The tour departs at 0830h from Plaza de Espana, 7, Madrid. You will travel in an air-conditioned minibus accompanied by a guide.
Travel through the land of Don Quixote "The Man from La Mancha" to reach Cordoba in time.
Cordoba was founded by the ancient Romans. During the classic Roman times, the great philosophers, Seneca the Elder and the Younger, expressed their ideas and orated in some of the wonderful palaces that the Romans built here.
Coordoba then went on to become the capital of the Iberian peninsula under the caliphates of the Moorish dynasties. For a long time it was the largest city in Western Europe. Today the historic centre of Cordoba is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tour starts by visiting the famous Mezquita or the Great Moorish Mosque of Cordoba. The Mosque was considered a wonder of the medieval world by both Muslims and Christians. Its internal columns and arcades create a vision that reflects the building traditions of the Great Mosque of Damascus and the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem.
You also visit the Jewish Quarter, which dates back to the times of the Romans and Goths. The area consists of a captivating system of narrow lanes that provide for great atmosphere allowing you to imagine what it was like in its heyday.
Built in the medieval period around 1315, the Sinagoga of Cordoba is the only one to survive the Inquisition. Containing Hebrew inscriptions and beautifully restored, it has been converted into a museum.
After your tour around Cordoba your coach will then take you to Seville. On arrival in Seville you check in to your hotel for dinner where you also stay the night.
The morning starts with breakfast after which you start your morning tour of Seville. It is one of the most loved and visited cities in all of Spain. Occupied by the Moors for more than 800 years it still bears reminders of its rich and vivid past.
Start with a visit to the Cathedral of Sevilla - It is the third largest church in Europe and the largest Gothic religious building in Europe. It also boasts the largest and richest altarpiece in the world. It is lavishly decorated with a large quantity of gold. It is so large that it seems an ordinary cathedral could fit inside its walls.
Stroll through the Santa Cruz Quarter - the famous historical old town of Seville. It is truly the heart of the city with a magical charm that comes from its winding alley and lime-washed houses. It was home to the Jewish quarter in the Middle Ages and the enormous and beautiful Maria Luis Gardens built as a Romantic garden. It was also home to the legendary ‘Don Juan’.
The afternoon is yours at leisure to continue exploring this beautiful city. You return to your hotel for dinner and stay the night.
After breakfast you depart for Granada along the Califato road.
On arrival at Granada you visit and explore the magnificent Alhambra complex which includes the beautiful Generalife Gardens. This was the seat of the Moorish kingdoms of Spain and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Broadly speaking The Alhambra is composed of three parts: The Royal Palace, The gardens of Generalife and the fortress of Alcazar.
The Royal Palace, the most famous, consists of the Mexuar – enclosing the striking Golden Room - where the sultans conducted every day business. The Serallo, which served as a reception area and its very attractive Patio of Myrtles and the intriguing Lions' Court. The Hall of the Ambassadors is the largest and finest room in the palace where King Fernando discussed Columbus’ attempt to find the sea route to India.
The inspiration for the gardens of Generalife is supposed to be the Koran's description of Paradise. Running water and plenty of shaded areas together with all sorts of plants reminded the rulers of Granada of their past in the hot deserts. The Patio of the Cypresses and the Walk of the Cascades are the highlights here.
The fortress of Alcazaba (the Citadel) is the oldest part of the Alhambra and consists of the impressive Torre de la Vela.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Some parts of the Alhambra are unsuitable those with mobility problems.
After your tour of the Alhambra you check into your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast you will have time at leisure to explore Granada. Meet up with your tour party for an included lunch. After lunch, an interesting tour of the most important city monuments, its narrow streets and the famous “Damasquinado” (gold and silver inlaying in iron) after which you depart for Madrid where the tour ends.