Our Travel Begins
The tour was set to begin in Cordoba.​ We arrived by plane, in Sevilla, training to Cordoba a day in advance of the tour, as has been our practice on earlier trips. We explored the picturesque areas of the town.​​​​​​
Air & Art
A day of early rising, flying and training is exhausting. The best way to counter that is plenty of walking and fresh air. Some of the walking was the museum shuffle, at a small and manageable venue.
Aperol & Apps
The walking was bound to take us to a couple of attractive and cozy eating and drinking establishments, with spritzes, beers and tapas, of course. And, ultimately, an early bedtime.
Be Prepared
Negative COVID test and bring masks.
The Name Game
Our Welcome meeting was held at the breakfast room of the hotel. Our colorful tour guide Jorge made everyone comfortable with light snacks and beverages, and, a spirited, if not unusual variant of The Name Game. A version or two of that exercise is integral to a Rick Steves tour. One can't bond with fellow travelers if you don't know their names. So it goes.
Our Welcome Dinner
Bonding with fellow travelers is easy when mixed with good food and drink. Our first meal together was exceptional, highlighted with rooftop views and courses which included Rabo del Toro, braised oxtails. Kelly compared braising techniques with Helen, one of our dining partners. Dining partners are common on these tours. We shared tables at breakfast, lunch, Happy Hour and dinner, ultimately, with every one in our group.
A delight!
Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral de Cordoba
Our local guide led our exploration of Cordoba's maze like old town and its centerpiece, the Mezquita.
Huerta del Ray de Vallellano
Rio Guadalquivir
Andalucía's Ruta del Vino
Bags on the bus as we departed Cordoba en route to Ubeda. We stopped at a quaint winery in the Montilla-Morilles region, the home of the famous
Pedro Ximénez grape. Salud!
Alamillo Bunkers
Outside the small town of Luque, Jorge had the bus stop and our group walked to the Búnkeres del Alamillo, impressive remains of the Spanish Civil War. His summary of the military uprising was eye opening. Click here to follow us to Ubeda.
