Current as of: May 10, 2019 - 11:58 Valid for departures: From April 11, 2018 to December 31, 2030

White Villages of Andalucia Walk Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Guided Group 8 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: Spain Min age: 15 Leisurely / Moderate  Programmes: Walking & Trekking W07AA

Trip Overview Based at a firm Breakaway favourite, the Finca el Cerrillo, this holiday combines gentle walking to the nearby white villages of Sedella, Salares and Competa with visits to the caves at Nerja and an optional day in Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso.

At a Glance

 7 nights single-centre accommodation  5 Days walking  All meals (including wine at dinner)  Management by local hotelier  Services of an experienced walking guide  Bodega tour  Nerja Caves entrance  Fully inclusive: some dates with no single supplement

Trip 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 and wine in the evenings  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

Is This Trip for You?

Classification: Guided Group Average daily distance on move on days: 5.2km (4.1miles). No. of days Walking: 5 Terrain: Walks are along mule paths and tacks with some ascents and descents.

This holiday combines gentle walking to the nearby white villages of Sedella, Salares and Competa with visits to the caves at Nerja and a day in Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso. 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.

Adult min age: 15 Min group size: 4 Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Canillas De Albaida End City: Canillas De Albaida

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Canillas De Albaida Arrive at your hotel in Canillas de Albaida. (Staying at the Finca el Cerrillo, Half Board)

Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Competa Walk 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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 6 km / 4 miles Activity (hours): 3

Day 3 Sedella Walk 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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 6 km / 4 miles Activity (hours): 3

Day 4 Free Day We offer an optional excursion to the beautiful city of Malaga 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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Salares Walk 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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 6 km / 4 miles Activity (hours): 2 Day 6 Nerja Caves and Gorge 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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 7 km / 5 miles Activity (hours): 3

Day 7 Loma Del Daire 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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance covered: 7 km / 5 miles Activity (hours): 3

Day 8 Leave Canillas De Albaida Meals included: Breakfast

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter.

Accommodation Hotel 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.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Single supplement from $423 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

All meals (including wine at dinner)

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!

Transportation Some walks start and end at the hotel; on other days the hotelier will arrange transfers to take you to/from the start/end points. They provide transport two evenings, to take you to dinner in local restaurants. It is possible to arrange optional transfers to take you into Málaga on your free day (payable locally).

Weather & Seasonality

Weather Information Spring generally enjoys pleasant daytime temperatures (12-23ºC) and a little cooler in the evenings. There is the chance of some rain, which then offers views of beautiful spring flowers. Summer months are hot and dry with daytime temperatures of around 21-35ºC, dropping to between 17 and 25ºC at night. Autumn brings cooler weather although it is still fairly dry. The possibility of rain is more likely in winter months but temperatures stay mild in the daytime, becoming cooler after sunset.

Weather Charts

Joining Instructions

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Arrival Details

Tour prices do not include airport or rail station transfers. We can usually arrange pre-booked transfers for you at an additional charge (inquire for details and prices).

Nearest arrival airport: Malaga airport

Nearest departure airport: Malaga airport

Location start: Canillas De Albaida Location end: Canillas De Albaida What to Take Essential Equipment

 Comfortable walking shoes or boots for sightseeing and walking  Small daypack (25-30 litres capacity)  Refillable water bottle (1-2 litres capacity at least)  Waterproofs  Sun hat & sun cream

Optional Equipment

 Swimsuit  Umbrella  Walking poles

Reading List

 Lonely Planet Guide to Andalucia  Rough Guide to Andalucia  Andalucia, Michael Jacobs  Moorish Spain, Richard Fletcher

Practical Information Passport Spain All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa Spain

No visa required for USA or Canadian passport holders.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Vaccination Spain

There are no specific health risks.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident in the USA we recommend the Travelex travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time

Spain's Timezone: Europe/Madrid CEST (GMT +02:00)

Electricity

Spain's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins. 230 Volts AC.

Money Spain's Currency

The national currency of Spain is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication (October 2017) of approximately 0.84 to the USD, 0.67 to the CAD, 0.66 to the AUD and 0.59 to the NZD.

ATM Availability ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can't get to a bank at the start of the trip.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per day. On the days where lunch or dinner is not included expect to spend €10-€15 for lunch and €15-€35 for dinner.

Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771. https://www.breakaway-adventures.com

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