From the lovely hotel family, who went the extra mile for me when my case was smashed by Ryanair,... Gaby Naylor, 2018 See more reviews
There is a lot of enjoyable walking to be had on this trip, varied routes and tantalising views... Steve Braysher, 2018 See more reviews
This is a wonderful combination of walking in the lovely Sierra Nevada mountains and then staying... Loretta Kinsella, 2018 See more reviews
Another great holiday thanks to Exodus! This was my 13th walking holiday with Exodus and one of... Sioned Jones, 2018 See more reviews
Another great holiday thanks to Exodus! This was my 13th walking holiday with Exodus and one of... Sioned Jones, 2018 See more reviews
Our first Exodus holiday and it will certainly not be the last. Everything ran smoothly even... Jane Firth, 2018 See more reviews
Stars aligned for this trip, Outstanding Lead, Landscape, hosts and crew. ... Des Cassidy, 2018 See more reviews
Stars aligned for this trip, Outstanding Lead, Landscape, hosts and crew. ... Des Cassidy, 2018 See more reviews
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
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 October 2018 Gaby Naylor Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Beating expectations From the lovely hotel family, who went the extra mile for me when my case was smashed by Ryanair, to the delicious and plentiful meals ,and the comfortable hotel with its great fire this was the perfect base for our superb trek. Great varied walking with Dan as guide who was a fount of knowledge of all things floral, trees, history, people. Just go for it . What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The winding path down to the Roman bridge at the bottom of the gorge and then back up to a crazy restaurant in the village. What did you think of your group leader? Very good, inspired catering for those with long legs and also those with shorter ones and those under the weather. Very knowledgeable and friendly with everyone. Gsoh. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take wet weather clothing
Reviewed October 2018 Steve Braysher Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Top Autumn Walking There is a lot of enjoyable walking to be had on this trip, varied routes and tantalising views of big ridges and high peaks. There is also wildlife a plenty but it does need looking hard for. There are some steep ups and downs in places but the paths are considerably better than I had expected and are all very 'doable' if you have a reasonable level of fitness. The hotel in Berchules is a comfortable and very friendly base to operate from, Wendy and her staff couldn't do enough to help and they serve up some appetising food too; tThe packed lunches are perhaps the best I have had anywhere. If you have an interest in avaiation history ask Wendy about the Royal Air Force Asscoiation plaque that is on the bar! Granada is a complete and very enjoyable contrast, a city with a really nice 'feel' to it. A different but decent hotel. The Alhambra really is a must - it would be a shame to not see it if you are in the city. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There are no truely stunning or inspirational moments but spending time walking in the relatively empty mountains of the Sierra Nevada with the possibilities of wildlife spotting and the sun on your back (or face) is pretty fine stuff. What did you think of your group leader? Dan is a Yorkshireman - and he is a good bloke (high praise). The sort of leader that that gives a group confidence. Punctuality and organisation were pretty much his trademark, his knowledge of the local area, its history, wildlife etc was detailed and his skill with gaffer tape was impressive. Would be very happy to go into the mountains with him again Do you have any advice for potential travellers? To get the most out of it a reasonable level of fitness is needed. Poles are useful for some of the descents. If you have tickets for the Alhambra you do need to be at the right place at the right time or you won't go in - we witnessed some interesting conversations at the entrance point - if you end up with a bit of paper that says 'this is not a tick' which has to be exchanged for a ticket at the box office make sure you have your passport with you - or you won't get your ticket! Is there anything else you would like to add? Another excellent Exodus trip, made not only by the walking, venues, accommodation and guide but by the smashing bunch of people who were also on the trip.
Reviewed September 2018 Loretta Kinsella Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Spain This is a wonderful combination of walking in the lovely Sierra Nevada mountains and then staying in Granada, although we extended our trip to give us 3 days in Granada, which meant we could explore most of this interesting and beautiful city. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I loved the wide expanse of the mountains and the family run hotel in berchules was just perfect, the staff could not do enough, so friendly and lots of lovely home made food. Granada is a wonderful city to explore, churches and Alhambra amazing What did you think of your group leader? Knew the mountains well Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Many of the walks involve rivers and river crossings, so waterproof boots and some agility needed. Food is very plentiful so be hungry! Well worth extending stay in Granada we stayed in same hotel. Perfect Is there anything else you would like to add? Another brilliant exodus holiday
Reviewed September 2018 Sioned Jones Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Berchules, Sierra Nevada, Spain Another great holiday thanks to Exodus! This was my 13th walking holiday with Exodus and one of the best, thanks to the varied walks, excellent leader, great scenery, wonderful family run hotel and good weather. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Following the Moors waterways into the hills and enjoying the long varied walks along the rugged landscape and through pretty little villages. We covered 9 miles, 10 miles, 9 miles, 10 miles, then 12 miles during the week, which was challenging enough for a Grade 3 walk. It was great to be out for a full day, before returning "home" to the wonderful, family run Los Berchules Hotel. Our hosts were Alejandro, his wife Csilla, the lovely Wendy (Alejandro's mum) and Omar. The staff were amazing and nothing was too much bother for them. Alejandro cooked us fantastic, locally sourced food, whilst Csilla and Omar waited on. Wendy made the excellent home made puddings and gave us a warm welcome "home" each day front of house. What did you think of your group leader? Dan was a great leader. His local knowledge of history, the way people live and wildlife was second to none and his Yorkshireman sense of humour added to that! Dan allows you to walk on at your own pace, but has control of the group is an unassuming, professional way. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Having exhausted most of the Grade 5 centre based options over the years, we were looking for a more challenging Grade 3 walking trip and this one surpassed our expectations in terms of terrain, scenery, length of walks and accommodation. I would highly recommend this holiday. Is there anything else you would like to add? We are used to a large group of 14 to 16 people, but on this occasion, there were only six of us. That did not detract from the holiday at all, in fact, it added to it as we all got on so well. Thanks Exodus for another fantastic walking holiday!
Reviewed September 2018 Sioned Jones Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Berchules, Sierra Nevada, Spain Another great holiday thanks to Exodus! This was my 13th walking holiday with Exodus and one of the best, thanks to the varied walks, excellent leader, great scenery, wonderful family run hotel and good weather. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Following the Moors waterways into the hills and enjoying the long varied walks along the rugged landscape and through pretty little villages. We covered 9 miles, 10 miles, 9 miles, 10 miles, then 12 miles during the week, which was challenging enough for a Grade 3 walk. It was great to be out for a full day, before returning "home" to the wonderful, family run Los Berchules Hotel. Our hosts were Alejandro, his wife Csilla, the lovely Wendy (Alejandro's mum) and Omar. The staff were amazing and nothing was too much bother for them. Alejandro cooked us fantastic, locally sourced food, whilst Csilla and Omar waited on. Wendy made the excellent home made puddings and gave us a warm welcome "home" each day front of house. What did you think of your group leader? Dan was a great leader. His local knowledge of history, the way people live and wildlife was second to none and his Yorkshireman sense of humour added to that! Dan allows you to walk on at your own pace, but has control of the group is an unassuming, professional way. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Having exhausted most of the Grade 5 centre based options over the years, we were looking for a more challenging Grade 3 walking trip and this one surpassed our expectations in terms of terrain, scenery, length of walks and accommodation. I would highly recommend this holiday. Is there anything else you would like to add? We are used to a large group of 14 to 16 people, but on this occasion, there were only six of us. That did not detract from the holiday at all, in fact, it added to it as we all got on so well. Thanks Exodus for another fantastic walking holiday!
Reviewed May 2018 Jane Firth Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Loved it! Our first Exodus holiday and it will certainly not be the last. Everything ran smoothly even though we had to have a replacement guide due to illness. Dan, our guide, had a great sense of humour and was knowledgeable about the region. The walks were varied and the scenery was beautiful. Hotel Los Bérchules was comfortable and very clean. Wendy, Alejandro, Csilla and Omar made us all feel so at home. The food was super, tasty homemade bread and marmalade at breakfast, satisfying packed lunches and generous portions at dinner with always a homemade pudding. Finally our fellow travellers were a great group of people, so interesting and full of fun. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Managing to keep on walking whatever the weather threw at us! What did you think of your group leader? Dan is a great leader, calm and confident with a great sense of humour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take an extra day for Granada, so much to see, so little time. Is there anything else you would like to add? No complaints at all! 😊
Reviewed May 2018 Des Cassidy Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Great time Stars aligned for this trip, Outstanding Lead, Landscape, hosts and crew. Our guide Dan, had a bit of style and swagger. instilled confidence in all the group making all the walks of Sierra Nevada a stroll in the park. Hotel Los Berchurles a welcome retreat full of charactor and warmth. Wendy, Shelia, Alejandro and Omar,all served us well. Our fellow guests was the final part in the alignment and it was great to share anniversaries, quizs, horse wrestling with them all. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Great restaurant recommendation for Granada and what a beautiful city. Be warned one day does not do it justice. What did you think of your group leader? Top of the tree, lucky to have Dan Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Extend your break to take in Malaga and Granada. take a earlier/later plane Is there anything else you would like to add? Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Well done Exodus.
Reviewed May 2018 Des Cassidy Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Great time Stars aligned for this trip, Outstanding Lead, Landscape, hosts and crew. Our guide Dan, had a bit of style and swagger. instilled confidence in all the group making all the walks of Sierra Nevada a stroll in the park. Hotel Los Berchurles a welcome retreat full of charactor and warmth. Wendy, Shelia, Alejandro and Omar,all served us well. Our fellow guests was the final part in the alignment and it was great to share anniversaries, quizs, horse wrestling with them all. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Great restaurant recommendation for Granada and what a beautiful city. Be warned one day does not do it justice. What did you think of your group leader? Top of the tree, lucky to have Dan Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Extend your break to take in Malaga and Granada. take a earlier/later plane Is there anything else you would like to add? Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Well done Exodus.
Reviewed May 2018 Noreen Jennison Trip: Sierra Nevada & Granada Distressing experience. Spain never again I have trekked and been on walking holidays all over the world, some with Exodus. This was my first holiday in Spain and the experience was distressing. I will never holiday in Spain again. This was not due to Exodus nor the walk leader but due to the local people. When I arrived at the hotel (Hotel Los Berchules) the proprietor Alejandro checked us in and also checked that I was vegetarian. When I asked him if their was a lift (my room was up a few flights of stairs and I have slipped discs in my back so lifting a heavy load could cause problems) he said that if I ate meat I would be strong enough to carry my own bag! During the week I saw many cases of animal cruelty. Emaciated dogs chained up with no food or shelter. All the dogs I saw (and there were many roaming free in the villages and countryside) had been mutilated with their ears cut off. There was also posters in the village of Los Bechules advertising a village 'event'. On Sunday 29th April the villagers collected in the square to watch animals being tortured to death. The walk guide told us that the villagers put down a lot of sawdust in the square presumably to soak up all the blood. This distressed me really for the whole week. I have trekked in the High Atlas Mountains and In the High Andes staying with locals peoples and have never come across this level of cruelty. We walked through several villages but hardly saw anyone. A few bars we went into were busy but the local people were not at all friendly. Whilst walking in the countryside we were shouted at by the local 'cowboys' gesticulating to us to move on. (We were on proper paths and walked a proper authorised route). The Hotel was fine but as a vegetarian I was hoping for better quality meals that the vegetarian equivalent to chicken nuggets. My meals were mostly convenience junk food that I would not have eaten at home. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Nothing What did you think of your group leader? I thought George did the best he could to make an uninteresting walking environment as interesting as he could. Also after the hotel proprietor had been so rude to me when I first arrived about being vegetarian George, who overheard him' carried my bag upstairs for me. Thank you George. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you care about animal welfare and are distressed at seeing animal cruelty then don't do this holiday. If you are vegetarian and would like a decent meal at the end of a days walking then don't do this holiday and don't stay in this hotel. If you would like to meet friendly locals on holiday then don't bother with this holiday. If you are used to seeing fantastic scenery on walking holidays then this probably isn't the holiday for you. The holiday seemed like a case of trying to make the best of nothing very much. Is there anything else you would like to add? In case readers think I was the only one on the trip who did not reply enjoy the holiday because of all of the above: At the airport on the way home one of the other walkers in the group said that of all the Exodus Holidays she had been on this was the worst. Again this is not the fault of Exodus or George the guide. Reply from Exodus Reply from Exodus We would like to thank Noreen for her feedback, although we sincerely regret that she did not enjoy her time in Spain. We appreciate that witnessing the animal cruelty described would have been very concerning and worrying, however, we would like to reassure that Exodus does not endorse these types of activities, and our groups did not witness the festival being held in the village. We were disappointed to read that Noreen felt that the food provided for her as a vegetarian was poor as it is always our intention that clients with dietary requirements are well catered for and we believe this is usually the case on our trips. We are, however, genuinely sorry that Noreen’s experience was not so positive. Monica Princic – Product Manager for Spain
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.
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