Our group of 48 left Javea on Friday morning and made our way to Guadix, arriving in the early afternoon for our check in to the 4* Hotel Palacio de Oñate, which was located in the historic quarter. The afternoon and evening were free for own sightseeing, and many of us set off to visit the historic centre, stopping first at the Guadix cathedral.
In Guadix you can also discover one of the largest groups of troglodyte (cave) houses in the world. There are about 2,000 cave-houses, in which approximately 3,000 people live. These very special houses have one thing in common: the temperature is around 18-20°C day and night and all year round. The Guadix Caves Visitor Centre Cave-museum enabled you to see the various rooms, and other cave houses were also open to visitors.
There were many other churches, with beautiful Beléns, and a tourist train to take you around; unfortunately the Guadix Alcazaba was closed for renovation.
The next morning was free for further sightseeing, so it was a good opportunity to follow La ruta Badlands de Guadix, an area of exceptional beauty which offers spectacular landscapes with the Gorafe desert, its rock formations and its cave houses. It is part of the UNESCO Geoparque de Granada. The landscape is similar to that of Cappadocia, particularly as a hot air balloon was flying over the area! It was a rather frosty start to the walk, but the views of the Sierra Nevada made it well worth while.
At mid-day we checked out of the hotel and made our way to Seville, boarding the MS La Belle de Cadix at 17.00 hrs. Our luggage was very quickly brought to our cabins whilst we sipped on our first glass of cava!
After breakfast the following morning we headed out to the Plaza de España in the Parque de María Luisa, built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.
We also visited the Ethnographic Museum which was situated in the grounds of the Parque de María Luisa.
and the Torre de Oro, which holds an interesting maritime museum.
After lunch on board, we set off on the guided tour of Seville, visiting the Alcazar, the Jewish Quarter and the Palacio de las Dueñas.
The Palacio de las Dueñas belongs to the House of Alba and was built in the late 15th century in the Renaissance style with Gothic and Moorish influences. It proved to be a very interesting palace, full of family possessions and memorabilia from the family’s interesting lives.
Some members in the group enjoyed a free day for their own sightseeing, and Jane and Mike made time for some churros and chocolate at the renowned Bar El Comercio. Opened in 1906, El Comercio is one of the oldest and most traditional bars in Seville, where famous figures from the world of culture, fine arts and bullfighting have passed through. Entering it is like taking a trip back in time, as the decor has hardly changed: marble tables, tiles from Jerez wine brands decorating the walls, and display cases full of old bottles.
Back on board, in the evening prior to dinner there was a cocktail presentation with the Captain and his crew, and the obligatory safety presentation.
The 29th December was also the birthday of one of our travellers, Nick Cole, who received a gift from Angela on behalf of the group, along with a special dessert made by the chef, carved out of fruit with a sparkling candle, and everyone in the dining room sang happy birthday to him.
It was an early breakfast and an 8 am departure for the 10 members who joined the full day excursion to Cordoba, but it was certainly worth the effort. We had an excellent guided tour, in perfect weather, and no-one could fail to be impressed by the beautiful Mosque/Cathedral.
Our guide then led us through the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, followed by lunch, and free time to further explore on our own.
There was plenty of time to have a walk along the river and to visit the Calahorra Tower, a fortress of Islamic origin built as an entrance and protection of the Roman Bridge of Córdoba, now housing a museum.
In the evening we stood on the top deck to watch our sail away from Seville.
In the morning we awoke to find ourselves docked in El Puerto de Santa Maria, where we had a tour and sherry tasting at the Osborne Bodega. Our guide was excellent, and she explained the history of the family, the different types of sherry, the importance of the barrel or cask, and the story behind the iconic image of the black silhouetted Osborne Bull in Spain.
We then boarded the coach for our tour of Cadiz, during which we visited the cathedral which was very large and rather austere.
The 31st December was a special day for Linda & Mike Smith, who were celebrating their wedding anniversary, and during lunch Angela presented them with a gift and the chef had prepared a special dessert, once again carved from fruit and with sparkling candles.
We took the opportunity as soon as the sun had set to walk back into Cadiz to take some photographs of the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations.
The special evening had arrived and we all enjoyed a gala dinner followed by music for dancing, with the Spanish 12 grapes at midnight, churros and chocolate, and the traditional (for the French) onion soup!
Fortunately we didn’t have to get up too early the next morning for the guided tour of Jerez de la Frontera, leaving at 10.00 hrs. After a panoramic tour in the coach, we had a 90 minute walking tour past the Alcazar and the cathedral, with free time to follow.
A lovely afternoon sailing back to Seville, with a final Captain’s gala dinner.
We left the MS Belle de la Cadix at 09.00 hrs the next morning, and made our way to Granada, where we checked into the 4* Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa, for 2 nights bed & breakfast accommodation, with a free afternoon for own sightseeing.
We headed first to the Monastery of San Jeronimo, with its lovely baroque church, and then to the Basilica of Saint John of God, which was incredibly ornate with mirrors, gold, silver and marble everywhere.
That evening, 31 members of the group travelled by minibus to watch the Flamenco Show at the Zambra Maria La Canastera.
On our second day in Granada some members enjoyed a free day, but a special mention must go to Jane and Mike, who had an amazing time walking the Caminito del Rey. This almost 8-kilometre route in the Malaga area was once considered one of the most dangerous in the world. Today the route has been fully restored and, although it is safer, there is one thing that has not changed: the unique experience of walking along walkways built in gorges at more than 100 metres high. The Caminito del Rey route is spectacular from start to finish, as it runs through gorges, canyons and a large valley and the views are unforgettable.
Many members of the group joined the optional visit to the Alhambra Palace, one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world. Additionally, the palace contains notable examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture.
Later in the afternoon we visited the Royal Chapel and its tombs and the immense cathedral, before walking through the Alcaicería, a market street in the historic heart of the city, located on the site of the former main bazaar.
Finally, we walked up the steep hill to get to the Saint Nicholas Church, and the Balcon de San Nicholas restaurant, where we watched the sun set and the lights come on over the Alhambra.
In the evening we ventured out to see the Christmas lights and the parade.
Our holiday finally at an end, on Saturday 4th January, we made our way back to Javea, stopping en route for an excellent menu del dia lunch at the Restaurant Miras, Totana.
I would like to thank all of the members on the tour for making it such a fun and very enjoyable trip! Photos by Angela, Jane & Mike, Maria and Sieglinde.
Report by the Spanish Culture & Cuisine group leader, Angela Chantry
spanish.culture.cuisine@u3ajavea.com
Our very extensive menu for the Gala Dinner on New Year’s Eve!
