For almost eight centuries, until the fall of Granada in 1492, the Moorish presence in al-Andalus infused the area with civilised and enlightened influences that reverberate still in Europe and further afield in the New World. The legacy of this often Golden Age is clearly visible in the great historic cities of Cordoba and Granada and is still discernible along the ancient paths that link the former capitals.
We begin our exploration in Cordoba, seeing the glorious 8th century Mezquita, with its Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine influences and the controversial cathedral constructed within the original mosque.
We then have two walking days near the less well-known pueblo blanco of Cazorla (Jaen province). From this centre of Spanish olive oil production, we venture into the spectacular Sierra de Cazorla Natural Park. Our final goal is Granada and the Alhambra, sitting above the Darro river and presenting entrancing views from every angle, with a final excursion walking in the untamed Alpujarras on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada.
HIGHLIGHTS of our Cordoba to Granada walking tour include:
Guests’ comments on this trip:
‘Another super trip with a well thought out itinerary, and hotels and restaurants which were full of character. As ever we were well looked after from beginning to end!’
‘Beautiful trip - well balanced between culture and walking. Well planned to finish in Granada. Attention to detail of a high standard.’
‘We were very impressed with the organization and level of service on the tour. Everything was covered. We also liked the balance of country and city activities.’
After meeting at Malaga airport around midday, we have a two hour transfer by road to the World Heritage city of Cordoba. We enter the city crossing the great Roman bridge built over the Guadalquivir river by the Emperor Augustus. An orientation walk reveals the architectural diversity of this city, once the most splendid of the civilised world. Our hotel is an elegant 4 star conversion of an 18th century palacio in the historic Jewish Quarter. A glass of chilled Fino is possibly de rigueur before dinner in an excellent traditional restaurant. We may sample salmorejo soup and aubergines with cane honey amongst other specialities.
We set off on foot, starting the day with a private guided visit to the Mezquita, a monumental religious complex comprising an 8th century mosque, encapsulating a cathedral commenced in 1236, built on top of a Roman temple and a Visigothic church. Later, we wander through the 14th century Castle and Gardens of Alcázar. After lunch, we visit some of the enchanting patios - courtyard gardens - for which Cordoba is so famous. We may meet some of the homeowners, who lovingly create and maintain them in style dating back to the Roman and Moorish times.
Departing after an early breakfast in Cordoba, we drive east, crossing the border into the Jaén province. This is olive oil country par excellence. Our destination today is the white washed town, pueblo blanco, of Cazorla, the gateway to the Sierras de Cazorla Natural Park. This small town is based around three small squares, a very unusual church with a fascinating history and an old Moorish castle. After a tapas lunch in the old square, we have a guided visit to the church, discovering what makes it one of a kind in all of Europe. We enjoy the views from the imposing bell tower and for those who wish, stroll back up the serpentine white streets to our hotel.
Today is spent in the Sierras de Cazorla Natural Park. The park is part of the largest protected area in Spain and has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Private transport collects Kudus after breakfast and we climb for views of the valleys below and past the source of the Guadalquivir, through forests where deer are a common sight. After an introduction to the park in a ranger visitor centre, we begin our walk along the Rio Borosa, known as the Ruta del Agua. Lunch today is in a country restaurant in the heart of the Natural Park, after which we are returned to Cazorla for a relaxing evening.
DAY 5
B, L, D included
We reach the edge of Cazorla and the trailhead of an undulating roughly 6 km circular walk crossing ‘Hobbit’ bridges, streams and passing underneath a waterfall. One cannot come to Jaén without learning a little about the liquid gold produced here: the olive oil. Before leaving, we visit a somewhat different olive oil mill where we are educated and served a light lunch with plenty of samples. A 2-hour road transfer takes us to Granada. We start our exploration of the city with the stunning Catedral de la Anunciación, begun in the 16th century after the Moors had been displaced and originally intended as a royal mausoleum. Once settled into our charming boutique hotel, a carefully converted 17th century mansion, we have a short walk through the narrow lanes of the historic quarter of Albaicin to dine in the stylish courtyard setting of a restaurant known for its innovative take on traditional Andalusian cuisine.
Granada epitomises the splendours of al-Andalus and formed the nucleus of the Moorish Nasrid Kingdom for 200 years. After breakfast, we set off in the footsteps of famed 19th century American author and traveller, Washington Irving, to the site from which this Kingdom was ruled: the magnificent Alhambra. Dedicating the morning to this remarkable architectural complex,we have reserved entrances to both the Alhambra and the Generalife. The Alhambra, arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, is formed of a myriad of towers, gardens, palaces and residences, of which our focus is the most splendid: the 13th century Nasrid Palace. We continue to the Generalife, The Garden of the Builder, to see the famous Patio de la Acequias, the Regal Hall, the gardens and the original Escalera del Agua.
Today we follow in the footsteps of Gerald Brenan, the British writer and hispanist, heading south from Granada, down the old road towards the Costa Tropical. The destination for today’s outing is a small white washed village in Los Guajares, the home of our guide. This is an opportunity to experience authentic rural village life. We have coffee in a traditional bar followed by a guided stroll through the pueblo. We then set off on a circular forest walk, first climbing before dipping down through olive groves to our lunch in a local restaurant. Back in Granada, we immerse ourselves in a Flamenco Tablao (Stage) before a farewell dinner in an excellent restaurant.
Our visit to Andalusia concludes with an airport transfer to Malaga for early afternoon flights home.
Please note that the double room for single use supplement is imposed by the hotels and not by Kudu Travel. If you are willing to share but no other suitable guest books on the trip, we regret that the supplement will be payable.
An olive oil mill visit as described
VALUE FOR MONEY - SO MUCH IS INCLUDED
On Kudu trips, you will only need money for postcards, presents to take home, the odd G & T or an irresistible ice cream. Festival and opera tickets, museum and gallery entrances, National Park fees, all meals (with a very few exceptions specified in individual itineraries), wine with lunch and dinner, access to specialist books carried by the guides, gratuities for porters and hotel and restaurant staff, boat rides, train trips, internal flights, wine tastings, 4WDs with drivers, the services of skilled local guides and trackers etc are ALL INCLUDED in the cost of your holiday.
We are confident that, like previous very satisfied guests, you will discover that our tours give you excellent value for money.
2 nights in Cordoba, in an elegant 4 star conversion of an 18C palacio in the historic centre
2 nights in Cazorla, in a 4 star rural hotel
3 nights in Granada, in a charming boutique hotel, a carefully converted 17C mansion
Visitors from the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand currently require a valid passport, but not a visa, for entry to Spain. If you are a national of any other country, please check visa regulations with your nearest Embassy of Spain.
Normally, there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to Spain. British visitors can claim emergency medical treatment in Spain by presenting their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the Department of Health and the FCO.
Insurance
It is essential, and a condition of booking, that you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book a trip. Follow this link for a quote for a policy available to UK residents.
If you are already insured or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.
Size of party
This trip will run with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 14 guests.
