Itinerary

Day 1

Cordoba and the Magnificent Mezquita

We meet in Cordoba to welcome you to your Fresco Tour's Vacation. After a short orientation meeting, we take to the streets to see the one-time cultural capital of the Western World, Cordoba. Here our local guide will lead us through the fascinating Mezquita started in the 8th-century. Its mesmerizing forest of pillars capped with horseshoe arches and the interestingly placed 16th century Cathedral create a truly unique contrast.
Sleep: Cordoba

Day 1

Cordoba and the Magnificent Mezquita

We meet in Cordoba to welcome you to your Fresco Tour's Vacation. After a short orientation meeting, we take to the streets to see the one-time cultural capital of the Western World, Cordoba. Here our local guide will lead us through the fascinating Mezquita started in the 8th-century. Its mesmerizing forest of pillars capped with horseshoe arches and the interestingly placed 16th century Cathedral create a truly unique contrast.
Sleep: Cordoba

Day 2

La Subbética, the Heart of Andalucia

Today, we enter into the hills of the Subbética Natural Park south of Cordoba. Our day begins as we stop at one of the finest olive oil manufacturers in Spain to learn about the process of extracting this liquid gold. Afterwards, we lace up and our walk takes us through vast olive tree groves and past the picturesque village of Zuheros de la Sierra. After lunch, to burn off those calories, we have a more challenging walk as we cross over a limestone ridge and then work our way into the Bailon river valley.
Sleep: Subbética / Walking: 8 miles

Day 2

La Subbética, the Heart of Andalucia

Today, we enter into the hills of the Subbética Natural Park south of Cordoba. Our day begins as we stop at one of the finest olive oil manufacturers in Spain to learn about the process of extracting this liquid gold. Afterwards, we lace up and our walk takes us through vast olive tree groves and past the picturesque village of Zuheros de la Sierra. After lunch, to burn off those calories, we have a more challenging walk as we cross over a limestone ridge and then work our way into the Bailon river valley.
Sleep: Subbética / Walking: 8 miles

Day 3

Magical Granada & the Alhambra

After a delicious breakfast, we hop in the van and head to Granada to take in the breath-taking Alhambra, the second most visited monument in Europe. Inside this once royal palace, our local historian recounts to us of the splendors of the Muslim dynasty, which fell to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Afterwards, we explore the hilly and winding streets of the Albayzin and enjoy a meal with a view unmatched of the Alhambra.
Sleep: Granada

Day 3

Magical Granada & the Alhambra

After a delicious breakfast, we hop in the van and head to Granada to take in the breath-taking Alhambra, the second most visited monument in Europe. Inside this once royal palace, our local historian recounts to us of the splendors of the Muslim dynasty, which fell to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Afterwards, we explore the hilly and winding streets of the Albayzin and enjoy a meal with a view unmatched of the Alhambra.
Sleep: Granada

Day 4

Strolling the Sierra Nevada

After a day of city walking, we are back in our boots and go for some fresh air in the Sierra Nevada, Europe's second highest mountain range behind the Alps. As we stick to the foothills of the lower valleys, we will be able to contemplate the magnificent views of this rugged and extensive National Park. As a reward from our hike, we return to Granada for an evening of shopping and tapas!
Sleep: Granada / Walking: 10 miles

Day 4

Strolling the Sierra Nevada

After a day of city walking, we are back in our boots and go for some fresh air in the Sierra Nevada, Europe's second highest mountain range behind the Alps. As we stick to the foothills of the lower valleys, we will be able to contemplate the magnificent views of this rugged and extensive National Park. As a reward from our hike, we return to Granada for an evening of shopping and tapas!
Sleep: Granada / Walking: 10 miles

Day 5

Los Pueblos Blancos & Ronda

Leaving Granada, we make our way through the famous pueblos blancos (White Villages) where we do a short hike along a goat path into the hills. After lunch, we then head up to Ronda, a Hemingway favorite, to admire the spectacular Puente Nuevo, which straddles the 100m deep Tajo gorge and make a visit to the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain's oldest bullrings.
Sleep: Grazalema / Walking: 3 miles

Day 5

Los Pueblos Blancos & Ronda

Leaving Granada, we make our way through the famous pueblos blancos (White Villages) where we do a short hike along a goat path into the hills. After lunch, we then head up to Ronda, a Hemingway favorite, to admire the spectacular Puente Nuevo, which straddles the 100m deep Tajo gorge and make a visit to the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain's oldest bullrings.
Sleep: Grazalema / Walking: 3 miles

Day 6

Grazalema National Park

This morning with our hiking boots on, we enter into the Natural Park of the Sierra de Grazalema, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977. Our route is the 12km Walk of the Pinsapar, which gives us breathtaking views of the park, highlighted by the rare Spanish Fir, el pinsapo. Survivor of the last ice age, this rare tree is only found in remote areas of southern Spain and northern Morocco. After lunch, we have the option of taking a light walk through a shaded-forest along a trout river.
Grazalema / Walking: 10 miles

Day 6

Grazalema National Park

This morning with our hiking boots on, we enter into the Natural Park of the Sierra de Grazalema, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977. Our route is the 12km Walk of the Pinsapar, which gives us breathtaking views of the park, highlighted by the rare Spanish Fir, el pinsapo. Survivor of the last ice age, this rare tree is only found in remote areas of southern Spain and northern Morocco. After lunch, we have the option of taking a light walk through a shaded-forest along a trout river.
Grazalema / Walking: 10 miles

Day 7

Costa de la Luz

Leaving the White Villages, we come to the spectacular Costa de la Luz, lesser known than the Costa del Sol, this area is less commercial and still has the charm of tiny fishing villages! We start our morning with a coastal walk that starts from the light house of Conil and takes us along protected pine forests to tiny little coves and secluded beaches. Here we may catch the glimpse of a little fishing boat headed out for sardines or anchovies, just as they have been doing for centuries! In the evening, we rest our tired legs with a glass of light white wine while admiring the sunset on the shore!
Sleep: Costa de la Luz /Walking: 6 miles

Day 7

Costa de la Luz

Leaving the White Villages, we come to the spectacular Costa de la Luz, lesser known than the Costa del Sol, this area is less commercial and still has the charm of tiny fishing villages! We start our morning with a coastal walk that starts from the light house of Conil and takes us along protected pine forests to tiny little coves and secluded beaches. Here we may catch the glimpse of a little fishing boat headed out for sardines or anchovies, just as they have been doing for centuries! In the evening, we rest our tired legs with a glass of light white wine while admiring the sunset on the shore!
Sleep: Costa de la Luz /Walking: 6 miles

Day 8

Jerez Horses & Cadiz

Leaving the beach in the morning, we make our way to an Andalucia horse farm, where Carthusian monks started breeding these amazing animals some 500 years ago! After a tour of the farm and a spectacular show, we pass through the Sherry Region of Jerez, where we sample some of this fine wine.
Sleep: Costa de la Luz

Day 8

Jerez Horses & Cadiz

Leaving the beach in the morning, we make our way to an Andalucia horse farm, where Carthusian monks started breeding these amazing animals some 500 years ago! After a tour of the farm and a spectacular show, we pass through the Sherry Region of Jerez, where we sample some of this fine wine.
Sleep: Costa de la Luz

Day 9

Seville, The Soul of the SouthAfter breakfast, we say good bye to the Atlantic Ocean and go to the soul of Andalucia, Seville. Here our local guide provides us with all the insights to Seville's Cathedral, one of the largest in the world, the splendid Alcázar (Moorish fortress) and the charming Old Center. Take a siesta, because after our farewell dinner, the evening continues as we are treated to a powerful, exciting, Gitano-inspired Flamenco show.
Sleep: Seville

Day 9

Seville, The Soul of the SouthAfter breakfast, we say good bye to the Atlantic Ocean and go to the soul of Andalucia, Seville. Here our local guide provides us with all the insights to Seville's Cathedral, one of the largest in the world, the splendid Alcázar (Moorish fortress) and the charming Old Center. Take a siesta, because after our farewell dinner, the evening continues as we are treated to a powerful, exciting, Gitano-inspired Flamenco show.
Sleep: Seville

Day 10

Sevilla
Sadly, our trip has come to an end. After our wonderful breakfast, we say our “hasta pronto” (till your next Fresco Tour) and “muchas gracias”!

Day 10

Sevilla
Sadly, our trip has come to an end. After our wonderful breakfast, we say our hasta pronto (till your next Fresco Tour) and muchas gracias!

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Flamenco Show

Exclusions -

Airfare to and from Spain, airport taxes / departure fees, visas, or items of personal nature - laundry, phone, luggage surplus charges, medical expenses, bar, tips, etc.) Prior to / After your Fresco Tour: Should your vacation to Spain be for more than a few days prior to or after your Fresco Tour, perhaps you would be interested in a Spain-taineous Custom Tour and personalized private itinerary. Let us know and we'll create an itinerary especially in tune with your needs and desires.

Extras -

What's Included
Guides: At least 2 multi-lingual guides will accompany the group for the duration of the tour. When specified, local art historians will join us to provide further insights of the specific monument / museum that we visit.

Limited Group Sizes: Fresco Tours are in small groups to ensure that you receive the individual attention that you deserve. We want to be able to treat each of our clients with a personal touch and we limit the groups to a maximum of 14 participants.
Accommodations: Fresco Tours selects a combination of 3-4 star hotels, restored country manors and B&B's that offer the best in hospitality, comfort and location. All rooms have their own bathrooms. Tour prices are based on double occupancy.
Meals: Food speaks volumes about a culture and we love to eat! During our walk days, when possible, we prepare gourmet picnics, using the freshest of local ingredients and selecting the tastiest recipes of the region. Dinners are celebrated in restaurants chosen not only for their menu, but also their atmosphere and service. All breakfast, lunches and dinners (minus one lunch and dinner, where we encourage you to sample the local cuisine on your own) are included.
Support Vehicle: Your walks will be accompanied by a support vehicle that will be there to provide you assistance when the route permits. The possibility of shorter routes and pick-up options will be explained on a daily basis.
Ground transportation: All ground transportation between the designated starting and finishing point of your Fresco Tour is provided. We will help facilitate information for your travel arrangements prior to and after the tour start and finish.
Luggage transfer: Your luggage will be transported between hotels. Due to space restrictions, each participant is limited to one medium-sized piece and a small carry-on bag.Special Event Tickets: Wine tastings, garden tours, concerts, etc. as outlined in the itinerary.
Taxes: As per European Union tax laws, a 16% VAT (value-added-tax) has been applied to the price of our Tours. 2009 Andalucian Affair Tour Dates:

March 13 - 22, 2010
November 20 - 29, 2010