Page 6 - Back Roads of Iberia: Spanish Paradores & Portuguese Pousadas

Uncover the legacy

of the Moors and ancient

Romans in Spain and Portugal ...

Évora, Portugal Ronda, Spain Úbeda, Spain
A small medieval town of varied historical Travelers to Ronda are understandably At the confluence of the Guadalquivir and
influences, Évora is brimming with charm: impressed by the remnants of Roman and Guadalimar rivers sits Úbeda, a former Arab
tangles of cobblestone streets, the Roman Moorish influence here, yet the town’s fortress city sometimes referred to as the
Temple of Diana, Gothic cathedrals, grand unique setting is its true claim to fame. “Florence of Andalusia.” The architecture
palaces, and a surrounding countryside Perched precariously over a nearly 300- here is renowned, including the charming
peppered with vineyards and olive groves. foot ravine known as El Tajo (“The Pit”), houses clustered among the cobbled lanes
We'll experience some of the city's highlights Ronda’s location allowed it to be one near Casco Antiguo (Old Town) as well as
during a tour in our small group of 8-16 of the last towns in Spain to fall to the grand Renaissance edifices like the Sacra
travelers. This walled town enjoys an Christians during the Reconquista. Today, Capilla del Salvador and the Palacio del
auspicious location on a hill overlooking visitors come to admire the 13th-century Condestable Dávalos. The town is a hotbed
the Alentejo plains, offering views that once Arab Baths, the bullring where modern of smaller-scale art forms as well, including
delighted Portuguese kings and even Vasco bullfighting was established. Our small some of the finest pottery to be found in
da Gama. In addition to its more quaint group will learn more about Spain's Spain. Úbeda is also known for its olive oil
attributes, Évora features a mysterious and bullfighting tradition during a visit to an production, which we'll get a glimpse of
macabre one: the Chapel of Bones, which authentic bull ranch. firsthand during a visit to a local mill where
features 5,000 skeletons affixed to the walls we'll sample extra virgin olive oil and meet
and ceiling. with the locals who produce it.

Cibeles Square, Madrid, Spain
Back Roads of Iberia: Spanish Paradores & Portuguese Pousadas

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