Exciting Extremadura with a Taste of Castile and Leon

This grand 15th century castle, once the residence of the Dukes of Feria, is located in the Medieval quarter of Zafra. Today, it serves as a 4-star hotel with beautiful ceilings, antique furniture, intricate ironwork and large, elegant guestrooms. The exterior is equally impressive with a spectacular façade, nine Moorish towers, well maintained gardens and an outdoor swimming pool.

Zafra is a captivating town located in southern Extremadura half way between Seville and Caceres and which is known locally as ‘Little Seville’ (La Sevilla Chica). Its main feature is the castle, formerly a Moorish fortress, that now serves as the Parador of Zafra.There is a main square ‘Plaza Grande‘ which is lined with magnificent arches where you will find many bars and cafés, and where one archway connects to ‘Plaza Chica‘, a smaller version of the larger square. This fortified town has eight entrances of which Jerez Gate is by far the most attractive. It leads onto Clavel Street, a narrow thoroughfare bordered by decorative tiles and pretty flowers adorning overhanging balconies. These and many more attractions make Zafra a place of great interest for any visitor. 

Located in the heart of the old city, this is an elegant and chic Parador in what was once a renaissance palace.  Many of the original features of the building have been kept, with vaulted ceilings, granite pillars and colonnades very much in evidence.

Room facilities here are very modern but very much in keeping with the traditional style of the palace.  The Parador has a small shaded garden to one side.  The restaurant features traditional local cuisine with Iberian lamb shank and Iberian pork loin being specialities.

It is the location of the Parador which is so special, blending perfectly into the historic centre and within reach of the many squares, restaurants, cafés and tapas bars.  The evenings are especially magical, with that sense of mystery which is always present in ancient cities with narrow streets and sympathetic lighting.

The Parador is well located in the centre of town next door to the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Rustic in style, the Parador has many appealing features including an interior courtyard filled with the scent of citrus fruits (oranges and lemons), pretty gardens with fountains and a secluded swimming pool.  There are white-washed walls, archways and cosy guestrooms, many with traditional wooden shutters. 

Guadalupe is a charming town with cobbled streets and traditional houses located in northern Extremadura. The town essentially grew around the famed monastery of Guadalupe, one of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions. A statue of the Virgin Mary was discovered in a field in 1325 by a farmer and it was thought to be carved by St Luke. A shrine was built to house it as it attracted people far and wide to see it. The monastery complex consists of the Basilica, Mudejar cloister, Gothic cloister and an auditorium building.  

Set in the historic centre of Plasencia, in the northern region of Extramadura, the hotel offers the perfect location from which to explore the ancient city and its beautiful surrounding landscapes.  This splendid Parador, housed in a former 15th century convent, has retained many original architectural features including magnificent archways, vaulted ceilings, Renaissance cloisters, spacious rooms and interior courtyards.        
 
The city centre of Plasencia, declared a Cultural Heritage Site, has a wealth of historic buildings, palaces, cathedrals, an aqueduct, medieval walls and fortified towers and gates.  Visitors to this area can explore the Sierra de Gata Mountains and Jerte River Valley, with its spectacular natural springs, cherry groves that are quite spectacular in Feb-Mar and the Monfragüe National Park.  Here you will see gushing waterfalls, many nature trails, pretty historic towns and enjoy the local delicacies such as the delicious Ibérico ham and exquisite Torta del Casar cheese.  Several parks surround the city but Los Pinos is of particular interest with its variety of birdlife, outdoor sculpture museum and extensive botanical gardens. 

Hacienda Zorita is a luxury hotel and vineyard located on the outskirts of Salamanca. The property is situated on the banks of the Tormes River, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and historic architecture. The Hacienda dates back to the 14th century and has been meticulously restored to preserve its original charm and character. 

The property features 40 guest rooms and suites of different shapes and sizes, each beautifully appointed with modern amenities and stylish decor. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside, as well as access to a range of luxury facilities, including a spa, fitness centre and outdoor pools.

One of the highlights of Hacienda Zorita is its winery, which produces award-winning wines using traditional techniques and locally sourced grapes. Guests can take a tour of the vineyard, sample the wines, and learn about the winemaking process.

The property also has several dining options, including the gourmet restaurant Zorita's Kitchen, which serves contemporary Spanish cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can also enjoy casual dining at the hotel's bar and terrace, which overlooks the Tormes River and offers stunning sunset views.

In addition to its luxurious accommodations and amenities, Hacienda Zorita is ideally situated for exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Salamanca region. The city of Salamanca, with its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene, is just a short drive away, as are several charming towns and villages that offer a glimpse into traditional, everyday life.

Accommodation

• There are 40 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, suites and villas.

Amenities/leisure

• Outdoor plunge pools
• Spa and wellness centre*
• Hot tub/jacuzzi*
• Lift
• Bar
• Zorita’s restaurant and cheese room
• Two seating areas
• Winemaker’s Table
• Room service
• Games room
• Harvest festival experience*
• Parque Picasso (7.3km)
• Monterrey Palace (12km)
• Plaza Mayor Salamanca (12km)
• Roman Bridge Salamance (12km)

Vineyards are everywhere around this 5 star hotel and wine is the subject and purpose of this region, 31 miles from Valladolid, the so-called ‘Golden Mile’ of the River Douro (Ribera del Duero). In fact, the hotel has 11 acres of its own vineyard. In the hotel’s ‘Converso’ restaurant, you can sample the best wines of the region and delight in the fusion of traditional and modern cuisine from its own organic vegetable and spice garden. In fact gastronomy plays an important part in staying at the hotel as the ‘La Cilla’ Cafeteria and ‘La Bodega de Los Monjes' also offer the best in wines and interesting light menus.

Of course it is the setting that completes the picture. The Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena is set within the best preserved 12th century Cistercian monastery in Europe and is the first 5 star spa facility in Castile and Leon. Covering more than 2,000 square metres with views over the River Douro it is perfectly integrated with the monastery. The waters come from the San Bernardo Spring, an aquifer at a depth of 386 metres below the monastery and it is with these waters that the Cistercian monks irrigated the vineyards. The thermal pool with descontracting water streams, curtains, water jets and rest areas; the contrast circuits and the enormous variety of treatments make this spa very special.

Here you can discover the life of the Cistercian order of work and prayer, indulge in wine culture, canoeing, explore hiking (and cycling) trails by the River Douro and delight in the nature that surrounds you.

Accommodation

• There are 79 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, junior suites and suites. Virtually all the rooms are different and preserve the charm and elegance of the 12th century monastery yet with modern decoration integrated with vintage furniture.

Amenities/Features

• Buffet breakfast
• ‘Coverso’ á la carte restaurant
• ‘La Cilla’ Cafeteria with terrace
• ‘La Bodega de los Monjes’ where it is possible to enjoy the best D.O. wines or enjoy its menu of light dishes
• Free WiFi throughout the hotel
• Outdoor swimming pool (170 sqm / 1.4m depth) - open during the summer season
• Large Spa (2,000 sqm) with 16 treatment rooms, several thermal pools (260 sqm / 1.4m depth) and a water contrast circuit
• Fitness centre - Free entry
• Organic vegetable garden, spice garden and grounds with 4.5 hectares of own vineyard
• Bicycles can be hired from the hotel, free of charge, and information on the designated hiking and cycle paths are provided
• Free onsite parking
• Hiking trails along the River Duero
• 198 km (c.2 hours’ drive) from Madrid Barajas Airport
• 19 km (c.22 minutes’ drive) to Peñafiel Castle, which houses a wine museum within its 10th century walls
• 46 km (c.40 minutes’ drive) to Cuéllar - this walled town has an excellent castle, an impressive number of Mudejar style buildings and important churches.
• 78 km (c.1hr 10 minutes’ drive) to Coca with its Moorish castle, Church of Santa Maria and stone boars