Pillars of Hercules

1-Join Tour Malaga Airport
Join tour at Malaga Airport and transfer to the southern Spanish city of Algericas, one of Europe’s largest ports on the Rio de la Miel, the southernmost river in continental Europe.. Strategically important, the city developed under the influence of the Phoenicians and the Romans, going on to thrive under the Moors before being destroyed in the 14th century. Rebuilt by Charles III of Spain in 1760, the city today serves as the main embarkation point between Spain and the Moroccan port of Tangier.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

2-In Algericas; Visit Castillo de Castellar
This morning we drive around 45 minutes to the charming 13th century Moorish castle of Castillo de Castellar built high on a hill some 15km inland from Algericas, from where we can take in the panoramic views of the reservoir and the castle sentinel on the hill opposite and over the Straights of Gibraltar to Africa. From here we walk through the nearby cork oak woodland on the eastern boundary of the Arcornocales Natural Park. If we are lucky we will see Griffon Vultures circling in the sky above. Afterwards we transfer back to Algericas. (4 hours walking, +/- 300m)
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

3-Climb Rock of Gibraltar
Today we take a public bus for 45 minutes to La Linea de Concepcion and walk across the border into Gibraltar, where on another public bus we find ourselves at the start of our walk some 10 minutes later. We climb the ‘Mediterranean Steps’ up the Rock of Gibraltar. Originally created by the military as part of link between gun batteries, the steps underwent a major refurbishment in 2007, but remain uneven and steep in parts and are not for those with vertigo; however the views are jaw-dropping and if you are there in Spring then flowers are in abundance. We start our ascent form Jews’ Gate and head up to O’Hara’s Battery, close to the summit. We retrace out steps on the return. (3 hours walking, +/-450m)
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

4-Climb Jebel Mousa
We leave Spain behind for a couple of days as we head over to Morocco by ferry, from Algericas to Cueta, a city that belongs to Spain yes sits in Africa. Here we cross the border into Morocco and drive around 20 minutes to the base of Jebel Musa, the sister mountain to the Rock of Gibraltar. According to Greek Mythology Hercules, a giant and the son of the god Zeus, found himself in a rage so dreadful that he killed all his children. As atonement he was sent by the Oracle of Adelphi to serve the King for 12 years and do everything he was asked to do. One task was to bring back cattle from beyond the known world, and in order to do this Hercules had to break his way through the natural boundaries of the world. He did this by making a crack between the adjacent mountains of Calpe and Abila, pushing them apart allowing men to reach new lands and seas. These mountains are known today as the Rock of Gibraltar and Jebel Musa – the Pillars of Hercules. We climb Jebel Musa and look back over the Straights to the Rock and the Sierra Nevada beyond. From there we drive around 1.5 hours to the lovely village of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, where we stay in a Riad, a traditional house with an internal courtyard, right in the Medina. (4 hours walking, +/-500m)
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

5-Walk in Rif Mountains
Today we walk from the village and head into the Rif Mountains for a walk with lovely view back over the village. Nestling amongst the peaks of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is one of the most charming towns in Morocco and a popular destination for tourists; a seductive mix of colourful bazaars full of handicrafts, powder blue painted houses and red tiled rooftops. This afternoon is free for us to explore it at our own pace, to enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town perhaps, or to relax outside one of the cafes in the main square. (4 hours walking, +/-400m)
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

6-Explore Kasbah and Medina of Tangier
This morning we drive around 2 hours to the port of Tangier, where we have time to explore the Kasbah and the Medina before boarding out ferry for the return journey to Spain. When we arrive in Tarifa and head for our hotel. Tarifa is a lovely coastal Andalucian town, on the southernmost tip of mainland Europe, popular with wind-surfers. Largely pedestrianised it is a great place to wander through the narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed building and happen up on a plaza here and there. With a plethora of small bars and cafes as well as shops, there is plenty to occupy your time.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

7-Coastal walk from Tarifa
We take taxis a short distance to the sand dunes of La Paloma, from where we start a lovely coastal walk along deserted beaches and cliffs all the way to Bolonia, a picturesque beach with the largest sand dune in Andalucia. We return from here in taxis. The afternoon is left free to enjoy exploring Tarifa. (3 hours walking, flat)
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

8-Tour Ends Malaga Airport
Tour ends at Malaga Airport. You may wish to stay on and explore this popular holiday destination with its historic city and lovely beaches further.

Tour includes:

Included meals:
7 breakfasts
Transport:
Bus
Accommodation:
7 nights Standard Hotel
Tour Staff:
Driver(s), Explore Tour Leader
Group Size:
Generally 10 – 16

Explore have been running small group adventure holidays throughout the world since 1981 and have a vast array of experience, knowledge and well established close personal contacts in all the countries in which they operate, which makes them stand out as one of the most trusted adventure tour operators in the UK.

They are passionate about what they do, and above all, simply love nothing more than to travel. The founder directors ran overland trips through Asia, Africa and the Americas in the 1960s and 70s prior to setting up the company, and were determined that the spirit of adventure that was such an important part of those early pioneering days, should continue to play key role as part of the driving ethos of Explore.

Our Opinion
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