Andalusia Tour 2024

Details

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Malaga

Visit the Alcazaba of Malaga and the old city. Alcazaba, derived from the Arabic word ‘al-Qasbah’, means a fortification within a walled city. The al-Qasbah of Malaga is one of the best preserved in all of Andalusia and the main highlight of the Islamic legacy in Malaga. Its construction began in the 11th century under the Amazigh Hammudid dynasty, and was added to and modified several times in its lifetime by various rulers. The Alcazaba sits on the slopes of the hill of Gibralfaro, on top of which a Muslim castle survives. The Alcazaba of Malaga is also remembered for a crucial event: marking the end of Muslim rule in the Iberian peninsula.

After a visit to the Alcazaba, take a stroll in the old city and enjoy coffee and tea. In the afternoon walk to the seafront where Tariq Ibn Ziyad landed in 711, and began the Muslim conquest.

Day 2

Leave Malaga and head to Ronda.

An early start as we hit the road and drive west towards the city of Ronda. Ronda is known for its cliff-side location and a deep chasm that carries the Guadalevin River (from the Arabic ‘Wadi-al-Laban’ meaning ‘river of milk’). The city is split by a gorge but connected by a stone bridge bringing together the new town and the old Muslim town.

Ronda was conquered by the Muslims in 713 and remained in Muslim hands for 772 years after which, in 1485, it fell to invading forces. It was home to the polymath Abbas Ibn Firnas (b.810), an aviator, poet and musician. In Ronda we will visit the remains of the Arab baths, La Casa Del Rey Moro (House of the Moorish King) – a 13th century house made up of three parts: a water mine (which we will climb down to the river) from the Muslim period, a neo-Mudejar style house, and a garden designed by the Frenchman Jean Forestier in the style of Arab-Muslim architecture. After spending some time in this scenic and historic house, we will head towards another: Palacio de Mondragon and visit the remains of an ancient minaret (St Sebastian Minaret). 

We will spend the evening in the gardens of Ronda, watching the sunset across the gorge and distant valleys.

Day 3

Leave Ronda and head to Seville

Welcome to Seville, the first capital of the Umayyads in Iberia. First conquered by the Muslims in 712, it was ruled by several dynasties (Umayyads, Abbadids, Almoravids). This old Andalusian city is paved with cobblestone, filled with horse-drawn carriages and its skyline is dominated by the incredible minaret (The Giralda) of the once Great Almohad Mosque. During our time in Seville, we will visit the site of the mosque where today the Seville Cathedral stands (home to the tomb of Columbus), and the opulent Alcazar (al-Qasr or ‘The Verdant Palace’), once the palace and fortress of the Abbadid Muslim dynasty. 

Seville is also home to the Rio Guadalquivir, the only navigable river in Spain. We will walk its banks and visit the Torre del Oro (Burj adh-Dhahab or ‘Tower of Gold’), an ancient Almohad Caliphate watchtower from the 13th century.

Day 4

Leave Seville for Cordoba

Arrive early in the afternoon in the city of Cordoba. Founded on the banks of the Rio Guadalquivir, there was no city like Cordoba in all of Islamic Andalusia. Cordoba served as a world leading centre of education, art, poetry and culture – producing giants such as Ibn Rushd, Ibn Hazm and Maimonides. During its golden age of the 10th and 11th centuries, Cordoba was one of the most advanced cities in the world. At its peak it had 80 libraries and schools, teaching medicine, mathematics, astronomy and botany – far exceeding anything in the rest of Europe. 

By the 10th century Cordoba became one of the largest cities in the world. First conquered in 711, the city came under the Caliphate of the Umayyads in Damascus, and was subsequently transformed and designed to mirror Damascus in many ways later when it became the capital of the new Umayyad dynasty under Abd ar-Rahman in 756. Syrian-Umayyad influences can be found in the Great Mosque of Cordoba even till today.

Highlights include the Great Mosque of Cordoba, Patio de los Naranjos, The Roman Bridge and Torre De Calahorra. 

Days 5 and 6

Drive from Cordoba to Granada

After breakfast we finally head to the city of Granada (‘Garnata’), the city of Alhambra and the Nasrids. We head straight to Mirador de San Nicolas – a beautiful vantage point to witness the setting of the sun on the red walls of the Alhambra palaces and the Sierra Nevada. A stone’s throw away is the Granada Mosque (built 2003), a great opportunity to visit the gardens and inner mosque for those wishing to make the evening prayer.

We will hike up the hills to reach the Alhambra fortress and its palaces. Built in 1238 by the Nasrids in the Emirate of Granada (the last Muslim state in Andalusia), the architecture of the palaces reflect the tradition of Islamic architecture developed over centuries in the Iberian Peninsula. We will walk inside the Alcazaba, and visit the Court of the Lions, Main Hall (Mexuar), Comares Palace, Partal Palace, the courtyard of the Lindaraja and the Court of the Myrtles, among others.

We will then take a short walk through the gardens to the Jannat al-Arifa (Generalife), a Nasird-era country estate built in the 13th century.

Day 7

We head to the Granada Mosque for Friday Prayers (for those interested), lunch break and then visit the 11th century Arab Hamams (El Banuelo).

Itinerary Disclaimers

While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, and we will do our best to include other sights and activities that will enhance your experience during the tour. 

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

The tour is aimed towards those interested in Islamic history and cultures, and is not a ‘religious’ tour per se. It is open to people of all backgrounds. The itinerary is not suitable for young children.

Transportation

We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.

Accommodation

If you are traveling alone you might be paired with another traveller during your stay (of the same gender). If you wish to reserve your own room, please ensure you select this option during booking (additional fee charged).

Arrival Time

Please note the tour starts on the afternoon of Day 1 in Malaga. We expect you to arrive in the morning, check in to the hotel, and join us for a Welcome Meeting before commencing the tour. Optionally, you can arrive the night before however you will have to arrange your own accommodation.

Flights

We advise you to book your flights (inc. return) as soon as possible. Once booked, we will ask you to provide the following information:

• Flight number
• Flight arrival date and time
• Flight Departure date and time
• Passenger’s name
• Number of passengers
• Email
• Valid mobile telephone number
• Drop off and/or pick-up address

What’s Included

Tour includes:

● Accommodation (inc. breakfast)

● Transport between destinations (buses, trains, walking)

● Entry fees to sights (museums, palaces, mosques etc)

Not included:

● International flights

● Travel from and to airport

● Lunch and dinner

● Visa fees (if required)

● Cost of Covid tests (please check to make sure there are no Covid related requirements for you to visit Spain from your home country)

● Travel insurance (it is highly recommended for you to purchase travel insurance)

Booking and Cancellation

Your spot on the tour is only confirmed once the deposit has been paid. The remaining balance must be paid in full 2 weeks before the start of the tour. If you decide to cancel, you will forfeit your deposit and any other balance paid.