Walking Tour in Spain and Portugal, Andalusia, Algarve and Douro Valley
A dreamy sense of a life, long since disappeared elsewhere in Europe, envelops one in Portugal. Famous port wines add to the sweet taste of Portugal and we explore the scenic northern region on hikes through vineyards perched above the beautiful Douro River.
The Algarve conjures up images of golden sand lapped by azure waves. We discover hidden landscapes and a fascinating history. During our coastal walk we explore deserted beaches, fossilized cliffs, blowholes and the majestic Cabo de Sao Vicente, the southwestern most point in Europe.
Andalusia is one of the most diverse regions in southern Spain. It has a mild climate with wonderful unspoiled beaches and hidden coves. The land of flamenco songs and dances, dazzling whitewashed villages set against an intense blue sky. Olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see. The tiny villages are linked by old pathways and still used today.
The beautiful local architecture and narrow winding streets remind us of a long Moorish heritage. Even 500 years after the departure of the Moors, we can still admire their advanced civil engineering skills when we walk along their elaborate system of aqueducts. This tour offers a wonderful insight to this charming part of Spain. It takes you to beautiful mountain country, gorgeous green river valleys with abundant and varied wildlife and a huge range of Andalusian flora.
We continue to magical Seville, one of the jewels in the crown of Europe. The elegant Andalusian capital is Spain's passionate city of flamenco and bullfighting, of artists and poets, of jasmine-scented gardens and Moorish monuments.
Ronda is one of Andalusia's loveliest towns, towering over a plateau and famous for its plunging river gorge. It is a spectacular base for walks to some of Spain's most beautiful pueblos blancos (whitewashed villages). We walk "fragrant" trails and follow an old smuggler's path in the Sierra de Grazalema Mountains.
In Granada we visit the legendary and incomparable Alhambra Palace, one of Europe's most romantic monuments.
The spectacular Sierra Nevada is home to the highest peaks in Spain and UNESCO has declared it a Biosphere Reserve. The typical whitewashed ancient villages, known as Las Alpujarras, are famous for their characteristic flat rooftops. Our walking track takes us through these intriguing, old-fashioned villages and constantly changing scenery. The views are truly unbelievable - from the often snow-capped mountains to the glistening Mediterranean!
Our Hotels and Cuisine
The exquisite Vintage House Hotel belongs to the Relais and Chateaux group and is situated in the Porto region. It is surrounded by vineyards and all rooms overlook the Douro River and the steeply terraced vineyards beyond. A very memorable hotel!
In the Algarve we stay in a Pousada with 5 star views of the ocean and towering cliffs of Sao Vicente.
Our hotel in Seville is located in a quiet position in the famous neighbourhood of "Triana", next to the Guadalquivir River and the ancient part of the city.
The fabulous Parador in Ronda provides a panoramic view of the "Tajo", a gorge of more than 100 metres. Partridges, Andalusian soups and rabbit are some of the specialities of its restaurant.
The enchantment of spending a night in the Alhambra gardens is the exclusive opportunity in the Convento de San Francisco. Built by Fernando and Isobel in the late 15th century on the site of a Moorish palace, it is now a Parador and listed under one of the best 500 hotels in the world. The views of the Generalife, gardens of Secano and the Albaicin are a real luxury. This splendour is preserved in the restaurant fare.
Our charming hotel in the Sierra Nevada is on a large property amidst orange and olive plantations. From the garden, with its very large pool, we have marvellous
views of the majestic mountains. Our candlelit dinners
highlight the interesting and flavoursome Alpujarrian cuisine.
Our charming hotel in San José; is next to the Mediterranean, bordering the Cabo da Gata National Park. The setting and friendly atmosphere make this the perfect place for our last two nights. The Spanish love of seafood is legendary. Our restaurant is well known for its delicious rice, seafood and fish concoctions.
We wanted to slow down and enjoy some exercise, good food and accommodation without having to plan it all. Bingo on all counts! It was a fab time with highlights including a wonderful guided tour of the Alhambra, a great stay in Ronda and the Sagres wildflowers. Gabriella's experience, local knowledge and contacts were excellent - we had memorable meals including at a water mill near Ronda, on the beach near Tarifa and at a winery in the Douro Valley. The walks were through quiet countryside, sometimes more challenging than anticipated. The very small group was great company and the guides were enthusiastic and committed." Cathy from Sydney Australia [2023]
Enjoyed the walks, and understanding of the pilgrimage. Our guide, Pascal added to the experience." Sandra from Brisbane, QLD Australia [2018]
The Pilgrim's Way is a completely different way to see and understand northern Spain. Apart from the magnificent scenery and fantastic location - the Paradors of Spain have to be experienced to be believed! - walking the Pilgrim's Way and having the opportunity to visit places like Leon, Burgos and Santiago de Compostela, as well as the villages along the way, gave me a whole new insight into part of Spain's history. Ainhoa in France and the Hotel Ithurria were also fabulous as our starting point. Even though it's been 10 years since I travelled (through Italy) with Walkabout Gourmet, WGA has lost none of its expertise in organisation, support, great company and showing off some of Europe's finest in terms of food, wine, walking trails, and places to stay. I've already been checking out the brochure for my next WG trip!" Lorne, Orange NSW, Australia [2017]
We really enjoyed the Pilgrim's Path trip - beautiful scenery and lovely historic places to stay in. And Graeme was a very good guide as he always is and very helpful with David who developed muscle problems. We are hoping to go on walking next year with him - another Snail Trail like we did last year would be good! Keep up the good work and hopefully see you next year!" David and Helen, Prince Henry Heights, QLD, Australia [2017]
This was my second trip with WGA, the first one being Follow the Gourmet Trail in Italy in 2014. The Pilgrims Way surpassed all my expectations. The cuisine was wonderful, as was the accommodation in the historic Paradores of Spain. However, for me, the highlight of the trip was the chance to experience the Camino. Walking with, and chatting to the pilgrims who walk the whole 790kms was something I will never forget - and has in fact inspired me to perhaps give it a go one day. Graeme, our guide, was fantastic. His knowledge of the Camino and his ability to impart to us the significance of this walk for the pilgrims made such a difference. Thank you, WGA! I look forward to my next adventure." Yvonne, Hobart, TAS, Australia [2017]
A Journey back in Time
