touring
FROM MADRID TO ANDALUCÍA , PAST WINDMILLS AND VINEYARDS Fly-drive 7 nights / 8 days
Experience the majestic history of Central Spain before travelling down to Andalucía and staying amongst the famous white-washed houses , witnessing the marks left by a multitude of vibrant cultures as you go . Trace the influences of Moorish , Mudéjar , and Jewish design , visit the white windmills featured in the iconic work of Miguel de Cervantes , and sample some of La Mancha ’ s finest wines in the region ’ s capital . The four hotels on this seven-night touring holiday together blend Spain ’ s rich history and phenomenal views with chic elegance and a contemporary attention to detail .
SUGGESTED TOURING ITINERARY
DAYS ONE AND TWO
Fly into Madrid , collect your hire car , and drive south to Toledo for one night at the Parador de Toledo . Spend a few hours walking around the eclectic City of Three Cultures , built into a meander of the River Tajo . Visit the 13th Century Gothic cathedral to see the 88 interior columns and spectacular stained glass , or visit the Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz for its traditionally Arabic keyhole archways . The Iglesia de Santiago del Arrabal is a prime example of Mudéjar architecture , so prevalent in the region .
DAY THREE
Leave the magnificent hilltop aspect of the Parador behind , before driving down into Andalucía and seeking out the Puerta de la Luna in Baeza , where you will spend three nights . Stop off in Consuegra and Campo de Criptana to see the famous white windmills of Miguel de Cervantes ’ Don Quixote .
DAYS FOUR AND FIVE
The white-washed houses of Baeza stand on a promontory which rises out of the Jaén landscape of olive trees . The town has an impressive legacy of Renaissance architecture , unusual for southern Spain , and offers excellent Mediterranean cuisine . Use these two full days to explore Baeza at a leisurely pace , taking in the cathedral , built in 1567 , the Isabelline style of the Palacio de Jabalquinto , and perhaps venturing further out into the Jaén province ’ s olive groves to taste some of the local olive oil . Dine in the evening in the intimate courtyard of your hotel .
DAY SIX
From Baeza , drive on to Córdoba , where you will stay for two nights at Las Casas de la Juderia . This hotel , though unassuming from the front , epitomises the heritage of Córdoba . Traditional Moorish keyhole archways break up the lounge and dark wood beams adorn the bedrooms . Tiled courtyards are built around fountains , and yellow-ochre walls and columns finish off the historic atmosphere .
DAY SEVEN
Spend today soaking up the Córdoban charm . Visit the Mezquita de Córdoba , a mediaeval mosque turned Catholic cathedral , characterised by its red and white striped pillars , though the most intriguing and enchanting part of the town might be the Jewish quarter , with its lively narrow streets , cobbled roads , and quaint cafes and bars . From amidst the city streets rise the pillars of ancient Roman temples .
Windmills of La Mancha
DAY EIGHT
On your final day , drive south to Granada for your return flight to London , perhaps leaving time for a few hours in the city . Or add on extra days here .
PRICES Prices from £ 1,340 per person based on two people sharing .
WHAT ’ S INCLUDED
• Scheduled flights with British Airways from London to Madrid , and Granada to London
• Type C hire-car for duration of holiday
• Accommodation with bed and breakfast at the following hotels , based on two people sharing a standard double room : Two nights at the Parador de Toledo in Toledo Three nights at the Puerta de la Luna in Baeza Two nights at Las Casas de la Juderia in Córdoba
Toledo
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