The simplest way is to fly into and out of Málaga (AGP). Fast trains also link the city with Madrid, so it's no hardship to fly into or out of the capital either and we can host you for some time there too if you like.

It's absolutely possible to travel by train from London or Paris. If you are coming from the UK, then if you set off at breakfast you can take two trains from London St Pancras and be in Barcelona before dinner time. It's a short hop between stations on arrival in Paris and away you go. After a night in Barcelona, you take the train to Granada and off you go. If you want to do it on the way back, simply flip that on its head.

Of course, we would be very happy to host you in Paris and/or Barcelona if you want to have a look around those great cities - we have lots to see and do even if you have already been.

Finally, it's also possible to travel by sleeper train from Paris to Barcelona. If you would like information, please just ask.

This trip can start on a date to suit you from March through June and September through December.

In spring and fall, you can expect it to be warm and sunny with average daytime temperatures of around 68-77°F.

In July and August, temperatures rise to 86°F and above which is too hot to enjoy the hikes for most.

September gets progressively more enjoyable, with a typical average of 70°F and a maximum of 77°F. November through to early December can be lovely, and perfect temperatures for walking. You have a slightly higher chance of some rain and the days are shorter, but it can be very lovely as the olive harvest season gets going.

This 6-room farmhouse B&B is one of our favorite hotels in all of Spain. The inn sits in the heart of the romantic olive grove landscape which dominates central Andalucía. The owners even have 100 of their own trees they harvest each autumn. Rooms are fairly simple but very cool and comfortable. The heart of the hotel is the lounge and dining area inside, where you can't help but fall into conversation with your hosts and the other guests. Outside is a lovely pool and they are also building a bird hide. It's a special place we know you'll love.

Please inquire for full details.

This trip is conceived of as a balance between 'on the go' time on walking trails or out exploring, and some serious this is the life stuff where hammocks and the swimming pool beckon you over. Essentially though, you can set the dial each day.

How it works is we give you a detailed Travel Guide app, which along with the extensive knowledge of your hosts, you use to plan out your days. You can choose from 15km hikes to short strolls through the olive groves, or sightseeing in the local area by car. Or you can choose nothing and put your feet up at the B&B - no harm in that.

The only fixed elements are the guided tours, and these are very easy and low-impact activities.

All in all, it's one of our slower and more relaxed trips.

The roads are all paved and in a good to excellent state of repair. Given how quiet the roads are, how close everything is and how beautiful the landscapes are, driving is a pleasurable pursuit in these parts. It's not a price to pay to win your freedom, it's very much part of the experience.

Typically we aim to include a hybrid car for this trip but it will depend on availability. Either way, for two people traveling to Spain you can expect a medium-sized vehicle such as a VW Golf. We can’t guarantee specific make or model.

Sat Navs are not included but can sometimes be requested (and paid for) locally. We find that Google Maps and Waze are far easier and more reliable to use. You will be given instructions on how to download them on your smartphone and use them without needing data.

For any clients not based in Europe or the UK, an international driving license is officially required, but we don't know of any local office in Spain or Portugal that has requested to see it. But it is officially a requirement. If you are in the US, visit https://www.usa.gov/international-drivers-license for more information and details of how to apply

Not at all, no. Your hosts speak English perfectly well - in fact they are English! In busier areas of the main tourist centers like Córdoba, English will be widely spoken. In smaller restaurants and in villages and the countryside, it is spoken infrequently but don't sweat it, you'll get along just fine.

For sure! As well as the time you spend with your guides and hosts, locals themselves of course, this trip gives you lots of opportunity to observe and interact with locals as much as you'd like to. This is particularly true on the day you visit Fermín at his olive oil bodega of course.

Absolutely, yes. This trip combines particularly well with our 6-night Granada & Alpujarra Villages by Car and Ronda & Cádiz Coast by Car.

Yes, as long as we retain the essence of this trip through the pacing and content.

As part of the trip, you have a great degree of flexibility to adapt things as you go. You can choose to have a day of hiking or a day of relaxed driving. You can ask your guide to make your walk easier or more challenging. You can slow things down when you want, and up the ante at other times.

If you have more time, we'd love to share other parts of Andalucía with you, such as Granada, Ronda, Seville or the coast. We can also connect it with other major cities via the train network, as mentioned above.