Gems of Andalucia.

From the room of a very comfortable 4 star hotel which simply oozes charm, imagine watching as the sun sets over the olive grooves. Literally thousand of olive trees stretching  down the mountainside to the small sleepy village of Rio Frio. So called because the village sits on the source of the River Frio. A deceptively peaceful location. Because from here we are able to quickly join the motorway system which over the next 8 days is going to carry us to experience the many wonders of the splendidly “Different” region of Andalucia, which when it fell to the Christian monarchs, heralded the end of a glorious period of Spanish history. From the moment the alliance of Arabic African tribes swept through Gibraltar in the year 712 until the final fall of Granada in 1492, it was clear that this 800 year long domination of the Iberian peninsula by these exciting people was going to make Spain forever different to other European countries. No area in Spain in modern times bears the mark of these remarkably, skilled warriors, academics, artists, medics and philosophers more than Andalucia.

In no time at all you will be transported from the long golden sandy beaches of the costa del sol to the snow capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. In the Alpujarra region, sparkling rivers flow down the mountainside to the green fields of the valleys below. Trees of all descriptions, both broad leafed and pine adorn the mountainside. Small white painted villages sprinkle the landscape. Hand made pottery, carpets, leather and metal goods displayed by the roadside and in the villages testify to the retention of skills, long since lost in more developed areas of  Europe. A delightfully warm and friendly people, with the large brown eyes, olive skin, and jet black hair of their ancestors wait to greet you. On the Costa del Sol visit the delightful little town of Nerja, colourfully described as the “Balcony of Europe”. The awe inspiring caves of “Nerja”, with an almost sacred beauty reminiscent of a cathedral, just has to be visited.

From the gardens surrounding the caves you can gaze across the sparkling blue hues of the sun drenched Mediterranean. Another day takes us to the oldest bullring in Spain at the mountain town of Ronda. A most unusual town which sits on both sides of a mighty gorge. An attractive town square, a range of interesting shops, numerous historical buildings, and the most fabulous views make this visit another must when in Andalucia.

 Another day spent partly in the town of  Antequera and partly in the surrounding area, gives us a feel of the real day to day lifestyle of the people of this area. Bars, restaurants, shops and hotels sit cheek by jowl with castle, museums, churches , convents and other historical buildings. Then a short drive out the town  takes us to an area of great wonder. A national park

area full of strangely shaped rocks stretches are far as the eye can see. Amongst the rocks live deer, foxes, rabbits, wild boar, hawks, buzzards, golden eagles and a host of other wild life. Next day we are of to Jerez. The home of Sherry. A lively bustling commercial centre is complemented by the historical town with Cathedral, and Alcazar. A visit to a sherry bodega ads a little bit of a buzz tour our day. Then there is lovely Cordoba. Sitting on the banks of the river Guadalquivir. This town is home to one of the most famous buildings in the world, the Mezquita. Originally, this combines the flowing arab building sytle of a mosque  with the heavily ornate work of a medieval cathedral. Also to be seen here is the Acazar with lovely gardens and the world renowned flower filled patios.   On another day we visit probably the most  famous troglodyte village in Spain.. In the town of Guadix 7,000 cave dwellers live on the outskirts of a modern thriving city with its own 18^th Century cathedral. Locals invite you to have a look in their house. (Don`t forget the tip jar when you leave.) A drink in a tree lined local cave bar adds a special touch to the visit. It is impossible in a few words to describe the great diversity and total magic of this superb part of Spain. 

The 8 day “Gems of Andalucia” includes visits to all the places described. The hotel, carefully chosen for charm, location and comfort, adds to the value of this particularly exciting excursion.