white-washed villages of Andalucia
FLY-DRIVE 6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS
Begin your tour of Andalucía ’ s Pueblos Blancos in Vejer de la Frontera , a former Phoenician fortress . Acquaint yourself with the Moorish influences that pervade this white-washed town before moving on to Jerez , the home of sherry . Spend a day sampling the three key aspects of the town ’ s culture : horse-riding , Flamenco , and sherry and brandy . After two nights in Jerez , move on to Ronda , a picturesque town known for the hue of its buildings situated on the formidable edge of the El Tajo gorge .
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Begin this touring holiday with your arrival in Málaga . Collect your hire car and drive southwest along the coast to Gibraltar , and then inland to Hotel V … in Vejer de la Frontera . This intimate boutique hotel is housed in a renovated 17th Century building with original stone pillars and a chic rooftop terrace , set at the highest point of the town .
DAY TWO
Spend your second day in Spain exploring Vejer de la Frontera , once a fortress town belonging to the Phoenicians . The white-washed houses and narrow winding streets , encircled by what remains of the original town wall , epitomise the town ’ s Moorish appearance . Take in the laid-back lifestyle beside the beautiful fountain on the Plaza de España , or dine in a local restaurant to sample some of the excellent food and wine . From the highest point , the Moroccan Coast can be seen on a clear day .
DAY THREE
Less than an hour north of Vejer de la Frontera is Jerez , a town famed for its sherry , horses , and Flamenco . The Villa Jerez , your host for the next two nights , is an exclusive stately hotel with the air of a private residence .
DAY FOUR
On your full day in Jerez , venture into the town centre , where most of the internationally-renowned bodegas can be found . Many of these wineries offer guided tours on weekdays , followed by
Vejer
Flamenco close to the Royal Andalucían School of Equestrian Art , which hosts classical performances that ooze Spanish culture .
DAY FIVE
A drive of one and a half hour ’ s East will bring you to Ronda , a spectacular mountaintop town set above the deep , rugged El Tajo gorge . Your final two nights will be spent at the Parador de Ronda , the former Town Hall , which looks over a near-vertical drop at the edge of the town beside the Puente Nuevo . This excellent position means that the dining terraces and bedrooms afford sensational views .
DAY SIX
Ronda , as well as being a site of spectacular natural beauty and a valuable example of traditional southern Spanish architecture , is the original home of bullfighting . The Plaza de Toros , once the town ’ s bullring , is now a bullfighting museum . The cloistered 16th century Iglesia y Convento la Merced has been converted into an art museum , combining historical charm with Spanish artistic heritage . Also of interest are the shady and serene Moorish water gardens at the Palacio Mondragón , and the treelined Plaza Duquesa de Parcent .
DAY SEVEN
After one last night at the Parador de Ronda , drive East back to Málaga on the coast of the Alboran Sea . Return your hire car and catch your flight back to London .
PRICES Prices from £ 1,220 per person based on two people sharing .
WHAT ’ S INCLUDED
• Scheduled return flights from London to Málaga ( or flights from other UK airports can be
arranged )
• 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 : 2 nights at Hotel V … in Vejer de la Frontera 2 nights at Villa Jerez in Jerez 2 nights at Parador de Ronda in Ronda
Spanish riding
tasting sessions . For further submersion into local culture , wander around the Flamenco Museum , or take a Flamenco class at the Andalucían Flamenco Foundation in the Palacio de Pemartín . Villa Jerez is
38 For expert advice call our travel consultants on 01392 441276