A three-day trip to Jorquera and Alcalá del Jucar
Wednesday 26th – Friday 28th April 2023
Sorry! this trip proved to ve very popular and is currently full; names will be taken for a reserve list in case of cancellations.
“Two of the most spectacular towns in Spain”
Jorquera is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the area, located on a meander of the Júcar River. Alcalá del Júcar was declared an Historic-Artistic Site in 1982 and has recently been in the ranking of the 10 most beautiful towns in Spain due to its geographical location and picturesque charm.
DAY 1 Wednesday 26th April: JAVEA / ALBAIDA (80 km) / JORQUERA (152 km)
08.45 hrs: Departure from Golden Star Apartments, Calle Bruselas, Jávea Arenal.
09.00 hrs: 2nd departure from Interiors, Jávea port. A further pickup at Mas y Mas on the N332 if required.
10.30 hrs: Arrival in Albaida and free time for refreshments.
11.30 hrs: Self-guided visit to the Palace dels Milà y Aragó and the Museo Internacional de Títeres.
The palace is in the Plaza Major and is made up of three towers built in 3 phases between 1471 and 1610 on 13th-century walls. The halls of the palace are decorated with baroque paintings made by Bertomeu Albert in the 17th century. Highlights include the Throne and Music room, the Christ room, the white room and the Marquis’ bedroom.
The museum, housed in the Palacio de los Milà i Aragó, is home to a collection of 426 puppets from around the world; many of the pieces speak of the artistry and culture of the country they are from. Opened in 1997, the museum is the only one of its kind in Spain. On the first floor, there is a video explaining the techniques used to bring puppets to life, alongside a collection of some of the most historic pieces in the museum, coming from countries like Nigeria, Turkey, Pakistan, Romania, and England. The collection from Java is a highlight as the puppets have been listed Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. On the second floor, you can see more puppets, organised chronologically and by topic, with rooms dedicated to puppets used in theatre, film, and TV.
Attached to the palace is the Porta de la Vila, a semi-circular arch built in 1460, which closed the access to the Clos de la Vila.
13.00 hrs: Free time for refreshments.
14.15 hrs: Re-board our coach and travel to Jorquera.
16.30 hrs: Check in to the new 4* Hotel Spa Mirador (2 nights’ half-board accommodation).
Free time to have a wander around Jorquera and perhaps visit the ruins of the old castle and walls (15 mins. walk from the hotel).
20.00 hrs – 22.30 hrs: Dinner in the hotel restaurant – a la carte menu per person with red/white/rose wine and water included.
22.30 hrs – 01.00 hrs: live music in the hotel (with pay bar available).
DAY 2 Thursday 27th April: Jorquera / Alcalá del Júcar (18 km)
08.00 hrs – 10.00 hrs: Breakfast buffet.
10.00 hrs – 10.45 hrs: Board the tourist train at the hotel and see several viewpoints between Jorquera and Alcalá del Júcar. The tourist train is the most comfortable way to get to know Alcalá del Júcar, enabling visitors to enjoy the surroundings.
11.00 hrs – 12.00 hrs: The tourist train continues to La Cepa de Pelayo Bodega, a local family run winery, to see the new advances used in the elaboration of their wines, with a short tour of the facilities, the grape vines, barrel room etc. along with a tasting of wines.
12.15 hrs – 12.30 hrs: Re-board the tourist train with a stop at the castle. The entrance to the castle has walkways that allow access to its facilities quickly and safely. In the 11th century the castle was a Muslim fortress, part of the defensive line that the Arabs built on the banks of the river, to contain the increasing pressure of the Christian kings.
13.30 hrs – drop off in Alcalá del Júcar; free time for own sightseeing/refreshments.
The impressive bridge dates from medieval times (it is called the Roman Bridge only because of its appearance and not because of its true origin). The Alcalá del Júcar bullring is one of the oldest in Spain and without a doubt one of the most curious, since its irregular shape, which resembles a Roman stadium from the time of the gladiators, makes it unique. In the bullring, ramps have been arranged throughout the site to facilitate entry.
Or perhaps visit La Cueva del Diablo!
Although the caves are owned by Juan José Martínez, known as El Diablo, they are excavated in the very heart of the rock where the town sits, passing through a long tunnel from side to side. Its construction began in 1905 to be used as corrals, dovecots, and storage. For some years, its owner began a process of expansion and restoration of corridors and rooms and now there is a café bar where you can enjoy the included drink. The cave is decorated with old farm implements, relics from years ago and has amazing views of the river and the valley below.
From the caves of the devil, you can access the Cueva del Rey Garadén, as they are connected to each other.
Price: €3.50 per person, which includes 1 drink, and the visit to the Devil’s Caves and the Arab Caves of King Garadén. Pay at the entrance of the cave (cash only, not by card).
15.30 hrs: Reboard the tourist train in Alcala del Jucar, for the journey back to the Hotel Spa Mirador.
16.00 hrs: Free afternoon or have a walk around the small village of Jorquera.
20.00 hrs – 22.30 hrs: Dinner; a la carte menu per person with red/white/rose wine and water included.
22.30 hrs – 01.00 hrs: animation and music (with pay bar available).
DAY 3 Friday 28th April: JORQUERA / JAVEA (232 km)
08.00 hrs – 10.00 hrs: Breakfast buffet.
10.00 hrs: Check out of the hotel and leave luggage in storage room.
10.30 hrs – Board the tourist train for a trip to the river area, a natural environment where you can walk, take photos or swim (weather permitting and if you are brave enough!).
12.30 hrs: Lunch at the Restaurante La Playa, with wine and water included.
14.45 hrs: Return to the Hotel Spa Mirador and load luggage onto the coach.
15.15 hrs: Travel to Jávea with a comfort stop enroute.
18.45 hrs: Approx. time of arrival in Jávea.
PRICE: 195 euros per person twin/double and 195 euros per person sole occupanyc (no single supplement appplies)
