Spain’s Paradors

Costa de la Luz Route

departs Sundays

• Return flights between UK and Malaga
• 4 days car hire
• 3 nights staying in Parador accommodation on a B&B basis (HB available on request)

First Night: Parador de Cadiz

The Parador de Cádiz is the ideal place to kick back and enjoy a little modern luxury while it is also perfectly located for those wishing to explore the historic centre of Cadiz: the narrow streets of the old-town are just a few minutes’ walk away.

Second Night: Parador de Mazagon

The Parador de Mazagón is surrounded by pine trees and extensive gardens, and steps lead down dramatic cliffs to a glorious beach of golden sand beneath. Its remoteness is a major attraction, and this stretch of coastline – sandy beaches and pine trees as far as you can see – is not marred by mass tourism developments at all.

Third Night: Parador de Ayamonte

Set high on a hill above the seaside frontier town of Ayamonte, with magnificent views across the River Guadiana to Portugal and out towards the Atlantic, the Parador de Ayamonte has everything you could need for a quiet, relaxing break.

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

Pyrenees - Monserrat & Aran Valley Route

departs Sunday on selected dates

Includes:

• Return flights between UK and Barcelona
• 8 days car hire
• 7 nights staying in Parador accommodation on a B&B basis (HB available on request)

First & Second night: Parador Vic-Sau

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Guillerias Mountains with the Sau reservoir below it, the Parador de Vic-Sau, built in a traditional style of a stone mansion, is in one of the most beautiful and tranquil locations in Catalonia, yet it is only 80 km from buzzing Barcelona.

Third night: Parador Cardona

Parador de Cardona is a 14th-century medieval castle perched high above the town, surrounded by 9th-century fortified walls which also contain an 11-century church and an 11th-century tower. Viewable from afar as you approach the town, this is a picture-postcard castle with a great deal of atmosphere and charm. Striking colours are often used in the interior decoration of the public areas, many of these being genuine colours of the original era of the castle, often extracted from local vegetation and mining. Vaulted ceilings, wood beams, numerous archways and exposed stonework are all key features of Cardona’s Parador, carefully restored and maintained for your interest.

Fourth & Fifth night: Parador de La Seu

Forests, rivers, mountains and breathtaking scenery full of great natural beauty await you. In Seu you can explore Santa Maria d’Urgell Cathedral and the Diocesan Museum. Another must-see is Canonges Street, with its arcades and shops. The Segre Olympic Park in Seu is just the place for sports and recreation, offering sports such as pirogue canoeing and rafting in facilities which were used for the 1992 Olympic Games, and which are still vibrant and busy today. The Cadi-Moixero Nature Reserve offers unsurpassed beauty, allowing you to discover this region’s natural resources on foot.

Sixth & Seventh night: Parador de Vielha

Along our journey from Seu to Vielha you will discover the beauty of the Pyrenees. In the Arán Valley, we recommend the Romanesque Route, allowing you to explore such places as Bossòst, with its Era Mair de Diu dera Purificaciòn Church; Salardú, with Sant Andrèu Church; and Arties, with Santa Maria Church. Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurice National Park is incredibly beautiful and majestic, offering you the immense beauty of nature any season of the year. Another must is the spa at the Parador itself, allowing you even more rest and relaxation during your trip.

- All rutas start on Sunday only

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

Legacy of Al Andalus

departs Sunday on selected dates

Includes:

• Return flights between UK and Malaga
• 8 days car hire
• 7 nights staying in Parador accommodation on a BB basis

First Night: Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro

Málaga is the start of the Route of the Legacy of Al-Ándalus, and its Alcazaba (citadel) is a perfect example of this heritage. Construction on this palace for the Nazarid kings started in the 11th century, and today it houses the Provincial Archeological Museum, which contains interesting pieces from the Paleolithic and other ancient Mediterranean cultures. Its lovely peaceful gardens feature many fountains and are worth a visit. After a tour of the Alcazaba, you can visit the ruins of the nearby Roman theatre. There is also 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, plus the Fine Arts Museum and the Picasso Museum.

Second Night: Parador de Ronda

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 occupation in the Molinos Gate, the church of Santa María la Mayor, the minaret of San Sebastián and the House of the Giant (Casa del Gigante). Ronda is also home to what many consider to be one of the world’s most beautiful bullrings (plaza de toros). Between Ronda and Arcos lies the collection of the so-called White Villages (Pueblos Blancos), which the Almoravids conquered prior to setting their sights on Granada.

Third and Fourth Nights: Parador de Antequera

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.

Fifth Night: Parador de Carmona

Located in the meadows that run alongside the Carbones River, Carmona is noteworthy for its monuments and relics 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 of the old quarter, dominated by the imposing Arab fortress, the Alcázar of King Don Pedro. The town’s location, just a few short kilometers from Seville, or Ishbilya, allows visitors trips into this beautiful city. Highlights include the Royal Palace/Fortress (Real Alcazar), constructed 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.

Sixth and Seventh Nights: Parador de Cordoba

Córdoba was the realization of the vision of the Caliph Muslim leaders, as capital of the Omeya Caliphate and centre of learning in the Muslim West during this period. In the city and its surrounding area we can see evidence of this culture in monuments and sites such as the mosque/cathedral and Medina Azahara. Also of interest 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 winding streets of Córdoba is a pleasure for all the senses.

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.