Many are the peoples, religions and
cultures that since prehistoric times have arrived from the Mediterranean to the
south of Spain. Important reminders of the Carthaginians, the Romans, and the
Hebrews still remain, but what will most draw our attention are the remnants of
the Arab civilization, its great capitals, magnificent monuments and the respect
they enjoyed during more than five centuries, as well as the influence they bore
on the Christian culture. Only in this way can we explain the villages, the art,
the society and the landscape of modern day Andalusia.
Arrival in Malaga and travel to Granada for overnight
We begin our journey
in La Alhambra, masterful work of the Nazrids, the last dynasty of the Hispanic
Muslims. In its rooms, patios and gardens, we understand the fascination that
water and vegetation have wielded over the Islamic culture, and how we are still
today seduced by their legendary romantic tales. We will attempt to appreciate,
despite the obvious contrasts, the beauty of the Palace of Emperor Carlos V. A
stroll through the Albaicin district reveals the well known Arab facet of the
Andalusian culture, prior to discovering the mark left on Granada by a Christian
Spain: the Renaissance Cathedral with the Royal Chapel and the tombstones of the
Catholic Kings. Finally, we will wander through the old district, the lively Plaza
Bib-Rambla and the narrow streets that surround it. Overnight in Granada Possibility
to enjoy a Flamenco Show in the Sacromonte Quarter
Our road today takes us through the never-ending
olive groves in Jaen and Cordoba. Our visit to the mills will teach us how to
appreciate the different qualities of olive oil of the Baena appellation. Cordoba
was likely the most powerful city in Al-Andalus, and was so in its most spectacular
phase. The great mosque bears witness to this period, very well preserved despite,
or perhaps because of, its conversion to a cathedral. A worship center for the
third religion is not lacking; a Jewish synagogue surrounded by its aljama or
Jewish Quarter and the remembrance of the great rabbinic thinkers. We finish the
day with a stroll through the streets of the old district and its charming patios.
Overnight in Cordoba
Near Cordoba we find the city-palace of
Medina-Azahara, that belonged to the Cordoba Caliph Abderrahman III, and which,
despite centuries of abandonment and thanks to slow reconstruction work, still
evokes an idea of its ancient beauty. Carmona, of Punic origin and with its city
walls, cemetery, and amphitheater, reminds us that Andalusia also had a very important
Carthaginian and Roman past. The climb to the Arabic Alcazar will take us by the
15th century Mudejar Church of San Felipe, and the Baroque Convent of Descalzas.
Overnight in Seville
Of the three capitals that the Muslims had in Andalusia, it was Seville that the
Christian kings chose for themselves. King Pedro I had the Royal Palaces built,
one of the most prominent works of Mudejar style art. Here too the imposing Gothic
Cathedral occupies the grounds of the mosque, leaving only the Patio de los Naranjos
and the ancient minaret, the Giralda bell tower from which one can enjoy a panoramic
view of all Seville. A stroll through the picturesque quarters such as Santa Cruz,
beckon us to savor a special selection of tapas. Overnight in Seville Possibility
of organizing a special Andalusian tapas-lunch and enjoying a river cruise along
the Guadalquivir
Arcos de la Frontera is another of
southern Spain's towns bursting with history. Here is where the Guadalete River
is forever conjoined to the myth of the Loss of Spain, creating the beautiful
backdrop of the town. A small ensemble of military architecture, churches, palatial
estates, welcoming streets and balconies afford a pleasant stroll. The city of
Jerez de la Frontera has always enjoyed a privileged financial state of affairs
that has been strengthened by the export of sherry wines since the 18th century.
Its secret and peculiar processing methods will be revealed to us during a visit
to a wine cellar, its quality tested during our wine tasting. Overnight in Seville
Possibility to visit the Royal School of Equestrian Art or the Yeguada de la Cartuja,
where we will admire the singular breed of Cartujano horses
Our route to Ronda
will take us along picturesque "white villages" such as Olvera -with a charming
old quarter and Medieval fortress- and Grazalema -one of the best examples of
the local architecture in the white villages, which maintains very interesting
monuments such as the Roman fountain, the Baroque church Nuestra Senora de la
Aurora and the parish church La Encarnacion-. We will pass through a range of
abrupt green landscapes in the Natural Park of Grazalema which invites us to take
a stroll before we reach the Serrania de Ronda. The capital that gives the region
its name is incredibly situated by a gorge that divides the present town in two:
the old district with the Church Santa Maria la Mayor and the new district with
its 18th century bullfighting ring. Overnight on the Costa del Sol Possibility
of organizing a special farewell lunch in Ronda
Transfer to the Malaga Airport
