DESTINATION WEDDINGS ROMANTIC RONDA...three sides, separates the city’s 15th-century new town from...

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Initial consultation Ongoing communication throughout the planning process Budget planning Itinerary planning (guest arrival and travel logistics**) Accommodation coordination Introduction to officiants Allow us to design your dream tailor-made destination wedding! We understand the significance of this uniquely important day, which is why we work very closely with you to bring your vision and dreams to life. Celebrate your relationship with the best quality local food and wine in the most breath-taking locations the region has to offer while our professional service takes care of everything. Experience and explore the legendary romantic Andalusia and let it become part of your love story. Just Explore Holidays & Tours SL T: +34 957 022 902 M: +34 639 933 717 E: [email protected] www.just-explore.com Spanish Licence: CIAN-146473-2 International Air Flights Insurance (medical, travel, etc.) Meals & Drinks, other than those mentioned in the itinerary Tips & Gratuities Marriage paperwork* *The requirements for civil wedding ceremonies in Spain are dependent on local regulations and therefore will vary greatly from each town hall. At the current time legislation regarding civil weddings for non-residents is complex and subject to mis-interpretation. We recommend therefore that couples who are not residents in Spain have a civil marriage in their home country and a symbolic Wedding blessing in Spain. **Located about 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of the city of Málaga, in southern Spain, Ronda is easily accessible from Malaga airport by road & rail. Ronda can also be reached by train from Madrid & Cordoba. SERVICES AVAILABLE WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED DESTINATION WEDDINGS ROMANTIC RONDA Introduction to wedding designer & planner Introducing and Co-ordinating suppliers (florist, caterer, photographer, musician, beautician, hair stylists etc) Schedules and checklists Timeline of the wedding day Honeymoon Guest’s visits of Spain before/after wedding

Transcript of DESTINATION WEDDINGS ROMANTIC RONDA...three sides, separates the city’s 15th-century new town from...

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Initial consultation

Ongoing communication throughout the planning process

Budget planning

Itinerary planning (guest arrival and travel logistics**)

Accommodation coordination

Introduction to officiants

Allow us to design your dream tailor-made destination wedding!

We understand the significance of this uniquely important day, which is why we work very closely with you to bring your vision and dreams to life.

Celebrate your relationship with the best quality local food and wine in the most breath-taking locations the region has to offer while our

professional service takes care of everything.

Experience and explore the legendary romantic Andalusia and let it become part of your love story.

Just Explore Holidays & Tours SL

T: +34 957 022 902 M: +34 639 933 717 E: [email protected] www.just-explore.com

Spanish Licence: CIAN-146473-2

International Air Flights

Insurance (medical, travel, etc.)

Meals & Drinks, other than those mentioned in the itinerary

Tips & Gratuities

Marriage paperwork*

*The requirements for civil wedding ceremonies in Spain are dependent on local regulations and therefore will vary greatly from each town hall. At the current time legislation regarding civil weddings for non-residents is complex and subject to mis-interpretation. We recommend therefore that couples who are not residents in Spain have a civil marriage in their home country and a symbolic Wedding blessing in Spain. **Located about 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of the city of Málaga, in southern Spain, Ronda is easily accessible from Malaga airport by road & rail. Ronda can also be reached by train from Madrid & Cordoba.

SERVICES AVAILABLE

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

ROMANTIC RONDA

Introduction to wedding designer & planner

Introducing and Co-ordinating suppliers (florist, caterer, photographer, musician, beautician, hair stylists etc)

Schedules and checklists

Timeline of the wedding day

Honeymoon

Guest’s visits of Spain before/after wedding

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Location: Romantic Ronda

With its dramatic setting, perched atop a limestone plateau, the old and new towns separated by the impressive Tajo gorge, and its breath-taking

views of the rugged mountains of the Serranía, Ronda has always drawn romantics: from the early 19th century romantic travellers such as

Benjamin Disraeli, Washington Irving and Richard Ford to the literary giants of the 20th Century; Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, Laurie Lee and

James Joyce, Ronda has seduced, enchanted and inspired.

The famous German poet Rainer Maria Rilke said back in 1912 “I have looked everywhere for the dream city and finally found it in Ronda”.

Ronda is a magical place, built astride a huge gash in the mountains carved out by the Río Guadalevín. The gorge that drops sheer for 130m on

three sides, separates the city’s 15th-century new town from its Moorish old town where tall whitewashed houses lean perilously from its

precipitous edges. Still more spectacular, the gorge is spanned by a stunning XVIII century arched bridge, the Puente Nuevo, which has a lookout

offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Not surprisingly, this dramatic and dominant location attracted not only the early Celts but Phoenicians and Greeks as well. Under Rome, it

became an important military bastion. When the Moors later came, “Medina Runda” was embellished with lavish mosques and palaces and the

town ruled as an independent and isolated Moorish kingdom until annexed by Seville in the mid-eleventh century. It then passed successively

through the hands of the Almoravids, to end up as a fief of Nasrid Granada in 1349. Only after a long and bitter struggle did the town finally fall to

Fernando and Isabel in 1485.

Modern bullfighting was practically invented here in the late 18th century, and the town’s fame was spread further by its close association with

American Europhiles Ernest Hemingway (a lover of bullfighting) and Orson Welles (whose is buried just outside the city).

It is in this indisputably romantic setting that we invite you to celebrate your union surrounded by your loved ones.

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Late morning/early afternoon Upon arrival in Malaga, your private driver will transfer you and your guests to your hotel in the beautiful town of Ronda (aprx. 1.5h drive).

You will be staying at a beautiful Victorian-style 4-star hotel surrounded by verdant woods and overlooking Ronda's spectacular gorge.

Offering an outdoor pool, a spa, extensive gardens and an à la carte restaurant boasting panoramic views over the Grazalema mountain range, it is truly the ideal place to get together with your loved ones and celebrate this uniquely special occasion.

Sleek and contemporary, most rooms have a private terrace with views of the gardens and of the mountains.

The hotel truly has a privileged location by being just 500 meters from Ronda's main attractions: the New Bridge and the bullring.

After check-in and freshening up, your guests will have the afternoon free to enjoy your hotel’s luxurious facilities.

Evening You will meet up with your guests at the hotel lobby where your local historian guide will take you on a short orientation walking tour of aprx. 1.5h. Together, you will explore and discover Ronda. Among other things, the tour of this gorgeous town perched atop dramatic cliffs will include:

Ronda’s ’s historic centre: a delightful labyrinth of picturesque little streets littered with museums, churches, convents, and noble residences.

The “New” Bridge which actually dates back to the 18th century. This stunning arched structure spans Ronda’s impressive gorge and acts as a lookout offering impressive views of the distinctive surrounding landscape.

The exterior of the bullring, which occupies a very special place in modern Spanish culture and history as the home of the Rondeño style of bullfighting and also of the Real Maestranza De Caballería De Ronda; Spain’s oldest and most noble order of horsemanship. The bullring was built entirely of stone in the 18th century, during the golden years of Pedro Romero’s reign as champion bullfighter.

The walk will end in one of the town’s most emblematic taverns where you’ll enjoy a lovely tapas dinner accompanied by the region’s delicious and unique wines. Ronda is a mountaintop city that sits in the heart of the Serrania de Ronda. Set dramatically above a deep gorge and surrounded by lush river valleys, it is a place that is absolutely breath-taking. The gorge, El Tajo, separates the city’s 15th-century new town from its Moorish old town. Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge spanning the gorge, has a lookout offering stunning views and the new town’s Plaza de Toros, a legendary 18th-century bullring, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Meals included: Dinner

SAMPLE ITINERARY

DAY 1: Transfer to Ronda, orientation & dinner

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Morning preparations

This morning, while you get ready (hair & makeup)*, your guests will have the options of either:

An invigorating guided hike around Ronda’s incredibly beautiful gorge(aprx. 2h / 8km)

Relaxing with a pampering session at your hotel’s fully renovated and equipped Spa which

features an extensive variety of beauty and wellness treatments complete with a terrace

offering breath-taking panoramic views.

*We will provide you with recommendations for hairdressers and makeup artists should you require their services Lunch Your guests will be provided with a list of recommendations for great places to have lunch. Alternatively, should you prefer this option, a lunch could be organised for you at a local restaurant or at the hotel itself. Your Wedding Make your way through the fairy tale-like woods of this Victorian era hotel’s gardens and walk down the isle covered in flower petals to find yourself surrounded by your loved ones eager to celebrate and witness your love for one another, framed by Ronda’s elegant and charmingly rugged landscape. Cocktail hour After your ceremony, your guests will head to the hotel’s beautiful terrace which offers incredible views of Ronda’s Tajo and the impressive gorge below for a pleasant cocktail hour while you and your new spouse enjoy a private photoshoot* to immortalise this most important day! *We will provide you with recommendations for photographers should you require their services. Once your photoshoot is done, you’ll join your guests on the terrace for some cocktails and to admire the gorgeous sunset and toast the start of the festivities in this incomparable setting. Dinner You will then be lead to the hotel’s gardens to enjoy your delicious celebratory 4 or 5 course dinner which will be held in a palm tree clearing filled with beautifully decorated tables and lit by pretty fairy lights...a truly magical setting! After a well toasted meal, and the cutting of your beautiful & delectable custom-made wedding cake, it’s time to head to your 4th and final location, the party hall! Celebration It’s time for your first dance: dazzle on the dance floor and start things off on the right foot as newlyweds. Toss the bouquet and the garter and dance the night away to your DJ’s playlist especially curated to suit your musical tastes and preferences. The best part? No need to hire cars or transfers, once you’re all danced out, you’ll simply head up to your honeymoon suite! Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 2: Your Wedding Day

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This morning, meet your family and friends at your hotel’s restaurant for a fantastic Mimosa-filled buffet breakfast. Take it easy today and celebrate your recent nuptials by enjoying the abundance of quality services available to you at your Victorian 4-star luxury accommodation. Relax and recharge your batteries by treating yourself to a day of indulgent pampering at the

hotel’s full-service, on-location luxurious spa. Why not unwind with a full-body massage and a hydrotherapy or thalassotherapy session followed by one... or a few…! of the plethora of

beauty and body treatments available to you and your valued guests. The large variety of services on offer here include a sauna and a Turkish steam bath. The perfect way to enjoy your first day as newlyweds! And if you prefer a little exercise, head to the hotels fantastic fitness centre for a good

workout session. You can also spend the day at your hotel’s outdoors pool. Swim a few laps or simply

sunbathe and enjoy the fabulous views! Quench your thirst with your favourite drink at the hotel’s elegant bar/lounge or exceptional

terrace. Take a walk in the sumptuous gardens and expansive hotel gardens following in the

footsteps of notable past guests such as the celebrated poet Rainier Marie Rilke. Enjoy an exquisite meal at the hotel’s restaurant which serves fantastic international cuisine, or stay in and take advantage of the

convenient room service. Finally, if you prefer, you can head out for a meal in the city and thanks to the privileged and central location of the property, you’ll be greeted with a large selection of eating options in close proximity! We will of course also provide you and your guests with a list of our favourite places to eat in Ronda so you always know where you’re headed and you’re sure to pick the perfect place. This evening, celebrate the art of Spanish music and culture at Ronda Guitar House with their resident international concert guitarist, Paco Seco, in an atmospheric and acoustically rich setting for a truly authentic and unforgettable experience! Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 3: Day at leisure - Relax & enjoy yourselves

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Ronda’s beautiful landscape and incredible location provide the opportunity to enjoy an

impressively diverse and large range of activities.

Here are a few of our favourites which we think you could enjoy with your friends & family:

Wine tour & Brunch A lovely late morning brunch at a local family-run boutique winery including a guided tour of the winery’s cellar, fields & gardens, as well as a tasting of 3 wines paired with cured Iberian meats and cheeses. This bodega features a very special building: a recently restored Trinitary Convent from the 16th Century. What’s more, with a barrel room boasting a restored fresco on the wall and an absolutely spectacular location with stunning views over the Tajo gorge, it is most definitely one of Ronda’s most beautiful wineries. Much of what is known about ancient winemaking in the Ronda region comes from archaeological findings out of the nearby Roman city of Acinipo. Aptly named, Acinipo actually translates to 'city of wine', and it was one of the few cities in the Roman Empire that produced wine which was then exported back to Rome. Vineyards once cultivated by the Romans, Phoenicians and Moors still line the countryside to this day with over 28 wineries in the area. Ronda's proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, its unique micro-climate, and geological diversity give wines of the region very distinct aromas and flavours. Locally produced wines are bottled under the DOs, or Designations of Origin, of Málaga and Sierras de Málaga.

DAY 4: Explore Ronda & surroundings

Buggy 4x4 experience Self-drive a high power off-road Polaris RZR's or CFMoto ZForce's and follow the guide through Ronda's beautiful landscapes. This mostly off-road trip on narrow and uneven tracks is great fun for both experienced buggy drivers and novices. During the rainy season, you may happen upon muddy puddles that you'll be able to slash through if you're brave enough! As you rush through the region's beautiful untouched fields you'll discover old traders' routes and will get to see Ronda from all sides. Most exciting: you will head down the Tajo gorge where you'll be welcomed by a breath-taking view of the Puente Nuevo bridge which you'll be able to admire from this truly unique point of a view... an experience that less than 2% of Ronda's visitors get to enjoy!

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Grazalema NP White Villages Your private driver/guide, will pick you up from your hotel and will take you to the white village of Setenil de las Bodegas for a nice stroll through its picturesque and charming cobbled streets. After a coffee break, you will be taken on a very scenic drive through the spectacular Grazalema natural park with sightseeing stops at the charming towns of Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra. We highly recommend having lunch at a very nice restaurant overlooking the Zahara lake, called Al Lago (cost is not included but if you are interested we can make the reservation for you). After lunch, you can stroll the narrow streets of the Moorish old town of Zahara and climb to the top of the Arab castle before heading to your hotel in Sevilla's historic center. Back at your hotel in Ronda where you will have the evening free to relax Sentenil de las Bodegas: Named after its once flourishing wineries “bodegas”, it is probably unique among the pueblos blancos or white villages, of Andalucia. Where most pueblos blancos were built on protective cliffs and mountain tops, this town grew out of a network of caves in the cliffs above the rio Trejo northwest of Ronda. Its blinding white houses seem to emerge from the rocks, some even have rock roofs and olive groves on their roofs. Grazalema, a pretty town whose immaculately kept cobbled streets are lined with whitewashed houses adorned with wrought-iron rejas on their windows and plant pots spilling over with colorful flowers. Grazalema is the most popular base for hikes into the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema. It's also an age-old producer of blankets, honey, cheese, meat-filled stews, and an adrenaline-filled bull-running festival, it truly has its own special charm. Zahara de la Sierra, is quite simply a place that takes your breath away. It is, without a doubt, one of the most picturesque of all the Pueblos Blancos (white villages) in the Sierra de Grazalema, if not in the whole of Andalucia. The town enjoys an extraordinary setting, at the foot of the Sierra del Jaral and perched atop a hill surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Zahara-el Gastor reservoir. Standing guard above the village are the remains of a Moorish castle that commands views both over the surrounding countryside and the white-washed village beneath.

Fighting Bulls Farm Your private driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel to take you to a family-run bull farm known as Reservatauro, where you will live a unique experience and get to know first-hand the breeding process of these animals from the time they are born to being fight-ready. Reservatauro is a breeding farm of fighting bulls and pure Andalusian horses located in the Natural Park of “Sierra de las Nieves within the Serrania de Ronda, a privileged environment in the heart of a Mediterranean pastureland called Dehesa (a Holm oaks forest area which has been listed by the Unesco as a Biosphere Reserve). You will live a unique experience and get to know first-hand the breeding process of these animals from the time they are born to being fight-ready. You will also observe the wild flora and fauna from the Serranía de Ronda. We offer the possibility to know more about bullfighting directly from a bullfighter and breeder, Rafael Tejada, owner of Reservatauro.The visit lasts about 60 minutes, once you have finished, you’ll have the time to enjoy some time to relax on our beautiful terrace to have a drink and a snack with breathtaking views of the mountain.

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DEPARTURE/EXPLORE SPAIN Some of your guests might want to stay a few extra days in Ronda while others may want to take this opportunity to further explore more of Spain. At Just Explore Holidays & Tours, we will be happy to take care of al the necessary arrangements !

DAY 5: Options

Horseback riding in Grazalema Natural Park You will visit this family-run stable where you will enjoy a nice horseback ride on Andalusian horses. The ride will be of about 2 hours during which you will ride through the breath-taking surrounding countryside and forest.. The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in the northeastern part of the province of Cádiz encompasses a complex of mountain ranges. It is a karstic region and contains a number of large limestone caverns, including the Cueva del Gato, the Cueva de la Pileta, and the Garganta Verde. The Sierra de Grazalema is also home to many colonies of vultures, including a few pairs of Egyptian vultures, a species which is seriously threatened. The natural park was declared a biosphere reserve in 1977.

Hiking in Benaojan Should you feel like enjoying a day outdoors, we suggest you go on this delightful hike from Ronda to Benaojan. This route* can be done in its own right as a one-way walk and return by train from Benaojan station (the train tickets will cost aprx 4 euros per person and we suggest checking the train times online at renfe.com as times vary depending on the time of year). We highly recommend having lunch at the Molino del Santo restaurant (your own expenses) and pre-book a table in advance (we will be happy to do this on your behalf). There are other local bars for a snack or some tapas just in front of Benaojan station. NOTE: If the train schedule is not good for your day planning, we can arrange for a transfer back to Ronda (we just need to know with at least 48 hrs in advance). *Detailed directions will be provided The Molino del Santo restaurant is set in a beautiful garden so if you have time to kill before your train back to Ronda you can always take a coffee or a wander around to admire the setting… This family-owned business is managed by Andy Chapell and Pauline Elkin since its beginnings in 1987. Eating at the terrace of Molino del Santo under the willow and fig trees it’s always special. They use local and fresh ingredients in an imaginative and creative way to bring you the best dishes in the area. They offer all kinds of options from light snacks to full 8-course tasting menus with matching wines with lots of variations in between. They serve gourmet barbecues on summer nights and have a menu that changes every month to reflect seasonal highlights. 70% of the wines are from Andalucia. Pauline, Inma, and Victor are especially able to offer you assistance with selecting the ones that you will like best.

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Relax by the Coast (Marbella) Marbella's picture-postcard beauty sometimes feels almost too polished to be true. This fashionable town stands out among the seaside resorts of the Costa del Sol. Palm-trimmed promenades, posh beach clubs, and exclusive golf courses cater to an upscale clientele. While the sandy beaches and the quaint historic center (Casco Antiguo) will enchant all. Historic Marbella is an enchanting old Moorish town full of charming whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, and shady trees. Many of the old buildings are adorned with ironwork balconies and dripping with vibrant bougainvillea. The Plaza de los Naranjos blossoms with fragrant orange trees in springtime, reminiscent of the Moors' homeland in North Africa. It's worth exploring Marbella's town squares, historic landmarks, art museums, and boutiques, to balance time spent sunbathing and relaxing at the beach.

More of Andalusia (Sevilla) Some cities blast you away, others slowly win you over. Sevilla disarms and seduces you. Its historic center lorded over by a colossal Gothic cathedral, is an intoxicating mix of resplendent Mudejar palaces, baroque churches and winding medieval lanes. Flamenco clubs keep the intimacy and intensity of this centuries-old tradition alive whilst aristocratic mansions recall the city’s past as a showcase Moorish capital and, later, a 16th-century metropolis rich on the back of New World trade. Painters such as Velázquez, Murillo and Valdés Leal, and sculptors like Martínez Montañés were born here and left behind very important artwork. Then, in the 19th century, the city gained a reputation for its architecture and culture making it an essential stop along the Romantic "Grand Tour" of Europe. Today, tourist facilities are top-notch and the city is buzzing with festivals, color and a thriving nightlife scene making it, arguably, one of the most charming places in Spain.

City escape (Madrid) No city on earth is more alive than Madrid, a beguiling place whose sheer energy carries a simple message: this city really knows how to live. Spain's central capital is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro. It’s renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. The Habsburg dynasty (los Austrias) ruled Spain during its Golden Age and established Madrid as the capital of the country. What’s more, Madrid nights are the stuff of legend and the perfect complement to the more sedate charms of fine arts and fine dining. Spain's broad sweep of architectural history provides a glorious backdrop to city life, from medieval mansions and royal palaces to the unimagined angles of Spanish contemporary architecture, from the sober brickwork and slate spires of Madrid baroque to the extravagant confections of the belle époque. Put simply, this is A beautiful city!

Start your newly-married life together on the right foot by allowing us to curate your perfect getaway! Here are a few of our many destinations.

For more, we invite you to check out our Spain for Honeymooners itinerary!

HONEYMOON

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ACCOMMODATION

At Just Explore we understand one of the biggest worries when

booking a holiday is the standard for your hotel.

That's why we only use pre-viewed character hotels with great

locations to help you relax and enjoy your stay with us.

Assistance During Your Trip

Full support & assistance on hand 24/7

As with all our clients we will provide you with maps, a list of recommended places to visit, bars & restaurants etc. to help you enjoy the

authentic Spain whilst you’re exploring at your leisure.

Insurance

We recommend that all travelers take out their own private medical, travel & wedding insurance whilst traveling to avoid any unforeseen

expenses...

Please Note:

The above itinerary may change at any time due to circumstances beyond our control.

We will duly advise of any such changes as soon as possible.

This is a sample itinerary. Please contact us for a personalized quote.

* Subject to our standard terms & conditions (full details on separate sheet)

TRANSPORT (all included)

Luxury AC vehicle

All private transfers from airport/railway station to hotels and vice

versa.

All private transfers from town to town mentioned in above

itinerary.

PRICE & INCLUSIONS

Just Explore Holidays & Tours SL

T: +34 957 022 902 M: +34 639 933 717 E: [email protected] www.just-explore.com

Spanish Licence: CIAN-146473-2