Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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Walking in Andalucia

142 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Sue Murdoch

Reviewed June 2023

Excellent trip (TDS 230617)

An excellent reminder of the beauty and contrasts of Andalucia. Each day is different. Based at the lovely Cortijo made everything so easy. Simple but comfortable rooms, a lovely small pool at the end of each day and the friendliest service from Joke and Cartouche. They create a relaxed but efficient mood – and top quality food at the end of each day. But the biggest credit goes to Michael – undoubtedly the best guide I have experienced. The schedule means there is always time to relax in the pool followed by a drink before dinner.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many great moments. Walking the Caminito way, spotting birds of prey and ibex high in the Grazalema national park, the Alcazar in Seville followed by rooftop cocktails, relaxed evenings over dinner on the terrace....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael Newcomb is exceptional. HIs knowledge of the region is exemplary - he gave us just the right amount of information on the culture, farming, birdlife, geography, food, and so much more. He is absolutely professional and his long experience of guiding mixed groups meant he was able to keep us interested and on track, giving us flexibility whilst ensuring we stuck to the schedule. He's also good fun. For our free time, he prepared notes and sent links to places to visit as well as pre-booking things for us so everything felt very easy. It's possible to drift through the week without having to make a decision about anything except what to get from the (well stocked) honesty bar in the Cortijo.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go. Worth every moment. Listen to Michael (especially around how much water to carry!) and you'll have a fantastic time. This was a level 2 holiday and the grade is about right for the trip. You can get away with good walking trainers on most days but light weight walking boots are best on a couple of trickier bits of terrain.

Paul Robinson

Reviewed June 2023

TDS 2300520

Lovely walks in the olive groves of the Andalusian foothills with a spectacular walk down the gorge at the Walk of the Kings at Caminito del Ray. Fantastic guide whose knowledge of all things fauna, ornithogical, geological and historic was as impressive as it was compelling. Great organiser. The 14 person team of ramblers gelled immediately and made the week very special. A wonderful adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Caminito del Rey

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great. Organised everything superbly and great source of information thoughout all the walks and trips to Seville/Ronda.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the rainy days and plenty of mud across the Olive groves. All part or the adventure.

Paul Gibson

Reviewed May 2023

Well organised as ever 13/05/2023

Thoroughly enjoyable and well organised as ever. Marvellous countryside with great walking, strenuous but not too hard. Lovely rural setting in the heart of olive growing country in Andalucia, 1 1/2 hr drive from Malaga. Micheal was an excellent guide, well informed and thoughtful about the needs of the group. It’s obviously a trip that’s been run many time as it works like clockwork. Accommodation good but the food not really what I’d have expected. I’d have liked a bit more variation at breakfast and something more locally flavoured in the evening; a choice of food and especially wine would have been appreciated. Transport worked very well.

Michael Britton

Reviewed May 2023

Wonderful Walking in Andalucia

It was a very enjoyable week, almost too hot to walk with temperatures in the mid 30s most days, but the guide was very careful that we stayed safe in these temperatures. The walks were varied and interesting – our favourites were Day 3 (walk in the Sierra de Grazelma) and Day 6 (El Chorro gorge and walk El Caminito del Rey). The optional Sunday lunch tapas on Day 2 in Villanueva de San Juan was excellent and it was great to see the locals out for their lunch too. The hotel was excellent, beautiful location with stunning views. It was well-maintained, clean and we had a lovely room with a balcony. The dinners were delicious, especially the last night-paella; the lunchtime baguettes were also excellent. The hotel was very good catering for our dietary requirements. It was lovely to return to the peace of the hotel (and the pool) at the end of every walk. The day in Seville was brilliant, with several optional extras offered (Alcazar tickets, a flamenco show and a tapas lunch), but there was no pressure to join any of these activities and you could do your own thing if you wanted. I would recommened this holiday to other Leisurely/Moderate walkers

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the El Caminito del Rey...... The views of the spectacular gorge, seeing parts of the old path made of railway sleepers and concrete, seeing a train on the viaduct on the opposite side, the glass-floored corner, the suspension bridge, etc, etc.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable and passionate about Andalucia, full of information ranging from local flora and fauna to castles and history. Passionate about walking, but ensured we were all safe in the extreme heat. Arranged meetings at sensible times, keeping us informed about the next day's activities and writing details on a white board at the hotel in case we forgot. Not mentioning going home until the end of Day 7! Exceptionally helpful e.g. booking meals, tickets, shows for us, collecting medication from the pharmacy and supporting other walkers in the pharmacy. And such a vibrant personality!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you need one, take a hair dryer - there is one in the hotel, shared between 8 rooms, though this was not a problem the week we were there.

Kristi Dentler

Reviewed May 2023

First Exodus Travels adventure - not the last!

This trip was an excellent introduction to Exodus travel itineraries, and to southern Spain.

Most Inspirational Moment

Finally getting to the top of a long hill and being encouraged with a "well done"! The hikes were challenging but the pace made them very doable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

There are not enough superlatives to describe Michael, our guide for the week I was in Andalucia. His knowledge of the area, the flora and fauna, food, terrain, and his wonderful sense of humor made for a fantastic trip. Michael would stop often while on our hikes to share interesting tidbits about something growing on the side of the road, or a bird, or just to remind everyone to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. He really goes above and beyond to ensure everyone is safe and having a great time, and he is so patient!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take hiking poles if you are used to using them. I did not take any and did not miss them, nor need them. If traveling solo and the single room is available, book it. I was very fortunate and had a great roommate but wish i had a room to myself.

Sue S

Reviewed May 2023

Walking in Andalucia

I very much enjoyed the holiday – the hotel was comfortable with good food, the walks were varied (in length, difficulty and scenery), and the day in Seville exceeded my expectations. It was a very well thought out itinerary, and all the staff we encountered were very helpful, especially our guide, Michael. We had a fairly large group of 14, but we all got on very well, helped by the friendliness of the local staff. We were lucky to get very good weather at the end of April (as hot as summer!), so we could make good use of the hotel pool, and eat our evening meals outside on the terrace.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed all the walks, but I think the most spectacular was the Camino del Rey along El Chorro gorge. The views were fantastic, and walking along the walkway strung up high on the side of the gorge was a real experience! The gardens of the Alcazar palace in Seville were very beautiful, and highly recommended.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael was great, he was enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the history and geography. He knows the area very well, and is obviously well known and liked by the villagers, which made it much easier for the group to feel at home when visiting local bars and restaurants. Information about each day’s schedule was clear, we were always advised exactly what to take and what time to leave and a guide time for return.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Michael was able to organise several things which are listed as optional - the tapas lunch, a suggested itinerary in Seville and a trip to Ronda. I’d advise taking him up on these options, the tapas lunch was fabulous, and the visits and meal in Seville were made so much easier by the advance bookings. I’ve found previously that it can be very difficult to find a decent meal for yourself in a new city, and it can waste a lot of time deciding for yourself where to go and what to do.

Chris Warren

Reviewed May 2023

Fabulous holiday

We very much enjoyed this holiday, due to the perfect combination of good walks, great company from our sociable group, an excellent leader and the lovely Cortijo to stay in (exclusive to Exodus). Highlights included the Sierra de Grazalema scenery, the white village of Sentenil with its cliff houses and kestrels, and the Caminito del Rey. After the walks we usually stopped at a bar with view for refreshment, and could swim in the pool, or sit comfortably outside in the shade, once returning to the Cortijo, which was very homely. It was nice to have an honesty bar and to be able to make our own hot and cold drinks at any time. The Cortijo catered well for our dieteryneeds.

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountain views, the village of Sentenil, dinner on the lodge's patio with the views, learning from our expert guide, chatting and laughing with our fellow travellers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael was a wonderful leader, being extremely knowledgable and passionate about Andalucia and the environment. He frequently stopped on the walks to point out plants and flowers and explained how they were used for food, medicine and farming. He was also an expert birdwatcher - we saw Griffin vultures, glimpses of eagles, bee-eaters and others. Michael's background from living extensively in both England and Spain meant he was able to explain the culture and differences from our perspective, and also to join in with our sense of humour. He was very proactive in organising walks and trips, and looked after us very well.

Anne-Marie Hellewell

Reviewed April 2023

Walking in Andalucia

We have just returned from this excellent trip and can highly recommend it. It is good value for money and provides an excellent insight into the region. There are opportunities to explore the region away from the touristy areas as well as a chance to see Seville, Setenil and Ronda. We were part of a lovely group that bonded well and made the whole experience even more worthwhile.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was lovely to walk in such an unspoilt region serenaded by nightingales and hoopoes calling in the woodlands. Watching griffon vultures effortlessly circling in cloudless, blue skies was magnificent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael is an excellent leader with encyclopaedic knowledge of the history, geography, flora and fauna of the region. His enthusiasm is infectious. He has a great sense of humour and he is thoroughly entertaining. Michael is also attentive and caring of the group and keen to provide information and advice. He is clearly proud of his Spanish heritage but has the added advantage of having an English background as well. Michael is a real asset to Exodus and I will most definitely be voting for him in the annual leader awards.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take the opportunity to visit Ronda if at all possible. If you usually use walking poles, these are a good idea, though not essential.

Jim Hiles

Reviewed October 2022

Great memories of an epic trip

Three generations of Yanks walked through Spanish landscape and culture and made some history of their own with a unique group of walkers lead by a great guide

Most Inspirational Moment

Bagpipes on the penon ledge Talent show Friday night at cortijo Gorge At del Rey Sevilla alcazar.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael was fantastic, experienced interesting patient and knowledgeable. Best guide I have seen. He did a great job of making people feel welcome and delivered a great experience,

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a full experience of history food and culture, well balanced and walks for enough for all.

Marilyn Davey

Reviewed October 2022

Walking in andalsia

Everyday had something different to offer, the walks were varied from gentle strolls along wide paths to much more challenging terrain. Magnificent views of olive groves and mountains, plenty of wild life and interesting fauna despite the dry conditions at this time of year, would love to see the wild flowers in spring. The accommodation was not luxury but very comfortable and very welcoming, the staff are lovely, food was homemade and tasty.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to choose! Walking in the Sierra de Grazalma was absolutely beautiful, wild and felt very remote.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael was an inspirational leader with a wide knowledge of the area and what it had to offer. His enthusiasm was infectious and made this trip very special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If offered the chance to visit Ronda take it! It’s a little jewel.

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