NARCISSI OF IBERIA & MOROCCO
A TOUR FOR THE ALPINE GARDEN SOCIETY
This tour takes us to the Narcissus hotspots of Iberia and Northwest Africa, the centre of evolution and diversity of these wonderful flowers. We’ll explore the most important locales for the early-flowering species, starting in Andalucia where we’ll encounter Narcissus assoanus and endemic Narcissus cuatrecasasii. Narcissus hispanicus is plentiful in Spanish Fir forests and in the Sierra de Alcaparain is ghostly Narcissus cantabricus. Narcissus bulbocodium, Narcissus cordubensis and Narcissus jonquilla adorn meadows dotted with cork oaks. Based in one of Andalucia's most beautiful 'white villages', peaceful Benaojan, we’ll also find plentiful Orchids, Fritillaries and Linarias in rich limestone turf, while cliffs hold a plethora of charming saxifrages and elegant Ornithogalum reverchonii.
Mid-tour we fly south to Marrakech, the gateway to the majestic scenery of the High Atlas Mountains. Here will be many floral highlights, most especially the rare ivory-white Narcissus waiteri and the dazzling displays of Narcissus tingitanus, Romulea bifrons and Colchicum triphyllum in short turf where Crimson-winged Finches feed by the melting snow. Narcissus romieuxii, Dipcadi serotinum and Gynandriris monophylla bloom on slopes behind orchards that are home to endemic Tristram’s Warblers and Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker, whilst on Sahara-facing slopes we’ll find Chapman’s Green Hairstreak and delicate Narcissus peroccidentalis. Flying back to Seville we next explore Central Portugal where drifts of Narcissus asturiensis and Crocus carpetanus colour the mountains of the Serra da Estrela. Rare Narcissus scaberulus and pretty Narcissus gaditanus offers their golden blooms on the sunny slopes of the Serra da Arrabida. Narcissus calcicola and Narcissus obesus prefer the rugged limestone north of Lisbon, also home to Tulipa sylvestris, Two-leaved Gennaria, Arisarum simmorhinum and Anemone palmata. Distinctive Narcissus triandrus (and some fine hybrids) and sweetly-scented Narcissus papyraceus enjoy loamy banks in the Tejo drainage, an area home to several early flowering orchids.
With such beauty and elegance on offer on the floral front it seems somehow fitting that this tour has us staying at some very fine hotels where we can also enjoy some excellent cuisine during our sojourn in the home of the daffodil.
INFORMATION
Focus
Flowers, particularly Narcissus species. Also Landscapes.
Leaders
Walking
We will be ambling no more than two or three miles in any one day, and always at a slow pace, ideally suited to flower photography.
Included in the Price
All flights. All transport, accommodation, tips and meals in Iberia and Morocco. Services of your leaders. Please note: drinks, and items of a personal nature, including insurance, are not included.
Group Size
Minimum is 4 and the maximum is 15. Only one leader will accompany a group of 6 or less.
Accommodation
We start with four nights at delightful Molino del Santo, peacefully situated in Benaojan, close to historic Ronda. Molino’s conversion from a flour and olive mill into a small hotel has kept considerable character. Most of the lovely rooms have their own terrace overlooking the willows, figs and walnuts growing along the river. Moving south to the High Atlas in Morocco we have four nights at the gorgeous Dar Imlil, with views up to magnificent Toubkal. Fitted out with locally carved walnut furniture, this is the epitome of Moroccan elegance, and the food is absolutely superb! Next are three nights at the Hotel Rural Quinta da Geia. 'Quinta da Geia' is ancient Portuguese for a farm 'with so much land that it cannot be ploughed with an ox in one day'. The hotel is an eighteenth century, granite-built collection of buildings amidst 7 hectares teeming with fruit trees and grapevines. The quinta has been restored as a cosy hotel featuring all mod-cons. Lastly we’ve two nights at the Quinta das Torres situated right by the Serra da Arrabida. This fine old mansion built has been converted into a very comfortable hotel and is surrounded by lovely wooded grounds and an extensive kitchen garden which provides for the excellent restaurant. The accommodation throughout this tour is of a particularly high standard and all rooms have en suite facilities.
Climate
Generally settled, sunny and warm, but not hot. Atlantic depressions often bring rain and cooler weather, especially to Portugal, where the weather can be decidedly damp. The mountains can still be cold at this season, notably in the High Atlas where we could encounter some snow.
How To Book
Download a booking form (or contact us and we will send one to you)from the Booking Information section. Complete and send to us. You will receive confirmation of your place and a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. Plant and bird checklists are available.
