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Discover Cadiz …

When a city has been around for over 3,000 years – it must be doing something right! Cadiz is the oldest city on the Iberian Peninsula and probably the oldest in Europe, but it’s ancient and more recent history sit comfortably next to its current popularity as a wonderful day trip destination.

Situated on a peninsula, almost completely surrounded by sea, beautiful Cadiz is one of the most atmospheric and photographed cities in South West Andalucia. Founded in 1100 BC by the Phoenicians, who called the city Gadir, it became known as Gades under the Romans and Qadis under the Moors.

Cadiz wasn’t destined to be the relaxed small Spanish port you might expect,instead it has played a part in some of the most vivid and memorable moments of Spanish history. From the early 16th century all the Spanish boats sailing off in search of fame and fortune in the New World sailed from Cadiz and much of that fortune came back to Cadiz in the shape of stunning palacios for the wealthy, large plazas and beautiful churches. Christopher Columbus sailed from here, bringing back the wonderful Ficus trees that now grace the Parque Genovés.

Pirates attacked Cadiz several times during the 16th century, setting much of the old town ablaze in 1569. Famously in 1587 it was here that Sir Frances Drake “Singed the King of Spain’s Beard” by setting fire to the newly built Spanish Armada. In 1812 Cadiz became the first seat of a newly formed Spanish parliament and the true home of Spanish democracy, when the first Constitution was declared here, making Cadiz a centre for enlightened, liberal thinkers, poets and painters. The great Spanish composer Manuel de Falla was born here in 1876 and his music is still celebrated here today.

That reputation carried on into the 20th century, when even under Franco, Cadiz was considered one of the most free-thinking, relaxed and open minded cities in Spain. The famous Carnaval of Cadiz celebrates this, when thousands of “Gaditanos” and visitors get dressed in fancy costumes and roam the streets enjoying the fantastic Carnaval floats and the Chirigotas (amateur choirs who write and perform satirical songs about local politicians and celebrities). The Carnaval is held during Lent and in 2011 will be during the last week of February and first week of March.

With its maze of narrow streets that take you into a series of gracious squares, its monuments and ruins from so many ages of Spain and it’s beautiful and clean blue flag city beaches, Cadiz is a wonderful day trip destination.

Enjoy a fantastic day exploring Cadiz with Camino Holidays. For just 100 euros per person our day trips include all transport (to and from your home area), guided tours, entrance tickets and all meals.

www.caminoholidays.co.uk

Tel: 00 44 1295 738 869

10% Discount for Sentinella readers

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Discover the real Seville …

“¡Quien no ha visto Sevilla – no ha visto Maravilla!” (“he who has not seen Sevilla – has not seen a miracle”) is the famous Spanish saying about the capital city of Andalucia.

To me it’s a miracle that so many people living on the Costa del Sol have NOT been to Sevilla. To me it’s a Spanish city to rival Barcelona in terms of wonderful things to see and do and it’s definitely one of my favourite cities in the world.

When many people think of Sevilla (or Seville, as the English like to call it – don’t ask me why!) they think of the clichés. It’s the city of orange trees (true, but visit at the beginning of May when it’s the city of orange blossom), of Flamenco (true too, and most of Spain’s best artistes come from here) and of Carmen. Poor Carmen was a figment of French author Prosper Merimee’s imagination, but the tobacco factory is still there and the people of Sevilla have so taken Carmen’s story to heart that they’ve placed a statue of her outside the famous Maestranza bullring, where she supposedly met her end at the hands of her lover.

If you only come to Sevilla to visit the tourist parts you won’t be disappointed. The cathedral is the largest in Europe

(and wonderfully cool on a hot day), the Real Alcázar is like a smaller version of the Alhambra and has lovely gardens and of course the maze-like streets of the Barrio Santa Cruz are as unique and charming as ever. You can happily take the tourist bus around the city or a boat cruise on the Rio Guadalquivir along with the millions of other tourists who flock here every year, but Sevilla has so much more to offer its visitors.

If you know where to look (or book with Camino Holidays!) you can find more interesting, beautiful and unique parts of Sevilla. From the smaller palaces open to visitors to Sevilla’s Las Bellas Artes, (one of the 15 galleries based in this city) Spain’s most prestigious gallery after the Guggenheim and the Prado, you have many wonderful museums to choose from. My favourite is the Flamenco Museum in the heart of Santa Cruz, where not only can you enjoy the interactive exhibits, but you can catch one of the best Flamenco shows in town.

Sevilla is known as the city of a thousand shoe shops and the shopping is excellent here, from large branches of Spanish favourites El Corte Ingles, Zara and Mango to a wealth of small independent shops. If you like Spanish ceramics then the very best place to buy them in the world is their cultural heart – the barrio of Triana. Here generations of artisan families have made them in the back, and sold them in the front!

What else – well, you should visit the trendy Alameda area, filled with great little bars and restaurants, the Aire de Sevilla in the restored Arabic baths and now one of the most wonderful and unique day spas in Europe and the Flamenco bars of Calle Betis at night.

Really this only scratches the surface of all there is to do in this legendary city. So many places fail to live up to their reputation: Sevilla is one Spanish destination which surpasses it in every way!

Camino Holidays specialise in holidays in South West Andalucia. If you have any questions on this area they’d be happy to help and advise…

Phone: (00 44) (0)1295 738869 Email: info@caminoholidays.co.uk

REMEMBER TO QUOTE “THE SENTINELLA” TO GET YOUR 10% DISCOUNT!

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Camino Holidays: May Newsletter

Flamenco…..Flamenco..…Flamenco….

We have 3 great Flamenco holidays coming up this year – ideal for dancers, guitarists – or just people who enjoy Flamenco!

Sunday 1 – Sunday 8 August OR Sunday 8 – Sunday 15 August (Summer Flamenco Holidays) Summer brings a range of wonderful outdoor concerts enjoyed by local people and largely unknown to foreigners. Staying in self catering apartments (with pool and private roof terraces) in the centre of Jerez, this holiday offers you a 6 day course in Flamenco dance or guitar – or you can just enjoy an authentic Flamenco summer. Price: £499 per person (with 6 day Flamenco dance or Flamenco guitar course) or £399 per person (without course).

This price is for 2 people sharing an apartment, some meals, transport (including airport transfers from Malaga, Gibraltar, Sevilla or Jerez airports) and tickets to 2 Flamenco concerts.

3 people sharing an apartment pay £50 per person less. Single room prices as above + £70

Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 September (Fiesta de la Buleria) As part of the Vendimia (sherry harvest of Jerez) celebrations, this short break holiday offers a choice between a 3 day Flamenco dance or Flamenco guitar course in Bulerias (with classes for all levels, from Beginners to Advanced) or just relax and enjoy the festivities with tickets to the annual Fiesta de la Buleria.

Price: £310 per person (without course) or £390 per person (with course)

This price is for 2 people sharing a room in Jerez’s top boutique hotel, half board meals, transport (including airport transfers from Malaga, Gibraltar, Sevilla or Jerez airports), tickets to the Fiesta and tuition. Single room £399 or £475

Thursday 30 September – Wednesday 6 October (Biennial de Sevilla)

To coincide with Sevilla’s greatest Flamenco festival we have a holiday that offers a 5 day Flamenco dance or guitar course (with classes for all levels) based in nearby Jerez. This 7 day holiday also includes tickets to 3 of the Biennial’s top shows, accommodation in Jerez’s top boutique hotel, some meals, tuition and all transport (including airport transfers).

Price: £510 per person (without course) or £590 (with 5 day Flamenco dance or guitar course). Single and Triple rooms available.

Saturday 23 – Saturday 30 October

Family Activity Holiday

Discover the culture of real Spain and have fun on this unique family holiday! Staying in self catering apartments in 15th century house in central Jerez (with pool and private terrace) this holiday gives you the opportunity to enjoy authentic Spanish culture with your whole family. Including a range of excursions to Sevilla, Cadiz, the beaches and mountains of South West Andalucia, some meals in typical local restaurants and all transport during your holiday (including airport transfers from Malaga, Sevilla, Gibraltar or Jerez airports). You and your children will enjoy classes in Spanish Language, Flamenco dance, Traditional crafts and Spanish cookery (some family classes, and some for children only). You also have an optional babysitting service & adult evening activities

Price: £499 per adult (2 sharing apartment) £249 (children aged 2 – 16) Children under 2 years are free!

VISIT WWW.CAMINOHOLIDAYS.CO.UK for details of Flamenco festivals through the year!

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