Moorish Delight

Moorish Delight Tour

Spain as an ancient Mediterranean culture is known by its preserved unique exotic life style expressed throughout the peninsula and especially in its southern part called Andalucia. Its architecture, cuisine, music and dance are the reflection of the Spanish soul that feeds on beauty of the simplified and sophistication of the complex. A masterpiece collage of times and events that have swept through for centuries with a spirit of pride and dignity to become Spain. A place where life is meant to be. This cultural tour of Spain offers deep understanding on the influence of the Moors and their contribution to Western civilization in general and Spanish culture in particulier vist Moorish Madrid, Toledo, Seville,Cordoba, Jerez de la Frontera, ROta, Cadiz, Gibraltar, Tangier, Malaga, Granadanad the heart beat of Spain Pueblos blancos, white villages of Andalucia.

Day 1: New York / Madrid

Over night flight from Dulles airport in New York to Madrid direct flight on the new Spanish evolution Spanair. Dinner and breakfast on board.

Day 2: Madrid

Upon arrival to the Spanish capital, your host will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the morning is to relax and acclimate. Afternoon will be devoted to explore the historic sites of Madrid with a professional guide.

Day 3: Madrid / Toledo / Seville

Depart in the morning from Madrid to Toledo. Introduction to the heartbeat of artistic Spain visiting the historic highlights. Lunch on the road in a typical Spanish Taverna. Continue to Seville for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Seville

Morning discovery tour to notable places with a local guide. This will highlight the famous Santa Cruz section, the Jewish quarter, the Mosque and the Cathedral among other landmarks. The afternoon at leisure to discover Seville on your own.

Day 5: Seville / Jerez / Cadiz / Gibraltar

Travel to Cadiz by the back roads visiting exciting Andalusian villages. Lunch in Rota, the remain of the afternoon will be devoted to explore the city, then continue traveling to Gibraltar for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Gibraltar (Tangier)

Day at your leisure to explore the Rock with its unique maze. An excursion to Tangier will be offered to those who wish to put a foot in Africa cross the strait of Gibraltar where the Atlantic clashes with the Mediterranean and Africa embraces Europe. The Romance in the Casbah of Tangier is worth the trip. Overnight in Gibraltar.

Day 7: Gibraltar / Granada

Travel in the morning to Granada along la Costa del Sol to reach the dramatic ridges of the Sierra Nevada and its typical Moorish villages that punctuate the pride of great people.Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Bristol.

Day 8: Granada

To day is devoted to explore some of the most impressive sites in Granada that have marked the Spanish history, among them the one and only Alhambra.

Day 9: Granada

Morning to visit historic sites, afternoon will be at leisure.

Day 10: Granada / Cordoba

Travel in the morning from Granada to reach Cordoba for lunch. In the afternoon an orientation tour will highlight gardens of la Victoria and ramparts around the city.

Day 11: Cordoba

Visits to historic sites and plazas of Cordoba will highlight one of the wonders of this world the "Alkazar" palace, renowned a for what a palace should mean.

Day 12: Cordoba / Madrid

Travel from Cordoba to Madrid in the morning via Valdepeñas a drive through bodegas of wine where barrels are set just on the sides of the road. Continue to the shady groves of Aranjuez beside the Tagus river. Lunch by the Jardin De la Isla, then continue to Madrid. The remain of the day is at leisure.

Day 13: Madrid / New York

Depart in the morning from Madrid to reach New York, DC in the mid afternoon with a memorable trip of a lifetime.

What is Included:

RT Washington / Madrid
Land transportation in deluxe vehicles
Accommodation in 3 star hotels and paradors
Breakfast and dinner daily
Services of guides and escort
Fees to monuments and museums

Cities visited & Hotels used

Madrid: 2 nights, Hotel El Coloso ****
Granada: 3 nights, Hotel Carmen ****
Gibraltar: 2 nights, Hotel Bristol ****
Sevilla: 2 nights, Hotel Don Paco ***
Cordoba: 2 nights, Hotel Maimonides ***