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Worldwide 2024-25

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Experiences

Visit Europe’s largest cathedral

One of the earliest Moorish conquests, Seville

is the capital of the Spanish region of Andalucía

and remnants of its fascinating history abound.

Be sure to visit the 16th-century, UNESCOlisted

cathedral, the largest in Europe and

Christopher Columbus’s burial place.

Tour the old city of Toledo

A short journey by high-speed train from

Madrid, Toledo’s medieval old town perches

on a hill above the Tajo River. The dominating

cathedral is a remarkable gothic structure

containing the tombs of kings,x and art by

El Greco, Velázquez and Goya.

Sample port at a wine estate

Port is named after Porto, from where bottles

of the fortified wine were first exported. It

became a prized tipple for the British when

conflict disrupted access to French wines in the

18th century. You can try authentic port at one

of Portugal’s quintas (traditional wine estates).

Parador de Granada,

Spain

Located in the grounds of Alhambra palace,

Parador de Granada occupies a former

Catholic convent – built in the 15th century

after Castilian forces captured the Emirate

of Granada. The property sits amid leafy

landscaped gardens, and incorporates

Arabic, Christian and Andalucían influences

in its design. The 40 bedrooms are elegantly

understated, with subtle arabesque motifs and

a muted palette. At the restaurant, you can

dine on Spanish cuisine alongside a special

menu that recreates dishes from Andalucía’s

Islamic period. There is also an attractive

courtyard peppered with potted plants and

climbers; and a terrace where you can dine

with views of the palace gardens.

Suggested itinerary

Paradors of Southern Spain

9 days & 8 nights

from £1,525 (incl. flights)

Category • Superior

Combining some of Spain’s great

monuments and staying in Paradors –

converted historic buildings – this self-drive

holiday delves into the heart of Spain with

visits to Granada, Toledo and Ronda.

Day 1: Fly to Madrid • Toledo

Fly to Madrid, pick up your hire car and drive

to Toledo. Stay 2 nights at Parador de Toledo

with views over the old town. (N)

Day 2: Toledo

Day at leisure to explore the sights of Spain’s

former capital. During the middle ages,

Toledo flourished as a city where Muslims,

Jews and Christians coexisted peacefully. (B)

Day 3: Jaen • Granada

Morning drive to Granada via Jaen, renowned

for its olive oil and medieval castle. Stay 2

nights at Parador de Granada, set within the

grounds of the Alhambra complex. (B)

Day 4: Granada

Full day at leisure to visit the Moorish

stronghold of Alhambra, the Arab-Jewish

quarter of Albaicín and the Generalife

gardens. (B)

Day 5: Ronda

Morning drive to Ronda, dramatically set

beside a mountain gorge. Overnight at

Parador de Ronda, overlooking the gorge. (B)

Day 6: Ronda • Carmona

Morning at leisure to relax or visit the

bullring and its museum. Afternoon drive to

Carmona. Stay 2 nights at the Parador de

Carmona, set in a Moorish fortress. (B)

Day 7: Carmona

Day at leisure to explore this picturesque

hilltop town. Alternatively, visit Seville,

approximately 40 minutes by car. (B)

Day 8: Zafra • Mérida

Morning drive to Mérida via the town of

Zafra, known as ‘Little Seville’. Afternoon

at leisure to explore Mérida, famed for

its Roman ruins. Overnight at Parador de

Mérida, set in a former convent. (B)

Day 9: Madrid • Fly home

Drive to Madrid airport and drop off your

hire car. Fly home. (B)

Tailored travel

Contact our experts

020 3411 2135

CoxandKings.co.uk/make-an-enquiry

For more information or to book, contact us on 020 3411 2135 or speak to your travel agent

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