How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"Mick , our leader , was very approachable and knowledgeable and it was refreshing to be led by someone who lived with his family  in the area. He was obviously part of the local community.
I had total confidence in him and felt able to ask any questions for clarification on our routes or any other aspect of the trip.
He led from the front and walked at a pace which matched the group.
Always friendly but professional.A good leader."

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"If travelling in March/April take appropriate clothing for all weathers. I took and wore gloves, teeshirts, fleeces, shorts, waterproofs and sunhats. A lot to carry but necessary.
Travelers of all ages can confidently book this tour and be reassured  that it is ageless. The natural beauty of the area can be enjoyed by all. "

Do you have anything else to add?

"I will certainly be booking another trip with Explore.
A truly memorable holiday!! "

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

English born, now living as an expat with many years of intimate knowledge of the locality, its natives, the culture, cuisine and its history.  Very approachable and understanding.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"Be prepared for a leisurely start to the day, evening meals that start at 8.00pm and continue into the late evening.

The walks are all based around a lovely village from the piazza, with its church, hotel/restaurant and the converted nunnery as your accommodation.  The views and walks are excellent.  The hospitality is first class and the quality and quantity of food is excellent. Gustavo the hotel owner and his staff work hard to ensure you have all you need ."

Do you have anything else to add?

Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday - exceeded our expectations and gave a real insight into local life.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Mick was an excellent tour leader. He knew a lot about the local history and how things such as agriculture were changing. He was very interesting to listen to. He also gave useful advice about eating in Tapas bars and getting buses to the coast on our free day. He made the right decision when he said the weather was not suitable to climb El Lucero and found us an alternative walk (suitable for all) instead.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

All the walks seem to be either walking uphill or downhill. The paths are often uneven and over loose stone so I would recommend walking sticks, especially if like me you suffer from a bad knee. All the people in my group were regular walkers but many still said they could feel the effect of all the slopes on their calf muscles. The food was excellent. We settled for eating at the hotel (90 euros per person for 5 three course evening meals plus a glass of wine). There was a great variety of fish dishes. The local supermarket made up very substantial sandwiches for the days we needed a pack up. The hotel also had an honesty bar where you could get tea, coffee or alcohol at reasonable prices when the bar was shut. However our room was on the small side with limited space for clothes.

Do you have anything else to add?

This was an excellent holiday. The walks were interesting and varied and long enough to make you think you earned your glass of something at the end of the day. The views were amazing. We even saw some wild Ibex! Gustavo was an excellent host (with a different pair of glasses to match every outfit he wore!). Mick was a great tour leader.

An excellent tour. Beautiful setting, comfortable hotel. A great programme of walks of varied grades for people of all abilities. Margot and Mick were full of knowledge and enthusiasm and were great company. Every effort was made to accommodate the groups requests. Top marks. Highlight was the ascent of Cerro Lucero.

If you want a walking tour which combines great scenery a comfortable Hotel, fantastic food & drink and in Margot a leader who is passionate about the area, this is the tour for you.  ps the weather was great too. (SJ - 8th October 2011)

The highlights were the views from the mountain and the charming village we stayed in. Dont be fooled into thinking that in June the weather in the mountains in Spain are still cool, the weather was beautiful over 30 degrees and a bit hot for some of the exposed climbs - overall a great holiday. (SJ - 18th June 2011)

This holiday has been superbly put together. Margo, the resident guide, met us at the airport with a beaming smile which never left her face for the whole trip. She led us with warmth, kindness and consideration at all times. She also had an anecdote or insight into local life for every stopping point and all points in between. Gustavo, our host at the hotel, was also very helpful and ran a clean, comfortable hotel with loads of character. All the meals we had, either in the hotel or in restuarants around about were superb. The walks were well thought out and varied, and rewarded us great views over the Analucian countryside. Ending the first walk at a Bodega was an excellent touch. There were loads of options for the day off, but if you haven't been to the Alhambra in Granada there is only one option - go there. (SJ - 19th March 2011)

Only an hour away from the tourist mecca of the Costa del Sol lies the beautiful Axarquia region of Andalucia and our base for a wonderful weeks' walking, the sleepy village of Canillas de Albaida. Staying at the family owned Posada La Plaza, Gustavo and his family welcomed us warmly to their guest house. Next morning we set off on our walks around the area, which not only had great variety but also offered different degrees of difficulty, especially the terrain. They all had one thing in common though, stunning views at every turn. When each walk was over we were happy in the knowledge that we would be eating Gustavo's finest cuisine washed down with fantastic local wines each evening. Well, when on holiday it would be rude not to! So if you want to explore a very Spanish and unspoilt part of sunny southern Spain with great company, food, drink and exercise, this is the holiday for you. Highly recommended. (SJ - 11th September 2010)