Routes
Legacy Routes through other cultures | 7 nights
Penetrate Al-Andalus history and culture. This route invites you to enjoy the artisan products, cuisine, popular festivals and customs of the towns and villages linked to the Andalusí civilisation.
The route includes the following Paradores:
Málaga Gibralfaro: First day
Málaga is the start of the 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, 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.
Ronda: Second day
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 (plaza de toros), 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.
Antequera: Third and fourth days
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.
Carmona: Fifth day
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 Alcázar 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.
Córdoba: Sixth and seventh days
Córdoba 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, Bullfighting Museum (Museo Taurino) and Fine Arts Museum. Wandering through the lovely streets of Córdoba 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.
Rates
Route with bed and breakfast (full route price. VAT included):
Per person in standard double room: 485 euros.
Per child in extra bed (children up to 12): 70 euros.
Per adult in extra bed: 485 euros.
Double room for single occupancy: 944 euros.
Route with half board (full route price. VAT included):
Per person in standard double room: 688 euros.
Per child in extra bed (children up to 12): 175 euros.
Per adult in extra bed: 688 euros.
Double room for single occupancy: 1.147 euros.
The route includes:
Seven nights’ stay in a standard double room with the meal option of your choice (Bed and Breakfast or Half Board)
The route does not include:
Transport, which is the responsibility of the guest(s)
Tours or tickets to monuments or places of interest (details provided for informational purposes only)
Terms and Conditions
General Terms and Conditions
The route begins on Sunday and ends on Sunday.
Neither the dates of your stay, nor the hotels, may be altered or changed during the route.
This route is valid for visits starting January 2-July 10 (inclusive) and August 21-December 18, 2011 (inclusive). Except visits starting February 27, March 13 and 20, April 10 and 17, May 1-29, September 11 and 18, October 9-23 and December 4, 2011.
This route and rates are not valid for groups.
The client must carry a valued voucher up to the total amount of the Route indicating the name of the Route. This voucher will be given to the first Parador of the Route.
Cancellations
Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the date of arrival will be subject to a cancellation fee equal to the cost of the first night’s stay on the route.
Cancellations made during the course of the route will not be entitled to any refund of the price paid.
No-shows: Failure to keep your reservation on the first day of the route will result in cancellation of the entire route, and will be subject to a cancellation fee equal to the cost of the first night’s stay.
Once the route has begun, failure to keep your reservation at any Parador without giving prior notice will result in automatic cancellation of the reservation at that Parador, as well as at the remaining Paradors on the route.