Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz, Ronda - the names ring sweet to the ears.  These cities are bastions of a romantic feel that harkens back to a bygone era.

Andalucia is most people's quintessential dream-image of Spain.  It doesn't disappoint. 

This is the Spain most often seen in films and portrayed in novels:  Dazzling white villages and fortified castles on hilltops in the distance - olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see , and shaded, flower filled patios resting coolly in the afternoon heat. 

The people here are vivacious, passionate and proud.  This is the birthplace of Flamenco - a fiery and profound music perhaps best interpreted by the gypsies who have made this land their home. 

Once smitten with the fascination of Andalucia, magical moments insert themselves into one's memory and linger there for a lifetime.  One of those moments might happen to you while strolling out along the banks of the Guadalquivir on a warm spring evening - catching the faint sound of a distant guitar and the strong fragrance of orange blossoms - lights reflecting off the river's dark surface, and all of it playing hide-and-seek with your senses . . .

Your travel experience will start with a high-speed train ride:  Madrid to Cordoba in less than 2 hours! 

 

Cordoba:

Marshal Bolin ©

Cordoba is a must-see city - if for no other reason (although there are many others) than to see one of the world's most awe-inspiring architectural wonders.  The Mezquita (seen at left) simply cannot be described - it's a building that must be experienced. After the Mezquita, wander the Juderia quarter and take in the ambience of an older time.  Cordoba is famous for its incredible patios.  If you come for the Patio Festival in the first half of May, you'll actually be able to walk into many of Cordoba's finest patios. Ordinarily closed from view, many of them (those entered in the contest) are open to the public during the festival. Go sit in the main plaza and have a refreshment while you wait for the big clock to strike the hour.  You'll know you're deep in the heart of Flamenco country when it plays a dark Siguriya falsetta (guitar riff) instead of ringing a bell.

The Parador Cordoba is located in the foothills just at the edge of the city.  This location provides mountain breezes, and the Parador, with its extensive gardens, always maintains an inviting freshness and respite from the heat of the city below.

 

Carmona:

Carmona is a very interesting town that provides the visitor with a chance to explore both Roman and Almohad (moorish) ruins as well as an appealing, and typically Andalusian old town.  This city is perfectly situated to serve as a base for day trips to Sevilla, Cordoba, and the surrounding "white towns" like Marchena, Utrera, Osuna and others. One of the cities historic landmarks has been turned into a Parador (pictured at left).  The original Alcazar, which connects to the Pardor, was a Moorish fort mostly destroyed by an earthquake in 1504.  The government of Spain has restored the fortified palace built by Pedro the Cruel - and has done it in the finest style.

The castle Parador Carmona is situated atop a hill and has panoramic view out over the plains below.  This really is a sumptuous place to stay.  It is peaceful and has one of the most elegant patios you'll ever encounter.  You'll get to settle in a bit as you spend two luxurious nights here.  Sevilla is only a short drive and will surely be a day trip you won't want to miss!

 

Sevilla:

Marshal Bolin ©

Sevilla is the most beguiling of cities.  It is pure pleasure to wander the Barrio Santa Cruz and the area around the Alcazar.  No map needed - just go where your steps take you.  Stop now and then in one of the many appealing tapas bars, cafes or restaurants for some refreshment - then set out again. The "must-see" sites include the Alcazar, the mighty Cathedral and its Giralda tower and Patio de los Naranjos.  Be sure and climb up into the tower for wonderful views out over the city. Calle Sierpes is Sevilla's shopping street and is a bustling center of activity. Grab a taxi to take you over to the Maria Luisa park.  Jump into one of the many horse-drawn carriages and let them leisurely chauffeur you around the park and over to Plaza Espana.  You may want to come back to the city again the following day - one day really can't do it justice.  Another great visit is the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.  It's in Jerez, and whether you go on one of these two days, or stop in on your way to Cadiz tomorrow - it's well worth it.  The main show is on Thursday at noon - but you can watch them training Monday through Friday.  Incredibly beautiful horses dancing and maneuvering to classical music.

 

Cádiz:

Next stop is Cádiz -  one of the oldest cities in all of Europe.  Founded by the Phoenicians prior to 1100 BC, its former grandeur is a bit faded now, but it retains a friendly and somewhat ramshackle ambience that, along with its lively residents - the Gaditanos, is altogether agreeable. Located on a peninsula, the old city is surrounded by water.  Strolling the waterfront promenade and watching the locals fishing in the early evening is an especially enjoyable way to pass some time.  Don't miss the great seafood oriented tapas restaurants here - you'll discover dozens of tasty little tid-bits you never dreamed even existed. The Museo de Bellas Artes is well worth a visit as is the old Cathedral (at left).

Arcos de la Frontera:

Arcos is a typical "white town."  It sits atop a steep hill that, on one side, drops straight down to the Rio Guadalete far below.  This position made it easier to defend when it was a frontier town during the Christian re-conquest. Arcos is a laid-back town today, fewer tourists arrive here than other more well known destinations.  It's a great town for walking.  From your Parador at the very top of the hill on the Plaza del Cabildo - you can walk down in any direction and explore at your leisure.  Summer provides enchanting late-night concerts on the main plaza during the Fiesta de la Virgen de las Nieves.  September brings Arcos' own especially wild version of the running of the bulls.  Great fun, but not for the faint of heart!

The Parador Arcos De La Frontera has incredible views on the south-facing side.  Step out on your balcony and you feel like you're flying!  The views are unobstructed - down and out over the Guadalete plain.  The rooms on the other side offer a pleasant view of the Plaza del Cabildo and the ancient church that fronts it.  The cuisine in the Parador's fine restaurant is typically and deliciously Andalusian.

 

Ronda

Ronda is a fascinating city with an equally fascinating history.  A moorish stronghold for centuries, it later became essentially a haven for bandits.  They would loot the surrounding countryside and then return to their nearly impregnable location in Ronda and dare the authorities to try and get them out. Modern bullfighting was invented here, and Ronda's bullring is said to be the oldest in Spain.  Cross over the vertigo-inducing bridge and wander the old town to your hearts content.  You'll get pleasantly lost - a few times - but it's great fun exploring and you're never far from the way back. From here, you could drive out to some of Spain's most typical "white villages" - Setenil, Grazalema, Gaucin, Olvera, Ubrique, Zahara de la Sierra,  - and many others - each a dazzling drop of ancient culture in these rugged sierras.

The Parador Ronda (pictured above) sits on the edge of one of the most awesome gorges in all Spain .  A completely unique location that will astound you.  Your stay here will assuredly be one of the highlights of your trip.

Granada   

Granada Excursions and Alhambra Tours here

Granada is one of Andalucia's jewels - indeed one of the world's jewels. There is a spot up in the Sierra Nevada mountains south of Granada called El Suspiro del Morro - "The sigh of the Moor."  Supposedly it was where Boabdil, the last Moorish ruler of Granada, stopped as he was departing and looked longingly back one last time at his beloved city as he retreated from the Christian re-conquest. The Alhambra in Granada is one of humanity's great monuments.  It should not be missed.  This is architecture that is at once sensual, imaginative and inspiring.  The old Nasrid sultan's palace and the surrounding grounds, including the Generalife gardens, are absolutely enchanting - the stuff of fairy tales.  Moorish art and architecture reached a spectacular and wondrous pinnacle here in Granada.   Nearing the end of their centuries-long occupation of this southern part of the Iberian peninsula, the Nasrid dynasty's artists and architects had achieved a marvelous style.

The Parador Granada is located right inside the grounds of the Alhambra.  In the evening, when all the other tourists are locked out, you'll be able to wander the gardens of the Alhambra by yourself!  It's very hard to imagine anything more romantic.

Jaen

Jaen is one of the center's of the olive business in Spain.  More olive oil is produced around here than anywhere else in Spain (which means anywhere else in the world).  Walking around the city is nice.  Don't bypass the huge cathedral.  It's well worth a visit - as is the very old Iglesia de la Magdalena.  See the Banos Arabes (Arab baths) and the town's fine museums. For a great day trip, drive over to Parque Natural de Cazorla and hike around in the beautiful mountain scenery consisting of craggy peaks, tranquil meadows, and bubbling streams.  There are many well-marked trails.  This park is the largest protected area in Spain.  There are over 2300 species of plants in the park - including 24 found no where else in the world. Wildlife abounds, and you might see; eagles, wild sheep and boar, as well as various varieties of deer and any of a 140 different types of birds.

The Parador Jaen is spectacularly situated atop a steep and rugged hill.  It overlooks the town below, and the views are breath-taking!  You can walk directly down to the old-town from here, but if you aren't in good shape, best to grab a taxi and ride back up!

 

Madrid:

Madrid is hands-down winner of the title, "Europe's Liveliest City."  Madrilenos don't really get their day into high gear until after dinnertime - and dinner usually starts around 10:00 p.m.!  Then they flood their beloved city's streets and "pasear" (stroll around) or "tapear" (hop from tapa bar to tapa bar) until dawn. Some speak of Madrid as being drab, but how far from the truth that is!  Granted it suffers, as do many of the world's major cities, from urban sprawl - but once you get past the concrete jungle outskirts, you'll discover a city that provides endless surprises and discoveries. There are many pockets of very old buildings that contain odd assortments of shops, tiendas and bars.  You'll happen upon eighteenth-century Bourbon squares, pleasant plazas and quaint restaurants at every other turn.

Must Sees:  The Prado museum - the Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza galleries, the Plaza Mayor, the Retiro Park, Gran Via - and the list could go on and on.

But really - the thing that makes Madrid so special are the street scenes, the people and the energy that makes this the night-time, high-energy capital of Europe.

 

* Package Price includes:

- All Paradors and hotels
- Car rental for all days except last two in Madrid
- Round-trip ticket on the high-speed Ave train Madrid-Cordoba
- A Michelin road map for the area you'll be driving

Contact us for current prices for your dates.

 

Adios Travel Services will take care of arranging every aspect of this special journey for you.  The "Passion of Spain"  travel experience will prove to be romantic and exciting.  It will reaffirm your love of travel, and provide memories for a lifetime.

Contact us today and begin planning your vacation into the "Passion of Spain."