Stunning arched interior of the Mezquita, Cordoba
14 – 21 April 2018
Places Available
Over the centuries, Moorish Spain has captured peoples’ imagination thanks to its strategic location, fertile land, distinctive culture, unique architecture and the romantic fables associated with the region. Andalucía was a rich Roman province, a powerful Visigothic kingdom, the land of many Islamic emirates and even the seat of a caliph in the 10th century. Visit the magnificent Alhambra palace in Granada, the Mezquita in Cordoba, and the rich art and architecture of Seville. Andalucía is one of Spain’s most scenic regions, strewn with superb Hispano- Moorish architecture. As well as including two of Spain’s greatest sites – the Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita in Cordoba – this tour explores some of Andalucía’s prettiest countryside and towns. We have the convenience of a seven night stay at a comfortable 3+ star boutique hotel located in the delightful historic town of Antequera, often referred to as the ‘Florence of Andalucía’.
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Malaga. Drive to Antequera
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Malaga with British Airways. Drive to Antequera and transfer to our hotel. Welcome dinner at a traditional local restaurant (D)
Day 2: Ronda
Morning drive to Ronda, which sits in a picturesque location, astride the El Tajo gorge. Visit the bullring and museum. Free time before returning to Antequera (B)
Day 3: Seville
We drive to Seville and visit the House of Pilate, a 16th-century palace with strong mudéjar (Islamic) and Renaissance elements, and take a walk through the picturesque Jewish quarter and the Museum of Fine Arts, a converted monastery with a comprehensive collection of Spanish art dating back to the Renaissance, including paintings by Murillo, Seville’s foremost painter. Afternoon tour of the cathedral and the Alcázar. Seville’s cathedral is the largest in Europe and is Christopher Columbus’ burial place, while the Moorish Alcázar Palace is now home to the Spanish royal family. Dinner at a traditional local restaurant in Antequera (B, D)
Day 4: Antequera
Morning tour of Antequera, including the UNESCO listed Dolmens; vast burial chambers dating from 2500BC, the Alcazaba – Moorish hilltop fortress that dominates the town below plus one of the town’s famous churches. Afternoon at lesiure (B)
Day 5: Cordoba
Morning visit to the Mezquita, formerly the city’s mosque, to see its dazzling interiors. Continue to the picturesque Jewish quarter, a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets and tiny squares, and view the synagogue. Afternoon visit the archaeological site of Madinat al-Zahra, a palatial town built in the 10th century for the caliphs of Cordoba. The restored palaces and houses of the town and the award-winning museum provide a unique glimpse into the life of Early Islamic Spain. Dinner at a traditional local restaurant (B, D)
Day 6: Granada
Full-day tour of Granada,spending the morning in the Alhambra, Spain’s foremost Islamic monument. Visit the Nasrid Palaces, the iconic complex of courtyards and low buildings; and Carlos V Palace, an impressive Italianate Renaissance edifice housing the Museum of the Alhambra; and the delightful gardens of the Generalife. In the afternoon we visit the Royal Chapel, housing Queen Isabella’s superb collection of Northern Renaissance art and the Cathedral, the first Renaissance cathedral in Spain, and the country ‘s second largest. (B)
Day 7: Malaga
We visit the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress, and the exterior of Gibralfaro castle before strolling along the 19th- and 21st century waterfront. After lunch we visit the Cathedral and Museum and enjoy free time in the old town. We return to Antequera later for our farewell dinner that has been arranged at a quality restaurant (B, D)
Day 8: Fly to London
Morning transfer to Malaga airport and fly to London with British Airways. (B)
Meal basis
As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
Cost £1495.00 per person based on sharing a twin room
Single Supplement £250.00
Syder Travel 