Andalucia between city and parks

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A trip out of season, that I had not yet done but always wanted at the bottom, starting in May when most people are thinking about the summer holidays ... will have the desire to pull apart, has been the goal, always run and not yet reached, or simply the lure of Spain. A few days to decide, a call to the tour operator and I am ready to go ... I was waiting for Andalusia! How many years do I, I chose a trip to sustainable tourism, which combines three magnificent cities of Islamic-Christian art (Seville, Cordoba and Granada) to hiking in the parks, the Sierra de Andujar and Sierra Subbetica, for eight days of intense living all in one go!

As soon as I arrived at the airport in Seville to expect the leadership of Four Seasons Nature and Culture, Andrew, although very Italian Spanish half-breeds, and I know the new traveling companions, a young and dynamic couple, Andrea and Gabriella, the same as the guide, and two friends passionate about travel, Isabel and Valeria. From now on we took office a convivial atmosphere in the group, confirmed by early evening wandering around the narrow streets of Seville, including breathtaking night scenes, local flamenco and Andalusian cuisine with the first approach, which will accompany us throughout the journey in a kind food and wine tour of parallel.

A restful sleep in a hotel in the city center, and the next morning are ready for a really intense day: the first visit of the beauties of Seville, with its majestic Cathedral, the Barrio Santa Cruz, the park of Maria Luisa and a walk along the Guadalquivir, then the departure by bus to Cordoba to 9 seats very comfortable for six people! One afternoon is more than enough to admire this little gem, famous for its flower-filled patios but also for its incredible Mezquita, a real masterpiece of Islamic art, the charm of darkness due to the soft lights that charge of energy almost magnetic. While Andrea is committed to capture the most beautiful sights with its futuristic camera, the girls are fascinated by the mirhab ornaments, all in gold and precious stones, and the hundreds of arches supporting the mosque, the representation of the palms of the Sahara Desert which is inspired by the open space. In the evening, we arrive at our first park, the Sierra de Andujar, enthusiastically discovering that sleep for the next two nights in log cabins are completely immersed in the green. A hearty dinner and then our first briefing over a glass of sangria: tomorrow we expect the first trekking through the lynx!

What a great day we wake up, everything seems ready to start walking! Worn hiking boots and backpacks prepared with plenty of water and lunch, you go on a spectacular trek in hidden paths, springs and views: today we will follow the route of the ancient pilgrims to reach the Sanctuary of the Virgen of Cabeza. Always behind Andrea, our careful guidance (which carries a backpack on his shoulders ... but how will he huge?), We see a lot of animals, will remain indelible in the memory of two deer and some impressive vultures wingspan. Back to houses in the late afternoon, spent the evening chatting in the memory of the great day, of which I will remember the smells of the woods and the fascination of research animals and their tracks. The next day, still a wonderful hiking in the Sierra, this time for bird watching along the river, before returning to the cabins for a shower and then again to reach our second park: Sierra Subbetica is waiting for us!

Zuheros arrived late in the evening, we can not believe our eyes arrival hacienda where we will sleep for three nights: this is an old restored mill, now a beautiful property complete with a swimming pool, hammam (turkish bath), terrace overview for breakfast and a historical library ... is one of those cases in which a hotel, if you can call it, it becomes really part of the spirit of the holiday! The dinner, consumed in a historic train station, adapted, is yet another discovery, including gazpacho, jamon, tortilla, paella, tapas and cold beer. The only women have to worry about ... just hiking tomorrow, you want to throw this succulent dinner?

The next day's trek takes us into the Canyon of the river Bailon, a whole day among the breathtaking landscapes and amazing plunge into the cool sensation of the river, before returning to the hacienda where we expect the famous quesiño (melted cheese) with a refreshing drink. Sitting at the table before the deserved showers, classmates are excited about the holiday: Valeria writes messages to friends and envious, Isabella is proud of his skills as a walker, Andrea explains the best pictures, Gabriella remembers every step of our journey and our guide contemplates happy team spirit, but ... I'm writing notes for my travel diary!
The next day, by popular demand, trip by bike! Along the Via Verde Subbetica, a relaxing walk on a mountain bike, flat land and effortlessly, surrounded by the nature of the lagoon Salobral and following the traces of the old train oil. Afternoon from "cavers" descending into the depths of the caves, before a dinner of Zuheros views of the castle (the passion for wonderful panoramic view has earned the nickname to our guide, taking the famous stories of the Gauls of Asterix and Obelix, of Panoramix! ).

Last day of our tour, and a grand finale: Granada is waiting for us! By mid-day, and after a hearty lunch of tapas, we went to the Alhambra, the residence of the sultans, for which the words are almost superfluous: walking between the buildings Nazaries seems to hear the voice of the vestal virgins, orders the caliph and the intrigues of the court, surrounded by the eternal snows of the Sierra Nevada ... as the last day, what more could you want?
Before you leave, the leave of fellow travelers has more the feel of a "goodbye" to that of an early farewell, while our guides receives compliments every little thought and a welcome by the group ... what else to say, travel and especially travel in this way is perhaps the only thing which really I could never give up!