Moorish Kingdom of Granada

8 days (Malaga)

Destinations visited: Spain, Málaga, World

Grading:

introductory to moderate

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

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Traverse the finest trails of the Sierra Nevada-Alpujarras National Park and explore Granada

The Moorish Kingdom of Granada was established in the thirteenth century encompassing the provinces of Granada, Málaga, and Almería. For 250 years the region had a thriving Islamic culture evidenced today by the architectural legacies found throughout the region. The Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, is representative of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences which affected the Kingdom of Granada throughout the centuries. During this week long walking tour there will be ample time to contemplate the rich history of the region with a series of walks to visit centuries old Moorish towns and villages in the high valleys of the Alpujarras and the Tahá de Pitres, crumbling fortresses and castles and the troglodyte quarter of Guadix. Set at the foot of the snow capped Sierra Nevada mountain range, Granada is a natural base to traverse impressive trails before spending time in the city’s Albayzin quarter and the Alhambra Palace. Note: The June-August departures follow slightly altered itineraries, with inclusions provided to take account of the 'Corpus Christi' and 'Veranos del Corral' festivals or summer walking opportunities i.e. an ascent of the Mulhacén (3482m), the highest mountain in the Iberian peninsula.

Highlights

More than 500 years of time travel back to the Berber flat-roofed villages and the irrigated, terraced, high valleys of the Alpujarras
Mountain walks through three of the most beautiful natural parks of Andalusia
Friendly, family run hotels, bars and restaurants with delicious local dishes
The fabulous city of Granada with its superb Moorish architecture and the unique atmosphere of its tapas bars and evening entertainment

Itinerary

Day 1 Transfer from Málaga to Pampaneira

From Malaga, a 2.5 hrs transfer brings you to the Sierra Nevada-Alpujarras Natural Park. You will need to book a plane arriving at Malaga airport before 3pm, or a coach/train arriving before 4pm, to take this transfer. We spend our three first nights in the charming mountain village of Pampaneira.

Day 2 First walk in the Alpujarras: the Tahá de Pitres (4.5hrs)

A historical walk on the local network of empedrado footpaths which takes us back to the eight centuries of Moorish Andalusia.These little villages with flat roofs covered with launa (a sort of decomposed slate) and wash-houses... the high valleys with terrace cultivation and acequias (irrigation canals) retain the peaceful charm and harmony of the past.

Day 3 On foot on old transhumance paths (4-5.5 hrs depending on season)

The transhumance paths (or drove trails) in the Trevélez valley were used for the movement of livestock 'on the hoof' between the alpine meadows of the Sierra Nevada and the winter pasturelands of the Mediterranean coastal plain. Nowadays, this area is well-known for its ham curing.

Day 4 Sierra de Huétor (3-3.5 hrs); arrival in Granada for the last 4 nights.

Morning walk in the wooded Sierra de Huétor: panorama of all the Sierra Nevada. Descent on foot to the ruins of the Alcazaba de Aldeire fortress and to La Calahorra in the Marquesado de Zenete. Here, we visit the castle with its fortifed exterior and palace within, as well as the troglodyte quarter of nearby Guadix. Arrival in Granada for the last 4 nights.

Day 5 Day of visits in Granada: Albayzín, Alhambra & Generalife palaces.

The focus will be on the Albayzín, historically the most important quarter of Granada with something of a "village" atmosphere. Afternoon in the fabulous Alhambra and Generalife palaces.

Day 6 Vereda de la Estrella (3.5-5.5hrs depending on season)

A panoramic path overlooking the lush Genil gorge, past isolated farms and alps, with superb views of the famous trio of 11,000 ft summits. Please note that whilst it is indicated that dinner is included this night, we may swap it for another night locally.

Day 7 Walk of the Arenales del Trevenque (3hrs) and evening entertainment

During the walk you will take in the stunning dolomite scenery with fascinating alpine plants and the chance to see ibex (mountain goats). Afternoon free to shop or wander round the most attractive areas of Granada, in search of its Moorish and Mudéjar remains.

Continue reading ...

Day 8 Transfer to Malaga, trip concludes

Transfer to Málaga where we shall arrive at 10.30 at the earliest or free morning in Granada for those continuing in the region.

Additional Information

Inclusions

Standard departures – 13 Mar, 8 May, 11 Sep, 30 Oct trips - 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) Festival departure – 19 June and 31 July trips - 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners (does not include drinks). Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of bread or toast with butter and jam or grated fresh tomato and olive oil, juice and tea or coffee. Lunch on days 2 and 4 will usually be a set menu, starting with salad, gazpacho, hors d'ouevres, soup, rice or pasta, followed by either a chicken, egg, red meat or fish dish and finishing with a a dessert of fruit, crême caramel, etc; on days 3 and 6, lunch will be an individual picnic. Dinner in Pampaneira will be a set 3 course-meal; in Granada 'raciones' (nothing to do with being rationed!): a choice of giant 'tapas' to pick from, 'Andalusian style' (no formal courses or dessert). The lunches of days 5 and 7 and one dinner in Granada are not included. Please note in Spain dinners are generally served between 8.00pm – 9.30pm.
7 nights in 2 star hotels on a twin share basis - they are small family-run hotels and rooms have private facilities.
Transfer to and from Malaga – transfers are at/before 4pm on day 1 and the earliest you will arrive in Malaga on day 8 is 10:30am (11:30am with 31 July departure)
Experienced walking guide
Entrance to the Alhambra and Generalife palaces and any other entrance fees included in the itineraries.
One evening show in Granada (flamenco, concert, dance or play)
Luggage transfer and internal transfers where specified

Summary

Hotels

Trip Main Activities

Guided Walk

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Sunscreen, walking boots with ankle supports, outer layer including rain jacket, day pack and sun hat – walking sticks are recommended.

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