Secret Valleys of Ronda

• Superb off the beaten track walks through timeless Andalucia; gorgeous white villages, hidden courtyards, tiny fountains
• Fabulous boutique hotel which exudes warmth, style and an eclectic fusion of Andaluz-Moroccan cuisine
• Moorish castles, Roman ruins, stunning National Parks
• Spectacular bird life: eagles, buzzards, hoopoes, griffon vultures
• Excellent value - even wine with dinner included - as well as complimentary hire car for all passengers

This independent, single centre walking holiday explores Andalucia's lovely Alto Genal, one of the best kept secrets in Spain and a magnificent landscape of dramatic limestone mountains, high cliffs and mysterious cork-shrouded valleys. Scattered throughout these valleys are scarcely trodden rural tracks and walking paths linking seven timeless white Moorish villages that cling limpet-like to the verdant hillsides, their churches and alleyways rich with history and charm.

Your base for the week is gorgeous Cartajima, the highest village in the valley, where life continues as it has for centuries. Here you stay as guests of world traveller, yachtswoman and anthropologist, Di Beach and her partner, John, at their AAAA 6-room boutique Hotel Los Castanos in the centre of the village. This villa-hotel has been exquisitely designed in keeping with North African influences with al fresco terraces, plant-filled roof gardens and hidden courtyards with brightly coloured cushions and tiny fountains. Most spacious, beautifully appointed double bedrooms have individual balconies (you're even provided with sketch pads and pencils!) and there is a panoramic roof terrace, with plunge pool, where you can relax with an early evening cocktail before a fine candlelit dinner.

Some of the walks start from the hotel, however, in order that you can fully explore the neighbouring National Parks - the Sierra de las Nieves to the east and the spectacular Sierra de Grazelema to the west - we have included a hire car. This also allows you to explore the famous bullfighting town of Ronda, just 20mins drive away.

NB: Our Easter departures coincide with huge local celebrations. Great atmosphere, but if you prefer things quiet, perhaps choose a different date.