Andalusia Active Adventure

Itinerary

• Spain

  Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Its mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea, to the north by France, and to the west by Portugal. Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe after France. Because of its location, Spain has had an intriguing role in global history. Archaeological and genetic evidence suggests that the Iberian Peninsula acted as one of three major refugia from which northern Europe was repopulated following the end of the last ice age. Andalusia was the furthest reach of the great Moorish empire. And it was also the seat of a global empire that discovered the New World, and left a legacy of over 400 million Spanish speakers today. Through war and peace, under different religions, and with strong regional differences - Spain continues to be a remarkable destination with intriguing cities and natural beauty.

• Granada

  Granada's rich Moorish history and the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains have long inspired the spirit of romance among inhabitants and visitors alike. The old city has changed little in hundreds of years, and the incomparable Alhambra palace is an architectural masterpiece that should not be missed.

• • Granada
  • Photo alt Text
  • Hospes Palacio de los Patos

  Day 1: Granada

  A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

  Enjoy a guided exploration of the Albaicín, the old Moorish quarter of Granada with your private English-speaking guide. You will be shown how this medieval Islamic city has kept its identity into the modern age, as your guide explains its history and character in anecdotal style. As you walk through its cat’s cradle of twisting alleyways, you will come across stunning views of the city, the majestic Alhambra palaces and, beyond, the often snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. You will pass by churches built on the sites of mosques, stroll underneath the walls of the scented gardens of carmens, and stop in squares to take in the slow rhythms of daily life in this most traditional and yet singular neighborhood. A stop for refreshments in a cafe or bar is included.

  Accommodation: Hospes Palacio de los Patos (5*)

  This modern hotel is in the centre of Granada, 50 metres from the nearest shopping centre, 200 metres from the Renaissance cathedral, and 1.5 kilometres from the famous Alhambra. The 42 guestrooms are decorated in dramatic contemporary style with striking furnishings; rooms have wireless Internet, satellite television, and minibars with complimentary bottled water. Guests can enjoy international cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant, relax in the hotel’s bar, and unwind in the wellness centre with a massage, spa treatment, or a swim in the small pool.

• • Alhambra Palace

  Day 2: Granada

  Enjoy a private tour with a local guide as you visit the UNESCO world heritage site of the Alhambra palace and gardens. On a rocky hill, on the banks of the River Darro, protected by mountains and amongst the eldest quarter in the city, the Alhambra rises up like an imposing castle with its distinctive reddish stone in its ramparts that prevent the outside world from seeing the delicate beauty enclosed within. Originally designed as a military area, the Alhambra became the residence of royalty and the court of Granada in the middle of XIII century. The complex of monuments has also an independent palace opposite the Alhambra; The Generalife, which is surrounded by orchards and beautiful gardens which you will also visit. (Tour includes entrance into the palace).

  Please note that this tour does not include transfers to or from the Palace. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will transfer by local taxi (payable by you locally). At the end of your tour, you can either choose to walk back down the hill to explore the city, or return by taxi, (again payable by you locally). If you prefer us to arrange private transfers let us know.

  Enjoy a half day horseriding. In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, some 30 minutes from Granada, lies the delightful village of Dílar on the edge of which is a small, well-kept riding stables with some twenty horses. Here you will be given a mount which best fits your requirements, be you a beginner or a rider with some experience. Once saddled up you’ll be led by the local English-speaking guide on a gentle ride of around 2 hours duration, which will take you into beautiful pine forests, open countryside and alongside the crystal-clear mountain waters of the Río Dílar. The time of the ride will depend on the season, with rides in the summer months being in the morning and late afternoon. Loose clothing, with comfortable footwear (not sandals) and hat are recommended. (Includes services of an English speaking Guide and Private return transportation from Granada).

  Accommodation: Hospes Palacio de los Patos (5*)
• • Sacromonte
  • Flamenco
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  Day 3: Granada

  See inside life in one of Granada’s most singular districts, the Sacromonte (meaning “sacred mountain”) with an English-speaking guide. This private informative 3 hour walk will introduce you to the history and legends of the area and familiarize you with the centuries-long presence of the gypsies, who lived in its famous cave dwellings (some families still do to this day). These are the caves made famous by flamenco zambras: raucous, spontaneous, communal performances, which would often last the entire night. You will see how life was – and still is - lived in these caves at an imaginative folklore museum, set in several caves on a hillside in the Sacromonte. Enjoy splendid views over the Alhambra and the city. (Includes English-speaking guide, taxi from your hotel or central meeting point to start of walk and entrance to museum). The walk is easy, although there are some steps to climb and some of the streets are cobblestone. Comfortable footwear should be worn.

  Enjoy a private Flamenco dancing lesson. One of Andalucía’s badges of cultural identity, Flamenco is especially in the traditionalist heart of Granada. Many visitors seek out flamenco performances but few get the chance to try out for themselves this vibrant and graceful dance, and the opportunity is not to be missed. Whether you are a complete novice or already have some experience, you will be surprised at how quickly you can pick up the essentials, and all ages and levels are catered for. Your teacher - a native of Granada and dancer practically all her life - radiates enthusiasm and that quintessential Andalucían characteristic, alegria (happiness!). She has extensive experience of teaching flamenco to many nationalities and has worked abroad in the United States and Germany. The classes usually take place in a dance studio but can sometimes be arranged in a unique cave museum in the Sacromonte district of Granada, an area with strong flamenco roots (the class is two hours long and entrance to the museum is included for a self-guided visit). Comfortable shoes advisable, with a (low) heel if possible.

  Enjoy navigating the custom of tapas with a local expert. Going out for drinks and tapas – or “tapeando” – is an event enjoyed throughout Spain, and everywhere has its local variations. The frustration that many visitors experience is that this can mean never quite knowing the “rules of the game”, and a feeling that the authentic bars and tapas are eluding them. A local resident guide will steer you away from the comfortable but bland, sit-down options and take you into the places where locals go, jostling at the bar for elbow-room, and sampling some great dishes amid a lively atmosphere. There is an option to sample vegetarian tapas if requested. (Includes drinks & tapas in three different bars). (Vegetarian on request).

  Accommodation: Hospes Palacio de los Patos (5*)
• • Sailing

  Day 4: Granada

  Enjoy the day on the coast playing in the water doing various water sports! The Mediterranean coastline of Granada Province is known as the “Costa Tropical” – the sheltered climate allows for mangos, bananas, avocados and sugar cane, among other sub-tropical crops, to be grown here. At the horseshoe-shaped bay of La Herradura conditions are ideal for the practice of various aquatic sports. Today you will have the chance to try out two: sea-kayaking and sailing. Paddling through the azure waters of the Mediterranean in a two-man kayak, you will explore the rocky coastline near La Herradura, led by an expert guide. Snorkels and masks are carried on the excursion, at no extra cost, so that you can have a go at looking for some of the many species of fish and coral found along the Tropical Coast. After lunch at a beach restaurant (included) where the traditional Spanish dish of paella is prepared on an open, wood-burning stove, relax on the beach for a while before a mid-afternoon excursion in a sailing boat rounds off the day in style. (Includes services of English speaking Guide, snorkeling and boat rental, lunch and return transfer from Granada). Loose clothing, comfortable footwear, swimwear, towel, sunscreen and hat are required.

  Accommodation: Hospes Palacio de los Patos (5*)

• Day 5: Granada

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Hospes Palacio de los Patos (5*)

• Day 6: Granada

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Collectibles

  Pablo Picasso was almost certainly the most famous artist of the 20th century. During his artistic career, which lasted more than 75 years, he created thousands of works, not only paintings but also sculptures, prints, and ceramics, using all kinds of materials. First famous for his pioneering role in Cubism, Picasso continued to develop his art with a pace and vitality comparable to the accelerated technological and cultural changes of the century whose art he dominated. Each change embodied a radical new idea, and it might be said that Picasso lived several artistic lifetimes.

• Culinary Delights

  The tapa tradition is as important for the conversation and company as for the delicious food. Every Spaniard has his favourite tasca, as the tapas bars are often called, where he goes regularly to meet his friends or business acquaintances. Tapas can be found in even the smallest bar in a tiny village.

• Historic Moment

  The guitar was invented in Andalusia in the 1790s when a sixth string was added to the Moorish lute. It gained its modern shape in the 1870s. Spanish musicians have taken the humble guitar to dizzying heights of virtuosity and none more so than Andrés Segovia (1893-1997), who established classical guitar as a genre.

• • Hospes Palacio de los Patos

  Hospes Palacio de los Patos (5*)

  This modern hotel is in the centre of Granada, 50 metres from the nearest shopping centre, 200 metres from the Renaissance cathedral, and 1.5 kilometres from the famous Alhambra. The 42 guestrooms are decorated in dramatic contemporary style with striking furnishings; rooms have wireless Internet, satellite television, and minibars with complimentary bottled water. Guests can enjoy international cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant, relax in the hotel’s bar, and unwind in the wellness centre with a massage, spa treatment, or a swim in the small pool.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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