Sierra Nevada & Granada

30 Reviews

Excellent

50%

Good

0%

Average

50%

Rather Poor

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• RD

  Reinhold
  Written on June 15, 2018

  4.5 - Excellent

  George is a very fit, knowlegeable, and entertaining guide.

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• N

  NoreenJennison
  Written on May 2, 2018

  3.0 - Average

  I have trekked and been on walking holidays all over the world, some with Exodus. This was my first holiday in Spain and the experience was distressing. I will never holiday in Spain again. This was not due to Exodus nor the walk leader but due to the local people. When I arrived at the hotel (Hotel Los Berchules) the proprietor Alejandro checked us in and also checked that I was vegetarian. When I asked him if their was a lift (my room was up a few flights of stairs and I have slipped discs in my back so lifting a heavy load could cause problems) he said that if I ate meat I would be strong enough to carry my own bag! During the week I saw many cases of animal cruelty. Emaciated dogs chained up with no food or shelter. All the dogs I saw (and there were many roaming free in the villages and countryside) had been mutilated with their ears cut off. There was also posters in the village of Los Berchules advertising a village 'event'. On Sunday 29th April the villagers collected in the square to watch animals being tortured to death. The walk guide told us that the villagers put down a lot of sawdust in the square presumably to soak up all the blood. This distressed me really for the whole week. I have trekked in the High Atlas Mountains and In the High Andes staying with local people and have never come across this level of cruelty. We walked through several villages but hardly saw anyone. A few bars we went into were busy but the local people were not at all friendly. Whilst walking in the countryside we were shouted at by the local 'cowboys' gesticulating to us to move on. (We were on proper paths and walked a proper authorised route). The Hotel was fine but as a vegetarian I was hoping for better quality meals that the vegetarian equivalent to chicken nuggets. My meals were mostly convenience junk food that I would not have eaten at home. I thought George, the walk leader, did the best he could to make an uninteresting walking environment as interesting as he could. Also after the hotel proprietor had been so rude to me when I first arrived (about being vegetarian) George, who overheard him' carried my bag upstairs for me. If you care about animal welfare and are distressed at seeing animal cruelty then don't do this holiday. If you are vegetarian and would like a decent meal at the end of a days walking then don't do this holiday and don't stay in this hotel. If you would like to meet friendly locals on holiday then don't bother with this holiday. If you are used to seeing fantastic scenery on walking holidays then this probably isn't the holiday for you. The holiday seemed like a case of trying to make the best of nothing very much. At the airport on the way home one of the other walkers in the group said that of all the Exodus Holidays she had been on this was the worst.

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• 

  Anonymous
  Written on April 28, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  An excellent introduction to walking in Spain.  A comfortable hotel and breathtaking scenery topped by an opportunity to visit the Alhambra Palace on the final day.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Every day revealed some new delight, whether it be understanding the complex irrigation systems, lunching in a spot where it was impossible to avoid sitting on an orchid, watching birds of prey circling above in a clear bue sky or just enjoying a good walk in excellent company.  The Alhambra was perhaps the icing on the cake.What did you think of your group leader?Jeremy was a great walking companion with lots of local knowledge, real enthusiasm for the area and clear explanations of the various walks.  He paced us well and was usually able to encourage us along the final kilometre with the promise of refreshment in a local bar.  It is a great luxury to walk in stunning countryside knowing that the route has been thoroughly researched and adapted to the group's needs.He was also a massive support when the Alhambra ticket facility crashed just as we arrived to pick ours up.  The half hour it took to get re-started was frustrating but we got there in the end. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?We were lucky with the weather and had glorious sunshine all week.  Instead of the waterproofs and thermals we had thought we might want, we needed sunhats and sunblock, so be prepared for any conditions.  As others have indicated, also be prepared for it to be wet under foot - it's all down to those extensive irrigation systems.If you want to visit the Alhambra, book on line before you travel. Is there anything else you would like to add?This is a superb holiday option if you like spectacular scenery and varied wildlife.  The hotel in Berchules is friendly, provides tasty food and has great views.  Although the staff speak excellent English, they are happy to encourage you to practice your Spanish.
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  Anonymous
  Written on April 28, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  An excellent introduction to walking in Spain.  A comfortable hotel and breathtaking scenery topped by an opportunity to visit the Alhambra Palace on the final day.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Every day revealed some new delight, whether it be understanding the complex irrigation systems, lunching in a spot where it was impossible to avoid sitting on an orchid, watching birds of prey circling above in a clear bue sky or just enjoying a good walk in excellent company.  The Alhambra was perhaps the icing on the cake.What did you think of your group leader?Jeremy was a great walking companion with lots of local knowledge, real enthusiasm for the area and clear explanations of the various walks.  He paced us well and was usually able to encourage us along the final kilometre with the promise of refreshment in a local bar.  It is a great luxury to walk in stunning countryside knowing that the route has been thoroughly researched and adapted to the group's needs.He was also a massive support when the Alhambra ticket facility crashed just as we arrived to pick ours up.  The half hour it took to get re-started was frustrating but we got there in the end. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?We were lucky with the weather and had glorious sunshine all week.  Instead of the waterproofs and thermals we had thought we might want, we needed sunhats and sunblock, so be prepared for any conditions.  As others have indicated, also be prepared for it to be wet under foot - it's all down to those extensive irrigation systems.If you want to visit the Alhambra, book on line before you travel. Is there anything else you would like to add?This is a superb holiday option if you like spectacular scenery and varied wildlife.  The hotel in Berchules is friendly, provides tasty food and has great views.  Although the staff speak excellent English, they are happy to encourage you to practice your Spanish.
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 1, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  Stunning scenery, wonderful, informative guide and excellent family run hotel.Well organised giving a trouble free holiday.
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on October 1, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  Stunning scenery, wonderful, informative guide and excellent family run hotel.Well organised giving a trouble free holiday.
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on September 10, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  Our first Exodus trip, but on the strength of this trip, not our last! Every aspect of the holiday exceeded our expectations. A good deal of attention had been paid to the details, and it showed - everything went like clockwork. We felt very well looked-after throughout.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?So many highlights... seeing a Golden Eagle soaring above the mountains, walking through varied and beautiful scenery, learning a little about the history and culture of this fascinating region.What did you think of your group leader?Jeremy was superb in every way. He had designed the walks to be suitable for a wide range of abilities, and to provide a wide variety of scenery and terrain. Every day he briefed us about what the practicalities would be - whether we'd be able to re-fill water bottles en route etc. The pace of the walks seemed to be fine for everyone in the group. He was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area, and was able to enrich the walks with anecdotes and useful information about the villages and countryside we passed through. He was very good at what he was doing, and a thoroughly nice bloke too. I can't praise him highly enough.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Just Do It. We were thoroughly glad we'd chosen this trip for our first Exodus holiday. It's a lovely region ideal for outdoor pursuits, and I'd imagine there's something for most people to enjoy, whether you're into history, wildlife or just enjoying the walking.The pace and length of the walks was generally relaxed, but the terrain added a degree of challenge. There were a lot of fairly steep climbs and descents over rocky terrain, plenty of spiky vegetation, and some muddy patches where the path followed streams. Nothing too extreme, but definitely not suitable for sandals... boots required, really. We found walking poles very helpful. Some days we needed to take water for the whole day, and when we went (early Sep) it was pretty hot, so we needed to drink plenty - so take a couple of big bottles or (probably preferably) a Camelback-type system. I wouldn't have been without a good sunhat, too, as shade could be hard to come by at some points. The village where we were based (Berchules) was pleasant and the hotel very friendly and comfortable, but the village is small and quiet. If you're planning to take a rest day, you'll need a book or something to occupy yourself as you probably won't be hitting the shops...A small tip for book fans.. read Chris Stewart's 'Driving Over Lemons' before you go.Is there anything else you would like to add?Just thanks to Jeremy and everyone else who made this trip so enjoyable and memorable. We were slightly apprehensive about taking a group holiday, but we needn't have worried - everyone was really nice and just there for a relaxed good time. By the end of the holiday everyone felt like old friends, even though we'd only known each other a week! It was excellent.
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on September 10, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  Our first Exodus trip, but on the strength of this trip, not our last! Every aspect of the holiday exceeded our expectations. A good deal of attention had been paid to the details, and it showed - everything went like clockwork. We felt very well looked-after throughout.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?So many highlights... seeing a Golden Eagle soaring above the mountains, walking through varied and beautiful scenery, learning a little about the history and culture of this fascinating region.What did you think of your group leader?Jeremy was superb in every way. He had designed the walks to be suitable for a wide range of abilities, and to provide a wide variety of scenery and terrain. Every day he briefed us about what the practicalities would be - whether we'd be able to re-fill water bottles en route etc. The pace of the walks seemed to be fine for everyone in the group. He was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area, and was able to enrich the walks with anecdotes and useful information about the villages and countryside we passed through. He was very good at what he was doing, and a thoroughly nice bloke too. I can't praise him highly enough.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Just Do It. We were thoroughly glad we'd chosen this trip for our first Exodus holiday. It's a lovely region ideal for outdoor pursuits, and I'd imagine there's something for most people to enjoy, whether you're into history, wildlife or just enjoying the walking.The pace and length of the walks was generally relaxed, but the terrain added a degree of challenge. There were a lot of fairly steep climbs and descents over rocky terrain, plenty of spiky vegetation, and some muddy patches where the path followed streams. Nothing too extreme, but definitely not suitable for sandals... boots required, really. We found walking poles very helpful. Some days we needed to take water for the whole day, and when we went (early Sep) it was pretty hot, so we needed to drink plenty - so take a couple of big bottles or (probably preferably) a Camelback-type system. I wouldn't have been without a good sunhat, too, as shade could be hard to come by at some points. The village where we were based (Berchules) was pleasant and the hotel very friendly and comfortable, but the village is small and quiet. If you're planning to take a rest day, you'll need a book or something to occupy yourself as you probably won't be hitting the shops...A small tip for book fans.. read Chris Stewart's 'Driving Over Lemons' before you go.Is there anything else you would like to add?Just thanks to Jeremy and everyone else who made this trip so enjoyable and memorable. We were slightly apprehensive about taking a group holiday, but we needn't have worried - everyone was really nice and just there for a relaxed good time. By the end of the holiday everyone felt like old friends, even though we'd only known each other a week! It was excellent.
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on May 19, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  A superb trip which exceeded my expectations.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?For me, just being surrounded by the sublime landscape of the region.What did you think of your group leader?Jeremy Rabjohns is an excellent group leader who is considerate of all the needs of all individuals and the group alike.At no time did I feel like just another group member,Jeremy really took time to get to know each of us on a one to one level,which enabled us as individuals to get the most from our trip. Personally I was interested in photographing the landscape  and so at times needed to be apart from the group,either in front or behind,I was never inhibited or made to feel a burden.Jeremy has a very good knowledge of the local flora and fauna alike and thus is able to answer most questions in this regard.He is also very knowledgeable of the local history regarding the Moorish peoples who once inhabited these lands,he has even written a book on walks in the area and so is more than qualified to lead.He is also able to speak Spanish and is very helpful to those who wish to shop and order food etc.In general I found Jeremy to be an exceptional leader,and a decent, down to earth,good to honest bloke which these days seems to be the exception rather than the rule.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?I personally did not feel that poles are necessary.Ankle length (short) walking boots were fine for me.I used a hydration pack as opposed to bottles which I think is better.Is there anything else you would like to add?The hotel Berchules is good and clean with a well stocked bar,plenty of hot water,great food and the most brilliant staff.I did have my doubts about this trip and was the last to book,however, I had a brilliant time and I think you will too so just book it!! 
• 

  Anonymous
  Written on May 19, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  A superb trip which exceeded my expectations.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?For me, just being surrounded by the sublime landscape of the region.What did you think of your group leader?Jeremy Rabjohns is an excellent group leader who is considerate of all the needs of all individuals and the group alike.At no time did I feel like just another group member,Jeremy really took time to get to know each of us on a one to one level,which enabled us as individuals to get the most from our trip. Personally I was interested in photographing the landscape  and so at times needed to be apart from the group,either in front or behind,I was never inhibited or made to feel a burden.Jeremy has a very good knowledge of the local flora and fauna alike and thus is able to answer most questions in this regard.He is also very knowledgeable of the local history regarding the Moorish peoples who once inhabited these lands,he has even written a book on walks in the area and so is more than qualified to lead.He is also able to speak Spanish and is very helpful to those who wish to shop and order food etc.In general I found Jeremy to be an exceptional leader,and a decent, down to earth,good to honest bloke which these days seems to be the exception rather than the rule.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?I personally did not feel that poles are necessary.Ankle length (short) walking boots were fine for me.I used a hydration pack as opposed to bottles which I think is better.Is there anything else you would like to add?The hotel Berchules is good and clean with a well stocked bar,plenty of hot water,great food and the most brilliant staff.I did have my doubts about this trip and was the last to book,however, I had a brilliant time and I think you will too so just book it!!