CAP - Snowshoeing in the Catalan Pyrenees A snowshoeing holiday based in two small traditional Catalan mountain villages. The food in the hotels was excellent. I requested vegetarian meals and was very pleased with the dishes that were served. Each walk explored a different valley and started by ascending through forest tracks which led to views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The walks were led by a local mountain guide who was able to take us away from the main tracks and onto the more interesting ones. Transport to and from the walks was provided by a local taxi company. The 4 wheel drive vehicles allowed us to travel further up the mountain roads which gave us time to climb higher into the mountains. The walks could be changed depending on the amount of snow and the fitness level of the group. After three of the walks we visited locals who had chosen to leave Barcelona to earn a living in the mountains which gave an insight into what it is like to live in a remote mountainous area.
Just returned from a wonderful holiday in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This tour has been part of the Exodus programme for many years, I understand, and deservedly so. The walking itinerary and accommodation are both excellent.
We experienced Spring unfolding as our week progressed - the temperatures rising, the leaves and flowers emerging, the warmth of the sun! The walks were varied - 3 ascending from the village, in cool fresh air, following irrigation channels and gorges and one to the snowline, whilst 2 descended to explore the local villages and cultivated slopes with blossoming almond groves, olive trees and vineyards. We saw wild ibex in the remote Berchules valley. We walked through herby scrub with the intoxicating scent of sage, thyme, rosemary and lavender wafting up as you brushed through it. We viewed the snowcapped peaks and Mulhacen.
The staff at the hotel were exceptional - Wendy, Alejandro, Csila, Omar - so friendly and good service. Rooms cleaned immaculately daily, and the meals were lovely - hearty and tasty. Amazing breakfast buffet - no stale rolls here! Chat with Wendy and you will catch her enthusiasm for this area - she is the lychpin - so classy to meet us to chat at breakfast and at the end of our walks, with genuine interest to hear of our adventures each day.
And well, as for Granada....what can you say - except book your Alhambra tickets well in advance. The Alhambra is a special place indeed - beauty in architecture and the gardens, with peace (if you pause away from the crowds) and spirituality of a bygone age. Dan our guide helpfully took us to a lovely meal in the city, a fantastic flamenco show and gave those who wanted it a guided walking tour.
Wasn't sure what to expect other than heat, although I must admit at times even the humidity surprised me (travelled in February). Normally I go to sleep in the small hours but each day was so busy with varied activities that I was happy to turn in after dinner.