DAY HIKING IN SOUTHERN SPAIN & ANDALUCIA
Sept 16-26, 2016
AT# 16
The region of Andalusia has diversity of landscapes and geographical terrain gives rise to an
array of environments that go from the heat of the Guadalquivir River valley through to
luxuriant mid-mountain areas, volcanic landscapes such as the Tabernas desert, and the snowcapped peaks of Sierra Nevada. The whole ensemble represents a range of attractions for
tourists that goes from impressive monuments in large towns to typical small villages, which
have provided a constant source of inspiration for all kinds of artists. The diversity, expanse and
ecological wealth of Andalusia bring together the highest peaks of the Iberian Peninsula in
Sierra Nevada, large areas of wetland, dense, shady forests, volcanic deserts and all but
untouched areas of coastline.
Andalusia has a huge network of Protected Nature Areas, covering around 18% of the land
area, designated as Nature Areas, Nature Reserves and National Parks, making this the Spanish
region at the head of the list in terms of environmental heritage protection.
Join us as we explore these natural areas and hike amidst fantastic scenery in an environment
totally different from New England! Come discover some new sights, tastes and adventures
with a like-minded group of travelers/hikers.
Immerse yourself in a journey of light and shade by the light of the sunset in one of the most
beautiful monuments ever built by man: the Alhambra in Granada, an Andalusian gem.
Everyone knows that Andalusia has dozens of reasons that make a getaway worthwhile.
Pristine beaches with clean sand, the National Parks full of leafy forests, white charming
villages, gastronomy to take home with you forever, the friendly people and 1001 places to lose
yourself and let the time run away. But if there's just one place that would really make your trip
to Andalusia worthwhile, it would be a visit to the rooms, palaces, courtyards, fountains and
“look out” points of the the Alhambra under the light of dusk.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 –SEPT 16, 2016
Depart USA on overnight flight to Seville, Spain
DAY 2 -SEPT 17 ARRIVAL in SEVILLE, SPAIN (D)
Meeting point is the Seville airport; from there we will go directly to Hotel Murillos, located in
the historic Barrio Santa Cruz. Our local guide will meet the group at 18:00 for a welcome
dinner and orientation session. Time permitting we´ll visit the Plaza España or similar. If
arriving earlier to Seville (strongly recommended), be sure to budget time to see the famous
Cathedral, the Alcazar Palace and wander the historic Jewish quarter of the Barrio Santa
Cruz. Accommodation (1 night) Hotel Murillos 2* Superior. Dinner only included.
DAY 3 -SEPT 18 HIKING GRAZALEMA NATIONAL PARK - Zahara de la Sierra (B,D)
Transfer to Zahara de la Sierra (1 hr 20 min) and introductory hike in the sierras of Ronda
visiting the Moorish Fort and pueblo blanco of Zahara that sits high above a gorgeous blue
reservoir. Hiking 4 miles approximately and during this walk we´ll also stop in a family run
traditional olive oil press for a tour and tasting of this
mill that dates back to the 1700´s. We then transfer
30 min over the famous Puerto de la Paloma pass
(second highest highway pass in Spain), to arrive at
Grazalema village. Stay 3 nights at the 2* family run
Casa de las Piedras, the hikers home away from
home! Breakfast and dinner included. (lunch can be
taken in the small village cafes - contributing to helping local businesses).
DAY 4 -SEPT 19 HIKING GRAZALEMA NATIONAL PARK - The Goat Herder´s Leap (B, L)
Today we walk the beautiful route up the Boyer Pass and then follow historic drover trails
through cork oak and pine forests accentuated with extraordinary karst limestone
features. Watch for vultures, imperial eagles and the elusive Ibex mountain sheep as we pass
farmsteads dating back 400 years. A local village to village bus transfer returns us to Grazalema
village later in the afternoon (25 min shuttle). This route covers 7 miles approx. Breakfast
and pack lunch included only today.
DAY 5 -SEPT 20 HIKING GRAZALEMA NATIONAL PARK - Route of the Pinsapos (B, L, D)
We hike the Pinsapo (an endangered fir tree species), route today that brings us to the highest
points of the Grazalema National Park before descending to the charming Moorish village of
Benamahoma. The hike is 7-9 miles depending on our starting point. After arriving in
Benamahoma we catch the local village to village
shuttle bus back to Grazalema. This is one of the best
hikes in the south of Spain, requiring special
permits and offers a great chance of seeing elusive
local fauna. Breakfast, pack lunch and
dinner included.
DAY 6 -SEPT 21 HIKING MONTEJAQUE TO RONDA The Roman road to Ronda (B, L)
A favorite hike amongst the southern Spanish for its
unique historic qualities and stunning, open views! This scenic route combines ancient Roman
cobbled tracks, age old farmsteads, cave sites, river paths and rustic mountain villages. We´ll
depart Grazalema after breakfast and shuttle 30 minutes to the trail head. Our luggage
continues on to the infamous Roman / Bandit enclave of Ronda and we´ll later arrive on
foot! Our 3* Hotel Don Miguel sits right on the precipice of Ronda´s most famous landmarks,
the Puente Nuevo (new bridge) and the daunting gorge that it crosses. Breakfast and pack
lunch included. For our two nights in Ronda, you are free to sample dinners on your own
accord. There´s a vast selection of eateries to choose from in the area.
*Note, on this day a visit to the Cave of Pileta (a lamp light non-technical tour to see palaeolithic
(25000 year) cave paintings will be done...
DAY 7 -SEPT 22 RONDA - FREE DAY (B)
Today is a rest day and opportunity to explore Ronda´s many museums, galleries and historic
buildings such as the Mondragon Palace and the Bullring made famous by both Hemingway and
Orson Wells (who is actually buried in Ronda). One may also opt for the scenic train journey
(return trip) through the Guadiaro valley to the port of Algeciras or hop on the bus to have a
day on the beach at Marbella, the Riviera of southern Spain. As a further option, your local
guide is on duty for the morning and will take you around Ronda´s highlights on a 2 hour
exploration tour. After this, you are free to enjoy the day on your own. Breakfast only today.
DAY 8 -SEPT 23
MONACHIL GRANADA - CANYON HIKE (B, L, D)
This morning we depart the Ronda/Grazalema region and drive 3 hours to the province of
Granada, passing spectacular scenery on route. We have 2 day hikes here followed by a final
day exploring the Moorish city on foot and the fabulous Alhambra Palace seated high above the
old quarter. Today´s hike is in Los Cahorros canyon, part of the Sierra Nevada National
Park. This beautiful walk takes us over cable bridges and through steep canyon walls as we
follow an aqueduct system dating back hundreds of
years. The route is linear and we return to the same
point we started from. Total distance is
approximately 6 miles. We´ll also have time to visit
the village of Monachil before transferring a further
20 minutes to our base for the next 2 nights, Guejar
de la Sierra. Hotel Mira Sierra 3* rural located at the
entrance to this lovely old pueblo. Breakfast, pack
lunch and dinner included.
DAY 9 -SEPT 24
GUEJAR SIERRA GRANADA - RIO GENIL VALLEY HIKE (B, L, D)
We walk directly from the hotel this morning along the snow melt waters of the Rio Genil valley
- where continental Spain´s highest summit, Mulhacen (11,413 ft.) forms
a natural backdrop. This linear route follows a level gradient from a historic mining train
system. Expect tunnels, hard wood forests, open talus slopes and swim spots in the cool
mountain waters on route. Total distance is approximately 8 miles. On return we´ll tour the
wonderful Guejar Sierra Village, one of Spain´s most photographed white villages and enjoy a
drink in a local tavern. Breakfast, pack lunch and dinner provided today.
DAY 10 -SEPT 25
GRANADA HISTORIC CITY HIKE AND VISIT (B, D)
After breakfast we transfer 30 minutes to the cultural center of Moorish Spain, Granada. This
morning we make a historic walk from the Christian heart of Granada to the Moorish
Albaicin district and up to the Gypsy enclave of Sacramonte where some residents still live in
caves. After an optional tapas lunch we´ll ascend the steep hill to the formidable Alhambra
Palace where at your own leisure you can tour the romantic gardens of the General life and
stroll through the once opulent palace of the Nazarine. It´s well worth allowing 2-3 hours for
this visit in order to soak up all the Arab-Moorish history. This evening we will have our
farewell dinner in a nearby restaurant. Your final night’s stay in the historic city center is at
the 3* Hotel Dauro. Breakfast, farewell dnner included. Lunch (not included) can be taken in a
local tapas bar cafe before entering the Alhambra Palace.
Note - As a farewell from Andalucia, we will be attending a Granada Flamenco show in the
Barrio Sacramonte (Gypsy Quarter). From the hotel, we will be collected by private mini bus and
shuttled to and from the Cave Flamenco house high up in the Sacramonte district. This
experience is highly recommended!
DAY 11 -SEPT 26 DEPARTURE FROM GRANADA
(B)
Today the trip ends at the Granada airport.
Breakfast only included.
Adventure Travel trips are led by volunteers on a non-profit basis. Any monies left over after
trip expenses are covered will be refunded to the participants. As leaders our goals for the
group are to have fun, stretch your skills, and savor a foreign culture at reasonable cost and in
the company of other adventurers with similar interests. We encourage your individual
contributions, cooperation and good humor to enrich the group’s experience. We expect you to
participate as part of a group and abide by the leaders’ decisions, and work towards the group
having a good time. Be prepared to help your fellow hikers and spend time with other
participants on the trip. In doing so, you will enjoy the trip to the maximum.
COSTS COVERED:
1 night’s accommodations (double occupancy) in Hotel Murillos in Seville
Group Transfers to National Parks, trailheads
3 night’s accommodations (double occupancy) at Casa de las Piedras in Grazalema
2 night’s accommodations (double occupancy) at Hotel Don Miguel in Ronda
2 night’s accommodations (double occupancy) at Hotel Mira Sierra in Guejar de la Sierra
1 night’s accommodation (double occupancy) at Hotel Dauro in Granada
Meals as described in itinerary
Olive oil pressing demonstration
Cave tour
Flamenco show in Granada
Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance
AMC-AT program Expense Fee
AMC luggage tag
Expenses for 2 AMC Volunteer Trip Leaders (if minimum of 14 participants)
Services of local guide
COSTS NOT COVERED:
International airfare from/to USA and Spain
Alcoholic beverages, and dinner drinks other than tap water
5 Lunches, all snacks and 4 dinners
Passport
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Items of personal nature/souvenirs, museum entrance fees or other excursions taken on nongroup basis on non-hiking “free day”
SAFETY, RISKS AND HAZARDS:
As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies
have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work
with the leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should
be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not
limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips, and
transportation in vehicles, on foot, or by boat. Aside from any personal medical problems,
participants should be aware of the possibilities of hypothermia, hyperthermia, insect bites,
altitude sickness, dehydration, sun burn and other hot and cold related problems. You should
regularly use sun screen and insect repellant, wear long sleeves and pants, take care to be
adequately hydrated and bring water on all day trips as well as wind/rain gear, warm hat and
gloves. Please carefully read and sign the AMC Participant Acknowledgement and Assumption
of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement and contact us if you have any questions.
Participants’ understanding of these risks and adherence to our policies and procedures can
contribute to making this experience rewarding.
RESERVING A PLACE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
The land cost of the trip is $2605.00, plus estimated airfare of $1300-1400. Single
supplement for those not wishing to share accommodations is $385, this amount should be
sent in at time of initial application along with the regular deposit, so check total of $1385. To
reserve your place, please contact the trip leader or co leader for an application, the
Confidential Medical Form and the Acknowledgment & Assumption of Risks & Release and
Indemnity Agreement. These forms should be completed and sent to the Leader along with a
check for your deposit of $1,000.00 made out to: Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). $100.00
of this initial $1,000.00 deposit is a non-refundable administration fee. Once we receive your
application and other forms and have approved you for the trip, we’ll send you additional
information on the trip, including planned hikes, equipment lists, and travel tips. The maximum
number of participants is 18, so apply early to reserve your place.
PAYMENT 2 DUE:
$1605 due by May 15th, 2016
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel after being accepted for the trip, $100 is non-refundable, but if you cancel after
April 1, 2016 minimally $200 is nonrefundable, if (and only if) another person takes your place.
We will establish a waiting list. Should another person replace you, you will be charged only
the $200 cancellation fee. However, your cancellation shall not raise the cost of the trip to any
of the participants or the leaders. Thus, if you cancel and are not replaced, you will forfeit the
$200 plus the per capita expenses already incurred and any other unpaid expenses for which
the trip cannot obtain a refund. You may forfeit the entire trip fee. Flight tickets once
purchased become your property and are generally non-refundable. We strongly recommend
that you purchase travel insurance. Information on a company recommended by the AMC will
be sent to you.
PLEASE NOTE: The price of the AMC Adventure Travel trip is given in good faith based on
current tariffs and rates and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate increases will be
passed on to participants.
Conversely if the minimum number of participants does not sign up, the leaders reserve the
right to cancel the trip and refund the amounts paid. If the trip is full, we can put your name on
a waiting list, or return your deposit.
AIR COSTS (ESTIMATED $1,300-1,400):
Leaders will explore the best possible options for air travel. You will receive notification
when we are aware of a good fare. For this trip we estimate a range of $1,300 to 1,400. We
will assist you in any way to make your reservations, but you should not make any booking on
your own without consulting the leaders. We will notify you with a list of acceptable flights
once we know that we have a confirmed trip. Once you purchase tickets, they are wholly
owned by you.
FLIGHTS:
Flights should leave the USA on Sept 16th, 2016 for arrival in Seville, Spain on Sept 17th, 2016
no later than PM. The return flights should leave Madrid on Sept 26th, 2016.
Trip insurance is recommended, since an illness, accident or death in the family can interfere
with your plans. Trip insurance can be obtained through your travel agent or the leaders will
provide you with choices of approved trip insurance companies.
TRIP LEADERS:
LEADER: GINETTE BEAUDOIN
Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips
in the White Mountains of NH, as well as various parts of Maine. She has led adventure trip in
July 2014, July of 2011, August 2012 and July/August to Austrian Alps. She has also lead
Adventure travel trips to Yosemite National Park, Azores Archipelago, Tuscany and Superior
Hiking Trail in Minnesota for the AMC. She has participated in numerous AMC Major Excursions
to Switzerland and Austria, involving hiking and cross country skiing. She has hiked in the Stubai
valley as part of a 2006 Major Excursion and hiked to 20 of the high Alpine Huts throughout
Austria, Germany and Switzerland. She has hiked all of the NH 4000 footers. Her interests
include hiking, photography, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, travel, information volunteer
for AMC and introducing others to outdoor activities.
ADDRESS:
66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005
PHONE:
(207) 294-6302, (207) 590-4431
EMAIL ADDRESS:
ginette4000@yahoo.com
CO-LEADER: ANNA PANSZCZYK
Anna is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna has co lead AMC Adventure Travel trips to
Austria, Azores, Yosemite National Park, Minnesota and Morocco. Anna leads trips in the White
Mountains and most recently led an excursion to Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and to Mt Rainier
and Olympic National Parks in Washington. Anna spends part of each summer backpacking as a
Sierra Club participant. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the
world! Anna has completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course as well as CPR training.
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474
(781)-648-2492; (617)-429-2175
EMAIL ADDRESS:
annatp13@verizon.net