Undiscovered Spain - Overland Trip
1 week: Malaga to Malaga (IMT-UAUS)
Intro
From the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada and their foothills the Alpujarras, to the volcanic scenery, salt pans and dunes of the Cabo de Gata National Park, Andalucia is an area with many beautiful landscapes. Starting in the lively city of Granada, famous for its Moorish heritage, this tour visits the rugged mountains and whitewashed villages of the Alpujarras where we spend time walking through the valleys, and sampling the delicious local hams and cheeses. We then continue to the Cabo de Gata National Marine Park, one of the least visited coastal areas in Spain, with its volcanic cliffs, fishing villages and exceptionally beautiful coastline.Group Size:
Max 15Staffing:
By Imaginative Traveller tour leaderTransport:
Public and private busAccommodation:
8 nights tourist class hotelsActivities:
Hiking in the Alpujarras, optional snorkelling, kayaking or swimming in Cabo de GataEntrance Fees:
Included for all sites listed as part of the itineraryItineraries
Day 1,MALAGAArrival day.
Day 2,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 Muslim rulers and are known for the 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 3,GRANADAThis morning we visit the Alhambra. The whole day is free to admire the exquisite architecture, and wander the beautiful gardens. (B)
Day 4,CAPILEIRAAscend into the heart of the rugged, undiscovered Alpujarras to the tranquil mountain village of Capileira, at the top of the Poqueira valley, which will be our base for the next two nights. (B)
Day 5,ALPUJARRASA full day walking between the beautiful scenery and picturesque white-washed villages of the Alpujarras, sampling the delicious local hams and cheeses. We use time-worn paths that have been used by the local people of this area for many years, and we usually encounter shepherds with their flocks, or see farmers working in their fields. Less strenuous than some of the high mountain walks, the beautiful scenery allows us to take time out to soak up the atmosphere. Time and distance are not important. (B)
Day 6,CABO DE GATAWe visit the Taverna Desert region of Spain (often used as a stand in for the American West in cowboy movies) and Almeria, a modern city which is dominated by its Moorish castle, known for being the best surviving example of this type of fortification in the area. The city has a very North African air, with its architecture, palm trees and desert-like surroundings. In the afternoon we continue into the Cabo de Gata National Park, and visit the salt pans, where it is possible to see flamingos and other migratory birds during the summer months. (B)
Day 7,CABO DE GATAA free day to explore the National Park area. There is the opportunity to snorkel, kayak, spend a day observing rural life, explore the volcanic and sand dune scenery, mingle with local fishermen, or to relax on one of the area’s beautiful beaches. (B)
Day 8,MALAGATour ends. (B)
Last updated: 29th September 2009
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