk of the week giving a chance to acclimatise. Duration of walk: 5 - 7 hours

Day 3
Today there is the chance to see abundant local flora and fauna while walking through beautiful landscape. The route takes us through several towns and villages, such as Lobras and Timar, until we reach Juviles, home to a 10th century Muslim castle. A 10-minute transfer takes us back to our hotel in Berchules. Duration of walk: 6 - 8 hours, 14km

Day 4
Our day start with a short transfer to the white village of Trevelez - at 1500m 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. Duration of walk: 6 - 7 hours.

Day 5
The walk will vary with the season. We will either use transport to enable us to walk from the village of Yégen back to the hotel, taking a bar lunch along the way, or, in the hotter months we will take a picnic and walk into higher, cooler territory. The walk from Yégen passes through an amazing variety of landscape, from moonscape to verdant, and passes through some tiny communities. The lunch or picnic will be paid for locally. Duration of walk: 6 - 7 hours

Day 6
A very short transfer takes us to the beginning of our walk exploring the nature of the Rio Trevelez valley. We walk along Roman paths through the area of La Taha where there is a huge collection of Moorish villages hidden in a deep gorge. Lunch (to be paid locally) is taken in a tiny bar, where we are offered a selection of local dishes, as available on the day. Duration of walk: 6 hours

Day 7
Transfer to Granada (just under 2 hours) and free time to explore this wonderul 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 visit www.servicaixa.com for details on how to book. You should search for 'Alhambra' in the search box. We recommend booking a ticket for the afternoon (ie from 14.00) and an entrance time of 4pm or 5pm for the Palacio Nazari would be ideal. The purchase should be made with a credit card you intend to take with you on the holiday, as it will be needed to collect your tickets. Overnight in Granada.

Day 8
End at Hotel Dauro in Granada and transfer with the group back to Malaga Airport.