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Timeless Northern Extremadura Discovery JourneyHomeland of the conquistadors
Two very different faces of northern Extremadura are brought together in this touring holiday, which mixes opportunities for excellent walking in varied landscapes with visits to acclaimed historic and ecological sites. Sitting on the southern plains are the ancient, honey-coloured towns of Trujillo and Cáceres, containing perfectly preserved noblemen’s houses and churches - a legacy of conquistador wealth. Just an hour away is the graceful monastery of Guadalupe, where Columbus brought many Native American slaves to be baptised, and beyond this the Monfragüe Natural Park, home to the Iberian lynx and an internationally important centre for bird life. With four nights at the parador in Trujillo - the converted convent of Santa Clara - and three nights at the parador of Jarandilla de la Vera, your accommodation is another wonderful highlight. Route: Trujillo (4 nights), Jarandilla de la Vera (3 nights) Starting point: Parador de Trujillo (4*), Trujillo. This impressive hotel has been converted from a 16th-century convent, which exudes a sense of peace and restfulness that is particularly evident in the two beautiful cloisters. The well-appointed bedrooms contain plenty of wood furnishings and the public rooms are large and airy. Day 1: Take time to soak up the town’s unique atmosphere. We include a privately guided tour, taking in the older Moorish architecture of the castle as well as later monumental architecture, ending with a wine and cheese tasting (nominal local charge of a couple of euros for the latter). The tour is with an English-speaking guide and lasts around two hours. Accommodation: Parador de Trujillo, as above. Day 2: Take your pick of three walking routes in the beautiful Monfragüe Natural Park. This scenic protected area covers an area of 17,000 hectares and runs along the banks of the River Tajo, enclosed by two mountain ranges. The first walk (16km) is a delightful route that begins in the abandoned village of Villareal de San Carlos and leads to the Castle of Monfragϋe. The second route (9km, 3hrs) again starts in Villareal de San Carlos but takes you to the spring of Fuente de los Tres Caños. There are some beautiful views of the river valley and you also pass some great areas for bird watching. The final route (8km/3hrs) explores an area of French lavender, strawberry trees and holm oaks. The latter two routes can be joined to make a figure-of-eight walk. Accommodation: Parador de Trujillo, as above. Day 3: Today you can enjoy whichever walk(s) you didn’t do on day 2. Alternatively you may wish to enjoy a short drive to the medieval walled city of Cáceres, renowned for its ancient churches and mansions, following our specially prepared trail, or visit nearby Guadalupe. Boasting a colossal monastery mixing Islamic and Gothic styles, this was where Columbus gained permission to embark on his Americas expedition, and is the namesake of many South American towns. The monastery is unusually large, given the size of the small village. To visit the monastery itself, you will need to join one of the official guided tours. These are in Spanish, but do at least allow you to see for yourself the impressive interior. Accommodation: Parador de Trujillo, as above. Accommodation: Parador Jarandilla de la Vera (4*), Jarandilla de la Vera. This spectacular parador is a former emperor’s palace with a tranquil courtyard shaded by palms. The hotel enjoys an impressive setting amid chestnut and oak forests. The turrets are the most outstanding feature, perfectly complementing the swimming pool, framed by olive and orange trees. Again, your first night’s dinner is included. Day 5: On your first day here, visit the well-preserved, medieval village of Garganta de la Olla followed by a scenic ridge walk overlooking the Jerte Valley, renowned for its cherry blossom displays in spring (particularly the last two weeks of March). Accommodation: Parador Jarandilla de la Vera, as above. Day 6: Today you could start from the monastery of Yuste (where Carlos V chose to retire), then take the relaxed ‘Emperor’s Route’ through the village of Cuacos de Yuste, winding your way among groves of fruit trees back to Jarandilla. Accommodation: Parador Jarandilla de la Vera, as above. For a 15-night journey: Combine this holiday with our Andalucia & Southern Extremadura holiday to give you a wonderful insight into the heart of Old Spain, revealing grand medieval and Renaissance architecture as well as stories of danger and conquest. Please call for prices. Prices & travel 2008:
*Included travel: 8 days' category A car hire (e.g. VW Polo Match 1.2a/c) > Notes on prices
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Trujillo
