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From the intriguing city of Granada to the lofty heights of the Alpujarras, the focus is firmly on culture and mountain landscapes. Small and surprisingly cosmopolitan, Granada offers a bizarre mixture of ancient history and modern living. There will be time to visit the Alhambra, the spectacular Moorish monument which is a must-see. After two nights in the city, you will move up into the mountains, to the Alpujarras. This beautiful area still reflects its Moorish origins, recalling times when groups of Moors inhabited these hills resisting the Christian Reconquest. In this fascinating historical context, the Alpujarras' high elevation makes for an ideal alpine experience with the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada, as a backdrop. All sorts of crops thrive in the Mediterranean climate: olive orchards, orange and lemon groves, almonds, figs and grapes. Amidst this abundance you will enjoy dramatic views from the enchanting white-washed villages as you walk among terraced fields and along the irrigation channels which survive from the Moorish era.
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16kg of CO2-e PP per day
(114kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Granada
Make your own way to the splendid city of Granada and your hotel. Granada is a small and surprisingly cosmopolitan city with an intriguing mix of ancient lanes and modern avenues. You can spend the afternoon and evening exploring the city and sampling the tapas.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
In Granada, free time to explore the Alhambra
Today you are free to explore the city of Granada. We recommend visiting the UNESCO listed Alhambra. This ancient Moorish palace and fortress is fascinating to explore. NOTE: Make sure to pre-book your Alhambra tickets as these do sell out.
Meals: B
Day 3
Local bus to Capileira then circular walk through the Río Poqueira Valley (3 or 5.5hrs)
This morning, you will take the local bus to Capileira, the main village of the Alpujarras and situated at an elevation of 1436m. The first bus departs from Granada bus station at 10am, journey time is approx. 2.5 hours (not included, allow approx. EUR6 pp). You carry your luggage with you on the bus. Enchanting Capileira village displays its history as a former Moorish settlement: white-washed houses clinging to the hillside, tiny squares with fountains, and a mysterious network of steep, narrow lanes. This afternoon you have a choice of two walks (3 or 5.5 hours) through the Río Poqueira Valley. Walk through fields and past ancient threshing circles, and via the villages of Valle del Rio Poqueira, Bubion and Pampaneira. There are some steep ascents and descents, with marvellous views rewarding your effort. Overnight in Capileira with dinner at leisure. 3hrs - 6.9km/4.3mi, ascent and descent 350m/1148ft or 5.5hrs - 9.2km/5.75mi, ascent and descent 560m/1837ft
Day 4
Walk through Taha de Pitres villages and forests to Mencina-Fondales (3hrs)
Following old paths that connected the Poqueira valley with the small villages of the lower Alpujarras, you'll walk from one white-washed village to the next, enjoying the varied scenery. The landscape changes gradually from an ancient Mediterranean holm oak forest, then pine tree plantations and finally irrigated fields approaching the "Taha" de Pitres; an ancient water council centre which dates back to Moorish times. Overnight in Mencina-Fondales. Own dinner arrangements. 7.9km/4.9mi, ascent 200m/656ft, descent 520m/1706ft
Day 5
Ascend to the highest village in the Alpujarras, Trevélez (7hrs)
Today's route takes you through the Trevélez River Valley and past villages including Ferreirola and Atalbéitar. It's a long but scenic route, not too difficult and quite entertaining. You will follow a long distance path to the highest village in the Alpujarras (at 1486m) and home of the delicious serrano ham - enjoy tasting it as you relax after a nice day's walk! 17.8km/11.2mi, ascent 1050m/3445ft, descent 530m/1739ft Option to shorten with a transfer (with the luggage transfer service) to Pórtugos (4.6km and 300m ascent less) or Busquístar (2km and 120m descent less).
Meals: B,D
Day 6
Choice of walks from Trevélez including a short walk along the Camino de Granada (3.5-8hrs)
Choose from 3 walking routes: a spectacular longer walk high into the Sierra Nevada; a circular route enjoying the beautiful area around Trevélez; or a shorter walk along the historic Camino de Granada. Pass tiny villages of the Sierra Nevada en route. 5.5hours - 14km/8.7mi, ascent/descent 500m/1640ft or 3.5-6hrs - 12-17km/7-5-10.5mi, ascent/descent 285-550m/935-1805ft or max 8hrs - 18km/11.2mi, ascent/descent 1400m/4593ft
Day 7
Ascend El Portichuelo and continue to Bérchules (5.5hrs)
A pleasant route today will take you through shady woodlands along narrow paths to higher elevations which offer sweeping views of your surroundings. In clear weather you can see Africa from El Portichuelo, the highest point on this route. Overnight in Berchules. 15.6km/9.75mi, ascent 620m/2034ft, descent 880m/2887ft
Day 8
Optional walk through the Río Grande valley (3hrs), return to Granada by local bus
Your trip concludes today. To return to Granada you either take the morning bus (departs Berchules at 5:45am), or there is an optional walk (3hrs) through the Rio Grande Valley north of Berchules, where you follow an acequia (irrigation channel) and pass the ruins of a 13th century Moorish silk-washing house. If you choose to do the walk, you take the afternoon bus (departs 5:00pm) to Granada. (Bus times are subject to change). The bus takes approx. 4hrs (not included, allow EUR10 pp) and you take your luggage with you on the bus. Private transfers can be arranged and we can assist with booking accommodation in Granada, on request. Optional walk 9.5km/5.9mi, ascent/descent 170m/558ft
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will stay in comfortable hotels that have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. When in the Alpujarras you will stay in small, family-run hotels, set in the beautiful whitewashed villages. All rooms have ensuites.
GRADE 3 - This is a self guided walk with average daily stages of 2.5 to 7 hours. The trip is graded moderate as it is mainly on wide unsurfaced tracks, footpaths or animal trails, with the occasional section on surfaced tracks or tarmac roads. Although sometimes the ascents are several kilometres long, they are gradual and technically easy. The use of walking sticks is recommended. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
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