OleoAlmanzora: Guided tour & tasting + Pulpí Geode (6-hours)

Key Points

• Includes a guided visit to an olive grove and the production facilities of OleoAlmanzora, offering insight into Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) crafting.
• Tastings of high-quality EVOOs and flavored oils, with options like garlic, lemon, rosemary, black truffle, chili, and smoked.
• Admission to the Pulpí Giant Geode, the largest accessible geode in the world, with a 90-minute exploration.
• Tour duration is approximately 3.5 hours, with flexibility in starting times and self-guided additional activities afterwards.
• Price per person is $50, which covers all main activities, including the exclusive geode visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour Starts at Tienda Gourmet OleoAlmanzora

The experience begins at the Tienda Gourmet OleoAlmanzora, where guides meet you at this central location. This point acts as the hub for the day’s activities and offers easy access for participants arriving in the area. The meeting point is designed for convenience and provides a friendly starting point to dive into the world of olive oil and natural wonders.

Visiting the Olive Grove and Learning About Olive Cultivation

The first stop features a guided walk through an olive grove with a focus on the origin of olive trees and the key practices involved in planting and caring for these iconic trees. The visit lasts approximately 35 minutes, giving a clear sense of the agricultural roots behind Spain’s renowned EVOO.

This part of the tour emphasizes understanding how olives are cultivated and harvested, setting the foundation for the following production insights. The guides are ready to explain the nuances of olive farming, which helps visitors appreciate the quality of the oils produced later.

Inside OleoAlmanzora’s Production Facilities

After the grove, the tour continues within the OleoAlmanzora facilities, including the cellar, bottling room, and tasting room. Visitors get an up-close look at the entire EVOO production process, from pressing to packaging.

The guided tour of the cellar lasts about 20 minutes and is followed by a tasting session where you can sample the highest quality EVOOs. The tasting features bread alongside pure olive oils and flavored options infused with garlic, lemon, rosemary, black truffle, chili, and smoked. This allows an appreciation for the oils’ versatility and flavors.

Tasting Premium and Flavored Olive Oils

The tasting experience is a highlight, showcasing the superior quality of OleoAlmanzora’s oils. The oils are carefully selected for their aroma and taste, and the flavored varieties provide a fun way to explore different profiles. Visitors can see how the oils are stored and bottled, reinforcing the importance of proper storage at home.

Guests are encouraged to enjoy the oils with bread and purchase any of the tasted products or other gourmet items like wine, beer, or honey at the shop, making this a great opportunity to bring home authentic regional products.

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Admission to the Pulpí Giant Geode

One of the most impressive features of this tour is entry to the Pulpí Giant Geode, the largest accessible geode in the world. This visit lasts approximately 90 minutes, during which visitors explore the Mina Rica tunnel and observe the spectacular mineral formations within.

Visitors view the geode through its entrance opening, inserting their upper body to see the formations up close, but not fully entering the geode. For those with reduced mobility, an elevator runs parallel to a 15-meter spiral staircase, although climbing stairs is still necessary. Pregnant visitors in their last trimester are advised against descending beyond the third level of the mine.

The geode’s stunning crystalline structures are a natural wonder, and the guided visit offers deep insight into its formation and significance.

Organized Itinerary and Optional Extras

This independent tour is organized with guides at each stop, but participants use their own transportation between locations. The recommended itinerary includes visits to Pulpí Castle and time for lunch (not included), giving a full day’s experience in the area.

The typical schedule has:
– 10:00 am start at Tienda Gourmet OleoAlmanzora for the EVOO tour and tasting.
– 12:00 pm visit to San Juan de los Terreros Castle.
– 13:30 pm offers free time for lunch, with assistance available for reservations.
– 15:30 pm guided tour of Mina Rica and the Giant Geode.

The flexibility allows visitors to customize their day, exploring more of Pulpí or relaxing after the main activities.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour is priced at $50 per person and includes all main activities, such as the olive grove visit, production facility tours, and geode entry. Children under 8 are not recommended for the geode, and the tour is conducted in Spanish.

Participants should bring passport or ID and comfortable shoes. The tour does not permit food, drinks, cameras, or bags inside the geode or production areas for safety reasons. It’s important to inform guides of any special walking conditions or allergies beforehand.

Due to Covid-19 precautions, transportation between some stops is not included and must be arranged independently. The geode visit involves stairs, totaling 164 steps, including a 15-meter spiral staircase; an elevator is available for some parts, but others still involve climbing.

The Experience Review and Strengths

This tour earns a perfect 5-star rating based on 13 reviews, with guests praising the knowledgeable guides and the well-organized experience. Reviewers specifically mention the passionate explanations given during the olive oil production tour and the delicious tastings of both pure and flavored oils.

The Giant Geode impresses visitors with its size and natural beauty, offering a unique opportunity to see a world-record mineral formation. The combination of agriculture, natural wonders, and regional products makes this tour both educational and memorable.

Final Thoughts on the Pulpí Guided Tour & Geode Visit

This 6-hour experience offers a comprehensive look at olive oil production and an extraordinary visit to Pulpí’s Giant Geode. It’s well-suited for those interested in gastronomy, geology, or regional culture, providing a rich mix of sensory experiences and learning opportunities.

The price of $50 covers all major activities, with the guided tours and tastings being particularly noteworthy. While the stairs inside the geode require some physical effort, the availability of an elevator helps with accessibility.

This tour stands out for its quality of content, attentiveness of guides, and unique natural feature. It’s an excellent choice for visitors seeking a full, engaging day in Andalusia with a focus on regional specialties and natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is included in the tour price?
  The tour includes olive grove visit, facility tours, EVOO tastings, and access to the Pulpí Giant Geode.

• How long does the geode visit last?
  The geode exploration lasts about 90 minutes and involves 164 stairs in total.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  It’s not recommended for children under 8 years old, especially for the geode visit due to stairs.

• Are transportation and lunch included?
  No, transport between stops is self-arranged, and lunch is not included but can be booked in advance.

• What should I bring?
  Passport or ID and comfortable shoes are recommended; no cameras or bags allowed inside the geode.

• Can I visit the geode if I have mobility issues?
  Some elevator access is available, but stairs are still involved, so mobility limitations may affect the experience.

• Is this tour available in English?
  The activity is conducted in Spanish, with no mention of other language options.

• How do I reserve my spot?
  You can reserve online with the option to pay later; cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

• What makes this tour unique?
  The combination of olive oil expertise and the visit to the world’s largest geode makes this a distinctive experience in Andalusia.

• Can I purchase souvenirs on-site?
  Yes, at the gourmet shop, you can buy olive oils, flavored oils, and regional products like wine and honey.

  You can check availability for your dates here:
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