"Comfortable guided walks with cultural attractions in Spain’s lovely Grazalema National Park –
a protected UNESCO site with charming white villages, inspiring landscapes and the simplistic Andalucian way of life. Tasty local cuisine; tapas; wines; crafts and visits to Ronda and the Guadiaro valley are particular highlights of this tour."
DESCRIPTION:
This tour is designed for those wishing to uncover the wild and remote riches of rural Andalucia. Our tour theme focuses on the wonderful ecology of the National Parklands of Ronda. Underlying themes include village rural life, arts/crafts, local cuisine/wine, historic moments and plenty of flora/fauna. Adventurebug is locally based and seeks only authentic experiences on all of its tour programs.
Five daily walks of 4-5 hours with plenty of breaks, interpretive moments and spontaneous explorations depending on the season! All walks are guided and have delicious Adventurebug tapas picnics with wine in lovely rest areas with fine views. Tour leader lives locally, speaks Spanish and has excellent knowledge of the region and its people. A free day based in Ronda has plenty of options for site seeing and further exploration. Tour leader will assist with any arrangements necessary.
Three hotels are used on this tour. All rooms are ensuite with air conditioning and all mod cons. Both mountain hotels have swimming pools, bar/restaurant, gardens and comfortable social areas. Most meals are included (with wine), and we make a concerted effort to introduce the regions most popular dishes including a special ‘tapas’ and ‘sherry’ appreciation night. If you are a budding student of Espanol – we will encourage you to mingle in the lingo too!
Highlights of this tour include 5 diverse walks of changing scenery, villages and attractions. Special visits to craft centres, galleries, ruins and monuments. An optional visit to a famous cave site with 26,000-year-old pictographs. Guided tour of Ronda’s historic old quarter and a number of ‘seasonal’ attractions that arise spontaneously while on tour! Should there be a local ‘Feria’ (Fiesta) on, we may change course at anytime and incorporate this into our program – we’d be mad not to witness at least a part of it!
NON
WALKERS:
Not interested in walking? Feel free to join your partner, family
or friends for a week relaxing at our walking bases with a book or have
a light stroll through the villages. Join us in the evenings for
dinner and still take in all the historic and cultural elements of our
destinations. We cater to non-walkers and have a special price for
you. Please enquire directly.
DURATION OF TOUR / STARTING DAY:
8 days, 7 nights - starting on Sundays
"We
had a super time. Every day was outstanding, with perhaps the greatest
highlights the soaring eagles and vultures on the first day, and the
profusion of meadow grasses and flowers on innumerable occasions."
Miles
Saltiel (London, UK), Grazalema - May 2003
DAY 1:
(Sunday)
Your Adventurebug Leader greets arriving guests at Malaga airport (1600 hrs). After a private shuttle to our base in Grazalema village –
Hotel Villa Turistica. We stroll into the village for a guided exploration before settling in a tavern for orientation. Later on, perhaps after a swim at the hotel or a relax around the fire, we’ll dine in the hotel and sample the local mountain cuisine.
DAY 2:
(Monday)
Our first day walk takes us on a pleasant circular stroll around the basin of Grazalema village. A fine day for spotting raptors soaring high or getting down to earth and discovering the hundreds of wild flowers and herbs at our feet. We pass ancient farmsteads, ruined mills and craggy peaks before settling under the shade of a cork tree for one of Adventurebug’s unique Tapas Picnics with local wine. Total distance is between 8 and 12 km and the level comfortable.
DAY 3:
(Tuesday)
This morning we set off on arguably one of the region’s most delightful
yet environmentally important walking routes – The Walk of the
Pinsapos.
This protected route between Grazalema and the lovely Benamahoma village
takes us over a spectacular pass before descending through an endangered
Pinsapo Fir forest. Our walk ends along the river at Benamahoma and
we’ll have a short transfer by local bus back to Grazalema. Total Distance 14 km. Level comfortable with moderate morning ascent.
DAY 4:
(Wednesday)
Today we explore another corner of the park by way of the lovely Salto
del Cabrero route with vast, far-reaching viewpoints, lunar landscapes
and charming little farms en route. After arriving in Benaocaz we take
our private shuttle to Ronda for two very different nights in this
monumental town. Total Distance 11 km or 15 for an addition. Level comfortable to
moderate
DAY 5:
(Thursday)
Ronda offers us our free day and a chance to do some exploring on your
own. Self-guided options include a relaxing train journey to the coast,
a visit to ancient caves, Roman Ruins and more. Your leader will help to
organize your day activities whatever you may choose.
DAY 6:
(Friday)
This morning we continue walking by way of the scenic Smuggler’s Route
from Ronda itself to the lovely village of Montejaque – set in a
dramatic karst limestone valley. For the final two nights we stay in
comfort and enjoy the warm culture of the village Montejaque. Total Distance 12 km. Level comfortable to moderate.
DAY 7:
(Saturday)
Our final walking day brings us into the exciting Bandit countryside
known as the Libar Meadows. Our circuit takes us into the high planes
where vultures, sheep and cattle share rocky outcrops and green,
flower-speckled meadows. A memorable finish to the week followed by a
final group dinner in a charming local tavern with suburb home cooking. Total Distance 11 km. Level comfortable with moderate morning ascent.
DAY
87:
(Sunday)
Return transfer back to Malaga airport and a final farewell to your
group and leader.
Hotel Villa Turistica
- Grazalema (3 *)
Beautiful location facing village yet in the countryside with swimming pool, gardens, open fire place, bar with comfortable lounge. All rooms with ensuite facilities, air conditioning and decorated in Andalucian charm.
Nights
4 & 5:
Hotel Royal Ronda - Ronda (2 * Superior)
Charming modern hotel facing Alameda botanical gardens and Ronda Gorge. Excellent central location and all rooms have air conditioning, ensuite facilities.
Nights
6 &
7:
Hotel Palacete de Manara
- Montejaque (3 *)
A restored 17th Century Aristocrat’s home long used as a Hospice. Charming ensuite rooms facing the village square. Small swimming pool and patio, comfortable bar / lounge and excellent restaurant.
What's included in the Holiday Price:
- 7 nights accommodation in double share, charming ensuite hotels
- All breakfasts, 5 dinners and 5 Tapas picnic lunches with wine
- Return Malaga airport transfers & all daily transfers
- Daily baggage shuttle
- Full time trip leader / guide
- Civil Responsibility Insurance
- Taxes and service fees (we have NO hidden costs)
Note: There is a single occupancy supplement applicable - see pricing information for
details.
What's not included in the Holiday Price:
- Flights or other transport to/from Malaga or Granada Airports
- Personal Accident Insurance
Notes:
Booking Confirmation:
To secure a place on a tour (especially between May and October), Be
sure not to leave booking too late. Our maximum numbers are low
and tours can fill quickly!
Extended Stay Holidays:
Optional self-excursions (organized by us or independently), may be arranged before and
after your holiday with us. Consult us for any additional advice.
Name: Grazalema & The Mountain Parks of Andalucia Duration: 8 days, 7 nights Start Day / End Day: Sunday to Sunday Pick up / Drop Off Point(s): Malaga
Airport Route Length: Walks are between 4-6 hours a day / over 5 days ofwalking Difficulty: OVERALL 2 (easy / moderate) All day walks graded independently Accommodation Type: All nights in Spanish-run village and town hotels, all with ensuite facilities.
5 Diverse countryside walks in the famous Grazalema National Park region
Local walking expert and trip leader offering ‘more than just walks!’
Charming hotels with comfortable facilities and inspiring settings
Tasty culinary delights, local wines and tapas evenings
Extra excursions to craft makers, historic sites, hidden secrets and more…
Fully inclusive tour run by long established ‘’local’’ tour operator
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