White Villages of Andalucia Walk

White Villages of Andalucia Walk

221 Views
8 Days From

$1910

White Villages of Andalucia Walk

8 Days Starting and ending in Canillas De Albaida

Visiting: Spain

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

W07AA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

15-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

From: $1910

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

The Finca el Cerrillo is a firm Headwater favourite, this holiday combines gentle walking to the nearby white villages of Sedella, Salares and Competa with a local wine tasting, visits to the caves at Nerja and Nerja's famous Balcon de Europa. On your free day, perhaps take a trip to in Malaga (payable locally), the birthplace of Picasso or enjoying a day relaxing at the Finca's pool. The week ends with a spectacular 4x4 drive to Loma del Daire with views of the nearby peaks and distant views to Nerja and the sea.



Our experienced walking leader will accompany you on all walks. Some of our paths will take us off the beaten track in the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park and on other days, we'll be exploring the pretty white villages and olive-planted hillsides that date back to Moorish times. The walks are short, typically allowing for free time in the afternoon to relax in the beautiful grounds of the Finca.



Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here

Highlights

  • Stay in a wonderful 200-year-old olive mill with pool and beautiful gardens

  • Superb hosts and walking leader

  • Exceptional cuisine; all meals included

  • Moorish white villages, olive orchards, old mule tracks and panoramic vistas

  • Nerja Caves and the Balcon de Europa

  • Spectacular 4x4 drive into the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Canillas De Albaida

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive at your hotel in Canillas de Albaida. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)

Day 2 : Competa Walk

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A 5-minute transfer takes us to the church of Santa Ana in Canillas de Albaida from where we head towards Competa passing smallholdings with avocados, maize, artichoke and citrus trees. We stop at the Bodegas Almijara where Maria will show us around and explain about wine making in the region - of course you'll get to enjoy a taste! It's then on to Competa for a tapas lunch in the lively main square, Plaza Almijara. We wind our way back to Santa Ana Church and either take the transfer back to the hotel or continue walking along the mule path from the village back to the Finca. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)

Day 3 : Sedella Walk

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we head to the white village of Sedella where a track takes us above the village passing Roman terraces, still farmed today. We head up through almond groves to the Molino de Montosa, beneath the imposing La Maroma (2,096m), the highest peak in the region. On a clear day we can see North Africa's Rif Mountains. It's big bird country here too with regular sightings of griffon vultures and other birds of prey. After stopping for a picnic we head back down to Sedella and enjoy a cool drink in Salvador's bar before heading back for a lazy afternoon by the pool or in the library. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)

Day 4 : Free Day

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There is the option of an excursion to the beautiful city of Malaga (payable locally) where you have the day to explore at your leisure. Your starting point is the Castillo de Gibralfaro, a Moorish fortress with spectacular views to the port and town below. From here venture down into the old town where you can explore the Alcazaba, the Moorish Palace next to the Roman ruins. The 16th century cathedral is in the heart of the old town and a short distance from here is the Picasso museum with over 200 of the artist's paintings on display. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)

Day 5 : Salares Walk

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We head along a track through olives and citrus groves before dropping down past the bat house with resident horseshoe bats. We'll then continue alongside woodland, listening out for the river running beneath us and watching out for golden orioles. We enter Salares over the Arabic bridge which provides a great photo opportunity! There is an interesting church, Santa Ana, still bearing an old Moorish minaret. Lunch is taken at Theo's bar before a transfer back to the Finca. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)

Day 6 : Nerja Caves And Gorge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A 45-minute transfer takes us to the spectacular Cuevas de Nerja where a 750m walkway takes us through a series of caves to a large column 32 metres high. We then head back out to start our walk along the Barranco de Maro. Wildflowers line the gorge with amazing rocky overhangs providing shady spots. After lunch explore Nerja town where you can people-watch from the Balcon de Europa, a rocky promontory made famous by King Alfonso XII. Relax on the beach or head to Nerja Museum to discover more about the caves. It's then back to the Finca before dinner in a local restaurant. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)

Day 7 : Loma Del Daire

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is all about views - a 4x4 drive takes us into the Sierra de Alhama Natural Park where we stop at a viewpoint - a stunning vista of jagged peaks and the coast. The drive and the views continue until we reach the start point for the walk. We begin with a gentle climb surrounded by cistus, rosemary, thyme and an abundance of wildflowers. The trail flattens and contours round the mountain, below Cerro Verde, before meeting up with the historic silk trail taking us into Granada Province and back to the viewpoint. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)

Day 8 : Leave Canillas De Albaida

Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    7 nights single-centre accommodation is included.

  • Meals

    All meals are included, including wine at dinner.

  • Fully Guided

    Services of an experienced walking guide are included.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request, compulsory supplement)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

The Finca el Cerrillo is an absolute gem of a place to stay. There are 13 individually styled en-suite rooms. The living areas include a wonderfully atmospheric beamed lounge - cool in summer and kept cosy on winter nights with a blazing log fire, dining room, small library and 'honesty' bar. The terraced gardens, with 100-year-old carob and palm trees, surround both sunny and shaded patios with comfy seating areas. The pool affords stunning views of the valley below and the pretty Moorish village of Archez with its 13th century Moorish tower.

Food

All meals



Andalucía’s base their cuisine on traditional fresh fayre.  Onions, tomatoes and peppers feature liberally, simply cooked in olive oil and served as a starter seasoned with local herbs and accompanied by good fresh bread.  Dinner often consists of Fish (pescado) or meat (carne) served grilled or deep-fried in olive oil.  A good alternative for vegetarians is ensalada de garbanzos y tomate - a delicious salad of chickpea and tomatoes.  Local specialities depend on the region: in the mountains, you’ll be offered delicious hams and game, down by the coast seafood will be more prominent.



Tapas was invented in this region and several different mini snacks can make a cheap, fun way to try the various dishes on offer.  If you want larger portions, ask for ‘raciones’.  Seville is the best place to tapear - tour the many bars sampling their tapas!



Mode of Transport

The tour includes a 5-minute transfer to the church of Santa Ana in Canillas de Albaida, a 45-minute transfer to the Cuevas de Nerja, and a 4x4 drive into the Sierra de Alhama Natural Park. Transfers back to the Finca are also provided after certain activities.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides accommodation at the Finca el Cerrillo, a 200-year-old olive mill with 13 individually styled en-suite rooms. The property includes a beamed lounge, dining room, small library, and an 'honesty' bar. The terraced gardens have both sunny and shaded patios, and the pool offers stunning views of the valley and the Moorish village of Archez.

  • Are all meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, all meals are included in the tour package, and wine is provided at dinner.

  • What activities are included in the tour itinerary?

    The tour includes various walking activities such as the Competa Walk, Sedella Walk, Salares Walk, and a visit to the Nerja Caves and Gorge. There is also a 4x4 drive into the Sierra de Alhama Natural Park and an optional excursion to Malaga.

  • Is there an opportunity to explore local culture or history during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to Moorish white villages, the Bodegas Almijara for wine tasting, and historical sites such as the Arabic bridge in Salares and the Castillo de Gibralfaro in Malaga. There is also a chance to explore the Alcazaba and the Picasso museum in Malaga.

  • What wildlife might be seen during the tour?

    During the tour, participants may see griffon vultures and other birds of prey, especially in the Sedella area. There are also opportunities to spot golden orioles and resident horseshoe bats near Salares.

  • 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 of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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