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Day 10 - Torremolinos
Though its roots are in pre-historic times, Ronda is like many Andalucian cities in that it saw its glory days under Moorish rule. Conquered by the Christians in 1485, Ronda was one of the last strongholds of the Arabs, and Arab architecture dominates the old city, set on one side of the ravine. On the other side of El Tajo stands El Mercadillo (the "new" city), constructed mostly during the 18th century. Connecting the two halves of the city is the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), an amazing architectural feat built between 1755 and 1793 and spanning a dizzying drop over the gorge. You'll get a sense of both facets of the city during an included tour. Admire the whitewashed houses with charming balconies that line the winding streets of the old town, and view Santa Maria la Mayor, once the city's Great Mosque and later rebuilt as a Gothic Christian church. You'll also see the Palace of Mondragon, where Moorish kings and later King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella took up residence. After your tour, enjoy time for lunch on your own. Lovely views of the Spanish countryside do not end in Ronda today. This afternoon, you’ll embark on a transfer to Seville along the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos - the "Route of the Whitewashed Villages." You’ll see several of these classic Andalucian villages tucked into hillsides and framed with greenery during your scenic ride. Arrive in Seville later this afternoon and settle into your room. Gather with your fellow travelers this evening for an included dinner at your hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner |
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4/16/18 |
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Ronda
Visit Ronda en route to Seville today.
One of the oldest cities in Spain, lovely
Ronda - nicknamed the "Dream City" by
the poet Rainer Maria Rilke - enjoys a lofty
setting on a promontory overlooking El Tajo,
a spectacular 360-foot-deep river gorge.
Readers of Ernest Hemingway's For Whom the
Bell Tolls will recognize El Tajo as the place
from which Fascists were thrown to their
deaths during the Spanish Civil War.