a weekend in Jerez- real Sapin done quickly and cheaply (Jerez de la Frontera)

Member Name: siantone

Product:	Jerez de la Frontera
Date:	19/05/09 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: pack in lots of Andalucia

Disadvantages: Jerez is not the most glamorous city at night

For a cost effective trip to Spain over a long weekend I would recommend staying in Jerez de la Frontera. From this authentic non-touristy city famous for its sherry you can easily visit the ancient city of Cadiz to the south and vibrant Seville, to the north.

To get the most out of the visit you will need to hire a car at Jerez airport which is a small lowkey airport which will be expanded in the future. In fact, hiring a car from the airport is important for making your weekend work as the lowkey nature of the airport means that public transport to and from the airport has not developed around the needs of the passengers yet.

A suggested itinerary if you arrive on an early Ryanair flight from Stansted into Jerez is:

Day 1: pick up car and check in to a hotel in Jerez- the smart business chain AC Hotels (www.ac-hotels.com) do great deals at the weekend. The AC in Jerez overlooks the sports stadium and is very comfortable with free drinks in the foyer and lots of lounging space.
Avda. Chema Rodríguez s/n (Estadio Chapín)
11405, Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
Tel. 956 327 222
Fax 956 326 174
acjerez@ac-hotels.com

Spend the day visiting Jerez, making sure you take in the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and one of the many bodegas to sample sherry. Suggestions include Sandemans (www.sandeman.com), Bodega Paez Morilla (www.paezmorilla.com) and Bodegas Tradicion (www.bodegastradicion.com).

Day 2: drive to south to Cadiz and explore the narrow streets of this historic city on foot. Make sure you visit the cathedral, the Roman theatre and the Tavira tower for panoramic views. Drive back to Jerez for evening meal.

Day 3: drive north to Seville and explore this dynamic city on foot. Be sure to visit the cathedral, the alcazar which is opposite and the Plaza de Espana. Drive back to Jerez for evening meal.

Day 4: relax, perhaps stock up on sherry from one of the many Bodegas, before driving back to Jerez's aiport.

Summary: Excellent weekend itinerary for Andalucia