Walking in Andalucia

My husband and I loved this trip! The walking is varied, in quite different but equally stunning areas. It is correctly labelled as leisurely/ moderate, as the walks are not technically difficult at all and are not too long for most reasonably fit people - but are long enough for the heat, and leisurely enough to give us plenty of time to look at the rich variety of flora and fauna and to observe the huge number of birds that live here or pass through, which included large birds of prey such as eagles and flocks of vultures.. Michael, our guide, is simply superb. His knowledge of nature is second to none and he was well -organised and kind too. The base, a coverted farmhouse which we had sole use of, is not 'luxurious' but is homely and very welcoming. The owners are lovely! Our room was clean and comfortable and the shower was very good, although the hot water took a bit of time to arrive! The views from our balcony were stupendous. The food was plentiful. The breakfasts were a bit limited in choice but the lunches were very good and the evening meals - taken on a terrace with stunning views in every direction! - were massive and delicious (Ref a previous review: They definitely did NOT lack piquancy!). Our group were friendly with a lot of solo travellers, nice people to spend time with!

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

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.

Just returned from a wonderful trip to Southern Spain. Alexis our guide was truly wonderful and the whole group were treated like personal guests .The food at the farmhouse was superb our thanks to Maria and her staff. There was a really nice variety in the walks and the research that had obviously gone into this trip by Alexis and Exodus shone through. Having sole use of the farmhouse was a real bonus and the group got on really well. We do hope the two dogs have a secure future when the new owners take over we will always remember that smile! Our thanks to Alexis for making the week a truly special one Colin and Jill

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.

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.

A week walking in beautiful Andalusia, with a day in Seville as a change. Centre-based, so no packing and unpacking. Springtime, and the flowers were stunning. Walks varied, which was good. And with a likely bunch of fellow travellers, as ever with Exodus.

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.

The scenery of Andalucia is dramatic and varied. The hotel was charming, with welcoming staff and superb, local cuisine. An excellent guide and a great bunch of fellow travellers all combined to make this a holiday to remember.

Good walking for 5 days, pastoral and olive groves, with two mountains, the ones seen from the excellent and friendly Cortija. Those were about 10 miles and nearly 3000 ft climbing. The other days were easier but with the interest of a curious village built into an around a gorge, Setinel; a monastery for a brought lunch; a hidden, sunken upland limestone plateau; and El Chorro Gorge, an impressive sight, although that walk has not been fully worked out yet as the gorge walkway is not quite finished. I have no doubt that our leader, Chris Burke, will work out an excellent route as he did for the others. The grading is accurate. Seville sight seeing is as for the easier trip. The food by the hostesses was varied and superb. Some Flamenco dancing by two local lasses at the Cortija, and the interesting clapping rhythm, was a bonus.