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    Mediterranean

    TOUR B - LAS ALPUJARRAS MOUNTAIN DRIVE

    Excursions

    • £55 - £65
    • 6.5 hours
    • Walking & steps

    We depart from the port of Motril to Las Alpujarras, one of Spain’s most spectacular regions where ancient villages cling to mountainsides on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The Alpujarra is famous throughout Spain due to its unique mini-ecosystem. Its terraced farmlands are constantly watered by the melting snow from above, which makes a high-altitude oasis of greenery standing in dramatic contrast to the arid foothills below. The cultural interest of the region lies in its 50-odd villages, which were the last stronghold of the Spanish Muslims, or Moors.

    Before arriving at the village of Pampaneira, which lies approximately 1,500 metres above sea level, we will make a photo stop at Presa de Rules, a huge dam, and pass by the village of Orgiva. The unique village of Pampaneira has retained its traditional Berber architecture – terraced clusters of grey-white box-shaped houses with flat clay roofs – which are still commonly found in the Rif and Atlas mountains of Morocco.

    We then drive to the village of Capileira, situated at the top of the valley. The name is an Arabic derivation of the Latin word for ‘head’ or ‘top’. Here we will see the rocky streets, overhanging passageways and sagging stone houses, which have not been remodelled or prettified for contemporary living.

    We then depart to Medina Fondales where we can enjoy lunch before returning to Motril and our awaiting ship.

    TOUR NOTES: This tour involves approximately one and a half hours of walking, some of which will be over cobbled and hilly ground. There will be some steps to negotiate, therefore this tour is not recommended for passengers with limited mobility. For reference, toilet facilities are available at our lunch venue. Lunch includes tea or coffee, a glass of mineral water, or wine.

    DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2011 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
     

    Snack or meal provided

    Refreshments available

    Free time

    Shopping opportunity

    Wheelchair access

    Swimming opportunity

    All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.