Sierra Nevada & Granada

8 Days Starting in Berchules and ending in Granada, Spain

Visiting: Spain

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TSN

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 14

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1948 $1800 Operator discount: -$148

NB: Prices correct on 30-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The Sierra Nevada is Europe’s second-highest mountain range and towers over southern Spain. Much of this dramatic landscape is a protected biosphere reserve, rich in wildlife and home to many endemic plant species. Here, and in the neighbouring Alpujarra region, we are rewarded with some of the finest walking in Andalucia; from ancient chestnut forests to lavender and broom-clad moorland and white-washed Moorish villages. A night in the city of Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra Palace, is the perfect end to the week.



Highlights

  • Moorish white-washed settlements and the highest village in Spain, Trevelez

  • Family-run hotel offering stunning views and warm hospitality

  • A night in Granada with a free day to explore this beautiful city

  • Alhambra Palace and its grounds (optional)

  • Beautiful walks through Spain's highest sierra

  • Beautiful walks through Spain's highest sierraMoorish white-washed settlements and the highest village in Spain, TrevelezFamily-run hotel offering stunning views and warm hospitalityA night in Granada with a free day to explore this beautiful cityAlhambra Palace and its grounds (optional)

  • — Beautiful walks through Spain's highest sierra — Moorish white-washed settlements and the highest village in Spain, Trevelez — Family-run hotel offering stunning views and warm hospitality — A night in Granada with a free day to explore this beautiful city — Alhambra Palace and its grounds (optional)

Itinerary

Day 1


Fly to Malaga; transfer to Berchules (2 hours and 45 minute transfer)



Day 2


Today we will take a 20-minute transfer to the top of the Contraviesa
mountain range that faces the hotel. We will walk through almond groves and
vineyards with the Sierra Nevada as the backdrop, before walking through
picturesque villages and enjoying splendid views of the local area. Our guide
will point out the walking routes that we will take during the week so that
we can get our bearings. We will walk back to the hotel, or for those who
prefer to take a transfer, there will be the option to be collected from the
town of Cádiar where we stop for a break and some refreshments.



Day 3


Today we take a 10-minute transfer to Juviles, where there is a Mozarabic
10th century castle. Take the chance to see abundant local flora and fauna
while walking through beautiful landscapes. The route takes us through
several traditional towns and villages, such as Lobras and Timar, until we
reach Cádiar. We walk back to the hotel via the GR7 long-distance path
through the villages of Narila and Alcútar.



Day 4


A 20-minute transfer takes us to the beginning of our walk exploring the
nature of the Rio Trevelez Valley. We follow a forest trail with great views
of the Taha villages before descending along Roman paths into the area of La
Taha, a collection of Moorish villages hidden in a deep gorge. Lunch is taken
in a bar, where we will be offered a selection of local dishes, as available
on the day. Lunch is paid for locally.



Day 5


Our day starts with a short transfer to the white village of Trevelez – at
1550m, it is the highest village in Spain. The town is particularly famous
for the quality of its world-renowned Jamon Serrano. There are shopping
opportunities in this larger village and a chance to sample the ham at its
source. From here we enjoy a scenic circular walk involving riverside
sections and a chance to see the local cowboys handle their herds on the
hillsides.



Day 6


This walk will vary with the season and is the longest walk of the week.
Normally, we take a circular walk from the hotel to take a deeper look at our
home valley. Walking through the village of Bérchules, we follow the old
mule trail that goes over the Sierra Nevada before arriving at the Junta de
los Ríos - the last stand of the Moorish king, Aben Aboo. This is an
amazingly scenic walk with opportunities to see ibex and birds of prey.
Points of historical and folkloric interest are encountered along the way as
well as paddling possibilities at the river crossing.



Day 7


Transfer to Granada (just under 2 hours) and free time to explore this
wonderful city at your own pace. There is the opportunity to visit one of
Europe's most visited historical monuments - the magnificent Alhambra Palace.
If you would like to visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, tickets are
restricted so you will need to book this in advance. Please refer to the
'Extra Expenses' section of the trip notes for further details.



Day 8

End at Hotel Dauro and transfer with the group back to Malaga Airport (1.5
hour transfer).
**



What's Included

  • Meals
    7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners.


* All breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches and 6 dinners included
* All accommodation
* Transfer for group flights

What's Not Included

  • Alhambra Ticket; purchase in advance if you wish to visit

  • Visas & vaccinations

  • Travel insurance

  • Single supplement

  • Travel insuranceVisas & vaccinationsSingle supplementAlhambra Ticket; purchase in advance if you wish to visit

  • — Travel insurance — Visas & vaccinations — Single supplement — Alhambra Ticket; purchase in advance if you wish to visit

Food

All breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches and 6 dinners are included. Breakfast in Berchules: Cereals or yoghurt, toast with marmalade or tomato, fresh orange juice and tea/coffee. A similar continental breakfast is provided in Granada. Lunch: Bread, cheese/cold meat, tomato, chocolate/biscuits, fresh fruit, and local products are provided as part of the packed lunch. Dinner: First course usually typical Spanish soup, main local dish with meat/fish and vegetables, followed by fresh fruit or typical sweet for dessert. Vegetarians: It is possible to cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. Please inform us at time of booking. Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 20:00 and 21.30.

Accommodation

On this walking adventure in Spain, we mostly stay at a family-run hotel in Berchules. Our final night is spent in Granada, at a three-star city centre hotel. Below are the properties we typically use:



Berchules: Hotel Los Berchules (nights 1-6)







Our time in the rural village of Berchules is spent at this welcoming 14-room hotel run by Alejandro Tamborero and Csilla Gajo. It has a swimming pool (open seasonally, usually June to September) in the garden and there's a lounge-bar with a fireplace. The 35-seat dining room serves regional cuisine and there's a selection of local and Spanish wines to work through.



Granada: Hotel Dauro 2 (night 7)







On the last night, we normally stay in this three-star hotel in Granada old town, a 15-minute walk from the Alhambra. It has a bar specialising in wine, meats and tapas, plus a meditation room for relaxation and a quiet moment to reflect on the trip.



Worth knowing



In Berchules, single rooms are available at no charge (subject to availability) – these rooms are small and basic, without a view, but have private bathrooms. Single rooms are limited at Hotel Dauro 2 but can be requested at the time of booking for a supplement.

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Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Walking in the Alpujarra

An amazing week of walks and Alpujarran culture.

An amazing week of walks and Alpujarran culture. As a non hill walker I was a little nervous about my ability to complete the many ascents involved in the guided walks but the pace was set by the group with plenty of capacity for those of us who live far from the hills! The scenery was continuously breathtaking with a new landscape around every corner. The Hotel Los Berchules is by far the most friendly and hospitable I have stayed in with a real feeling of being at home. The best packed lunches I have ever been given and the evening meal was always tasty and nutritious.

Beautiful Alpujarra

Wonderful opportunity to enjoy the more rural side

Wonderful opportunity to enjoy the more rural side of Spain - stunning scenery, friendly & hospitable accommodation and lovely walking.

Sierra Nevada and Granada

Lovely varied walks in unspoiled countryside and a

Lovely varied walks in unspoiled countryside and a visit to the beautiful Alhambra Palace of Granada.

Peace and beauty

Just returned from a wonderful holiday in the Sier

Just returned from a wonderful holiday in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This tour has been part of the Exodus programme for many years, I understand, and deservedly so. The walking itinerary and accommodation are both excellent. We experienced Spring unfolding as our week progressed - the temperatures rising, the leaves and flowers emerging, the warmth of the sun! The walks were varied - 3 ascending from the village, in cool fresh air, following irrigation channels and gorges and one to the snowline, whilst 2 descended to explore the local villages and cultivated slopes with blossoming almond groves, olive trees and vineyards. We saw wild ibex in the remote Berchules valley. We walked through herby scrub with the intoxicating scent of sage, thyme, rosemary and lavender wafting up as you brushed through it. We viewed the snowcapped peaks and Mulhacen. The staff at the hotel were exceptional - Wendy, Alejandro, Csila, Omar - so friendly and good service. Rooms cleaned immaculately daily, and the meals were lovely - hearty and tasty. Amazing breakfast buffet - no stale rolls here! Chat with Wendy and you will catch her enthusiasm for this area - she is the lychpin - so classy to meet us to chat at breakfast and at the end of our walks, with genuine interest to hear of our adventures each day. And well, as for Granada....what can you say - except book your Alhambra tickets well in advance. The Alhambra is a special place indeed - beauty in architecture and the gardens, with peace (if you pause away from the crowds) and spirituality of a bygone age. Dan our guide helpfully took us to a lovely meal in the city, a fantastic flamenco show and gave those who wanted it a guided walking tour.

Unspoilt high mountains and verdant valleys in one of the most beautiful regions of Europe.

The Sierra Nevada is the highest mountain range in

The Sierra Nevada is the highest mountain range in mainland Spain. They remain snow covered well into the Summer and these walks take place in the wooded valleys in their foothills. The sound of running water seems always to be in the background. The bird life is rich and varied and we heard the cuckoo on our first day. Nightingales and golden orioles and eagles and falcons were viewed with awe and delight. The walks are pretty challenging but rewarding. Conditions under foot are variable but generally reasonable.The Hotel art Los Berchules is a place of repose and delight. The food is first rate and the owners and staff delightful dedicated and friendly.

SIERRA NEVADA & GRANADA

A superb trip which exceeded my expectations.

A superb trip which exceeded my expectations.

Great time

Stars aligned for this trip, Outstanding Lead, Lan

Stars aligned for this trip, Outstanding Lead, Landscape, hosts and crew. Our guide Dan, had a bit of style and swagger. instilled confidence in all the group making all the walks of Sierra Nevada a stroll in the park. Hotel Los Berchurles a welcome retreat full of charactor and warmth. Wendy, Shelia, Alejandro and Omar,all served us well. Our fellow guests was the final part in the alignment and it was great to share anniversaries, quizs, horse wrestling with them all.

WHITE VILLAGES OF SIERRA NEVADA

I had never been to Spain before and my first impr

I had never been to Spain before and my first impression was that I wouldn't enjoy my week as the area was hot, barren and dry.  By the end of the week I couldn't wait to go back and I am now contemplating living in the area for a year to get to know it better.

Beating expectations

From the lovely hotel family, who went the extra m

From the lovely hotel family, who went the extra mile for me when my case was smashed by Ryanair, to the delicious and plentiful meals ,and the comfortable hotel with its great fire this was the perfect base for our superb trek. Great varied walking with Dan as guide who was a fount of knowledge of all things floral, trees, history, people. Just go for it .

SIERRA NEVADA & GRANADA

Lovely walking, friendly hotel, good food and grea

Lovely walking, friendly hotel, good food and great weather - what more can you want from a holiday?

Read all 32 reviews

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