Andalusian Luxury

9 days from $2362 air-inclusive                    

Email us: travel@castles.org to receive a brochure

Experience the ambience of sun-splashed landscapes and exquisite architecture in Spain.

Day 1 (Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 Arrival in Madrid, Spain. (Sun.) Time to rest or to start exploring the Spanish capital. At 6 p.m. meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink hosted by your tour director.

Day 3 Madrid-AVE-Seville-Carmona. (Mon.) Your orientation drive this morning shows you many of Madrid’s famous landmarks such as the Puerta del Sol, Plaza España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala and Paseo de Castellana. Later watch the countryside unfurl as your high-speed AVE train whisks you to Andalusia’s capital, Seville. A short drive brings you to the picturesque little town of Carmona, located on a low hill overlooking a fertile plain. An important city in Roman times, at the entrance to the town is the Puerto de Sevilla, a once grand fortified gateway. Your home for the next five nights is the Parador de Carmona. Built out of what was formerly Pedro’s Palace, it dominates the ridge of the town. (FB,L,D)

Day 4 Carmona. Excursion to Seville. (Tue.) Listen to your local expert’s account of the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712, its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire MARIA LUISA PARK. Drive to the Plaza de España, the Gold Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the fine baroque building which is now the university but used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Visit the CATHEDRAL with Columbus’ tomb, the world’s largest Gothic edifice. Finally stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming Santa Cruz Quarter. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please; your tour director will help with suggestions. For a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (FB,L)

Day 5 Carmona. Excursion to Cordoba. (Wed.) First stop this morning is at the archaeological site of MADINAT AZ-ZAHARA, "City of the Flower," a city which existed for a mere 65 years. Then continue to Cordoba, a maze of narrow streets, alleyways and flower-filled patios. See the Alcazar, the Roman Bridge and the medieval Old Jewish Quarter. Tour the magnificent 8th-century "MEZQUITA," a unique mosque-cathedral. Time for exploring on your own before returning to Carmona where dinner is included at your palace. What was the refectory is now the dining room, where you can enjoy specialties such as cortuja de perdiz (partridge with vegetables). (FB,D)

Day 6 Carmona. Optional Full-Day Excursion To Ronda. (Thu.) Day at leisure to catch up on your postcards, stroll through the narrow streets of Carmona or just laze around the pool. You might like to join an optional excursion to the spectacular town of Ronda, perched dramatically over Tajo Gorge and home to modern bullfighting. (FB,D)

Day 7 Carmona. Excursion To Jerez. (Fri.) A leisurely drive brings us to Jerez, famous for its sherry wines and the magnificent Andalusian horses, from whom the Lippizaners of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna are direct descendants. Visit a SHERRY BODEGA, then go "back-stage" at the ROYAL ANDALUSIAN SCHOOL OF EQUESTRIAN ART to see some of the 60 stables and a wonderful tack room with harnesses and tack, some of it dating back to the 18th century. Time to relax before enjoying dinner at your palace tonight. (FB,D)

Day 8 Carmona-Seville-AVE-Madrid. (Sat.) This morning your AVE train speeds you back to the capital. Upon arrival enjoy a highlight visit to the PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless treasures. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy as you please. (FB,L)

Day 9 (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

The Parador de Carmona

Pedro I hired the same artists that built the Alcazar of Seville to construct his palace in Carmona in the 14th century. Partially destroyed by earthquakes in 1504 and 1755, some of the palace was reconstructed and is now your accommodation. It’s an outstanding example of Moorish art; its courtyard, Mudejar Fountain, Salon Cupulin and terrace offer panoramic views of the River Corbones. The bedrooms are spacious, bright and in exquisite taste thanks to the classic decoration that, along with Sevillian tiles, enhances this Arabic fortress. The terrace resembles a watchtower with the corresponding battlements. Amenities include a swimming pool.

Meals: Welcome drink, 7 full buffet breakfasts (FB), 3 lunches including a picnic (L), 4 dinners (D)

*Airfares are based in departures from New York.

Departures/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at time of booking.

Single room supplement: $ 312

Triples not available