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Andalucia & Southern Extremadura Discovery JourneyIn the footsteps of Columbus & Cortés
This extraordinary journey combines relaxed walking routes with visits to historic towns, and takes in many of the cultural influences which helped to shape this enchanting landscape. Beginning in the Andalucian port of Huelva, at the very site where Columbus set sail for the New World, you gradually travel north, taking in some memorable walking routes in the little-known Sierra de Aracena - a real gem with rich gastronomic traditions. On entering Extremadura and reaching the town of Zafra, you uncover echoes of turbulent events spanning five centuries: the expulsion of the Moors, the growth of a noble family and the loss of Spain’s Jewish community. Finally you reach Seville, treasury for Spain’s American gold and architectural symbol of her imperial era. Route: Huelva (2 nights), Alájar (2 nights), Zafra (2 nights), Seville (2 nights) Starting point: Parador de Mazagón (4*), Huelva. Perfectly located in the Doñana Nature Reserve, the hotel is surrounded by a pine wood, facing the ocean and set on the edge of Mazagón Beach. Heated swimming pools, a gym, sauna, jacuzzi and splendid gardens are among the Parador’s finest features, as is the great character of the building. The bedrooms are decorated with excellent attention to detail and boast their own terrace with beautiful panoramic views. Day 1: Use our detailed notes to visit and learn about the site of Columbus’ embarkation. We include entry to two of the most fascinating sites here. The first, La Rábida Monastery, is where Columbus repeatedly sought royal patronage. The second, Las Carabelas Museum (closed Mondays), features recreations of a Spanish medieval town with its market and tavern, plus three life-size replicas of ships from Columbus' fleet. A fascinating exhibition brings several of the most prominent conquistadors to life, and features personal accounts from sailors from the Middle Ages. Accommodation: Parador de Mazagón, as above. Day 2: Head through the cork woods of the Sierra de Aracena on your 80-mile drive to the lively village of Alájar, where we provide notes for a choice of afternoon walks. The first (9.5km, 3.5hrs) is the more strenuous of the two, but rewards your ascent with a grand bird’s-eye view of the town and the Sierra beyond. The more gentle option (6km, 2hrs) is a pretty walk, descending southwards from Alájar to reach glorious wooded slopes and the banks of the Antezuela. You continue through the cultivated upper reaches of the valley, passing points offering great views of the Sierra. Accommodation: Posada de Alájar (rural inn), Alájar. This is a comfortable old village house where your charming hosts Lucy and Ángel prepare you dinners and breakfasts of delicious local delicacies. Day 3: The suggested walking route for today (9.5km, 3hrs) takes you to the local hermitage and traces a circuit through the high chestnut-wooded sierra. Accommodation: Posada de Alájar, as above. Day 4: A short 55-mile drive from Alájar takes you to Zafra. Sample the town’s historic gems: arcaded squares, half-Gothic, half-Islamic architecture, grand noblemen’s houses and rich ecclesiastical interiors. Accommodation: Parador de Zafra (4*), Zafra. The handsome Parador is a former palace of the Dukes of Feria with a beautiful Renaissance-style courtyard. It is where Cortés was received by the Duke of Feria en route for his discovery of Mexico. The façade, with its impressive nine towers, hides the grand interior and original architecture which has been largely retained. The bedrooms are elegant in style and spacious. Dinner is included on the first night. Day 5: Today brings a choice of walking routes from Zafra, or the chance to visit Jerez de los Caballeros with its three ornately decorated churches and Knights Templar castle. The first route (6km, 2hrs) is a very picturesque walk, following the rocky Sierra on old mule track to the intact ruins of a Moorish castle. The Zafra town trail offers the chance to see prehistoric and Bronze Age archaeological sites. The third circuit (up to 15km, 5hrs) is a good hill walk which skirts both sides of a ridge with great views. You have the chance to detour to Feria, a traditional village well worth a visit. If you choose instead to visit Jerez de los Caballeros, we suggest a scenic 72-mile drive which links this historical centre to two others – Burgillos del Cerro and Barracotta – to offer a spectacular range of scenery and historic interest including the birthplace of Hernando de Soto. Accommodation: Parador de Zafra, as above. Accommodation: Hotel Rey de Baeza (4*), Seville. Located on a square lined with monasteries and churches, this 4-star hotel makes a pleasant retreat just outside the main tourist area, yet is still within easy walking distance of the cathedral. Inside, there is a feeling of quiet intimacy, with lots of small courtyards and open galleries off which are the 41 bedrooms. These are decorated in a modern, minimalist style, and are pleasantly cool in the summer. Relax in the courtyard garden. Day 7: Enjoy another day in Seville with its many sights and explore the places of interest at your leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Rey de Baeza, as above. For a 15-night journey: Combine this holiday with our Northern 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:
> Notes on prices
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Jerez de los Caballeros
