Hidden Valleys of Cordoba Self-Guided Walk

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8 Days from

CAD 1,545

Incl. taxes Excl. flights

Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Ages :

13+

Trip Code :

W07ZU

Midway between Cordoba and Granada, in the heart of Andalucia, the tiny white village of Zuheros sits high on the northern border of the Sierra Subbetica - a beautiful range of hills and National Park. The area is a dramatic limestone massif, weathered over millennia into a series of valleys and peaks, making it fantastic walking country.

The walks are all in or around the National Park on farm tracks, country paths and along the 'Via Verde', a panoramic disused railway line, once used to transport the olive harvest. Views open out to river valleys, tumbling waterfalls and olive groves against the backdrop of mountain sierras and hillsides sprinkled with red peonies and orchids. Routes take you to the tiny villages of Zagrilla Alta and Luque with their quince orchards and castle, and the stunning cave above Zuheros where Roman and Bronze age remains have been discovered.

Highlights

The essence of 'real' Spain: tiny white villages, forgotten farming hamlets, traditional, family-run hotel with plunge pool
Fantastic walking country: spectacular gorges, craggy peaks, cascading waterfalls, wonderful valley views
Golden eagles, griffon vultures, red peonies, vibrant wild orchids
Fully inclusive, even wine with dinner
Chance to explore Cordoba and Granada

Key Information

7 nights single-centre accommodation
Buffet breakfast each day and evening meal on first night
Management by local hotelier
Route directions and maps
Walking transfers

Countries visited: Spain

What's Included

All accommodation
Buffet breakfasts and evening meal on first night
Management by local hotelier
Route directions and maps
Walking transfers

What's Not Included

Visas and vaccinations
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Picnics (available for a supplement)
Dinner on subsequent nights (available for a supplement)

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Terrain:

This holiday has walking on farm tracks, narrow paths and over green countryside. There are great views but no dizzy heights. Walking boots are essential as some of the walking paths are poorly defined, we also provide GPS files (.gpx) for this holiday.

Day 2

13 km / 8.1 miles

Day 3

18 km / 11.2 miles

Day 5

16 km / 9.9 miles

Day 6

17 km / 10.6 miles

Day 7

18 km / 11.2 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Arrive at your hotel in Zuheros. (Staying at Hotel Zuhayra)

Meals Included: Dinner

A path climbs gently through almond trees above Zuheros before descending into the spectacular gorge of the Rio Bailon, then with golden eagles soaring above, you reach Cerro de Bramadero hilltop where you can relax under holm oaks enjoying wonderful valley views. You return past walnut trees and ancient wells on the way to the verdant river gorge that leads back into Zuheros. (Staying at Hotel Zuhayra)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We take you to the 14th century whitewashed hilltop chapel of Virgen de la Sierra - at 1216m it deserves its nickname 'The Balcony of Andalucia!'. You descend to valleys sprinkled with white narcissi, yellow daffodils and red peonies. Then after lunch by a sparkling waterfall hidden in the valley side, the trail returns under limestone cliffs and past huge holm oaks to Zuheros in time for a cold drink in the village square. (Staying at Hotel Zuhayra)

Meals Included: Breakfast

You could have a relaxing day in Zuheros, visiting the Archaeological museum and Museum of Arts and Local Customs or head further afield taking a taxi to Cordoba (Antonio will happily arrange) and spend the day exploring the fabulous Cathedral, palace and Mezquita, sparkling like jewels in the Moorish crown. (Staying at Hotel Zuhayra)

Meals Included: Breakfast

You may meet olivareros (olive farmers), with their mules this morning, diligently tending their olive trees on the hills above Zuheros, as you make the gradual ascent to Monte Abrevia (1129m), for lunch. Here you'll enjoy the best views of the week. A thyme scented descent affords perfect views of Zuheros as you approach the village along the Via Verde. (Staying at Hotel Zuhayra)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Look out for protected griffon vultures soaring high above you today as you pass through remote Spanish cortijos (farms) in beech and oak shrouded valleys and enjoy stunning views east towards Sierra de la Pandera - the next range of hills. Before long the olive orchards of Zagrilla Alta are visible below, and when you arrive you can enjoy a cold drink by the natural spring in the village before we meet you and take you back to Zuheros. (Staying at Hotel Zuhayra)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning sees you striding out east along the 'Via Verde' passing whitewashed farms and olive groves. A short climb brings you to Luque with its imposing castle and elegant square - a good lunch stop. Then up into the National Park - stunning views - before winding down through wild herbs as you descend towards Zuheros. (Staying at Hotel Zuhayra)

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends after breakfast in Zuheros.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Vaccination

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

Andalucía’s base their cuisine on traditional fresh fayre. Onions, tomatoes and peppers feature liberally, simply cooked in olive oil and served as a starter seasoned with local herbs and accompanied by good fresh bread. Dinner often consists of Fish (pescado) or meat (carne) served grilled or deep-fried in olive oil. A good alternative for vegetarians is ensalada de garbanzos y tomate - a delicious salad of chickpea and tomatoes. Local specialities depend on the region: in the mountains, you’ll be offered delicious hams and game, down by the coast seafood will be more prominent.

The town of Jerez is the home of sherry production and most villages also produce good cheap country wine known as Mosto, some of the better ones being Aljarafe and Los Palacios (Seville province), Costa Albondon (Granada province) and Villavicosia (Córdoba province). Sangria is a wine and fruit punch, it makes a refreshing drink.

Weather

Spring generally enjoys pleasant daytime temperatures (12-23ºC) and a little cooler in the evenings. There is the chance of some rain, which then offers views of beautiful spring flowers. Summer months are hot and dry with daytime temperatures of around 21-35ºC, dropping to between 17 and 25ºC at night. Autumn brings cooler weather although it is still fairly dry. The possibility of rain is more likely in winter months but temperatures stay mild in the daytime, becoming cooler after sunset.

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Average daily distance on move on days: 16.4km ( 10.4 miles). Please note that these are the average distances for the shorter walks , however on three of the days there is the option to extend the walk.
No. of days Walking: 5
Terrain: This holiday has walking on farm tracks, narrow paths and over green countryside. There are great views but no dizzy heights. Walking boots are essential. As some of the paths are poorly defined, we also pprovide GPS files (.gpx) for this holiday.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

Hidden Valleys of Cordoba Self-Guided Walk

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Responsible Travel

Itinerary

Essential Info

Visa

Spain

Vaccination

Spain

Eating and Drinking

Weather

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Hotel

Would you like to include flights with your booking?

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Hidden Valleys of Cordoba Self-Guided Walk