Seville, Sea and Sierra
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Explore on foot the history, traditions and gastronomy of western Andalusia
A walking tour with a difference, including all the best scenery, history, traditions and gastronomy of western Andalusia. The sparkling Atlantic Ocean washes the golden sands of the Costa de la Luz with its dunes, salt-pans, traditional craft fishing and sea birds. Cadiz city, protected from attack on its peninsula, has controlled for 3000 years the seaways and the entry to the Guadalquivir, Andalusia's biggest river. Nearby is Jerez, renowned for its wines, its horses and its flamenco dance. The river is navigated by ships upstream to Seville: the capital of Andalusia, replete with the history of Iberians, Romans, Moors and Castilians, a producer of fine porcelain and the main home of Flamenco. A world away from the bustle of Seville is the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park, with cork-oak forests, raptors, Iberian pigs and traditional white villages, as well as a civilization dating back fifty centuries.
Highlights
- The soul of west Andalusia, from the Atlantic to the Guadalquivir and the Sierras of Huelva
- Walking in four national parks: on the coast, river estuary and in the mountains
- Three fantastic cities: Seville, Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera
- Friendly hotels, bars and restaurants with delicious local dishes, including seafood and Iberian pork products
- Visit a sherry bodega, see horses dancing, be bewitched by the rhythms of Flamenco
- Cross the Bay of Cadiz by boat and circle it on the train
Itinerary
Day 1 Transfer from Seville to Jerez de la Frontera for four nights
From Seville, a transfer of just over an hour brings us to our hotel in Jerez. You will need to book a plane arriving before 5pm, or a coach/train arriving before 5:30pm, to take this transfer.
Day 2 Visit Baelo Claudia, walk in the salt pans and on the Bolonia dune (3-5hrs)
We start the day with a visit to an important archaeological site: the Roman town and fishing port of Baelo Claudia, in the beautiful Bolonia Bay on the Costa de la Luz (El Estrecho Natural Park). The visit is complemented by a walk and picnic on the impressive sand dune. The old San Fernando salt-pans and tidal watermill, in the Bahia de Cadiz Natural Park, are the scene of the afternoon walk. The Natural Park is the home of numerous sea birds including flamingoes, as well as hundreds of cangregos violonistas, curious crabs with one pincer much bigger than the other!
Day 3 Visit a sherry bodega and to Cadiz city by boat and train
Visit to a sherry winery (a "bodega") in Jerez, then a discovery of the rich history, original architecture and excellent fish cuisine of Cadiz. Journey from Jerez to Cadiz and return using the boat service across the Bay of Cadiz and the train line which borders the bay and gives an impression of the vast expanses of salt marsh it encloses.
Day 4 Dancing horses and the Guadalquivir estuary walk (3hrs)
'Cómo bailan los caballos andaluces': the marvellous dancing horses of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art at Jerez. In the afternoon, we take a walk in the famous Doñana Natural Park, bordering the Guadalquivir estuary: sea birds, ships passing on the river, and (sometimes) cowboys on horseback rounding up their herds.
Day 5 Visit the monuments of Jerez, walk the Los Madroñeros and to Almonaster (4hrs)
In the morning, we have time to visit Jerez cathedral and alcazar (castle-palace). Then we set off for the ancient Sierra Morena mountains which separate Andalusia from Castile. The most interesting part of these is the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park: we follow the Madroñeros through forest and pretty hamlets. Arrival at the delightful village of Almonaster where we stay for 2 nights.
Day 6 San Cristobel walk and visit of Almonaster (4hrs)
The San Cristobel walk presents a different aspect of the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park, home of the Iberian black pig and of acorn liqueur. Visit of Almonaster la Real, which has some surprising and important historical buildings.
Day 7 Walk of the Dolmens, transfer to Seville for two nights, and Flamenco evening (3.5hrs)
Route of the Dolmens: we explore on foot the hills of the Campiña of Huelva, whose copper deposits attracted settlers 5000 years ago. We arrive at Seville, where we stay 2 nights in the Barrio de Santa Cruz, right in the old centre. Visit to the Real Alcazar [royal palace]. Flamenco evening.
Day 8 Exploration of Seville, and tapas evening
Exploration of Mudéjar Seville, as well as the Cathedral, Giralda and Arenal (old port area): the world's richest city in the 16th century. Last tapas evening.
Day 9 Transfer to Seville airport, trip conculdes
Transfer to Seville station and airport where we shall arrive at 11.00 at the earliest.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 8 breakfast, 7 lunches, 4 dinners (does not include drinks) Breakfasts are continental inclusive of bread or toast with butter and jam or grated fresh tomato and olive oil, tea or coffee. Lunch will usually be a set menu, starting with salad, gazpacho, hors d'oeuvres, soup, rice or pasta, followed by either a chicken, egg, red meat or fish dish and finishing with a dessert of fruit, crême caramel, etc; on days 2 and 5, lunch will be a picnic. Two dinners will be set menus and the other two 'raciones' (nothing to do with being rationed!): a choice of giant 'tapas' to pick from, 'Andalusian style' (no formal courses or dessert). Four dinners are not included (days 2, 4, 6 and 7). Please not in Spain dinners are generally served between 8pm to 9.30pm
- 7 nights in 1-3 star hotels on a twinshare basis - they are small, locally run hotels and rooms have private facilities
- Transfer to and from Seville: transfers are before 5:30pm on day 1 (5pm if arriving by flight). On day 9 you should not book a train or coach departure before 11am nor a plane before 1pm (you can depart earlier by taking a taxi at your own expense to the station or airport, but you will probably miss breakfast)
- Experienced walking guide
- Entrance fees: sherry bodega, School of Equestrian Art, Jerez alcazar, Seville alcazar and cathedral, flamenco performance, and to Baelo Claudia for non-EC citizens. (Jerez cathedral, Almonaster mosque and the Mudéjar churches of Seville are free, as is Baelo Claudia for EC subjects)
- Boat and train tickets Jerez-Cadiz-Jerez
- 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, outer layer including rain jacket, day pack and sun hat – walking sticks are recommended. (A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre departure information provided on booking).
What You Carry
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USD$1,760
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- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
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- Expert guides and support.
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