Reviews

Walk and learn

An excellent walking holiday in Andalucia with a first class guide who was vey competent.
Vast knowledge about the geography and the history of the area and a superb knowledge of the plant / wild life of the area all with a very engaging manner.

andalucian odessey

As a single traveller I was a bit apprehensive about joining a group for a week’s walking. I needn’t have worried. My fellow travellers were charming, good company and great walking companions. The accommodation was comfortable and clean. The double rooms with balconies had views – but not mine sadly. The food at the cortijo was plentiful and tasty, the breakfast coffee could be improved though. The walks were the highlight: disturbing dozens of griffin vultures feeding on carrion and watching them take flight; being in the natural landscape beyond the ubiquitous olive groves and not least Miguel, our guide who was just superb the whole time.

Walking in Andalucia

This was a lovely (grade 4 ) holiday in a rural, unspoilt part of Andalucia. The cortijo is very comfortable with fantastic views over the surrounding countryside. The laid back approach made it feel like a house party and Cartouche & Joke must be congratulated on this. Tea & coffee available all day and a bar with amazing measures. There were 12 of us in the group and we all got on well with lots of laughs. We were fortunate to have perfect weather all week with blue skies, no clouds and temps in the mid 20’s. The walks were varied and the day off in Seville was well worth doing. We all went to the Flamenco dancing in the evening and one of the group was so inspired by this that the next morning she gave us her personal interpretation by the pool before we set off on the walk.

A Great Time

I really enjoyed everything about this group hike. This was the challenging version in March 2019…which was a great time to visit with temperatures in the Low 70’s F.

Everything went off without any problems but that was most likely due to the guide, Michael Newcomb. He is probably the best guide I have ever encountered. Not only is he very personable, he has taken the time to learn a LOT about the area and wildlife. He took the time to interact with all of the members of the group and he paid close attention to the pace to make sure those at the back didn’t fall behind too far. He was simply outstanding.

The Cortijo (farmhouse) was a really great place to stay. I had the single room and it was clean and comfortable. Note that there were dogs barking during the night but they are on nearby farms so the owners cannot help this.

The owners, Joke and Cartouche, were very friendly and helpful as were their staff. I was able to pack lighter because they offered a laundry service that I took advantage of halfway through the trip.

The food for the evening meals was fine (not bad) but I had hoped for a bit more Spanish cuisine. Breakfast was fairly light but sufficient.

As a side note, Cartouche is also a talented tattooist and he has a small shop on the premises.

Unforgettable holiday

This was a fantastic holiday in many ways. From booking till the day we left to go home, it was all done with great professionalism. The pace was just right and the group size was perfect. Well done Exodus.

A most enjoyable trip

I would unreservedly recommend this trip. Michael Newcomb our guide was brilliant- enthusiastic and very knowledgeable about the land and the landscape and the flora and fauna and especially the trees and birds of the region.
Our Hotel was comfortable with a terrace and panoramic views and an inviting well maintained swimming pool and Cartouche and Joke were warm welcoming and friendly. The food was excellent and Doug provided back up and the two resident dogs were a delight. The bed rooms were well sound proofed and very comfortable and the residents’ sitting room comfortable and cosy with a log fire in the evenings.
The walks were varied and gave us a great feel for the local landscape. Our day in Seville -one of the great European cities was fascinating.

You will love this trip

Our first guided walking holiday (but not our first trip with Exodus) , and our first visit to this part of Spain.
A really enjoyable week in rural Andalucia with a good mix of walks in spectacular scenery, great food, company etc. Particular thanks to our outstanding, most knowledgeable and helpful guide Michael, and all the staff at Cortijo Rosario.

Great first trip with Exodus ( level 4 )

A great introduction to rural Spain .
We had hot sunny weather every day which made the walking days very enjoyable. The Accomodation was excellent too , with all the staff being friendly and helpful.

Very peaceful

This was a very peaceful vacation. Mike, our guide, was great. We had a great week.

The hotel had a great food and a great view. The staff was very accommodating and a pleasure to talk with.

Sunny Days

A fantastic time walking in the area around the Cortijo Rosario & beyond. Each walk introduced a different vista into the experience & we saw lots of birds of prey which the leader Michael easily identified. All walks ended with a cooling beer or two which was well received. The accommodation was very good & the meals exceptional.