Full Day Private Tour to Cadiz and Jerez

The tour begins in the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, one of the most representative spaces of the city. In front of us stands the City Hall of Cadiz, an elegant neoclassical building whose facade reflects the prosperity achieved by the city during the period of Atlantic trade. From this square you can understand the close historical relationship between Cadiz and the sea. For centuries, this space was the point of arrival of goods from America and the place where much of the port and commercial activity was concentrated. Here we will also introduce the origin of the city, founded by the Phoenicians more than 3,000 years ago under the name of Gadir, and its subsequent evolution as a strategic enclave of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

A few steps away is the Barrio del Pópulo, the oldest town in Cadiz and one of the most characterful corners of the historic center. Access is through the Arch of the Rose, one of the ancient gates of the medieval wall that protected the city. This small maze of narrow streets preserves the urban structure of the Middle Ages and allows you to discover some of the oldest vestiges of Cadiz. Nearby are the remains of the Roman Theatre, built in the 1st century BC, one of the largest in Hispania at the time. We will also see the Old Cathedral or Church of Santa Cruz, built after the Christian conquest in the 13th century. This neighborhood is a good example of how Cadiz has been overlapping different historical eras in a relatively small space.

We continue to one of the liveliest areas of the city: the Central Market of Cadiz, a neoclassical building of the 19th century that remains one of the centers of daily life in Cadiz. The market reflects Cadiz’s close relationship with the Atlantic and its fishing tradition. In their posts it is usual to find a wide variety of fish and seafood from the coast of Cadiz

Next to the market is Plaza de las Flores, officially known as Plaza Topete, a place full of color thanks to the flower stands that give it its name. This stop allows you to appreciate the most authentic atmosphere of the city and understand how gastronomy is an essential part of the local culture.

We now head towards the Tavira Tower, the tallest of the many watchtowers still preserved in Cadiz. During the 18th century, when the city became the main port of trade with America, the wealthiest merchants built these towers to watch from their homes the arrival of ships loaded with goods. From the nearby streets you can see many of these towers that stand out on the roofs of the historic center. This urban landscape is one of the most characteristic features of Cadiz and reflects the wealth that Atlantic trade brought to the city. Here we will also talk about shippers from India, the traders who managed the exchange of products between Spain and the American continent.

The tour continues to one of the most emblematic monuments of the city: the Cathedral of Cadiz, officially called Cathedral of Santa Cruz on the Sea. Its construction began in 1722 and lasted for more than a century, which explains the combination of Baroque and neoclassical styles presented by the building. Its characteristic golden dome, visible from many parts of the city and from the sea, has become one of the symbols of Cadiz. The cathedral reflects the city’s greatest economic prosperity, when trade with America generated significant resources to finance major architectural projects. The surrounding square offers one of the best perspectives to appreciate the scale and elegance of the building.

From the cathedral we will walk to the Campo del Sur, the historic promenade of Cadiz. This section of the tour offers a spectacular view of the Atlantic hitting the city walls. The houses that line the promenade, with their white facades and balconies, create a very characteristic image of the urban landscape of Cadiz. This place allows you to understand the unique geographical position of Cadiz, located on a narrow peninsula almost completely surrounded by the sea. Throughout history, this area was also part of the defensive system of the city against maritime attacks.

The tour ends at La Caleta, a small beach located between two fortresses: Castle of Santa Catalina and Castle of San Sebastian. This place has historically been the natural port of Cadiz and one of the most beloved spaces for the inhabitants of the city. La Caleta offers one of the most picturesque views of Cadiz and has appeared in numerous international films and productions. Today it is a place very frequented by both locals and visitors, especially at sunset, when the sun sets over the Atlantic. Here we will conclude the tour, enjoying one of the most emblematic panoramas of the city.

The tour ends at one of the most emblematic wineries in Jerez: Bodegas Tío Pepe, belonging to the historic González Byass house, founded in 1835. This place represents one of the most important centers of production and aging of sherry wine, known internationally as sherry. During this foreign stop, the importance of Sherry wine in international trade will be explained, especially since the 19th century, when the wineries of the city began to export their wines to markets such as the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. From the outside of the winery you can see some of the characteristic elements of the Jerez wine architecture : large patios, large aging ships and the traditional American oak boots where the wine matures slowly following the system of hatcheries and soleras, a unique method that allows to maintain the quality and character of the wines over time.