Spain's Hidden Jewels: Three-Day Itinerary in Aragon

Historic garden

• You´ll arrive at the hotel by 9:00. Check into the Monasterio de Piedra and join their daily guided tour through the grounds. Considered a Site of Cultural Interest, this Cistercian monastery was founded in 1194 and its five-kilometer park represents one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the country.

• Six waterfalls surrounded by lush nature, caves, lakes and the singing of more than 20 different bird species make for a stunning walk. The Iris Grotto, full of ​​stalactites and stalagmites, or the 90-meter-high Cola de Caballo and its rainbow are a delight to the senses.

• Their chocolate museum commemorates the fact that chocolate arrived in Europe for the first time to this Monastery in 1534, where sugar, cinnamon and vanilla were added to the original recipe. Try out the typical-Spanish “menu del día” at Restaurant Piedra Vieja.

Monumental area & spa

• After lunch, it's time to explore the monastic complex which dates back to 1218. The main characteristics of Cistercian architecture are visible in the still standing buildings such as the Cloister, the Abbey and the Church or the Torre del Homenaje.

• To end the date with a gold brooch, you can choose between visiting their spa or lounging in their amazing summer pool. Afterwards, head for dinner to the Restaurant Reyes de Aragón.

Monumental city

• Have breakfast at the Monasterio de Piedra and check out. Take the train to Calatayud and check in to Hotel Monasterio Benedictino.

• Spend the morning exploring Calatayud´s bilbilitan monuments: Puerta de

• Terrer (16th century), Plaza de España, Mesón de La Dolores and the Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, whose apse, cloister and tower are UNESCO World Heritage. Head for lunch at Restaurant Puerta de Terrer.

Islamic past

• After lunch, head to the Ayub Castle, from where the city gets its name. It was built during of Muhammad I´s emirate and consisted of five castles, joined by long walls with towers. The irrigation structure created during this time still exists today.

• On your way back from the Castle, don't forget to stop at some of the scenic overlooks along the way. From the one at Calle Torremocha, you will be able to understand why it has been called "the city of towers". Enjoy dinner at Posada San Antón.

Have breakfast at the hotel and check out to take the train to Zaragoza. Check in at Hotel Catalonia el Pilar located in the city center.

Mudejar fortress

• Start your day with a visit to the Aljafería Palace, where the regional parliament is housed in a fortified medieval palace. The Aljafería is the only conserved example of architecture from the taifas period and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Through the years the Aljafería Palace has had several uses: an Islamic fortress, residence of the Catholic Monarchs, an Inquisition prison, etc. and clearly showcases the splendor the Taifa of Zaragoza reached at its height. Be sure not to miss the Golden Hall, the mosque or chapel and the patio of Santa Isabel.

• Take lunch at es.Table, a bistró-style restaurante focused on local Aragon products.

Roman Catholic cathedrals

• Zaragoza is the only world city with two cathedrals. The Basilica–Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar is the first church built to honor Blessed Virgin Mary.

• The history of the temple goes back to the IX century as a church surrounded by one of the Christian communities in the city, and several churches have been built on the same site since then.

• In 1434, a fire caused damage to the Romanesque church and reconstruction started in the Mudéjar Gothic style. The current Baroque temple began its construction in 1681. Before leaving, be sure to visit Zaragoza´s second Cathedral, La Seo.

• For dinner, head to Gente Rara but be sure to book in advance because they are usually booked solid!

If you want to extend your trip, we propose:

• Explore the "Camino de Santiago" in Aragon (the part of the Way of St. James that crosses this Spanish community).

• Explore a Cava winery (Yes, Cava! While usually known as a Catalan wine, Aragon also produces Cava).