Honeymoon special - Extremadura

Your two "luxury nights" can be in either Parador Caceres, or Parador Oropesa.

Caceres

The Parador of Caceres is located in one of the great monumental cities of Europe.  UNESCO has declared Caceres a World Heritage Site.  Here in the historic section is concentrated the most impressive remaining example of medieval stonemasonry in the world.  The perfectly preserved old town sits on top of a large hill rising above Plaza Mayor, and situated very near the center of the old town is the Parador Caceres.

This impressive Parador  Caceres is the result of the creative refurbishment and joining of five contiguous buildings; the former palace of the Marquis of Torreorgaz and four  ancestral homes of former nobles.  The palace part was built around 1488 by a knight of Saint James, Don Diego Garcia de Ulloa.  The other ancestral homes were built later and they've all been combined into a labyrinthine, yet pleasing whole.  The Caceres Parador is located on a very quiet street and provides the traveler with modern accommodations that still blend harmoniously with the medieval city beyond its walls.

Try to have an evening meal at the Parador Caceres.   Dining in the outside patio among orange trees on a warm summer night is a true pleasure.  The cuisine here is superb, and of a variety you won't encounter elsewhere.  Try the venison with Casar cheese, or the roast kid with rosemary - both very representative of typical Extremaduran fare.

      

your room :

The Romans founded the city in the 1st century B.C. as Norba Caesarina.  Its present name is derive from the Arabic "alcazares" meaning "fortified castles."  The old part of Caceres is encircled by an ancient stone wall.  This old section of the city - the "barrio antiguo" - is definitely for walking.  A car would only inhibit your explorations and present a parking nightmare.
 

Walking around Caceres Viejo from the Parador de Caceres:

- Wandering "el casco" (the old quarter) at night is especially pleasing. It's easy to let the mind slip into the very real illusion that you've stepped back five centuries in time.

- See Plaza de Santa Maria - Surrounded by old noble mansions.

- Iglesia de San Mateo

- Plaza de las Veletas - Stop into the archaeological museum there.

- The "ferias de Caceres" is a fun time to visit. It usually starts during the last week of May and for seven days, the city puts on a continuous and action-packed series of events, bullfights, parties and fireworks. Be sure to arrange accommodations at the Parador well in advance.

 

Interesting day trips from the Parador Caceres include:

- Trujillo - Another city that is a wonderful slice out of history.

- Guadalupe - With its historically fascinating Real Monasterio de Santa Maria de Guadalupe.

- Merida - With its many Roman ruins.

The Parador at Caceres can well serve as a base for exploring Extremadura if you choose.  It is no more than a couple of hours drive to any of the other captivating cities mentioned above.  This is the area of Spain perhaps most reminiscent of the era of the conquistadores and the Golden Age of Spain.  Stay for awhile - experience the history and ambience of one of Spain's finest cities and most interesting hotels.
 

 

Oropesa

The Parador Oropesa (official name is Parador Virrey De Toledo) is majestic in every sense of the word.  It is spacious, elegant, and imposing. You'll find it especially fascinating to climb up and walk along the old castle walls, and you'll be rewarded with wonderful views out over the Gredos valley and back to the normally snow-capped peaks of the Gredos mountains.  Spend some time exploring the many rooms around the original courtyard that have been perfectly preserved.  The castle's parade ground is today a location for summer eve plays, musical and zarzuela (Spanish operetta) performances.  Frank Sinatra even made a film here once!

There are two castles here at the Oropesa Parador - separated by an immense wall that is crowned by a magnificent machicolated parapet and an awesome tower. The "Old Castle" was built in the 14th century as a sort of sentry that guarded the main road from Extremadura to the Meseta.  Much of it was torn down to provide stones for the Mudejar-styled "New Castle" in the 15th century.

At one time the castle complex was controlled by Don Francisco de Toledo - Duke of Alba, and the Viceroy of Peru (he founded the city of Cochabamba in Peru).  He and later lords added an extended set of palatial rooms and quarters to create finally what you see today.

The bedrooms here are large and spacious with simple Castilian styled, dark wood furniture.  The bathrooms have marble floors and counters.  All rooms have good views - either to the castle tower, the Gredos plains, or the Gredos peaks.

Be sure and dine in the exceptional restaurant at the Parador.  There are fine views from any table in the restaurant, but try to get a table against the glass wall on the north side - you will feel as if you are flying!  The view is panoramic and absolutely stunning. 

your room :

Parador Guadalupe

Guadalupe is the home of the Virgin of Guadalupe - both the revered statue of the Blessed Mother - and of the still-living legend of how she came to be there. The Real Monasterio de Santa Maria de Guadalupe is well worth a visit.  Take the guided tour  - they run every hour or so.  If you are out from the Parador Guadalupe (official name is Parador Zurbaran) in the early morning,  go sit on the stone benches near the front steps of the monastery - you may be lucky enough to hear the monks doing their Gregorian chant off in some far, cloistered chamber. 

Once a primary pilgrimage destination and known as the "Spanish Vatican," Guadalupe is now a town slumbering, simple and sweet, in its own peaceful backwater of nearly forgotten memories.

This is a place for resting and contemplation - and leisurely strolls through the narrow streets that radiate out from the central plaza in front of the grand monastery - and an evening bottle of wine while sitting at an outdoor cafe table on the monastery plaza.

The Parador Guadalupe is very nice - with wonderful views over to the monastery.  Wander down into the Parador's gardens and orchard.  Sit out on your private balcony near dusk and you'll be fascinated by the swooping, high-speed play of the hundreds of swallows that come out to feed.

      

 

Madrid

The 4-star hotel below is a historic registered building in Madrid and has been refurbished in very fine style. It is located on a quiet square, and is right across from the Convento de las Descalzas Reales - one of Madrid's significant architectural monuments.  A few blocks away is the Royal Palace.  This is one of Madrid's little known gems.

 

 

The 5-night rate of $1,839 to $2,143 (varying by which "luxury rooms" are chosen) includes;

- Two mornings of breakfast and newspaper in your room at your "luxury choice" Parador -
  either Caceres or Oropesa.
- Bottle of champagne and fruit basket in your room - 2 days at your luxury choice Parador.
- Dinner for two - two nights at your luxury choice Parador.
- Superior double at your other Paradors, and a standard double in Madrid.
- All taxes