Internationale groepsreis Walking in Andalucia

A WEEK IN ANDALUCIA

the cortijio rosario was excellent like being at home,the staff very good,food excellent.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

He was amazing...so patient and knowledgeable...trip was made by his extensive knowledge and easy way of sharing this. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Thank you.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You are in for a treat...if time get to the Serenade resturant and Top View...if you have a day or so at the end you can pay approx 100 birr to use the pool facilities (towels included) at the Hilton a great way to relax before the flight.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Constructive feedback to improve things: The hotel in addis was not up to scratch...we stayed in 3 different rooms...beginning, middle and end of trip. First room ...window would not close (therefore no posibility to lock it. Second room no hot water...despite the hotel people trying to fix it twice. Third room...balcony door would not close...therefore no posibility to lock. Where windows/doors would not close it was very cold at night. It cost 220 birr per night for a twin room...surely a better class hotel could be found. Red fox hotel classed as basic...shared facilities would have been fine...but they were incredibly dirty. Reccommend using the relatively new Simmen Lodge in the Park...it has dorm rooms that are really inexpensive. Mid trip we did not fly back to Addis until evening...despite there being an earlier flight...therefore very limited time in Addis during the trip...Explore group made the earlier flight.

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

For me the cortijo is my second home as this was the 12th week I have enjoyed there (surely an all-time Exodus record for any single trip?). It was also my fifth Christmas and I can think of no better place to spend it - good weather, beautiful food, great walking and wonderful hospitality - what more could anybody want?

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Perhaps inspirational is the wrong word but Maria's Christmas dinner was the most memorable! Otherwise all the walks because, even though I have done them many times, I still find them as enjoyable as when I first did them in 2003

What did you think of your group leader?

This was Steve's first spell at the cortijo although he is an experienced Exodus leader. I thought he did an excellent job and the local staff at the cortijo all combine to make it a wonderful holiday.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yes - don't hesitate just book it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The trip used to run from saturday to saturday but is now sunday to sunday with a much later return flight arriving at Gatwick around 10pm. This means that, in effect, the trip lasts an extra day as clients don't leave the cortijo until mid afternoon on the sunday. However as there are no walks organised on the last day many clients just hang around (although there is the option to go to Ronda by train) which means the trip ends on a bit of an anticlimax. Exodus should consider amending the itinerary to include a final local walk on the last day perhaps ending in Algamitas for the tapas lunch, which is normally experienced the previous day, and would still allow time to pack up and make the journey to the airport.

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

Just what the doctor ordered! A wonderful sunny break with good company, food and wine with a little light waking thrown in and all in the depths of winter.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Waking up on the first morning and seeing the view from my bedroom window for the first time.

What did you think of your group leader?

Guy is a font of knowledge and is always willing to explain the history, cultural significance of anything you come across. He is also approachable and took time to talk with everyone within the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Enjoy the countryside as it unrolls in front of you. Test the tempriture of the water in the pool before plunging in. Don't go for seconds of the main course despite how tasty it is because you will not have room for the woderful deserts.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

Everything was exactly as described, but better! We really enjoyed all aspects of this holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The range of people in the group was brilliant and we've made several new friends. The Cortijo Rosario was a wonderful place to stay and added to everyone's enjoyment. We were made really welcome, the food was wonderful and the dogs (even though I don't really like dogs) added to the fun.

What did you think of your group leader?

Guy was really helpful and friendly. We liked him a lot!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for some hills, but all the walks are well worth it. There is no TV or internet. Not a problem, but if you are an email or news junkie, you may feel lost. Wonderful once you get used to it. Mobiles all worked though.....

Is there anything else you would like to add?

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

I had a really great time. Good walking, amazing food and a really good group of people to spend the week with.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The mountain walk towards the end of the week was fantastic. Lovely and cool after the heat of the week.

What did you think of your group leader?

Guy was good fun, helped the group bond and happily listened to and accomodated all of our requests along the way. He does have a slightly different definition to me of 'gentle uphill climb'! Liked the way he made sure every walk included a bar visit at some point!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

In September the evenings were cool, even though it was still thirty degrees by day. I wish I'd brought more warm clothing for that. You are pretty isolated for most of the week so bring plenty of whatever you might need. I got a cold and luckily fellow travellers had enough supplies for me, which was handy as most of the walks ended in towns when the shops were closed and the local village, Algamitas, is a long walk after a long day of walking!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

All in all a very good trip. The isolated nature of the Cortijho wasn't a problem as the group were really good, and the weather great. Not sure how much I would have enjoyed it with a smaller, less diverse group and in the depths of winter!

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

The cortijo has become my second home. Since I first discovered it six years ago this was my 11th visit and I am already booked in for the next! It has everything - great walks, food and above all hospitality. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

This trip coincided with my birthday and the girls surprised me with a birthday crumble complete with candles. Maria's crumble is legendary - worth the trip in itself!

What did you think of your group leader?

What really makes this trip special is the hospitality of the local staff. The four girls make everyone so welcome and pride themselves on providing a great service.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just go - you will not regret it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I love all the walks although Grazalema is my favourite. There is a good balance of walks direct from the cortijo and those slightly further afield to which Juan takes us in the minibus. What they all have in common is that they all finish in a local bar!!,

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

Great holiday. First trip with Exodus and would thoroughly recommend them. Cortijo Rosario was a great base, good food, friendly staff, comfortable rooms and stunning views in all directions. A real home from home. Walking was varied through some amazing scenery with so many wild flowers of every colour. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The variety and colour of the wild flowers where ever we walked. The friendliness of the local people.

What did you think of your group leader?

Suzy was great, friendly and outgoing who always kept the walking at just the right pace for everyone.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go for it and enjoy a weeks leisurely walking in some great scenery with a comfortable base to come back to at the end of the day. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was a great introduction to holidaying with Exodus. I didn't know what to expect of Andalucia but it more than lived up to my expectations. Algamitas is a peaceful village that feels light years  away from the hustle and bustle of life in the U.K. Just a great place to get away from it all. 

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip.  The variety of the walks was just right; along tracks, through meadows, among the limestone rocks.  We also had the benefit of an explosion of beautiful wild flowers (first week of June 08).  The accommodation was homely and relaxed and we were delighted with the delicious meals conjured up by the local spanish girls.  A great holiday!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking through banks of beautiful wild flowers.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was excellent.  She set the pace of the walking just right for the group with plenty of stops for admiring the views, wild life and flowers.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go for it!  I can't think of anything about the trip which we did not enjoy.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We were blessed with beautiful weather.  Breakfast was taken outside with a spectacular vista of rolling hills and olive trees and at the end of the day's walk, when feeling hot and tired, it was most refreshing to dip into the swimming pool.  

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

 Great food [I really do mean great food]  It was my first vist to Spain  really enjoyed the place.  the walking was great, each day the the landscape  was different. and really felt at home, servill was good so is the Paplo  Picasso musseum in Malaga .

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

meeting a group of people from different backgrounds . with one common interest{walking}makes for some intresting conversations . and all of the staff went out of their way to make  your holiday relaxing and enjoyable.

What did you think of your group leader?

Christine was enthusiastic, knowlegeable and good fun able to have a good laugh   with everyone but at the same time keeping us all in check .

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I booked my own flights . and as my flight  came in latter then the group flight  . had to make my own way to Algamitas .in the final join instruction where times of the train time table  and where to go  and how to use them .these because of my flight times and being a Sunday were no use to me  however if you follow the  instructions. to Malaga RENFE right next door is the  Estaciond de autobus. whose timetable may be  better for your requirements. I managed to get a bus to Almargen . {the same as if by train } and  a taxi from there . the bus didnt  .stop at  a bus station or  a busy part of the the town  so I went into  a bar and they were kind enough to arrange  a cab for me . you may want  to phone  ahead to see if the tour leader could possiable arrange this for you.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

 just relax  enjoy .   also on the return  due to flight times . couldnt find  a baggage holding facility in airport  .but there is one at Malaga RENFE. so if you want  to spend  a half day in Malaga its worth doing

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

Cortijo Rosario was a lovely place, the food was fantastic, the staff were great fun. The walking was just wonderful and the company was great!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Can't decide!

What did you think of your group leader?

Suzy was very knowledgeable about the walks, the area etc. She was great fun and a really nice interesting person. She made sure everyone had a good time and felt at ease.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just relax and you'll love it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I came away from the holiday feeling more confident about my walking ability, my socialising ability and my ability to relax.

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

Just what we hoped for at Christmas - a relaxing break with decent food, well thought out accomodation, pleasant weather and plenty of fresh air and exercise to clear the mind and avoid Christmas sluggishness.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The simple pleasure of eating a picnic lunch in the sunshine on the top of a mountain watching the Griffin vultures swoop around us was just lovely.  The visit to the fascinating city of Seville was also really enjoyable, and a great contrast to the rest of the week.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was a great guy and obviously experienced at tuning into the the group dynamics and judging the pace at which the group wanted to go.  His laid back humour and good organisation really added to the holiday experience, but we were a little disappointed at his lack of local knowledge.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you travel in winter be prepared for a range of temperatures and layer up.  No need to take a travel kettle as you can help yourself to anything you like.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The hotel was great - spotlessly clean, really well laid out with a cosy lounge complete with log fire and plenty of books and games and the pool area was really attractive.  We really appreciated the modestly priced honesty bar.  The staff were helpful and charming and obviously enjoyed giving their guests an enjoyable experience.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the food, which was freshly prepared, locally sourced and plentiful,  although I suspect it was subtly adapted to suit a British palette. Anyway, I bought the cookbook, which makes a great souvenir! The brochure emphasised that the accomodation was basic, so in many ways it exceeded our expectations.  It may be picky, but as everything else was so comfortable I would have really appreciated better quality beds and pillows.

TDS160514

A very enjoyable and varied week of walking the hills, mountains and an incredible gorge. Led by Tina, a very enthusiastic and caring leader who knew when to encourage and when to take a break. Lots of visits to tavernas for a well earned refreshment/tapas. Cortiga Rosario was well run and the food was great and catered brilliantly for special diets, in my case gluten free. The location had a peaceful ambience. When not walking just chill out by the pool overlooking the rolling hills with ranks of olive trees from horizon to horizon. The visit to Seville made a very long day which did no more for me than Malaga which also has a great Moorish citadel and the remains of a Roman theatre. Very likely to go with Exodus again if I can find another one centred hotel.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Caminito del Rey walk

What did you think of your group leader?

Tina was great, good sense of humour. Looked after all our needs and catered for a range of abilities Very friendly with all the local people and the excellent staff at the cortigo.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take range of clothes as it can be hot during the day and cooler in the evening. Walking poles can be useful on some walks. The Caminito walk is perfectly safe and is wide enough if you suffer from vertigo.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just do it we had a fantastic time

Relaxation in Andalucia

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The mixture of relaxation, sight seeing and Maria's cooking. The highlight of the trip was the mosque in Cordoba. I could have spent the whole day there to try and figure out what is going on in that building.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very organised and very relaxed. Very knowledgable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you need to have some time to relax and get away from it all, book on this holiday.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Late night games of trivial pursuit at the Cortijo Rosario

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The whole trip was inspirational for me because it was the first time I had taken the plunge and gone away on a group holiday by myself. For years I had bemoaned the fact that I didn't travel enough and I just wish I had known how much fun an Exodus holiday could be before the age of 31. I have since been on a second trip and found it equally enjoyable, and would reassure any single people with reservations about travelling alone that you will meet plenty of others in the same situation. One of the benefits of a group holiday is that you have the opportunity to spend time with a diverse range of individuals of all ages and professions who you might not come into contact with in your day to day life.

What did you think of your group leader?

I got on tremendously well with my group leader, Sara King, who could not have done more to make our holiday both enjoyable and educational. People like Sara fill me with admiration - she has spent much of her adult life travelling and working across the world when many of us automatically accept our place in the office rat race without having the courage to do something different. She was bubbly and fun to be around but also extremely professional, putting the interests of the group members first at all times.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you are a sociable person who enjoys meeting and interacting with new people, then an Exodus holiday is certainly for you. If you prefer your own company and doing your own thing, then I'd argue it probably isn't.  Standards of accomodation and logistical organisation were of a high standard at all times, and I felt the itinerary was well-balanced and comprehensive.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I've been on a cultural holiday and a walking holiday with Exodus (Lakes and Mountains of Slovenia) and thoroughly enjoyed both. However, what would be really good would be more holidays that balance the two (e.g. 3 days walking, 3 days culture) for those travellers who would like a combination of both.

It's only a ten minute walk and not very steep!!!!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Can't really decide!  It was a combination of a beautiful location, fantastic sights a great guide and a brilliant group of people!!! And of course topped by Maria's cooking!

What did you think of your group leader?

The group leader was excellent, very knowledgable.  He is obviously very passionate about this part of Spain!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would not hesitate to recommend this particular trip.  The cortijo is wonderful and you are made so welcome.

A relaxing week!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The yoga as the sun rose in the morning was spectacular.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very good

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

none

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was the first yoga holiday Exodus  had run in this location.  The location was perfect, the yoga was great  but for future trips the itinery needs to be less crowded and more time needs to be allocated for the yoga for the full benefits to be maximised!

Walking in Andalucia

This is a most enjoyable holiday in beautiful countryside. It was a great pleasure staying at the Cortijo Rosario, a comfortable converted farmhouse set in very attractive grounds and with its own swimming pool. The traditional breakfasts and dinners were excellent, and the sangria and paella demonstrations on the last evening a highlight. It was so good to be off the tourist route and see small villages where people actually live, as well as the stunning countryside.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The scenery at El Chorro Gorge (with the magnificent vultures soaring around the cliffs at the top), the very pretty town of Ronda, Grazelema, the day in Seville.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alexis was an excellent group leader. He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and sensitive to the needs of the group. As few locals in the places we visited speak English, a good guide is essential.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Comfortable walking or hiking boots are essential. One or two tramping poles are very useful too for the hilly areas.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It would be helpful for those joining the tour at Malaga airport if we were given instructions exactly where in the arrivals hall to find the guide. There are two areas where tour guides wait for their group, and the airport staff are extremely unhelpful, they either didn't know which area I should be waiting or didn't care. My very stressful experience at this airport has made me determined never to join a tour at an airport again.

Walking in Andalucia

I really enjoyed this, my first walking holiday in quite a while. It was very well planned, starting with a short amble to the nearby village and building up to a longer, slightly more challenging route later in the week. None of the walking was particularly arduous, although there are some hills - including the short steep one up to the finca where we stayed - but our leader Alexis always made sure we were all happy with the pace, which was leisurely, and we took frequent rests to admire the countryside. The area is very peaceful and unspoilt, and the days when we were taken further afield and into the mountains in the minibus gave us a chance to see more of it. The day in Seville was a good contrast to the rural walks, and there is a lot to see there. The beautiful Alcazar is pretty unmissable if people haven't seen it before. At the finca the accommodation was comfortable and nothing was too much trouble for the staff; the owners came to say hello and were also charming and helpful. The food was good and plentiful too. Having wondered beforehand how I would cope after a long break from walking, I had a really great week, and am now planning my next week away.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I think the best moment was probably reaching the top of the crag above the Camino del Rey, where we stopped to have our lunch and saw a lot of vultures circling in the thermals and landing on the cliff face opposite where they had young ones waiting. But then there were the spectacular views of the Guadalhorce Dam and reservoirs. Oh and the beautiful white villages. And the peaceful lunch in the shade at the deserted monastery ...

What did you think of your group leader?

Alexis is a complete gem! He was very good company, and he looked after us so well and with such good humour and professionalism - nothing was too much trouble. He also clearly had a great relationship with the local people who made us so welcome when we stopped for a meal or a beer.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you like to sleep with the windows open, bring earplugs because once it's dark all the dogs in the scattered houses up and down the valley start chatting to each other by barking in relays! Not loud, as they are a long way off, but I'm a light sleeper and they woke me up the first night, especially when a donkey joined in. Hey, it's the country, what do we expect?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Andalucian adventure, mod/challenging (recce)

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.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The summit of El Penon, the jagged mountain overlooking the Cortija.

What did you think of your group leader?

Very good: easy going, sociable, walked at a good pace and had worked out the routes very well.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The grading is accurate!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking in Andalucia

It was a very enjoyable week: good walking through beautiful - sometimes spectacular – countryside. Sevilla is a fascinating city, and the flamenco was fabulous. The Cortijo makes a very good base: great cooking, beautiful views, and a very welcome pool after a hot day!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The wonderful day at the Caminito del Rey: a truly spectacular walk.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alexis was the perfect guide: very knowledgeable about the local environment, really well organised, and considerate. He's also a very funny, entertaining guy!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Maybe take some insect repellant – I escaped their attentions, but others weren't so lucky.

Is there anything else you would like to add?