Honeymoon special - Madrid Area
Your two "luxury nights" can be in either Parador Chinchon, or Parador Oropesa.
Chinchon
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Chinchon is a little-known gem
of a town. The laid-back atmosphere of the unique main plaza conjures
up images of what Spain must have been like a hundred years ago. This
Plaza Mayor (seen to the left) is circular in form and doubles as a bullring
during feria every year.
Chinchon is also famous for its anise liqueur which you can purchase at any of the little market nooks around the plaza. The Parador Chinchon is perfect for the traveler who wants to relax in tranquility. This Parador is a converted 17th century Augustinian Convent that is situated a few yards from the Plaza Mayor in the heart of the old quarter. It has beautiful private gardens and an original cloister that contribute to it's ambience of peace and quiet. |
your room :
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 Toledo
The Parador of Toledo (official name is Parador Conde De Orgaz) is set on a remarkable site, the "Hill of the Emperor," that has unmatched views out over the city below. From the Parador's terrace restaurant and from many of the rooms, there can be had a panoramic view of the city spread out below. One can see how the grand old city of Toledo is like an island - almost completely encircled by the Tajo river. This has restricted its growth, and for this reason, there is a high concentration of fascinating, centuries-old buildings all within walking distance of one another.
The Toledo Parador building was originally built by the Count of Toledo in the 14th century and is completely Toledan in character. The restaurant serves as a school for the chefs of the other Paradors, and the meals are nothing short of spectacular.
The official name of the Toledo Parador is the "Parador Conde de Orgaz" comes from the famous painting by El Greco - an adopted son of Toledo - titled "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz."
Toledo - the Imperial city - the "city of three cultures." For many, Toledo mesmerizes - it exudes a strangely powerful attraction - dark, claustrophobic and profound. It was the seat of the Spanish Inquisition, the home of the brilliantly disturbed El Greco, and the scene of both vicious and heroic events during the Spanish civil war.Dignified Toledo, once the capital of Spain, is full of splendor and endless surprises for the traveler. It is architecturally and culturally fascinating like few other cities could be. To look at Toledo from afar, is to be beguiled and astonished.
Interesting excursions from Parador Toledo:
- Don't miss perhaps the grandest Gothic Cathedral in Europe.
- The Hospital de Tavera is a Greco-Roman palace that now displays many priceless works by various masters; El Greco, Titian, Ribera and others.
- El Greco museum is a must see for avid art aficionados.
- The Alcazar is ancient Moorish fortress that played a huge part in the Spanish Civil War.
- The 16th century Renaissance hospice today called the Santa Cruz Museum is well worth a visit.
- There are two interesting synagogues founded in the 12th and 14th centuries - today museums - that deserve a visit.
Interesting day trips from the Toledo Parador include:- Driving over to Aranjuez and visiting the Royal gardens.
- Talavera de la Reina is famous for the beautiful tiles "azuelos" that have been produced there ror centuries.
- Madrid itself is within easy driving distance of Toledo.
Toledo really is one of the "must see" cities of Spain. It is a historical treasure, and even though it can get very crowded with other tourists, it is well worth a long visit - and when you visit, there is no finer place to stay than the Parador Toledo.
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 $2,465 includes;
- Two mornings of breakfast and newspaper in your room at your "luxury choice" Parador -
either Chinchon 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
