Reviewed 24 Apr 2013 by Jeannette Van Zyl
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part was the visit to the Cordoba Mezquita. I would like to mention that a few of us returned to Cordoba on our free day as the Mezquita was closed on the Tuesday that was scheduled as part of the itinerary. This was the week of Semana Santa and the general feeling in the group was that the dates and times of the closures should have been obtained and the days outings changed accordingly. We were unable to enter the Seville cathedral for the same reason. This was a huge negative for me.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Encourage the guide to start the days outings earlier - there is a distance to travel each day and if the departure is late there is not enough time to explore the cities or villages.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It did benefit the small village of Algamitas as the Cortigo Rosario staff live there. We also spent time in the village at restaurants etc.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The attitude of the hosts at the Cortigo Rosario was disappointing. We were welcomed by them on arrival, but never interacted with them again. We would arrive back from a long day away and would then have to light the fire - it would have been so welcoming to return to a roaring fire! There were problems (leaking roof etc) experienced at the Cortigo and their reaction was not the best. The Cortigo obviously needs maintenance to be done and if this is not done to an acceptable standard, the guests will not be satisfied. This will be a pity as this place has so much potential.
Reviewed 03 Jan 2007 by Ruth Tillyard
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Some of the views of lovely Spanish countryside. Swimming in 4 degrees swimming pool on Xmas Day.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take warm clothes as both weather and accommodation were cold.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
No: most of the food was from international supermarkets (e.g. Lidl) and vegs were frozen. There was no general ethos to recycle apart from token notices from the tour company. I don't think this holiday deserves to be publicized by Responsible Travel.
Read the operator's response here:
Cortijo Rosario use as much local produce as possible in their meals, which I saw on my last visit in March this year. Most is bought from local markets rather than any large supermarkets but there are always going to be certain items that cannot be found in the markets. Also we must appreciate that most produce is seasonal so certain seasons, (especially winter time), will not have as large a selection.
They have employed local staff for many years and they are installing solar panels to save on energy. I sincerely believe our local operator is doing all he can to ensure our tours are run responsibly. Thank you for your comments and we will continue to monitor how things are run locally.
Reviewed 17 Jun 2006 by Linda Stringer
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The food, the accommodation and the wonderful company. Those beautifully warm evenings sitting together eating al fresco will stay with us forever.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need to be physically fit and used to walking in high temperatures. It was very hot during our week and we struggled on some of the walks but due mostly to the heat. However, we are not young so younger travellers may find this not a problem!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Without a doubt. The location of the Cortijo is quite rural with only a few villages nearby. Therefore we needed to use the facilities in the village, the shops, café’s bars and banks. However, there was also a need to respect the local culture that is very different to ours (England) The locals live very traditional Spanish lifestyles and whilst they welcomed us into their village, there was a need for us to blend into their environment rather than intrude.
Reviewed 26 Nov 2005 by Lynn Whitelaw
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole experience was excellent, but the friendly welcome at the Cortijo along with the chance to eat typical Spanish food and experience the true culture of Andalucia. Our guide spoke fluent Spanish and really understood the local area and the culture which made the holiday that extra bit special
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You don't need very dressy clothes and perhaps to read upon the Moors and their time in Andalusia would help to understand the complex history of Cordoba, Sevilla and Ronda. Even though this isn't the full walking tour you need to be reasonably fit as there is still a fair amount of walking up and down hills and steps!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The Cortijo employs all its staff from the local village and wherever possible purchases everything from the local village and surrounding area. The mid day meals on the first three days are take in local restaurants. Care is taken to recycle where ever possible.
4. Any other comments?
We would both star it at 4* and we are getting fit to enable us to do the full walking tour of Andalucia.
Reviewed 22 Oct 2005 by Delicia Poi
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting the Mezquita in Cordoba is something I've been dreaming of for 12 years, so was a very special moment for me. Was a lot of fun walking through Ronda in the pouring rain! Actually, most memorable part would have to be the warmth of the hospitality at the Cortijo Rosario - such a beautiful place in the peace of the countryside.
What better way to start the day than to wake up and look out my window of the villa to the surrounding hills and olive groves. Wonderful people, wonderful meals and hospitality. Tour Leader, Andy, was fantastic and as a first time traveller, and my first tour it has given me the confidence to continue travelling and am very happy to book again through this tour company in the future. This tour was exactly what I hoped it would be, if not more...the Cortijo was so lovely I didn't want to leave! Lovely memories, had a wonderful time! (I think thats enough gushing for now...)
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a rain jacket, you just never know what the weather might do... You definitely won't go hungry at the Cortijo.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely, and I benefited from being around the local people who worked at the Cortijo and being able to enjoy traditional, home style spanish cooking, all made from scratch.
1of5
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