What a fabulous week we had walking in Andalucía, Spain in and around the National Park of Grazalema. Everything worked perfectly: from collection at the train station, great accommodation, transference of baggage and taxi collection between villages. Our hosts where helpful and the accommodation of an excellent standard. And then there was the walk - sublime! A diverse range of tracks through magnificent landscapes, over rocky mountains, across high plains, along paths lined with wild flowers taller than me, and beside rivers. As we were walking in June, there were no other walkers, so if you are planning to walk and socialise, pick a cooler time of year. Would do it all again in a heartbeat!
Whether you’re looking for a physical challenge or a religious pilgrimage, walking the Camino de Santiago is sure to be a life-affirming and personally enriching adventure. Over seven days, undertake a journey along the final 100 km of Spain’s Camino de Santiago, travelling with a small group of likeminded travellers and a local leader to add a deeper layer to your discoveries. Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims as you walk through beautiful Galician countryside, passing hamlets, roman ruins and stilted horreos. The feeling of arriving at the finishing point in Santiago de Compostela simply can’t be beat.
Too much too fast We needed more time in several spots, less in others. TA did not advice about the hectic pace. Madrud and Barcelona were extremely confusing with the changes in buses, groups, guides, etc.
Things were covered as per itinerary and guides were very helpful and knowledgeable. But for 5 day trip to Spain, I feel only Barcelona and Montserrat would be better for a 5 day trip. There was not enough time to see Barcelona. The trip from Madrid to Barcelona was too tiring for a 5 day trip. Hotel Hamilton by Hilton in Barcelona was very nice and spacious room. Room in Hotel Prada in Madrid was too small and congested.
Luca's was a fabulous guide and very knowledgable about the area. He was the perfect advocate for the group. The walk was more of a challenge than I expected and not for the faint hearted. It was great to start the walk a few days before the 100km mark when the crowds joined in. The accomodation was mostly good but a few places were a little poor.
The hotels in Madrid (praga) and Seville (alcora) were very bad. There was bad air conditioning..was hot in the room. We complained but nothing was done by hotel. The wi fi was only working on the common area..no connection in the room. Hotel prga breakfast was also quote bad and so was alcora. These are hotels that cater to large groups and that takes away from the comfort and experience of the trip. This was the only criticism of the their trip. Bad hotels provided.
The itinerary was perfectly curated, allowing us to see so much in just 10 days without feeling rushed. I particularly enjoyed the blend of city tours and beautiful coastal views. The guides were exceptional, and their passion for their countries was evident. This tour is a wonderful way to discover the rich heritage and stunning beauty of Spain and Portugal.
Picture yourself wandering through the medieval alleys of Carcassonne, the sunny streets of Barcelona, and the vibrant markets of Marseille—all in just four days. The 'Catalonia, South of France and Provence' walking tour provides a relaxed yet memorable experience, specially curated for seniors. With hotel accommodation, transport, and meals included, this group trip is as worry-free as it is diverse. Its unique edge is the seamless combination of Catalan and Provençal cultures, offering a compact yet rich exploration of both France and Spain.
Less than 100 miles off the north west coast of Africa, in the centre of the Canary Islands archipelago, sits the volcanic island of Gran Canaria - often referred to as 'a miniature continent' with its extraordinarily varied landscapes ranging from the north's lush green forests and valleys, to the towering mountainous interior, to the desert-like dunes and beautiful white beaches of its southern shores. For millennia, the elements have sculpted the most outstanding natural beauty: steep volcanic mountains punctuated by deep palm ravines; imposing rocks towering above high plateaux; vast fertile valleys of prickly pear, aloes, almonds and figs - it's little wonder that nearly half of the island is protected by UNESCO Nature Reserves and offers some of the finest hiking in Europe.
This twin-centre holiday offers varied and interest packed walking routes, with easier and more difficult choices of walk daily. We take you from the cauldron of Bandama whose eruption, over 2,000 years ago, influenced the entire geography of the island, to the emblematic Roque Nublo, an imposing natural crag made of volcanic rock from which there are 360 degree views of the whole island. Then there is Gran Canaria's vibrant and colourful capital, Las Palmas, where you can step back in time in the city's charming historic old quarter.
You spend your first three nights at the La Hacienda del Buen Suceso, located in a quiet and tranquil setting above the village of Arucas, the Hacienda was once a country estate and has perfectly retained all its colonial charm. Nestled in the surrounding banana plantations, the Hacienda is just 15 minutes from Las Palmas and makes a perfect base for the first half of your trip. For your next four nights, you'll head to the very heart of the island and the Hotel Fonda De La Tea . There is the option to upgrade in Tejeda to the Parador de Tejeda, subject to availability and at a supplement.
