Meals

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.

Guide

An Exodus leader will be guiding all the walks and sightseeing in the villages and smaller towns such as Setenil. However, due to Spanish legislation, Exodus leaders are not allowed to guide groups in big cities, museums and churches. In Seville you will be free to sightsee at your own pace but you may also wish to organise a private city tour with a local guide. Please request this to your leader on arrival and they should be able to book it for you (payable locally).

Transport

A private minibus will be used for all transfers and organised excursions.

Others

Caminito del Rey walk

Accommodation

Our base for the week is Cortijo Rosario, a converted farmhouse reserved exclusively for our groups. In the heart of the romantic Andalucían countryside, in the Seville province, the cortijo overlooks the small village of Algamitas and is within reach of Seville city and the charming town of Ronda. Together with its neighbouring sister village Villanueva, Algamitas is known as the forgotten village: modern development has more or less passed by and life goes on as it has for generations. Little English is spoken in the villages, as the tourism boom on the coast has not affected the welcoming community. The main income is agriculture, with olives the predominant crop along with cereals, wheat and sunflowers. This rural location really offers a fascinating insight into the real Andalucía. All rooms have private bathrooms and there is a bar, lounge, outdoor dining area, and a lovely pool open year-round (not heated). There are also two friendly dogs and a cat owned by the manager that like to lie on the patio in the sun. Cortijo Rosario has been renovated while retaining its traditional heritage. It is not a luxury villa or hotel, but all rooms are unique and have different sizes, as per the original structure of the building. Towels are changed once during the week and rooms are serviced every other day. Amenities Pool Bar Lounge Outdoor dining area Wi-fi Honesty bar Worth knowing There is one single room available, which can be guaranteed on a ’first-come, first-served’ basis with a supplement payable in advance on booking. We may be able to confirm double rooms for single use closer to departure. Please contact our sales representative no more than two weeks before departure to check if this is available. Due to the remote location, special dietary requirements must be declared and requested at the time of booking. The road track to the hotel is due to undergo renovation works in the coming months. Please note that the current condition is currently problematic for some transfers, so a short walk to the hotel may be required.

Not included:

Flights

Flights not included

Others

— Travel insurance — Visas and vaccinations — Single supplement

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Insurance not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Start Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas (Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas (Dinner)

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 Day 2: Gentle Walk To Villanueva De San Juan; Optional Tapas Lunch – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Gentle Walk To Villanueva De San Juan; Optional Tapas Lunch – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Dinner)

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 Day 3: Walk In The Sierra De Grazalema – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Walk In The Sierra De Grazalema – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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 Day 4: Walk To Caños Santos Monastery; Walk To The White Village Of Setenil - Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Walk To Caños Santos Monastery; Walk To The White Village Of Setenil - Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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 Day 5: Free Day In Seville; Return To The Cortijo After Dinner – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) And Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Free Day In Seville; Return To The Cortijo After Dinner – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) And Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) (Breakfast)

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 Day 6: Visit El Chorro Gorge And Walk El Caminito Del Rey – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Visit El Chorro Gorge And Walk El Caminito Del Rey – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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 Day 7: Walk A Circuit Around The Peñon Overlooking Algamitas – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Walk A Circuit Around The Peñon Overlooking Algamitas – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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 Day 8: End Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: End Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas (Breakfast)

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.

8 days tour

Walking In Andalucia

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Walking In Andalucia

Day 1: Start Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas (Dinner)

Day 2: Gentle Walk To Villanueva De San Juan; Optional Tapas Lunch – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 3: Walk In The Sierra De Grazalema – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 4: Walk To Caños Santos Monastery; Walk To The White Village Of Setenil - Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 5: Free Day In Seville; Return To The Cortijo After Dinner – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) And Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) (Breakfast)

Day 6: Visit El Chorro Gorge And Walk El Caminito Del Rey – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 7: Walk A Circuit Around The Peñon Overlooking Algamitas – Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 8: End Cortijo Rosario, Algamitas (Breakfast)

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