A late start today as we waited for a large (and noisy) tour group to finish breakfast do we could get into the dining room (it’s not very big). The weather was expected to be spectacular, with a high of 23C/73F so we headed out late morning to walk around the city on the other side of the Tagus River (about 8km/5miles) to see the spectacular views of Toledo. We had also decided to treat ourselves to lunch at the Parador Hotel, the venue with the best views of the city and some pretty impressive food! On the way I was tempted by Fly Toledo… a zipline across the Tagus near the beautiful Puente San Martin bridge.
Today’s route:
A: St Martin’s Bridge
B: Parador de Toledo Hotel
C: Alcantara Bridge
D: Plaza de Zocodover
E: Convent of the Mother of God
F/blue dot: Hotel Santa Isabel (home)
Just opposite our hotel, the Church of San Antolin, which is part of the Convento de Santa Isabel de los ReyesThe Convent is a closed order, we noticed a nun praying in the closed section of the Church behind this partition.Lladro and/or knives/sword shop are everywhere!! Apparently Toledo has a centuries-old reputation for metalworkingViews as we approach St Martin’s Bridge (A)St Martin’s Bridge from St Ana lookoutReady for my zipline ride just next to St Martin’s Bridge
ZIP LINE PHOTO PENDING
Looking back across St Martin’s Bridge through its medieval stone gatehouseHeading off up the hill… this is typical of the route… footpath alongside a road with steady traffic Views as we head down the west side of townSpectacular views and drinks on the Terrace at the Parador (B)
Into the restaurant and an amusebouche of spicy lentils with paprika to start the meal. Then first courses:
Gary’s: “Shepherd’s breadcrumbs” (traditional MigasdelPastor), fried free-range egg with chorizo and grapes
Mine: Wild rabbit empanadas, thyme, roasted tomato sauce and almond
Main courses:
Gary’s: Shoulder of suckling lamb, potatoes with onions and piquillo peppersMine: Traditional Toledo-style stewed partridge (Perdiz a la Toledana)My dessert: Fig biscuits (was more like icecream, not at all what I expected but delicious)… washed down the espresso and marzipan creme liqueur (like Baileys only almond flavoured)I never doubted himWe were buzzed shortly after leaving the ParadorMore views as we head around the east side of townNew Alcantara Bridge (Puente Nuevo de Alcantara)C: Alcantara Bridge (Puente de Alcantara)Alcantara BridgePuerta de Alcantara (Alcantara Gate)Statue of Federico Martín Bahamontes (known as the Eagle of Toledo), a legendary Spanish road racing cyclist and the first Spaniard to win the Tour de France (in 1959).Spotted in Plaza de Zocodover (D)The Mudéjar-style entrance portal of the Convento de la Madre de Dios (Convent of the Mother of God)Entry to the Jewish Quarter (one of many)
There’s some pretty awesome views
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