7 nt Self Drive Legacy of Al Andalus (1) featuring Paradors in Malaga, Ronda, Antequera, Carmona & Cordoba

PARADORES  - 7 NIGHT LEGACY OF AL ANDALUS TOUR 1

ITINERARY

Day 1: Sunday

• Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro - click for details

HIGHLIGHTS: Malaga is the start of the Route of the Legacy of Al-Andalus, and its Alcazaba (citadel) is a lovely example of this Muslim heritage. Construction on this palace for the Nazarid kings was begun in the 11th century. Today it houses the Provincial Archeological Museum, 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 a Roman theater. Nearby is Gibralfaro Castle, a palace which may have had 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 and the Picasso Museum.

Day 2: Monday

• Parador de Ronda - click for details

HIGHLIGHTS: 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 Maria la Mayor, the minaret of San Sebastian and the House of the Giant (Casa del Gigante). There is also another Ronda, whose sites include the bullring considered one of the world’s most beautiful and a favourite with Ernest Hemingway and Orsen Wells who both attended bullfights here. Also the amazing New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) which spans the Tajo Gorge. 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.

Days 3 & 4: Tuesday & Wednesday

• Parador de Antequera - click for details

HIGHLIGHTS:  Thanks to its privileged geographical location, several civilisations have passed through Antequera leaving an interesting cultural legacy. One of the most important monuments is the Dolmens of Menga, Viera and El Romeral, dating back to the Bronze Age. Strolling around Antequera's historic quarter is like travelling back in time. One interesting option is to visit the churches of San Juan Bautista and San Sebastián among others, or discover the Moorish Alcazaba fortress. Other important monuments include the Temple of Papabellotas Castle and the 17th and 18th century mansions. They are all characterised by their impressive Spanish baroque style architecture. In the centre of Antequera, you can discover the Royal Collegiate Church of San Sebastián, which dates from the 16th Century. And don't miss the Convent of the Incarnation, followed by a visit to the Plaza del Coso Viejo, a beautiful bullring close to the Convent. This is just a small part of the many surprises Antequera holds for you.

Day 5: Thursday

• Parador de Carmona - click for details

HIGHLIGHTS: Located amidst the meadows alongside the Carbones River, Carmona is noteworthy for its monuments and vestiges 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 Alcazar of King Don Pedro. The town’s location, just a few short kilometers from Seville, or Ishbilya, allows visitors to enjoy the great monuments and artistic heritage of that city. Highlights include the Royal Palace/Fortress (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.

• Parador de Cordoba - click for details

Days 6 & 7:  Friday & Saturday

HIGHLIGHTS:  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 mighty Mezquita mosque /cathedral and on the outskirts of Cordoba, 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, Bullfighting Museum (Museo Taurino) and Fine Arts Museum. 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.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• The route begins on Sunday and ends on Sunday.
• Neither the dates of your stay, nor the Parador hotels, nor the itinerary may be altered or changed during the route.
• This route and rates are not valid for groups.
• Subject to availability and accepetance of Totally Spain´s Booking Conditions.

Price Includes:

• 7 nights in Parador hotels shown with private bathroom.
• Meal Plan as chosen - B&B or DB&B.
• 7 days Group A Car Rental with unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver and theft insurance.
• Totally Spain´s special documentation pack including road and city maps, guides and suggested itineraries.
• All taxes

Flights are not included and must be booked by client. FLIGHT INFORMATION FROM THE UK & IRELAND.

Notes:

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