Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles (64.4 km), approximately 1 hour each way not including stops for field trips; winding mountainous roads. Walking up 2 miles; cobblestones, slopes, uneven terrain without handrails.
At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers choices such as cold cuts, cereal, yogurt, fruit, breads and pastries, juice, coffee, tea, water.
We will gather with our Group Leader for an introductory lecture on Andalucía as we learn about Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Romani influences that have helped to shape the region. Next, we will set out with our Group Leader on a walking field trip to see a typical Andalucían weekly market, where local people buy and sell an eclectic variety of fruits, vegetables, clothing, ceramics, and other local products. With its sunny microclimate, this region of Spain offers some of the freshest produce in Europe. We’ll then board a motorcoach for a field trip to a family-run winery in the sierra (mountains) of Málaga, where we will learn about the wine-making process from staff.
At a local bodega, we’ll have a traditional plated lunch with wine tasting.
Arriving at the pueblo blanco — “white village” — of Cómpeta, we will explore this white-washed Moorish-Mudéjar village perched nearly 700 feet (2,086 meters) above the Mediterranean. As we stroll through the labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets that date back to Moorish times, we will take in amazing views of the surrounding Sierra Almijara and the sea. It may have originated in the Roman era, though some scholars believe it to be much older. We will then return to the hotel with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet dinner featuring hot and cold dishes plus beverage choices of mineral water and a glass of wine.
At leisure.