Ultimate Coast to Coast Adventure in Spain

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Spain

Active Andalusia

Mountain Biking, Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkelling and Canyoneering

(9 Days)

They say that variety is the spice of life and there is plenty of it in Andalusia. Expect thrill-filled days with relaxing nights in boutique hotels. Add in delicious Spanish fare and fine wines and you have the ingredients for an adventure of a lifetime.

Trip Highlights

Biking into the rugged interior of Cabo de Gata, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Hiking through luxuriant mountains and pristine coastline in southern Spain
Sea kayaking in the crystal waters of Cabo de Gata and experiencing the adrenaline rush of canyoneering down the Rio Verde

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Málaga to Capileira (Arrival)

After a warm welcome at the International Airport of Málaga, we’ll travel along the Mediterranean coast and drive up 4,700 ft into the mountains to the village of Capileira. We’ll take a casual walk with our tour leader and enjoy welcome drinks with local mountain-cured ham before visiting a cozy local restaurant for dinner. The night is spent in a charming family-run hotel built with traditional Alpujarra materials overlooking the valley from its terraced gardens and pool. (D)

Day 2: Alpujarra (Hiking)

We begin the day with a 5 – 6 hour trek through the Poqueira Gorge. The steep-sided ravine showcases the villages of Capileira, Bubión and Pampaneira with their twisting streets and alleys, the open hillsides of oak and chestnut woods, old farm buildings and crystal-clear streams. Our afternoon includes time to relax at the hotel, village exploration, and a stop in a traditional bodega to sample local cold cuts, cheeses and wines before dinner at another of Capileira’s welcoming restaurants. The night is spent in the same cozy hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Cabo de Gata (Hiking)

We depart the mountains this morning and head towards another wilderness area – the Maritime Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Njiar, one of the last stretches of virgin coastline left in Spain. We set off for our hike from the lighthouse and trek past the headlands of this volcanic massif with superb views over the Mediterranean towards the sheltered sandy coves, dunes and beaches of the shoreline. There will be plenty of time for stops along the way, and we’ll enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch before visiting the lively small town of San José. Dinner this evening is in a local restaurant that serves superb fresh seafood, and the night is spent at a small hotel overlooking the sea. (B,L,D)

Day 4: La Isleta del Moro (Kayaking and Snorkelling)

We exchange our hiking boots for flippers today as we head out to the coastal village of La Isleta del Moro, a small fishing town once used as an anchorage by both Moors and pirates. We’ll don neoprene suits, masks and snorkels to swim in the turquoise waters around the headland before switching to sea kayaks to explore the coves and bays of the area. After all this exercise, you’ll be ready for a hearty lunch of delicious fish stews, paellas and mixed fried fish dishes. The rest of the day is free to lounge on the beach and explore the coast on foot in search of the local bars and restaurants in San José. The night is spent in the same hotel overlooking the sea. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Cabo de Gata (Mountain Biking)

Put on a cowboy hat and get ready for the Wild West in the most unlikely place! This morning we set off on bikes along the interior trails of Cabo de Gata Natural Park, a popular movie set for films like Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade and Lawrence of Arabia. We’ll be biking for roughly 5 hours with breaks and really get off the beaten track when we head into “them thar hills” where Clint Eastwood starred in many “spaghetti westerns” among abandoned farmhouses and gold mines. On our way back to San José we’ll have an opportunity to take one last dip in the Mediterranean before dinner at a harbour-front restaurant. The night is spent in the same hotel overlooking the sea. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Granada (Sightseeing)

As we leave Cabo de Gata this morning, we’ll pass through the Desert of Tabernas, a starkly beautiful landscape used in many 1960s westerns for its striking resemblance to the Far West in North America. As we near the city of Guadix, another feature stands out – the troglodyte dwellings carved into the hillside. We’ll tour the cave houses with a local resident to learn about the surprising advantages of cave life before making our final stop in Granada, the last bastion of the Moorish people and one of Spain’s most captivating cities. Our tour leader will guide us on a walking tour of the Alhambra palaces and the Albaicín quarter (both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites). The day ends with a second cave house in the district of Sacromonte to watch a lively performance of flamenco in the local gypsy “zambra” style. The night is spent at a centrally located and comfortable hotel within minutes of shops, bars and restaurants. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Granada (Free Day)

Your day is free to venture further into the city of Granada and its numerous attractions (churches, museums, colourful squares and markets). Soak up the atmosphere in quiet cobbled streets or take part in one of the many activities on offer – including a guided hike through the woods and valleys above Alhambra, a Moorsish and Middle Eastern Cookery Class, or wine and local food tasting. (B)

Day 8: Rio Verde (Canyoneering)

Following a safety briefing and a short drive from Granada, we’ll arrive at the fast-flowing waters of the Río Verde River to experience the thrills of canyoneering. We’ll navigate down a water course by means of walking, climbing, swimming, rappelling and jumping down the river and its banks. The rush of adrenaline is addictive and complemented by the calm oasis of greenery that surrounds you. We’ll feast on a gourmet picnic lunch before making our way back to Granada for an evening out on the town to wrap things up in style. (B,L)

Day 9: Málaga (Departure)

We have a 2 hour transfer to The Málaga International Airport this morning, giving us one last look at the charming countryside of Andalucia and time to remember the many highlights of the trip. (B)

May 17, 2012	-	May 25, 2012
Sept 20, 2012	-	Sept 28, 2012


Hotel
8 Nights