Compare Walking in Andalucia by Exodus Travels vs Algeria - Algerian Nuthatch Extension 2021 by Rockjumper Birding
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 2 days |
| Price From | $ 2,025 | $ 1,616 |
| Price Per Day | $ 253 | $ 808 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, four picnic lunches and six evening meals are included. Breakfast: Continental buffet breakfast with local fruit and yoghurt. Lunch: Packed lunches are provided for most day walks, usually filled with cheese/cold meats. On some days it is possible to enjoy authentic tapas in local villages. Dinner: All food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal produce, and the meals come with complimentary wine, tea and coffee. A selection of soft and alcoholic drinks are available at the bar (payable locally). Vegetarians are generally well catered for at Cortijo Rosario. Please note that due to the remote location of the accommodation, it is not always possible or ideal for the local staff to make last-minute menu changes. It is, therefore, crucial you advise us on booking if you have any special dietary requirements. | N/A |
| Description |
Outside the golden cultural triangle of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, the rural landscape of Andalucía is breathtaking. And what better way to appreciate it than on foot? This walking holiday takes us through rugged hills, sunflower fields and olive groves, while also visiting the limestone peaks of Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, El Chorro gorge, and the cliffside walkway called El Caminito del Rey. In this corner of Europe, the excesses of modern life do not seem to have taken root and our home for the week is the perfect example: a rustic, homely cortijo (farmhouse) in the agricultural heartlands. Additionally, there’s a whole day reserved for exploring the magnificent city of Seville. Why travel with us? This expertly curated trip was designed to showcase the endless beauty of rural Andalucía. For that reason, we stay in a beautifully converted farmhouse called Cortijo Rosario, near the small agricultural village of Algámitas. Surrounded by ancient olive groves, sunflower fields and rolling hills, you’ll have the opportunity to see a side of Andulicia few are privileged to explore: authentic, rugged and romantic. Please note: There are Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) or Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures for this trip. Please check the Dates & Prices tab to confirm the Activity Level rating for each departure before booking as these do not run simultaneously. For a day-by-day schedule for each Activity Level, see the itinerary tab.Walk through olive groves and rugged hills in Andalucía |
2021 Prices are an estimate, dates are not confirmed and may change. For the intrepid birder or adventurer, we have added a very short extension into Algeria to find the endemic Algerian Nuthatch. |
Day 1 Start Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas
We stay at Cortijo Rosario in the heart of the Andalucían countryside, around 62mi (100km) from Malaga. Our converted farmhouse is just a short walk from Algamitas, a peaceful traditional village far from big towns or cities. It’s the ideal chance to experience the real Spain, while still offering easy access to the best walking spots and towns such as Olvera, Setenil and Seville, which we'll visit during the week. Please note: There are Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) and Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) departures for this trip. This itinerary provides a day-by-day schedule for each Activity Level. Please check the Dates & Prices tab to confirm the Activity Level rating for each departure before booking. During each week, there will only be one Activity Level (2 or 4) which means these will never run simultaneously.
Day 2 Gentle walk to Villanueva de San Juan; optional tapas lunch – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Take a guided walk on the trails and paths around the cortijo and on to the neighbouring village of Villanueva. The countryside surrounding Algamitas is picture-perfect, covered with olive trees, beautiful farmland and rolling hills. During the walk, our leader will give us a good overview of the rural lifestyle and traditions in this part of the world, which are largely based around the production of olive oil. An optional tapas lunch in the village gives us a chance to soak up the authentic Andalucían atmosphere. Once back at the cortijo, enjoy free time by the pool or with a drink on the lovely outdoor terrace. We then have dinner and stay overnight at the cortijo. Distance 12km; Ascent: 1,083ft (330m); descent: 1,083ft (330m); approximately six hours walking including stops
Day 3 Walk in the Sierra de Grazalema – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Our private bus will drive us high into the Grazalema Mountains, over the Pass of the Doves. Designated a Unesco biosphere reserve in 1977, the Sierra de Grazalema was declared the first natural park in Andalucía in 1984 and is one of most ecologically outstanding areas in Spain. It is best-known for having a spectacularly rugged limestone landscape of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges. We walk up past this fantastic scenery and down into the white village of Benaocaz. Distance 9km; Ascent: 892ft (272m); descent: 1,788ft (545); approximately four to five hours walking including stops
Day 4 Walk to Caños Santos Monastery; walk to the white village of Setenil - Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Today we set out from Cortijo Rosario, walking through Algamitas farmland to the abandoned monastery of Caños Santos, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, follow the Ruta de los Molinos along the river that runs through the white village of Setenil de las Bodegas. Built under the overhanging ledge of a gorge, Setenil is not only known for having standout architecture but also for bars, restaurants and food shops, which are the best in the region. We have free time to discover Setenil and later return to the cortijo by private minibus. Distance 12km; Ascent: 902ft (275m); descent: 902ft (275m); approximately five to six hours walking including stops
Day 5 Free day in Seville; return to the cortijo after dinner – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) and Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging)
In the morning we transfer by private minibus to magnificent Seville. Now the capital of Andalucía, the city was one of the first conquests of the Moors. After the fall of the Cordoba Caliphate in the 11th century, under whose direction it previously lay, it became the most powerful city in Al-Andalus. The day is free to sightsee at our own pace. Near the city centre is the evocative Giralda, an architectural masterpiece dating to the 12th century. Close by is the magnificent Alcazar, a complex of palaces dating from Roman times and later used by both Moorish and Christian rulers. It has fine examples of Moorish and Mudejar architecture (rivalling the Alhambra in Granada) and stunning sculpted gardens. After the Christian reconquest, Seville became the gateway to the ‘New World’; Christopher Columbus negotiated with Queen Isabella here to fund his voyage to the Americas, bringing her back untold riches and making Seville one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. After immersing ourselves in history and culture, we enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city in the evening, returning to the cortijo after dinner.
Day 6 Visit El Chorro gorge and walk El Caminito del Rey – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
A short drive takes us to El Chorro gorge, where we are dropped off at the Guadalhorce Dam and reservoir to begin our walk. We’ll head to the start of El Caminito del Rey, a narrow cliffside path hanging 328ft (100m) above the Guadalhorce river. Originally built around 1905, and improved around 1921, it fell into disrepair, earning it the moniker ‘the most dangerous path in the world' or even the ‘walk of death'. The new Caminito del Rey was reconstructed and reopened to the public in 2015, with the route and design replicating (as much as possible) the old one, but with higher safety standards. After, there will be a chance to relax and rest by the reservoir. The Caminito del Rey ticket is included in the cost of the trip and will be arranged by Exodus upon booking. However, please be aware that for reservations made less than 90 days prior to departure, there may be a supplement to pay to guarantee entrance as ticket numbers are limited. We will be able to check this upon booking and confirm the amount of the supplement if it applies. Distance 9km; Ascent: 574ft (175m); descent: 902ft (275m); approximately three hours walking
Day 7 Walk a circuit around the Peñon overlooking Algamitas – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Today we walk around the impressive Peñon Crag, which looms over Cortijo Rosario. El Peñon is the highest point in the Seville province, 3,700ft (1,130m) above sea level, offering dramatic views of the landscape around Algamitas and the neighbouring villages, hills and farmland. On the way back to the cortijo, we stop for drinks on a lovely panoramic terrace. Distance 14km; Ascent: 1,542ft (470m); descent: 1,542ft (470m); approximately five hours walking including stops
Day 8 End Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas
Our final breakfast is the perfect chance to reflect on the many highlights of this unforgettable Andalucian escape. Once you're full up, bid a fond hasta pronto to our hosts, who may well feel more like family by now, before starting your return home.
