Spain: Cultural Traditions & Hiking the Caminito del Rey

Let your mind drift to images of flamenco dancers, delicious tapas and stunning architecture as your plane makes its final descent into Seville. Steeped in history and tradition, the Andalusian capital bursts with culture and has its own vibrant personality, along with a sunny and warm Mediterranean climate. We welcome you to Spain, and invite you to throw yourself headfirst into Southern Spain's stunning landscapes, incredible food and wonderful people. Arrive to Seville at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead before enjoying a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

Sometimes there is no better way to experience a city than on foot. See Seville in all of its glory as you stroll the streets past gorgeous historical buildings and catch wafts of restaurant kitchens preparing for the day. Perhaps the crown jewel of the morning will be finishing the walk with a visit to the majestic Alcazar, a UNESCO Heritage Site with stunning Christian and Moorish architecture, intricate artwork and beautiful gardens. Take a guided walking tour of Seville including a visit to the spectacular palace of Alcazar followed by lunch at a nearby local restaurant. Choose to join your CEO on a walk to the Plaza de Espana and then enjoy a free afternoon and evening to continue exploring Seville on your own.

Courtyards full of flowers and inviting squares welcome you to Cordoba as you arrive. Stroll the streets of what was once an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the Middle Ages, and you'll again see the synergy of the old and the new. Leaving the city behind, you'll head into the countryside past fields of olive groves and small towns for a couple of days of Andalucian bliss, exploration and delicious food. Travel to Cordoba and take part in a guided tour of the winding streets leading to the mosque-cathedral and the Jewish quarter. Continue to the town of Baeza and enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel before heading out on an orientation walk in the evening to see the sights lit up at night.

Today will be a celebration of the humble olive, ubiquitous in these parts of Spain and its high quality oil being an essential ingredient in kitchens and on tables all over the world. You'll explore another nearby Andalusian town and taste some of the best olive oil on the planet before savouring another delicious meal made from local ingredients. Transfer to the nearby town of Ubeda for a guided walking tour and then visit a local olive mill, where a local expert will guide you an olive oil tasting and food pairing experience with a light lunch. Take the rest of the day for individual exploration or to relax at a cafe or back at the hotel.

Discover Granada today on your own terms. Choose between 2 activities which are very representative of the region, either immersing yourself in all things Flamenco or eating your way through the city on a food tour. Whichever you choose, your 5 senses will thank you. Travel from Baeza to Granada and take a short orientation walk on arrival with your CEO before some free time. In the evening, choose from two different activities, both options including dinner.

No trip to Granada would be complete without a visit to one of the most famous Moorish architectural monuments in Europe, the Alhambra. Imagine yourself in ages past as you explore the grounds and take in the spectacular craftsmanship and design of the archways, courtyards and windows looking out towards the city. Truly an architectural marvel, the beauty, design and history of the Alhambra are timeless. Take a guided tour of the Alhambra and then spend the rest of the day as you wish, with time to explore the city or to try out one of the many trendy tapas bars and restaurants.

Leaving Granada behind, the landscapes change quickly and as you approach the Guadalhorce River you will quickly see the imposing cliff walls of a massive gorge called Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, where our trailhead lies. Tighten up your shoelaces and embark on one of the most exhilarating and spectacular hikes in the country along the Caminito del Rey, following walkways clinging to the sides of the cliffs with views to the valley and the canyons below. Transfer in the morning from Granada to the start of the hike along the Caminito del Rey Route with a local guide. In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Ronda where you can freshen up before enjoying an included 3-course dinner with your group mates.

More spectacular scenery awaits you today as you embark on a hike in the mountainous Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, to the town of Benaojan. Walk along rolling farmland and past olive groves as you take in the views of the surrounding landscapes and breathe in lungfulls of fresh air that replenish your energy with every step. Transfer to the trailhead and set off on a hike to Benaojan with a local guide. After a delicious lunch, return to Ronda for some free time to explore on your own or simply relax at the hotel by the pool. In the evening, savour a well-deserved 3-course dinner at the hotel.

The city of Ronda is dramatically situated on a mountaintop, perched above a deep gorge called El Tajo, which separates the old and the new parts of the city. As you explore some of the iconic sites on foot you will quickly appreciate the rugged geography of the area which somehow seems to perfectly frame the city's characteristic landmarks and historic architecture. Head out in the morning on a guided walk of Ronda. In the afternoon, transfer to Seville for a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

The adventure finishes today, and you can depart at any time.