11/19 – Palma del Rio to Seville with Castillo Almodovar on the way

We have absolutely no rush today, so we spend a relaxing morning at the Monastery, eating a leisurely breakfast in the lovely little breakfast room filled with old furniture and historic photos, then make our way out into the streets, heading to the Ribera de Genil – a river basin with hiking trails.

Unfortunately, the torrential rains that have been deluging Spain have taken their toll here as well. The bridge to the island hiking area is closed and you can see how the river has flooded and left muddy pools of water where they probably were not a few weeks ago. Oh well – we tried.

So, back to the hotel we go, freshening up, packing and taking our leave of the wonderful Monasterio with a few last photos as the Church bells ring, ushering us out into the sunny morning.

Off on our next adventure, heading North up into the hills for the Castillo Almodovar, a fortress built in 740 and expanded through the 1600s. As we near the castle, we can see it perched way up there on a mount – so high above everything – it is definitely a perfect place for a fortress. But. Oh my God. The drive to get there! Death defying – seriously. Ay yi yi!!! Ed is such a good driver, I mean, the road is one lane with no guard rail and a little teeny curb that is the only thing to stop you toppling off down the steep slopes. Crazy!

We go up, up, up – seeing a few cars parked on the side of the road near the top, but deciding to continue all the way up – which was a wise decision as there are actually a few parking spaces up here where we can actually turn around without fear of toppling down that cliff. Phew! Arriving right at opening time, the military personnel who take care of the fortress are just raising the flags, and we have the place pretty much to ourselves as we wander the courtyard/Parade Grounds and scramble up the ramparts to look out over the gorgeous views and back upon the castle grounds.

Along the ramparts we can wander in and out of rooms with the throne of Peter I – Peter The Cruel – as well as the cell where they carried out hangings and/or torture, complete with the skeleton splayed out in the pit below the chain hanging from the ceiling. Lovely.

Then it is back outside for the views. You just can’t get enough of them, they are just incredible. No wonder they used it for a fortress/castle!

But wait! There’s more! Even as we turn back to head down to the Parade Ground, there are more stunning views everywhere.

Around the perimeter of the Fortress are various museum type rooms containing a sword exhibition, old photos and various other historical artifacts.

Oh, and did we mention this is also the Game of Thrones castle? No? Well, we should have, because everywhere you turn there is a display sign explaining what scene was filmed in this exact location – and the pamphlet/guide they give you is even called “The Scene of Game of Thrones.” Shame we never saw it because the location is the best!

Making our way toward the exit, we encounter more signs, more history and, yep, more stellar views. One of the best scenic lookout posts we have visited.

And then we are done, on our way out to the car and then back down that scary road to bring us back to ground level for the easy, flat drive back to Seville.

Easily back to the ship, we hang out and do our normal afternoon activities, then watching our sail away past the fabulous architecture and through the drawbridge as we begin our Peaceful sail down the Guadalquivir River leaving Seville.

Tonight is White night, inside, in which we are not participating, eschewing that mess for a quiet Prime C dinner where I finally have my lamb! Our waiter almost fainted! They all know me way too well by now….

….Then it is back to the cabin, watching a beautiful sunset and enjoying the sound of the sheep out on the shoreline.