Andalucian Meanders - Overland Trip
1 ½ weeks: Seville to Seville (IMT-UAAM)
Intro
With its flamenco dancing, tapas bars, and bullfighters, Andalucia is the home of everything that many people consider to be typically Spanish. However, it is also an area which, due to centuries of occupation by the Moors and North African Muslims, now has an atmosphere very different from any other area of Europe.Style:
AdventurerGroup Size:
Max 15Staffing:
By Imaginative Traveller tour leaderTransport:
Public and private bus, trainAccommodation:
7 nights tourist class hotels, 1 night cave hotel or homestayActivities:
Hiking in Grazalema National ParkEntrance Fees:
Included for all sites listed as part of the itineraryItineraries
Day 1,SEVILLEArrival day.
Day 2,SEVILLEEnjoy a free day to visit the old city, the winding alleys and courtyards of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, and the former gypsy community of Triana, famous for producing well-known flamenco artists and bullfighters. This evening, we can sample delicious tapas in some of the city’s lively bars. (B)
Day 3,SEVILLE – RONDA - GRAZALEMATravel to Ronda, one of the Pueblos Blancos (white villages), where the houses are covered in whitewash following the custom during the Moorish period. We have the chance to view the famous ‘Puente Nuevo’ or New Bridge, an amazing feat of engineering built over the Tajo Gorge. Later we continue to the beautiful Natural Park of Grazalema, a wild, mountainous area where many people still enjoy a very traditional way of life. (B)
Day 4,GRAZALEMAToday we hike through some of the most picturesque areas of the park. Grazalema experiences the highest amount of rainfall in Spain, and the park is full of lush and very unique vegetation. It is also home to a large variety of birdlife, such as eagles, vultures and woodpeckers. (B)
Day 5,GRANADADrive to Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This lively city is the location of the Alhambra palace and Generalife gardens, which were constructed by the Nasrid dynasty of Mulsim rulers and are known for their architect’s magical use of light, water and decoration. In the late afternoon we take a walking tour of the Albacin, a very atmospheric area of the city with many Arabic teterias or tea houses. (B)
Day 6,GRANADAThis morning we visit the Alhambra. The whole day is free to admire the exquisite architecture, and wander the beautiful gardens. (B)
Day 7,GUADIXThe cave district of Guadix is an area of over 2000 caves, which have been inhabited for many centuries by the local people. We can explore this area, before settling into our ‘cave’ for the night. (B)
Day 8,CORDOBAWe continue to this charming city, where there is the opportunity to visit the traditional craft workshops and the incredible Mezquita, or great mosque. The narrow alleyways of the mediaeval quarter provide a ‘labyrinthine’ shopping opportunity. The perfect spot to sit in one of the flower-filled squares, enjoy a local glass of rose with some smoked ham and reflect on your Andalucian experience. (B)
Day 9,SEVILLEReturn to Seville by train, where the tour ends on arrival. (B)
Last updated: 29th September 2009
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