Most Inspirational Moment
Caminto del Rey.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Michael
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Absolutely wonderful. Michael (our group leader) was incredible. Best leader I’ve ever experienced. His knowledge and passion for everything elevated the trip experience through the roof.
Caminto del Rey.
Michael
This was our first Exodus trip. We loved the group size (11) and its compatibility, mix of activities, and the incredible knowledge of the tour leader, Michael/Miguel. On most days we were out and about from 9 to 5. The terrain was lovely – hills and mountains surrounding rolling pastureland and olive farms. We saw and walked through so many white villages, and some of us took an extra 4 hour trip to Ronda, one of the most famous. The hiking was moderate. For me, the oldest by several years at age 75, it was at times tough because of the many ups and downs with the inclines occasionally too steep and long. The other 10 handled it with less trouble. Our tour leader, Michael/Miguel, knew everything about farming, geology, plants and animals and birds, and the history of the area. We all marveled at the extent of his knowledge! The farmhouse we stayed in was lovely with good food (the paella the last night was the best!), though the rooms lacked good lighting and the beds seemed a bit soft. This is a fun trip to go on for the activity, lovely scenery, and variety. We combined it with 2 days in Malaga and 4 in Granada and found every day rich and magical.
The hike in El Chorro gorge on the Caminito del Rey and walking through El Real Alcazaba, the royal palace, in Seville (tickets many in our group bought on their own for our day in Seville.)
He was excellent -- well organized and incredibly knowledgeable about everything -- plants, farming, geology, birds, animals, and human history.
You definitely need to be fit to do this trip. Be prepared for some challenging uphill stretches, fortunately not continuous. Since Exodus ranks hikes 1 through 7 not 1 through 5 I'd say that there are some parts of the hikes that are 3's not just 2's.
I’ve wanted to visit Andalucia for more than 20 years and this trip did not disappoint. It was, to me, the perfect blend of rural walking and city time- with my favorite moments being the pastures and small villages, learning about olive production, local plants, and life in Algamitas. The Cortijo is lovely, and though simple, had everything we need (including a pool!) The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful and Felipe, the manager, was especially thoughtful in taking care of everyone. My traveling companion and I both have dietary/medical restrictions and Felipe and the wonderful kitchen staff went to great lengths to ensure we had what we needed (we know gluten free pasta, bread and cereal can’t be easy to come by in a rural area, and that making a separate version of a meal is a lot of work), but made it seem effortless. Our guide, Miguel, is funny and personable and knows so much about the area: archaeology, geology, plant life, birds, and people- and he clearly makes a great effort to know the neighbors in the village and connect with people. He also runs a tight ship to keep people safe and cared for! He also goes to great lengths to make sure his groups have a great time and get to do the things they want to do. I thought the walking was the right challenge for a level 2- the biggest variable was the sun and heat, but he made sure we were hydrated and prepared. We didn’t have any rain, but that would also make for a different kind of challenge. And we lucked out with a group of lovely, funny, caring fellow-travelers. This trip was to celebrate my friends’ and my 40th birthdays this year, and it was exactly what we wanted it to be!
Miguel arranged for us to see a top-quality flamenco show in Sevilla. Everyone in our group who went was really impressed and energized by the performance.
Miguel is awesome. So knowledgeable, fun, safety-focused, and makes an effort to connect. He ensured there were modifications for people on days when they only wanted to do part of the hike, made sure everyone stayed hydrated, and took us to some nice coffee shops and bars in the small villages that not only broke up the walking day nicely, but helped us see more of how people live in the surrounding villages. He knows a ton about the geology, birds, plant life and history of the region. It was seldom that I asked him a question he couldn't answer. He also made sure we had interesting recommendations for the "on your own" excursions. He took great care of us.
Carry a light pack that allows for a lot of water- it is hot, even in late October, bring your rain gear just in case, and make sure you have the right foot gear. Also, do all the "optional" pieces you can. We had the opportunity to do an extra afternoon in Ronda and it was GREAT. If you have that option, do it!
Our recent trip to Andalucía was nothing short of spectacular. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, I stayed at a rustic Cortijo that perfectly blended traditional charm with modern comfort. Surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills, the Cortijo offered a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views and a cozy, authentic atmosphere.
What truly elevated the experience was the cuisine. Every meal was a celebration of Andalusian flavors—fresh, vibrant, and deeply satisfying – each dish was crafted with care and passion.
Whether exploring nearby whitewashed villages, hiking through the Sierra Nevada, or simply relaxing under the stars with a glass of local wine, this trip was unforgettable.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a soulful escape filled with beauty, flavor, and authentic Spanish hospitality.
Everything
Fantastic
Walking poles do come in quite handy
Stunning scenery, hilly walks but easy terrain. The Cortico has great views and the outside areas are lovely. Bedrooms not so much. Some rooms are very small, I was allocated a small single room with a single bed, think student dorm, for which I was charged a extra!!! I have marked the trip down for that reason
Plentiful food with alternative diets well catered for .
Sunrise and sunset from the terrace
Peter was excellent
Single travellers who pay the supplement should request a double room. Lot's of fish and seafood so bear this in mind and request an alternative when booking if you don't like or can't eat fish
Amazing walking holiday from start to finish.
The views, food and wine.
Excellent
No air conditioning or ceiling fans in farmhouse. Awesome hikes with no other tourists.
A wonderful walking holiday in Andalucia with a good mix of hiking, scenery, culture and amazing food, particularly at the excellent Cortijo Rosario farmhouse that acted as “base camp” for the week. It included great days sight-seeing in Sevilla and Ronda and an introduction to the local wildlife and biodiversity.
Walking across the legendary El Caminito del Rey gorge and bridge - a bucket list item ticked off.
Mike was amazing - always enthusastic, friendly, and a bottomless font of knowledge about the local area, Spanish culture and the walking itself. His trick of pouring ice water into your hat to keep you cool is the stuff of legend.
Take lots of cash as not many places accept bank cards.
This trip was a great combination of walking in the beautiful countryside, visiting traditional villages, sightseeing in the cities as well as embracing the local culture & learning about the forna & floral!
The trip is great for people wanting to try a walking holiday as the walks only take a few hours per day, allowing for rest in the afternoons. On several days, you can choose to complete part of the walk & return to the hotel if you are struggling which some of our group did.
The Cortijo Rosario has a relaxed vibe so we felt at home straight away! The staff were fantastic & nothing was too much trouble for them! Additionally, the food was fantastic & gave us an authentic taste of Spain!
Seeing all of the wild flowers & birds on our walks! We loved the variety of walks around small villages, meadows, cities to hills.
Miguel/Mike was a lot of fun & was excellent at tailoring the trip to our individual tastes so we felt that we got the maximum out of the holiday! The weather was very hot which is not ideal for walking in but Miguel ensured that we took regular breaks & took iced water to cool us down so that we kept safe! He had excellent knowledge of the flora & forna in the area as well as the culture so we were well informed! We liked how he supported the local businesses by taking us to buy food, coffee etc & he has a very good relationship with both the hotel staff & the villagers too!
Please take suitable walking gear, ie walking boots not trainers & wicking clothes, not cotton, especially if it was 35-38F like we had! You will need a good 2 litres of water per day so reuseable bottles are essential! Visit Ronda if the option is available as it it stunning! Otherwise, enjoy discovering such a beautiful area!
Everything about the week was exceptional and memorable. The hikes were different every day and highlighted the special and significant features of the area. Our group leader, Miquel/Mike, was an endless source of information on the human and natural history, and the flora and fauna, making a point to include what the group was interested in. Our group bonded well right from the first day, as we tackled a rainy hike and then the ensuing mud the next day. Mike was constantly aware of and concerned for everyone’s safety and adapted the speed of the walk to accommodate all of us. His pleasant demeanor, sense of humor, punctuality, and attention to detail made the week a pleasure for all. We could not have asked for a better leader!
The hike up the mountains into the National Park was a highlight not only for the magnificent views, but also the challenge of working together to manoeuvre through the muddy and slippery landscape.
For all the reasons mentioned above, our group as a whole appreciated everything that Mike brought to the week as an exceptional leader.
Bring your appetite! The meals served at Cortijo Rosario were delicious, varied, and more than plentiful! The staff made every effort to cater to individual dietary needs. The Cortijo is very comfortable, and the rustic vibe fits the country setting perfectly. It is advised to note the packing list included in the trip notes; sturdy hiking boots and good rain gear are a must.
Our group had an amazing week walking the hills and countryside of Andalucia. Our group leader, Mike (Miquel), was an endless source of information on the history, geography, archeology anthropology, and the flora and fauna of the area. Every walk was different and Mike highlighted this and added the details to bring this beautiful landscape to life! Our group bonded so well over these common interests, thanks also to Mike for recognizing and catering to our individual strengths and limitations.
Our most challenging walk, due to very muddy conditions, in the high hills of the National Park, was also the most inspiring due to not only the incredible vistas but also the highlights along the way, such as the wildflowers, bird sightings, and a picnic amongst the ruins of old buildings.
Mike was an exceptional group leader! His knowledge, positivity, helpfulness, organization, punctuality, sense of humour, and boundless energy made the week so enjoyable. Mike’s perceptiveness of individual needs and behaviours became very evident in how he managed group behaviour to everyone’s benefit. His demeanour made everyone feel welcome. Thank you Mike for an unforgettable experience!
Bring your appetite! The food at the Cortijo Rosario was always delicious and very plentiful! Special dietary needs were consistently addressed. Pay attention to probable weather situations when choosing footwear and clothing.