Spain: Cultural Traditions & Hiking the Caminito del Rey

Let your mind drift to images of flamenco dancers, delicious tapas and stunning architecture as your plane makes its final descent into Seville. Steeped in history and tradition, the Andalusian capital bursts with culture and has its own vibrant personality, along with a sunny and warm Mediterranean climate. We welcome you to Spain, and invite you to throw yourself headfirst into Southern Spain's stunning landscapes, incredible food and wonderful people. Arrive to Seville at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead before enjoying a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

Included Experiences

• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
• Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Sometimes there is no better way to experience a city than on foot. See Seville in all of its glory as you stroll the streets past gorgeous historical buildings and catch wafts of restaurant kitchens preparing for the day. Perhaps the crown jewel of the morning will be finishing the walk with a visit to the majestic Alcázar, a UNESCO Heritage Site with stunning Christian and Moorish architecture, intricate artwork and beautiful gardens. Take a guided walking tour of Seville including a visit to the spectacular palace of Alcázar followed by lunch at a nearby local restaurant. Choose to join your CEO on a walk to the Plaza de España and then enjoy a free afternoon and evening to continue exploring Seville on your own.

Included Experiences

• Guided Walking Tour of Seville with the Alcázar:
• Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring the city or relax at a cafe to watch the world go by.

Optional Experiences

• The Golden Tower (Torre del Oro): Dating to 1220, the Golden Tower is the last major building constructed by Seville's historic Muslim population.
• Casa de Pilatos: Take a visit to marvel at one of the grandest mansions in Seville. The home is still inhabited by the Medinaceli family, but remains open to visitor tours during operating hours. (10-12 EUR per person)
• La Giralda Visit: Climb the tower known as La Giralda, adjacent to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, for spectacular views and a walk among historic walls. The 76m (249 ft) Giralda was constructed by the Moors as a mosque between 1184 and 1197. In 1568, after the reconquest, Christians fit the minaret with its bell tower.

Courtyards full of flowers and inviting squares welcome you to Córdoba as you arrive. Stroll the streets of what was once an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the Middle Ages, and you'll again see the synergy of the old and the new. Leaving the city behind, you'll head into the countryside past fields of olive groves and small towns for a couple of days of Andalucian bliss, exploration and delicious food. Travel to Córdoba and take part in a guided tour of the winding streets leading to the mosque-cathedral and the Jewish quarter. Continue to the town of Baeza and enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel before heading out on an orientation walk in the evening to see the sights lit up at night.

Included Experiences

• Córdoba Guided Walking tour with the Mezquita: Be amazed by the diverse and stunning architecture of Córdoba's most famous monument, the extraordinary Mezquita. Built as a mosque in 785 by the Moors, the Mezquita was converted in the 16th century by the remarkable addition of a Christian cathedral inserted into the centre of the building. Afterwards, continue the walk through the Jewish quarter, visiting the Calleja de las Flores and the Souk.
• Baeza Orientation Walk with a Local Guide: Set off after dinner with a local guide for an evening walk of the picturesque city of Baeza. As you stroll along its cobblestone streets lined with Renaissance buildings, marvel at the illuminated Cathedral, the historic university, and the charming Plaza del Pópulo. The gentle evening breeze and the golden glow of streetlights create a magical atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today will be a celebration of the humble olive, ubiquitous in these parts of Spain and its high quality oil being an essential ingredient in kitchens and on tables all over the world. You'll explore another nearby Andalusian town and taste some of the best olive oil on the planet before savouring another delicious meal made from local ingredients. Transfer to the nearby town of Úbeda for a guided walking tour and then visit a local olive mill, where a local expert will guide you an olive oil tasting and food pairing experience with a light lunch. Take the rest of the day for individual exploration or to relax at a cafe or back at the hotel.

Included Experiences

• Walking Tour of Úbeda with a Local Guide: Set off on a walking tour with a local guide through the narrow streets of the historical centre of Úbeda, a "sister city" of Baeza and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the history and see the beautiful Renaissance style palaces and churches, exemplified by the monumental Vázquez de Molina Square.
• Olive Oil Tasting and Food Pairing Experience: Dive into the world of extra virgin olive oil at a local oil mill, a specialty of this region of Spain. Learn all about the different types of olive oil from a local expert, smelling and tasting them as you go and then finish off with a session on how different types of oil are assembled and paired with various foods, which will serve as a light lunch
• Free Time: Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore more of the town or to relax at the hotel.

Discover Granada today on your own terms. Choose between 2 activities which are very representative of the region, either immersing yourself in all things Flamenco or eating your way through the city on a food tour. Whichever you choose, your 5 senses will thank you. Travel from Baeza to Granada and take a short orientation walk on arrival with your CEO before some free time. In the evening, choose from two different activities, both options including dinner.

Included Experiences

• Sacramonte and Flamenco Show or Granada Food Tour: Option 1: Visit the Sacromonte area of Granada, known as the "Gypsy Quarter," to learn of its origins and historical significance to the city. Continue to a cave museum then take in an iconic and vibrant Flamenco show with dinner. Option 2: Set off on a food tour of Granada. Discover how locals eat out and try some of the best foodie places in town. Enjoy delectable dishes and drinks, at the same time you learn about Granada’s rich gastronomy, history and culture.
• Free Time: After getting your bearings, set off to explore the vibrant city of Granada for the afternoon.

Optional Experiences

• Granada Cathedral (Cathedral of the Incarnation) Visit: Be taken by the beauty of one of the largest cathedrals in Spain on this visit to the Cathedral of Granada. Tour its beautiful facades and interiors that house a grand altar and numerous chapels. Built by Queen Isabella, it is a masterpiece of Spanish-Renaissance style.

No trip to Granada would be complete without a visit to one of the most famous Moorish architectural monuments in Europe, the Alhambra. Imagine yourself in ages past as you explore the grounds and take in the spectacular craftsmanship and design of the archways, courtyards and windows looking out towards the city. Truly an architectural marvel, the beauty, design and history of the Alhambra are timeless. Take a guided tour of the Alhambra and then spend the rest of the day as you wish, with time to explore the city or to try out one of the many trendy tapas bars and restaurants.

Included Experiences

• Alhambra Guided Visit: Enjoy a guided visit of the Alhambra, one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture. Learn about Granada’s reign as one of the region’s most regal cities during the Muslim rule of Spain, which is captured in time within the Alhambra.
• Free Time: Enjoy free time to continue exploring and to get the most out of Granada's vibrant culture and food scene.

Leaving Granada behind, the landscapes change quickly and as you approach the Guadalhorce River you will quickly see the imposing cliff walls of a massive gorge called Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, where our trailhead lies. Tighten up your shoelaces and embark on one of the most exhilarating and spectacular hikes in the country along the Caminito del Rey, following walkways clinging to the sides of the cliffs with views to the valley and the canyons below. Transfer in the morning from Granada to the start of the hike along the Caminito del Rey Route with a local guide. In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Ronda where you can freshen up before enjoying an included 3-course dinner with your group mates.

Included Experiences

• Hike Caminito del Rey: Hike along the Caminito del Rey, a walkway carved into the walls of a steep, narrow gorge near the town of Ardales. The route is spectacular from beginning to end, running through cliffs, canyons, and a large valley, with hanging bridges and walkways built into the rocks - at times over 100m above the bottom of the gorge! The area is also inhabited by a wide variety of plant and animal species; with a little luck, you can see highland birds like Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, or golden eagles, and mammals such as wild boar and Iberian ibex.

More spectacular scenery awaits you today as you embark on a hike in the mountainous Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, to the town of Benaoján. Walk along rolling farmland and past olive groves as you take in the views of the surrounding landscapes and breathe in lungfulls of fresh air that replenish your energy with every step. Transfer to the trailhead and set off on a hike to Benaoján with your CEO. After a delicious lunch, return to Ronda for some free time to explore on your own or simply relax at the hotel by the pool. In the evening, savour a well-deserved 3-course dinner at the hotel.

Included Experiences

• Hike to Benaoján: Take a short drive from Ronda to start a scenic hike through rural landscapes, passing by Tajo del Abanico, a striking rock formation. Follow the path towards Cueva del Gato (the 'Cat's Cave'), where you will find a stunning natural freshwater pool refreshing but very cold! The trail includes some narrow, rocky sections with moderate ascents and descents. After reaching Benaoján, enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Spanish restaurant before returning to Ronda. Elevation gain: 200m

The city of Ronda is dramatically situated on a mountaintop, perched above a deep gorge called El Tajo, which separates the old and the new parts of the city. As you explore some of the iconic sites on foot you will quickly appreciate the rugged geography of the area which somehow seems to perfectly frame the city's characteristic landmarks and historic architecture. Head out in the morning on a guided walk of Ronda. In the afternoon, transfer to Seville for a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Included Experiences

• Guided Walking Tour of Ronda: On this guided walk through Ronda, you will explore some of the town's most captivating sites. Begin at El Tajo, the breathtaking gorge with nearly 100-meter depths. Proceed to La Plaza de Toros, one of Spain's oldest bullrings. Stroll through the serene Parque Blas Infante before marveling at the iconic Puente Nuevo, offering stunning views over the gorge. Next, admire the exterior of La Casa Don Bosco, a beautiful mansion. Enjoy the panoramic vistas from La Plaza de Campillos in the historic town, and conclude with a relaxing visit to El Jardín de la Duquesa de Parcent, a charming garden.

The adventure finishes today, and you can depart at any time.