Andalusia Discovery Tour in Paradores Option A
General Information
- Type:
- Cultural
- Price from:
- 575 EUR /person
- Phone:
- 34-942-637358
- Fax:
- 34-942-637357
- Payment Types:
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Cash
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Credit Card
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Cheque
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Travellers cheque
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Paypal
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Wire Transfer
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Last updated: 01/04/2011
Explore the history and culture of Al-Ándalus. This route is an invitation to enjoy the handicrafts, cuisine, folk festivals and customs of the cities and towns linked to this civilization.
Itinerary
Day 1
Parador in Málaga Gibralfaro. 1st day. Start of the route. Sunday (one night's stay)
Málaga is the start of this Route of the Legacy of Al-Ándalus, and its Alcazaba (citadel) is a lovely example of this heritage. Construction on this palace for the Nazarid kings was begun in the 11th century. Today it houses the Provincial Archeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico Provincial), which contains interesting pieces from the Paleolithic and other ancient Mediterranean cultures. In its lovely gardens filled with fountains and channels, one feels a special peace. After a tour of the Alcazaba, you can visit the ruins of the Roman theater.
Nearby is Gibralfaro Castle, a palace with possible Phoenician origins upon which Yasuf I, Caliph of Granada, had the fortress we can admire today built in the 14th century. It has two towers linked to the Alcazaba by a passageway. Other places of interest include the cathedral and its museum, Virgen de la Victoria Shrine, the Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes) and the Picasso Museum.
Day 2
Parador in Ronda. 2nd day. Monday (one night's stay)
Vertiginous from every angle, Ronda has been occupied by Celts, Romans and Muslims. From this last era it has retained exquisite Arab baths (Calle San Miguel) and other traces of the Arab presence in Molinos Gate, the church of Santa María la Mayor, the minaret of San Sebastián and the House of the Giant (Casa del Gigante). But Ronda is also, inevitably, its extremely lovely bullring, considered one of the world's most beautiful. Between Ronda and Arcos is laid out the rosary of the so-called White Villages (Pueblos Blancos), which the Almoravids conquered prior to setting their sights on Granada.
Day 3
Parador in Cádiz. 3rd day. Tuesday
We come to Cádiz, the former Yazira Qadis: isle of the peninsula of Cádiz. To see the city in all its splendor, the best thing to do is climb Tavia Tower. From there open up the Tierra Gates, entryway to the walled city. Lying below is the cupola of Cádiz Cathedral. Caleta Beach is the horizon of Cádiz, open and infinite, bounded by two castles, Santa Catalina on one end, and on the other San Sebastian, built atop a former Muslim tower which was in turn raised over a temple dedicated to Kronos.
Day 4
Parador in Cadiz. 4th day. Wednesday
The Cádiz Museum is a must-see. Also worthwhile are a stroll along Ancha Street and simple getting a feel for life in the city.
Day 5
Parador in Carmona. 5th day. Thursday (one night's stay)
Located amidst the meadows alongside the Carbones River, Carmona is noteworthy for its monuments and the traces of the different cultures which have populated it over the course of its long history. Churches, palaces and walls are all part of the important artistic heritage housed within the old quarter, dominated by the imposing image of its Arab fortress, the Alcázar of King Don Pedro. The town's location, just a few short kilometers from Seville, Ishbilya, allows visitors to enjoy the great monuments and artistic heritage of that city. Highlights include the Royal Palace (Real Alcazar), whose construction began under Abd al-Rhaman III in the year 913, the cathedral, Giralda Tower, Oro Tower, as well as the many leisure options offered by the provincial capital.
Day 6
Parador in Córdoba. 6th day. Friday
Cordoba was the realization of the dream of the caliphs, capital of the Omeya Caliphate and center of learning in the Muslim West during this period. In the city and its surrounding area we can discover all the splendor of this culture in monuments and sites such as the mosque/cathedral and Medina Azahara. Also of note are the synagogue, city walls, Roman bridge and royal stables. Interesting museums include the Julio Romero de Torres Museum, Archeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico), Bullfighting Museum (Museo Taurino) and Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes).
Day 7
Parador in Córdoba. 7th day. Saturday.
Wandering through the lovely streets of Cordoba is a pleasure for all the senses. The city offers one of the most complex and richest town plans on the route, spaces filled with enchantment and sensuality.
Extra Information
- Inclusions -
- 7 nights accommodation at the hotels showed above
- Exclusions -
- Lunch, dinner
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