A wonderful week based in the most friendly and supportive Hotel Los Berchules. Long days hiking... Anne Smith, 2017 See more reviews
An unspoilt area of Spain with interesting walks and scenery. It was good to have walks starting... Janet Milne, 2017 See more reviews
The trip met all my expectations The walking was excellent and the company brilliant ... David Cartwright, 2017 See more reviews
Great walking in a dramatic and historic landscape which isn't as well known as it deserves... Edward Curtis, 2017 See more reviews
A fantastic week of varied walking in sunny Andalucìa! Great hosts, great tour leader, great... Peter Jefferies, 2017 See more reviews
Great value trip. Wendy and Alejandro are fabulous hosts, George is a great guide. Great scenery,... Maria Brambles, 2016 See more reviews
Lovely varied walks in unspoiled countryside and a visit to the beautiful Alhambra Palace of... Janina Carlisle, 2016 See more reviews
The holiday was fantastic - great walks, a very knowledgeable guide and first class hospitality... Eleanor Freckleton, 2015 See more reviews
An amazing week of walks and Alpujarran culture. As a non hill walker I was a little... Amanda Cullens, 2015 See more reviews
Wonderful opportunity to enjoy the more rural side of Spain - stunning scenery, friendly &... Sandra Olive, 2015 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Fly to Malaga; transfer to Berchules. Fly to Malaga; transfer to Berchules (2 hours and 45 minute transfer) Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Circular walk from the hotel door, following a stone-laid mule path with panoramic views. 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. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Descend into Guadalfeo Valley to the market town of Cadiar; climb through hamlets to Juviles, site of Mozarabic 10th century castle. 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 Mozarabic castle. A 10-minute transfer takes us back to our hotel in Berchules. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Walk along Roman paths through La Taha to explore Moorish villages hidden in a deep gorge. A 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, a collection of Moorish villages hidden in a deep gorge. Lunch is taken in a tiny bar, where we are offered a selection of local dishes, as available on the day, lunch is paid for locally. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 5 Scenic walk from the white village of Trevelez (the highest village in Spain at 1550m); return through working cortijos to see how the traditional way of life continues. Our day starts with a short transfer to the white village of Trevelez – at 1550m, it is 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. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Walk through a great variety of landscapes, from moonscape to the verdant upper reaches of Berchules' Rio Grande. The walk will vary with the season. Normally we take a circular walk from the hotel to take a deeper look at our home valley. An amazingly scenic walk giving an easy access through apparently impossible cliffs. Points of historical and folkloric interest are encountered along the way as well as paddling possibilities at the river crossing. We finish on the longest walk of the week. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Free day in Granada and optional visit to the Alhambra Palace (those wishing to visit must purchase a ticket in advance). Transfer to Granada (just under 2 hours) and free time to explore this wonderful 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 refer to the 'Extra Expenses' section of the trip notes for further details. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Transfer to Malaga; fly to London. End at Hotel Dauro and transfer with the group back to Malaga Airport (1.5 hour transfer). Meals included: Breakfast
Hotels You will spend 6 nights in the traditional rural town of Berchules, staying in the family run Hotel Los Berchules. All rooms are en suite and all twin rooms have balconies with a table and chairs offering views of the mountains and valley. There is also a swimming pool (for use seasonally- usually June to September) set amidst the garden, and a lounge/bar area with comfortable sofas and a wood burning fire. Free Wi-fi is also available. On your last night in Granada you will stay in a 3 star hotel in the city centre, within walking distance of all sights and restaurants. Single rooms here are limited but can be requested at the time of booking at a supplement from GBP25 (subject to availability). In Berchules, single rooms are available at no charge (subject to availability). These rooms are small and basic, without a view and with no TV, but all are en suite.
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Reviewed June 2017 Anne Smith Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Hiking the Sierra Nevada an amazing landscape A wonderful week based in the most friendly and supportive Hotel Los Berchules. Long days hiking the narrow trails captivated by the landscape dressed in spring flowers. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking in the footsteps of the moors who created the most intricate scene of irrigation canals, edged in wild flowers and providing water for local farmers. Having lunch perched in the most beautiful places with a group of walkers who shared my holiday dreams and styles. What did you think of your group leader? George is an extremely knowledgeable guide his information and perspective on moorish Andalusia is enthralling. George encouraged us all to extend the experience with side trips and enjoying the local bars at the end of the day. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The trails are rough and the days long so get fit on hilly terrain and uneven surfaces. Pack light it's easy to wash out your walking clothes in the evening. Is there anything else you would like to add? Both drives from Malaga and to Granada are very long and twisty, be prepared with car sickness tablets if your prone. These drives detract from the wonderful walks.
Reviewed June 2017 Janet Milne Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Walking in Sierra Nevada and Granada An unspoilt area of Spain with interesting walks and scenery. It was good to have walks starting from the hotel and / or a short transfer to a local village. At the end of the week to have a day and overnight stay in Granada worked well especially as the hotel was very central to the old part of the city. The hotel in Berchules was lovely. The staff very welcoming and accommodating. The food was excellent as was the service. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We went in May so the mountain sides were covered in spring flowers including many orchids. We also saw eagles, golden orioles and hoopoes. I found the geology of the area very interesting as there were some incredible rock formations and folding. What did you think of your group leader? George was an excellent leader with a detailed knowledge of the history and culture of the area. The walks were well paced with opportunities to stop to take photographs and look at the spectacular views. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Although most days there were opportunities to replenish water bottles at local fountains, do take 2 x 1 litre water bottles as the temperature can rise quickly. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was a very enjoyable walking holiday in an unspoilt area of Spain. There was a good variety of walks, each showcasing a different aspect of the area whether it be historical, geological or flora and fauna.
Reviewed May 2017 David Cartwright Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Sierra Nevada and Grenada. The trip met all my expectations The walking was excellent and the company brilliant Our leader was enthusistic, patient and extremely knowlegeable. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Getting to the top of the path ---- every day!!! What did you think of your group leader? As above Would recomment him to anyone as a guide and leader Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Book early to gain entrance to the Alhamra--- if you really really want to go because its full, ie really full of tourists!!!!! Is there anything else you would like to add? I would recommend this trip to any walker
Reviewed April 2017 Edward Curtis Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Great mix of history and hiking Great walking in a dramatic and historic landscape which isn't as well known as it deserves to be. This trip has a variety of different walks with lots of different aspects to keep your interest. The scenery is dramatic - lots of crags and gorges with views of the snow topped mountains, but there is also the history and culture of the area. The villages are scenic but not twee, this is a working agricultural landscape after all, and the terraces and ancient moorish irrigation system give the landscape a distinctive character. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The variety of walks was a real high point. By walking in a different valley or at a different altitude on each walk every day had its own distinct landscape and character. What did you think of your group leader? The group leader did a great job of guiding us around the area. As well as the basics of looking after the group and getting everyone around the hikes he gave us some insights into the local way of life and history that really brought the landscape we were walking through to life.
Reviewed April 2017 Peter Jefferies Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Sierra Nevada and Granada A fantastic week of varied walking in sunny Andalucìa! Great hosts, great tour leader, great fellow company. I would highly recommend this trip! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? For me there were many moments! The wall to wall sunshine and temperatures already in the mid-20s in April certainly helped! The variety of stunning scenery and walking terrain throughout the trip was excellent and each day's walking seemed to get better and better. Visiting Granada was a great conclusion to the trip and La Alhambra in particular is not to be missed! What did you think of your group leader? George was warm, friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the local area. It was a real pleasure finding out more from him about the way of life in Las Alpujarras, its nature and regional/national history. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you are planning to visit La Alhambra in Granada, make sure you book tickets as soon as you book the holiday as they go quickly. Try to get an early morning or evening slot to avoid the tourist hordes in the middle of the day. Although the days were very warm-hot in mid-April, you will need some warmish layers to wear in the hotel on a night as it can get chilly. Is there anything else you would like to add? This holiday was perfect for a week at Easter - I would highly recommend it. The temperature was just right (20 - 25 degrees in the mountains), making it ideal walking conditions. Remember to bring lots of sun cream! Other reviewers have mentioned that it is not walking in the Sierra Nevada itself but in the foothills. In actual fact, it is a great mixture of the two and there is certainly more than enough dramatic mountain scenery to wonder at.
Reviewed June 2016 Clare Hall Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Walking in Las Alpujarras This was a nice week and a good choice for an easy walking holiday in Europe early in the year. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I can't think of anything inspirational but it was a pleasant trip - the walks and scenery got better and better as the week progressed. What did you think of your group leader? At first I was surprised to be met at the airport by an English tour guide but he was great - very knowledgeable about the area and always helpful. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Despite the name of this tour, don't expect to be walking in the Sierra Nevada mountains (it's the foothills), and only expect half a day in Granada! Is there anything else you would like to add? The hotel and Berchules were a nice choice for the location for the week but it would be nice to have more 'authentic, local' food at the hotel.
Reviewed June 2016 Maria Brambles Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Viva las Alpujarras! Great value trip. Wendy and Alejandro are fabulous hosts, George is a great guide. Great scenery, brilliant company :) What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Really enjoyed the relaxation of the trip-nice to be so well looked after and the group were great and we gelled well. Seeing the Alhambra at night was very special What did you think of your group leader? George is a wealth of knowledge and it was good to get an insight into life in the Alpujarras. Very relaxed and manageable pace fur our group Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Book it! Is there anything else you would like to add? We were so well looked after for this week. I would recommend the trip based on the hospitality of the hotel and the knowledge of the guide. And hopefully you will be in a great group as I was :)
Reviewed April 2016 Janina Carlisle Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Sierra Nevada and Granada Lovely varied walks in unspoiled countryside and a visit to the beautiful Alhambra Palace of Granada. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Visiting George's home - what a superb achievement. What did you think of your group leader? Friendly, knowledgeable and obviously concerned for the wellbeing of the region. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The trip notes covered everything very well but expect to put on a few pounds as the food is so delicious. Is there anything else you would like to add? We have visited this region many times (and even done this trip before) - it never fails to please. And we were fortunate to have a really varied and interesting group with whom to enjoy the walking and evenings.
Reviewed October 2015 Eleanor Freckleton Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Sierra Nevada and Granada The holiday was fantastic - great walks, a very knowledgeable guide and first class hospitality from the family at the Hotel Los Berchules. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The final day's walk - a circular walk from the hotel which gives you fantastic views across the valley back to Berchules. Although it is the most taxing walk, it is not too much hard work and it is worth it for the views from the other side of the valley. What did you think of your group leader? George has a passion for the local area and his knowledge is second to none given he has lived in the area for over ten years. He was also very good at making sure people of mixed abilities were catered for on all the walks. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The afternoon in Granada was very rushed, just too much to try and fit in. Therefore, if you are thinking of extending your holiday I would recommend an extra night or two in Granada for sightseeing. Is there anything else you would like to add? Overall, it was a very good holiday and a complete contrast to the busy beach resorts in the Costas. It is worth emphasising just how good the hotel in Berchules is. Officially, it is a two star (presumably due to lack of air conditioning - which wasn't a problem for us in September). However, the quality of service and food is top class.
Reviewed April 2015 Amanda Cullens Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Walking in the Alpujarra An amazing week of walks and Alpujarran culture. As a non hill walker I was a little nervous about my ability to complete the many ascents involved in the guided walks but the pace was set by the group with plenty of capacity for those of us who live far from the hills! The scenery was continuously breathtaking with a new landscape around every corner. The Hotel Los Berchules is by far the most friendly and hospitable I have stayed in with a real feeling of being at home. The best packed lunches I have ever been given and the evening meal was always tasty and nutritious. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The added bonus of a trip to Granada and particularly The Alhambra was more than I had hoped for. What did you think of your group leader? George is clearly knowledgeable and passionate about his home. He was constantly friendly, helpful and a reassuring presence. He has a great relationship with the hotel which gave a warm feeling of continuity. His knowledge of Granada and assistance with finding our way around was also great as it meant we could see the City in the short space of time we had. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Check the local weather forecast before you go. It would be helpful to have done some hill walking beforehand and be used to walking on rough terrain. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was my first Exodus holiday but it will not be my last.
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