Walk Spain's Sierra Nevada & Granada
8 Days Starting in Los Berchules and ending in Granada
Visiting: Spain
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TSN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 14
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
The Sierra Nevada towers over southern Spain. Much of this dramatic landscape is a protected biosphere reserve, rich in wildlife and home to many endemic plant species. Here, and in the neighbouring Alpujarra region, we are rewarded with some of the finest walking in Andalucía; from ancient chestnut forests to lavender and broom-clad moorland and whitewashed Moorish villages. A night in the city of Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra palace, is the perfect end to the week.
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Did you know you can travel by train to this trip? Find out more here
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Berchules
Meals Included: Dinner
The tour starts this afternoon at our hotel in Berchules, where you will meet your leader and the rest of the group at the welcome briefing. Berchules is a 2hr 45min drive from Malaga Airport.
Day 2 : Villages Walk In The Contraviesa Mountain Range With Panoramic Views Of Routes For The Week Ahead
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we take a 20-minute transfer to the top of the Contraviesa mountain range that faces the hotel. We walk through almond groves and vineyards with the Sierra Nevada as the backdrop, before walking through picturesque villages and enjoying splendid views of the local area. Our guide will point out the walking routes we will take during the week, so we can get our bearings. We walk back to the hotel. If you prefer to take a transfer, there will be the option to be collected from the town of Cádiar, where we stop for a break and refreshments.
Day 3 : Descend Into The Guadalfeo Valley, Walking From Juviles To Cádiar; Return To The Hotel Via The Gr7 Long-Distance Footpath
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we take a 10-minute transfer to Juviles, where there is a Mozarabic 10th-century castle. Take the chance to see abundant flora and fauna while walking through beautiful landscapes. The route takes us through several traditional towns and villages, such as Lobras and Timar. Lunch is taken in a family-run tapas bar, where we will be offered a selection of local dishes, as available on the day (lunch is paid for locally). In the afternoon, we walk to Cadiar and back to the hotel via the GR7 long-distance path through the villages of Narila and Alcútar.
Day 4 : Walk Along Roman Paths Through La Taha To Explore Moorish Villages Hidden In A Deep Gorge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A 20-minute transfer takes us to the beginning of our walk exploring the nature of the Rio Trevelez Valley. We follow a forest trail with great views of Taha villages before descending along Roman paths into the area of La Taha, a collection of Moorish villages hidden in a deep gorge.
Day 5 : Scenic Walk From The White Village Of Trevelez; Return Through Working ‘Cortijos’ To See How Traditional Life Continues
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our day starts with a short transfer to the white village of Trevelez, the village in Spain at 5,085ft (1,550m). The town is particularly famous for the quality of its serrano ham. There are shopping opportunities in this larger village and a chance to sample the ham at source. From here, we enjoy a scenic circular walk involving riverside sections and a chance to see the local cowboys handle their herds on the hillsides.
Day 6 : Walk Through A Variety Of Landscapes, Including Mediterranean Scrub And The Pine Forests Of The Upper Reaches Of The Río Grande
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This walk will vary with the season and is the longest walk of the week. Normally, we take a circular walk from the hotel to take a deeper look at our home valley. Walking through the village of Bérchules, we follow the old mule trail that goes over the Sierra Nevada before arriving at the Junta de los Ríos, the last stand of the Moorish king, Aben Aboo. This is an amazingly scenic walk with opportunities to see ibex and birds of prey. We encounter points of historical and folkloric interest, plus paddling possibilities at the river crossing.
Day 7 : Free Day In Granada And Optional Visit To The Alhambra Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
We transfer to Granada (just under two hours) and enjoy free time to explore. The city is home to one of the great historical monuments in Europe, the magnificent Alhambra palace. Tickets are restricted so you need to book in advance. Please refer to the Extra Expenses section of the Trip Notes for further details.
Day 8 : End Granada
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast of the tour before beginning your return journey home. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in Granada.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, four picnic lunches and six dinners included
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All accommodation
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Transfer for group flights
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Visas & vaccinations
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Single supplement
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Alhambra ticket; purchase in advance if you wish to visit
Food
All breakfasts, four picnic lunches and six dinners are included.
Breakfast in Berchules: cereals, yoghurt, fruits. jam, cheese/ham, bread, tomato, fresh orange juice and tea/coffee
Breakfast in Granada: continental breakfast
Lunch: Bread, cheese/cold meat, tomato, chocolate/biscuits, fresh fruit, and local products are provided as part of the packed lunch.
Dinner: First course usually typical Spanish soup, main local dish with meat/fish and vegetables, followed by fresh fruit or typical sweet for dessert.
Vegetarians: It is possible to cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. Please inform us at time of booking.
Breakfast in Granada is only provided from 7 am. Therefore, in case of early flights, there is no breakfast included on departure day.
Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually between 8pm and 9.30pm.
Accommodation
On this walking adventure in Spain, we mostly stay at a family-run hotel in Berchules. Our final night is spent in Granada, at a three-star city centre hotel. Below are the properties we typically use:
Berchules: Hotel Los Berchules (nights 1-6)
Our time in the rural village of Berchules is spent at this welcoming 14-room hotel. It has a swimming pool (open seasonally, usually June to September) in the garden and there's a lounge-bar with a fireplace. The 35-seat dining room serves regional cuisine and there's a selection of local and Spanish wines to work through.
Granada: Hotel Dauro 2 (night 7)
On the last night, we normally stay in this three-star hotel in Granada old town, a 15-minute walk from the Alhambra. It has a bar specialising in wine, meats and tapas, plus a meditation room for relaxation and a quiet moment to reflect on the trip.
Worth knowing
In Berchules, single rooms are available at no charge (subject to availability) – these rooms are small and basic, without a view, but have private bathrooms. Single rooms are limited at Hotel Dauro 2 but can be requested at the time of booking for a supplement.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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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.
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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.
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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 from travellers on this tour
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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.
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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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