Touring Holidays in Spain
White-Washed
Villages of Andalucia
www.expressionsholidays.co.uk
01392 441217
FLY-DRIVE TOURING HOLIDAYS IN SPAIN
The WhiteWashed Villages
of Andalucia
6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS
Malaga
Vejer de la Frontera
Jerez
Ronda
Ronda
Begin your luxury tour of Andalucia’s Pueblo Blancos, or white villages, in Vejer de la Frontera, a former
Phoenician fortress. Acquaint yourself with the picturesque winding streets before moving on to Jerez, the
home of sherry. Spend the following day sampling three of the key aspects of Andalucia’s culture: horse-riding,
Flamenco, and sherry. Your final stop on this tour is Ronda, a striking white-washed town perched on the edge
of the formidable El Tajo gorge.
This tour of one of Spain’s most iconic
regions begins with a flight from London to
Malaga. Here, collect your hire car and drive
west along the coast, through Marbella,
Estepona, and turning inland near Gibraltar.
Arrive in Vejer de la Frontera in the afternoon,
cradled by mountains and farmland. Stay
for two nights at the Hotel V…, a charming
boutique hotel that blends contemporary
luxuries with the feel of ‘Real Spain’ and has
a rooftop terrace with stunning views across
the white-washed houses below and the
hills beyond. From here, drive north to Jerez,
home to Spain’s most famous sherry. Stay
for two nights at Villa Jerez, an intimate hotel
with just 18 rooms. Spend your full day in
Jerez exploring the bodegas, the Moorish
influences on Andalucia’s architecture, and
perhaps watching a show at the Royal School
of Equestrian Art. Then, drive on to Ronda,
dramatically teetering on the edge of the El
Tajo gorge, east of Jerez. This much more
mountainous terrain offers a natural beauty
that is often bypassed in Andalucia in favour
of the tourist beaches of the south; yet, the
historic and cultural exploration possible
here deserves more celebration. It is among
the mountains that the white villages really
come into their own. The Parador de Ronda
is the former Town Hall of this magnificent
settlement, and possesses what are arguably
the best views for miles. After two nights in
Ronda, drive further east towards Malaga,
perhaps spending a few hours in the
cosmopolitan city before catching your return
flight to London.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
PRICES
• Optional extra nights in Vejer de la Frontera,
Jerez, Ronda, or any other destination.
From £970 per person
• Flights from London to Malaga return
• Group A hire car for duration
• 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in Vejer de la
Frontera
• 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in Jerez
• 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in Ronda
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Based on double occupancy in the
aforementioned hotels.
DATES
This holiday can be arranged throughout
the year. Timings can vary depending on the
month and day of the week.
Telephone number 01392 441217 Email [email protected]
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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Malaga - Vejer de la Frontera - Jerez - Ronda
Days one to two: Malaga to Vejer
de la Frontera
Collect your hire car from Malaga airport upon
arrival, and drive west across farmland and
past mountains on your way to Vejer de la
Frontera, the first of the Pueblos Blancos on
this tour. This town will introduce you to the
charm of the villages of Andalucia, ready for
the later stops on this luxury tour. Spend two
nights at the boutique Hotel V…, a converted
17th century residence, and stay in a room
which mingles contemporary technology
with furnishings that hark back to a more
traditional Spain. During the day, wander along
the cobbled streets of Vejer de la Frontera,
passing the white-washed houses, cafes,
and quaint shops selling local goods, and
take in the spectacular views across both
the countryside and the sea in the distance.
Trace the remains of the old-world castle wall,
which merges with the walls of the cafes and
houses. Visit the unusual Iglesia del Divino
Salvador, which combines the traditional
white-washed walls with the addition of flints
and stones. Inside, the decorative arches
contrast the dark brown and gold altar, which
acts as the austere church’s dramatic focal
point. The town’s main square, the Plaza
de España, has, as its central feature, a
colourful tiled fountain that seems to epitomise
Spanish eclectic design. Outside Vejer de la
Frontera, you may wish to visit the Ermita San
Ambrosio, near the Barbate Marshes. The
picturesque chapel is ruined and overgrown,
but the arches of the nave still stand, letting
the sunlight fall into the ancient chamber. For
a few hours on a typically beautiful Andalucian
beach, we would recommend the El Palmar
beach near Vejer de la Frontera, which offers
12km of unspoilt white sand, blue sea, and
grassy banks. Longer possible excursions
include Gibraltar (you may wish to stop off
here on the trip from Malaga to Vejer de la
Frontera) to see the Barbery apes. In the
evenings, retire to the Hotel V… to experience
the exceptional level of service, and enjoy the
rooftop terraces and pools, the chic design,
and the romantic hidden courtyards.
Andalucia
Days three to four: Vejer de la
Frontera to Jerez
Leave Vejer de la Frontera in the morning of
your third day and head north past the Bay
of Cadiz to Jerez. Perhaps stop off in Cadiz,
reputedly the oldest town in Europe, to see
the white-fronted Cadiz Cathedral which
blends neoclassical, rococo, and baroque
architectural elements. If time permits, visit
one of the golden beaches, one of the castles,
or the Roman theatre. Upon arrival in Jerez,
check into the intimate Villa Jerez, a haven
of luxury in the centre of this lively little town.
Some of the narrow streets of Jerez have
trees growing up the walls, with a cultivated
canopy of leaves stretching overhead and
shading passers-by from the sun. The effect
is romantic, shady, and somewhat idyllic.
The central monument in the town is the
Cathedral, built over a period of nearly 100
years, starting in the 17th century. As a result,
its five naves, focal dome and decorative
balconies have taken on a variety of styles.
The Alcazar fortress in Jerez is formidable in
size, with rigid walls and a geometric shape.
Around it, however, pools and ponds have
been built, and palm trees and flowers have
grown. The beautiful natural landscape
of Andalucia can be enjoyed either in the
reservoir of Los Hurones, or at the Embalse de
Guadalcacín, both of which are excellent for
observing the local wildlife. You may wish to
extend your stay in Jerez to allow for a longer
trip to the city of Seville, which sits just over
an hour’s drive northeast of your hotel. This
city is home to the largest Gothic cathedral
in the world, with its iconic bell tower and
Moorish towers, including La Giralda. The
Alcazar de Seville also blends Moorish design
with Renaissance design, and has a series
of courtyards lined with elaborate keyhole
archways. In the Maria Luisa Park, visitors can
sit back and enjoy the ponds and pavilions, or
ride a horse-drawn carriage around the lawns.
Though not essential to a tour of Andalucia’s
white-washed villages, a trip into Seville offers
a valuable insight into the culture of the region
and its history. In the evenings, either dine
in Jerez or at the Las Yucas Restaurant at
your hotel, sampling regional and national
specialities and the local wines.
Telephone number 01392 441217 Email [email protected]
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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Malaga - Vejer de la Frontera - Jerez - Ronda
Days five to six: Jerez to Ronda
Your final stop on this tour is the Parador de
Ronda on the edge of the El Tajo gorge, which
splits the old town of Ronda from the new. The
building itself is the former Town Hall of Ronda,
and bedrooms and terraces have magnificent
views out across the gorge, the Andalucian
countryside, and the Puente Nuevo, a bridge
of incredible stature. Spend your days in
Ronda appreciating the spectacular situation
and views either on foot, by bicycle, or by car.
Attractions within the town include the Plaza
del Toros, on which the bullfighting museum
is located, which tells the story of one of
Andalucia’s most famous and controversial
traditions. An art museum is housed within a
converted 16th century cloistered convent; a
Bandit Museum is the only museum in Spain
dedicated to bandits and highwaymen; and,
the Interpretation Centre for the New Bridge
allows visitors to walk under the bridge and
look out, through glass windows, at the gorge
below and the hanging houses that cling to
the sides of the rock, just as prisoners once
shackled to the underside of the bridge once
did. Visit the water gardens of the Palacio
Mondragón, which houses another museum,
or the atmospheric Arabic Baths. Perhaps
kick back and enjoy a drink on the tree-lined
Plaza Duquesa de Parcent before following
the rocky trail of the Guadalevin River which
leads out of the town. Perhaps hike across
the Sierra de la Nieves Mountains if you
enjoy a more active holiday, or walk around
the shores of the beautiful Zahara-El Gastor
Reservoir, the turquoise water of which is
surrounded by surreal green rolling hills. An
hour away, between Ronda and Malaga, is
the Camino del Rey, famous for its metrewide pathway that scores the sides of the
cliffs above the gorges of the Guadalhorce
Reservoirs and El Chorro. While this terrifying
walk may not be for everyone, the experience
is undeniably thrilling and, like the bridge in
Ronda, lets visitors get that little bit closer to
Andalucia’s amazing landscape. Return in
the late afternoon to your own private part
of Ronda, and enjoy the extensive grounds
of the Parador Hotel. Dine in the restaurant
on a hearty selection of meats, seafood,
and vegetables, which form a menu inspired
by Mediterranean cuisine and the flavours
cultivated in the mountains of Cadiz.
Vejer de la Frontera
Day seven: Return to the UK
After spending one final morning in Ronda
watching the sun rise from behind the
rugged mountains, drive back to Malaga.
Perhaps spend a few hours taking in the lively
atmosphere of this city and enjoying the beach
and the long promenade, before heading to
the airport and catching your return flight to
London.
OPTIONAL
Add extra nights in any destination visited
on this tour, or combine with others to
create a fully tailor-made holiday.
Telephone number 01392 441217 Email [email protected]
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HOTELS
These are the luxury hotels that feature on this Andalucian touring holiday.
Alternative hotels are available at some destinations - please contact us for full
details.
VEJER DE LA FRONTERA
Hotel V...
Within one of Andalucia’s charming Pueblos
Blancos, Hotel V… is a vision of simplicity
in the whitewashed village of Vejer de la
Frontera. From the most elevated position in
the village, the hotel benefits from unrivalled
views over orange-hued rooftops, across
vast swathes of patchwork agricultural land
to the glistening Gibraltar Strait. At this former
17th century Spanish residence, a true sense
of history resonates among the minimalist
architecture, yet its refurbishment before
opening in 2008 saw new life breathed into
its time-worn walls. The boutique offering of
just 12 rooms and one suite aims not to spoil
the quiet of the village, and it is apparent that
style and comfort is prioritised at every turn.
Time-old features sit beside contemporary
installations, with Portuguese furniture in teak
and rosewood adding a touch of romance.
Each room holds the right measure of
tradition to feel at home within the setting.
Elsewhere, intimate courtyards are enclosed
hideaways for two, while a fabulous rooftop
terrace embraces the open air with expansive
countryside views. The Jacuzzi here is an
exclusive spot for a glass of champagne,
while Ayurvedic spa treatments are available
in the privacy of your room. The final touch is
Annie B’s Spanish Kitchen, a well-established
cooking school that offers day classes for all
ages and abilities on Spanish cuisine, wine
and sherry. Coastal and cultural attractions are
within striking distance, making Hotel V… an
alternative base for an authentic Andalucian
holiday. Private parties are able to rent the
hotel as a private residence. read more
Villa Jerez, Jerez
Villa Jerez 5 star
Villa Jerez is a five star boutique hotel
situated in Jerez de la Frontera on the
western coast of Andalucia. In the Cadiz
region, close to Granada, Cadiz, and Seville,
this area is packed with opportunities for
cultural excursions and leisurely exploration.
Approach the hotel through the elegant
front gate and across the circular driveway,
in the centre of which grows a collection of
palms. This boutique hotel is housed within a
traditional Spanish manor house containing
18 individually decorated rooms. Like the
pale ochre façade, these unique rooms
are decorated in pastel colours that have a
calming influence in a hotel that benefits from
such a convenient city location. Soothing
natural colours, accompanied by rustic
fireplaces, ornate bookcases, comfortable
armchairs, and traditional artworks, establish
a pervading sense of simplistic luxury in
the public rooms, while the whites and
greys of the Junior Suites take on a more
contemporary feel. Restaurant Las Yucas is
open for both lunch and dinner, and offers a
vast array of regional and national specialities
which serve to situate guests more deeply
in traditional Spain. Terraces, canopied by
the balconies above and surrounded by the
hotel’s lush grounds, provide an excellent
setting for romantic meals or cocktails before
dinner. A saltwater pool is situated amidst
4000m2 of beautiful gardens, and adds to this
veritable haven of tranquillity. Superior Rooms
are adorned with balconies or terraces that
look out over the pool and gardens. Such a
convenient location grants you easy access
to the picturesque centre of Jerez and its
formidable cathedral, and puts you just a short
distance from Jerez’s many bodegas, where
you can try some of the famous Jerez sherry.
Plan your holiday in May to visit the famous
Feria de Jerez, a horse fair to rival that of
Seville. Perfect for long stays in Andalucia, the
Hotel Villa Jerez offers the essential balance
between quietude and cultural exploration,
and between excellent value and luxurious
indulgence. As this holiday includes a hire car,
you are able to explore this famous region
further, perhaps by driving southeast to
Gibraltar to see the Rock itself and the native
monkeys, or perhaps by around the sparkling
bay to Cadiz, one of Europe’s oldest cities.
The possibilities for days of cultural exploration
abound, though we recommend staying at
Villa Jerez as part of a longer touring holiday
around either Andalucia or Spain. read more
Hotel V..., Vejer de la Frontera
Hotel V..., Vejer de la Frontera
Villa Jerez, Jerez
JEREZ
Telephone number 01392 441217 Email [email protected]
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HOTELS
These are the luxury hotels that feature on this Andalucian touring holiday.
Alternative hotels are available at some destinations - please contact us for full
details.
RONDA
Parador de Ronda 4 star
On the very edge of the city, the four-star
Parador de Ronda enjoys a spectacularly
dramatic location on a promontory that
gives way to the ravine of River Tagus. With
the city’s bullring to one side and the iconic
Puente Nuevo on the other, this is a setting of
cultural significance as well as extreme natural
beauty. The structure itself – a former town hall
building – shows a multitude of architectural
influences, but from its entrance off Plaza
Espana, its origins are no surprise. There is
a formality about this side of the property,
yet breach this façade and towards the rear
of the property you will find architecture with
a more contemporary Mediterranean style.
Amid manicured lawns, gently sloped orange
roofing and an ivy-clad façade mean that,
despite the hotel’s size and location, it by no
means sacrifices a sense of Spanish charm.
Away from the bustle of the plaza, the grounds
beside the ravine’s sheer edge are your own
private corner of Ronda, where exquisite views
accompany poolside relaxation. A leisurely
ease continues to reverberate through the
hotel; elegant and sophisticated, the interiors
are furnished with antique furniture beside
modern tapestries and contemporary fixtures.
This is also true of guestrooms which, no
matter where the room is located, guarantee
superb views in all directions. The dining room
promises a hearty menu of meats, game and
seafood, which is informed by the cuisines
of the Mediterranean and the mountains of
Cadiz, but for light snacks and beverages the
café with its terrace is an excellent venue.
read more
Hotel V..., Vejer de la Frontera
Parador de Ronda, Ronda
Villa Jerez, Jerez
Parador de Ronda, Ronda
Telephone number 01392 441217 Email [email protected]
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MAP OF THE WHITE-WASHED VILLAGES OF
ANDALUCIA TOURING HOLIDAY
The map below illustrates the route outlined in this touring itinerary, with
overnight stops and places of interest highlighted.
DRIVING TIMES FOR THIS
TOURING HOLIDAY:
Malaga to Vejer de la Frontera: 2
hours 20 minutes
Vejer de la Frontera to Jerez: 55
minutes
Jerez to Ronda: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ronda to Malaga: 1 hour 30 minutes
Telephone number 01392 441217 Email [email protected]
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GENERAL INFORMATION
This touring holiday is one of several suggested holidays we can offer you
exactly as it is, but also with any alterations you might want, including extra
nights in one or more places or adding in extra places. All our tours can be
extended so that you can include a longer stay in one resort, perhaps at the
end of the itinerary. Do call to discuss the options with our travel consultants.
OUR TOURS
HOLIDAYS BY AIR
Your fly-drive touring holiday can be as
simple or as complex as you wish – you
can choose to follow one of the sample
itineraries which we have created, you can
modify one of these itineraries according
to your requirements, or you can allow us
to develop a whole new itinerary based on
your preferences. We will use our expertise
to create a bespoke touring holiday just
for you, offering advice to ensure that
everything runs smoothly. As we work
with a large selection of hotels throughout
Spain, you have the freedom to choose
where you want to stay and how long
for. We provide directions to each hotel
that you are visiting during your touring
holiday, as well as our own suggestions for
sightseeing and local visits.
Most of our suggested touring itineraries
are based on scheduled flights with British
Airways, although we have used low
cost airlines such as Easyjet where more
convenient. British Airways operates a number
of flight routes to mainland Spain and the
Spanish islands, but none go to northern
Spain so it is necessary to fly direct with a lowcost airline or to take a connecting flight within
Spain. Low –cost airlines operate a large
number of flights from regional airports in the
UK to destinations throughout Spain. There
are also flights within Spain making it easy to
combine north and south without driving or
spending all day travelling.
FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENTS
Our arrangements are very flexible in that
you choose to travel on any day you want,
subject to availability of flights and hotels. As
mentioned above, additional nights can be
added at any point.
OUR HOTELS
Each of the hotels that are featured by
Spanish Expressions has been personally
selected to offer exceptionally high standards
of comfort, service and cuisine. Most of the
hotels we feature are four or five star, although
we have also chosen some small, charming
hotels that haven’t been officially categorised.
In this programme you will find our handpicked selection of characterful boutique
gems, exclusive seaside resorts, modern
hotels and rustic properties in a rural setting,
some located on large countryside estates.
We also feature a number of the renowned
Parador hotels, a collection of state-run
properties which occupy historic buildings
such as former monasteries, mediaeval
fortresses and hilltop castles.
HOLIDAYS WITH A HIRE-CAR
A hire-car is essential for many of our hotels
with Spain, so is usually included in the price
of your holiday. Some of our hotels offer
transfers, but it may be more convenient to
take a taxi in some city hotels. Hire-car is a
very cost-effective and convenient means
of getting from the airport to your hotel and
back, and also allows you to explore the area
during the course of your stay. We work with
Avis as they offer a variety of cars at a good
range of offices throughout Spain, and have
negotiated a number of benefits for you such
as theft protection being included and no oneway drop off charge for most car types. It is
possible to upgrade your hire-car if required –
we include a basic hire-car which is adequate
for just two people, a short break or if you
don’t intend to do much driving, but you might
want to up-grade to something larger and
more powerful.
Telephone number 01392 441217 Email [email protected]
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OUR PRICES
BOOKING CONDITIONS
The sample prices mentioned in this leaflet
are generally a ‘from’ price based on the
cheapest season of travel. However, hotel
and car hire rates can change (up and
down depending on offers), so we give you
an accurate price for your holiday when we
provide you with a quotation. Our sample
prices should be used as an indication
of how much a particular combination
will cost and to show the differences on
average between the hotel categories on
offer.
Our booking conditions apply to all holidays. A
copy can be found on our website and a copy
is also sent to you with a written quotation and
when you make a booking.
PRICE INFORMATION IN MORE
DETAIL
Scheduled British Airways flights from
London to Madrid and Granada to London,
with Group A hire car for 6 days, and 6
nights’ accommodation at the Hotel V... in
Vejer de la Frontera, the Villa Jerez in Jerez,
and the Parador de Ronda in Ronda.
From £970 per person
FINANCIAL PROTECTION
Expressions Holidays offers full financial
protection for all holidays you book with us. If
your holiday includes a flight, the ATOL (3076)
covers the costs of the holiday. If the holiday
does not include a flight, it is the ABTOT bond
that protects the cost of the holiday. We are
also members of AITO (the Association of
Independent Tour Operators) and ABTA.
Expressions Holidays
Lynx House, Pynes Hill, Exeter EX2 5JL
HOW TO BOOK
To make a booking, just phone us on
01392 441217
and we can take you through the
details we need and start the booking
process. A deposit is required to
confirm the arrangements and this
can be paid by debit or credit card
over the phone. No handling fee is
charged on deposits up to £1000. The
level of the deposit will be confirmed
at the point of booking and will
depend on the ticketing deadlines
of the rail tickets involved in your
booking.
Telephone number 01392 441217 Email [email protected]
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