
For
centuries, this corner of the Iberian Peninsula has been at the crossroads of
invasions and conquests by the peoples of other areas of modern-day Europe and
North Africa. In Andalusia, the influence of the Romans, the Moors, the Jews,
and the Christians can be experienced everywhere, every day. In this region you
can see firsthand the impact and interaction of all these cultures and civilizations.
You are transported from Itálica, the birthplace of a Roman emperor, to
the Alhambra, a Moorish castle and medieval citadel, to "la Mezquita,"
a Renaissance cathedral built in the middle of an ancient mosque.
Many
different tours and itineraries are possible in a region so rich in Spanish heritage
and culture. Málaga,
on the Costa del Sol, which is served by a modern international airport, is an
easy point of departure. Next is Granada
with the Alhambra, the world-famous medieval citadel and Moorish palace with its
magnificent Generalife Gardens. As a World Heritage Site, it is an absolute "must-see"
on this itinerary.
Then,
an unusual combination of architectural styles awaits you in Córdoba
at La Mezquita (the only building in the world with a Christian cathedral inside
a mosque), also a World Heritage Site. Get yourself lost in the dark and narrow
medieval streets of the Judería (the Jewish Quarter) and let yourself be
transported by the memories of those distant, ancient and exotic cultures.
Travel
on to Seville,
the capital of Andalusia, with its Plaza de España, the grounds of the
Latin American Exhibition of 1929, the famous Maestranza bull ring, the old city
neighborhood of Triana and a new Museum of Flamenco.
In the old historical center, another World Heritage Site is ready for your discovery.
The most important places to see are:
- The
Reales Alcázares, a palace in the style called "mudéjar"
(a combination of Moorish and Gothic styles), which has served as a royal residence
since the 14th century and is still used by current King of Spain, Juan Carlos.
- The
Gothic cathedral built on the foundations of a mosque, the reminders of which
are made strikingly obvious by the combination minaret/tower of La Giralda.
For
those interested in ancient history, Itálica
is the place to go: a superbly preserved Roman town founded in 206 B.C. and the
birthplace of emperors Trajan and Adrian. The gladiators are long gone but the
historical ties to ancient times are still very vivid.
Jerez
de la Frontera is a fun and picturesque place to visit as a final destination.
This small country town is known not just in Spain but worldwide for its sherry
production. So, wine tasting should be an obvious activity on any program that
day.
In
Andalusia, the experience of visiting places with such rich culture, history and
heritage is beyond words. Nowhere else in the world can you feel the enchantment
and the allure of so many cultural treasures with such intensity.
There
are many more possibilities: Antequera, Ronda, Arcos
de la Frontera, Cádiz,
etc.
Please
tell us where and when you want to travel and we will create a custom tour
that fits your specific interests, schedule and budget.
Your
tailor-made package will include ground transportation, guided tours and hotel
rooms.
The
price of your program will depend on your needs (scheduled group tours, private
guides...) and the number of participants in your group, the length of the trip,
the category of hotels, the number of places visited, the time of year, etc.
We
will do all the bookings and pay each individual
provider on your behalf. In other words, you go and have fun and we'll take care
of the details for you.
