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Jaen - Renaissance among the olive trees overview
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Destination: Úbeda and Baeza (Jaen)
Tour Duration: 4 Days and 3 Nights
Price per Person: €259 euros
Tour Description:
Get immersed in a world of enigmatic places: buildings enveloped in history, narrow
streets and fine plazas where it seems as though time had stood still. Breathe in the
fresh air of the nearby sierra mountains and soak up the sea of olive trees which floods
the land around. A classic you won’t forget.
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Itinerary: Day 1
Welcome to Baeza. In the heart of the Jaén Province and at the top of a small hill,
the town crowns a landscape flooded with olive trees. Declared a national historic
and cultural monument as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Baeza has an
impressive Renaissance legacy. Its years of splendour lasted throughout the 16th
and 17th centuries, to which its great Renaissance constructions stand testimony.
The area dominated by the cathedral along with famous palaces, churches of diverse
styles, the Plaza del Pópulo and other charming delights, leaves a lasting
impression on the visitor. Baeza’s Catedral encapsulates the town’s extensive
history: built on the site of a Roman temple, it was at one time a mosque before
finally being converted to the Christian cathedral we see today. The monumental
16th century university, the Antigua Universidad de Baeza, is another example of
the city’s high level of culture. Baeza built its university before Jaen, the
region’s capital, and it was here the celebrated poet and playwright Antonio
Machado used to teach French.
Spend the afternoon discovering the spectacular monuments by strolling through the
old streets of this beautiful town. In the evening, sample the culinary delights
of the region! The sierra mountains and the surrounding olive trees define the
flavour of the cuisine, which takes as its base locally produced olive oil, fresh
vegetables and the regions best lamb.
After a day full of new experiences, relax in a small, charming hotel, where you
will find everything comfortably at hand.
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Itinerary: Day 2
Following a complete breakfast, meet a friend to discover the world of pure olive
oil, a vital part of the Mediterranean staple diet. At an authentic olive farm,
you will learn about the different types of olive oil, its production process,
its history and how it is used today. With the help of an expert, you will be
invited to try different types of olive oil, the “liquid gold” of Spain. A unique
opportunity to become an expert on the subject! Complete your tour by visiting the
shop and the nearby Laguna Grande, a protected nature reserve. Walking amongst
the vintage olive trees is an experience to remember.
Having returned to Baeza, pack your bags ready to make your way to the neighbouring
town and lifelong historical companion: Úbeda. Known as the Andalusian Renaissance
capital, it is located a mere 12 kilometres from Baeza on a hill by the Alto
Guadalquivir valley. Its historic centre, declared a national monument of historic
and cultural importance, holds a splendid legacy of monumental churches, palaces
and stately homes. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the remains of the city
walls, its streets, plazas and fortified towers contribute to an air of fantasy...
Get to know the buildings of Andrés de Vandelvira, one of the most distinguished
architects of his time, whose magnificent work can be found around every corner.
The Plaza de Vázquez de Molina alone contains the most representative Renaissance
buildings to be found in Úbeda. No matter where your eyes wander, everything
around you is a work of art! Amongst other structures, the exquisite Capilla del
Salvador, the Palacio de las Cadenas and the Hospital de Santiago constitute one
of the most sensational Renaissance complexes in the whole of Europe.
In Úbeda, you will also discover ceramic workshops, foundries, basket weaving...
traditional arts and crafts industries passed down through generation after
generation. Make the most of an opportunity to find locally made gifts and
souvenirs!
As night falls, the fresh air and surrounding beauty will help you sleep soundly
in a charming hotel located in a historical building. Your hosts will be waiting
to welcome you.
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Itinerary: Day 3
Start the day on the right foot and ready to see new sights with a full breakfast.
The region offers many ways to spend the day: one option is to visit the Sierra de
Cazorla Natural Park, not far from Úbeda. The Parque Natural de las Sierras de
Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas is the largest protected nature reserve in Spain.
It is an authentic, open air zoological museum of enormous importance, sporting
a wide variety of flora and fauna species, some of which are unique to Spain.
The marked paths invite you to explore the park on foot, at a leisurely pace so
that you can truly be amongst nature.
At the entrance to the park, lies the city which lends its name to the surrounding
sierra: Cazorla. The steep streets will take you to the Moorish castle and
spectacular views. This lively town also offers a huge variety of restaurants,
shops and bars for your entertainment. Close by and towards the centre of the
park, you’ll come across the small and friendly village called La Iruela. From the
hill that protects it, rise the evocative ruins of a Moorish castle and monastery.
This magical place was chosen by the Knights Templar to found one of their
settlements, before being expelled from the country accused of employing dark
forces to establish their powers. This mysterious place also affords extraordinary
views of the surrounding area. After leaving La Iruela, you’ll arrive at el
Puerto de Las Palomas, where views of the River Guadalquivir valley can be
enjoyed close its source. The River’s source itself can be found amongst huge
rocks, at a height of over 1,300 metres.
Following an action packed morning surrounded by nature’s wonders, make your way
towards the village of Sabiote. A mere 12 kilometres from Úbeda, this medieval
Renaissance town was declared a national monument of historic and cultural
importance in 1972. Along with Úbeda and Baeza, Sabiote completes the so-called
Andalusian Renaissance triangle. Over a thousand years old, the town boasts old
streets and plazas within a walled enclosure. The charming Albaicín area features
small houses, large mansions and various monuments. Beyond the walls, from the
Ronda de los Miradores and the fortified towers, a splendid panorama unfolds of the
horizon and the sierra mountains. The locals say that in their ancient town, the
visitor will always be made to feel at home and never considered a stranger.
In the evening, make your way back to Úbeda and return to the same hotel you were
in the night before. Sit back and relax in a welcoming atmosphere and sleep well
in familiar surroundings.
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Itinerary: Day 4
Start your last day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. There’s still time to
discover the hidden corners of Úbeda, visit the crafts workshops, try the local
produce and pick up a traditional souvenir or two.
The delights of the Andalusian Renaissance, nicknamed by the universal poet
Antonio Machado: “the queen” (Úbeda) and “the lady” (Baeza), along with the
spectacular natural habitat, are sure to have left a lasting impression. No
doubt you are left longing to do things you didn’t have time to, or with an
urge to go back to a certain place before returning home... But don’t worry,
it’s best to leave some things to do for when you come back next time.
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