• Trace the dramatic period of the Catholic monarchs, when Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile united their kingdoms through marriage in 1469 and dramatically changed the course of a new nation. 
• Learn about life in Spain when Christian, Islamic, and Jewish cultures co-existed in relative harmony.
• Discover the kingdom of the Moors in Al Andalus, and their accomplishments in science, mathematic, and the arts.
• Focus on the artistic and architectural brilliance of the Moors during a final lecture that features Seville's Alcazar and Granada's exquisite palace, the Alhambra.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Day 2: Madrid, Spain - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Madrid today. Gather for a special reception and dinner this evening. (D)

Day 3: Madrid
Madrid has been the geographic and spiritual heart of Spain since Felipe II designated it the nation's capital in 1561. Learn about this fascinating European city during a guided walking tour through its historic center. Explore the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, the city’s main public area since the 17th century, and visit the Royal Palace with its impressive collection of crown jewels. Gaze upon masterpieces of the Spanish School, including paintings by Velazquez, Murillo, Ribera, El Greco, and Goya, during a guided tour of the world-renowned Prado Museum. Enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant. (B, D)

Day 4: Madrid - Toledo - Madrid
Journey to nearby Toledo, a mystical city frozen in time, which still reflects the diverse cultures that co-existed here during the Middle Ages. Visit the 13th-century synagogue of El Transito, one of the few remaining synagogues in Spain, and observe the Moorish influence in the architecture. Tour the immense Gothic cathedral and view works by El Greco in both the cathedral and the Church of Santo Tomé, which houses one of his masterpieces, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Return to Madrid and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 5: Madrid - Cordoba - Seville
Journey to the lovely city of Cordoba. This extraordinary Moorish city flourished as an educational center under the Caliphs. Take a guided walking tour of the Mezquita, a magnificent mosque built by the Moors in the 8th century that was later converted into the city’s cathedral. The Mezquita is an architectural marvel, with double-tiered arches supported by 850 pillars of marble, alabaster, and stone. Explore the old Jewish Quarter, then cross the Roman bridge to the Torre della Calahorra Museum, which highlights the many cultures of Cordoba’s history. Board your motorcoach and transfer to Seville, Spain’s “cultural capital.” (B, D)

Day 6: Seville
On a guided walking tour of Seville visit one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the Christian world and view the Moorish Giralda Bell Tower, a remnant of a former mosque. In the impressive Reales Alcazares, or Royal Palace, view richly decorated rooms and patios designed with exquisite Mudejar architecture (a style developed by the Moors under Christian rule) as well as beautifully landscaped gardens. Enjoy a free afternoon to pursue individual interests. In the evening, experience the soulful music and dramatic dance steps of a flamenco show, a uniquely Andalusian art form. (B)

Day 7: Seville - Estepona (Costa del Sol)
A morning at leisure allows you to relax or explore such cultural sites as museums or Seville’s historic bullring. Arrive on the Costa del Sol later this afternoon. (B, D)

Day 8: Estepona - Granada - Mijas
Travel along the Sierra Nevada to Granada, a city that held an international reputation as a cultural center under the Moors and later a city of Renaissance splendor under the Catholic monarchs. A local expert will guide you through the world-famous Alhambra, an immense hilltop palace complex built by the Caliphs of the Nasrid Dynasty. A true highlight is the Casas Reales with its ornate rooms decorated with domed ceilings, colorful tiles, and enigmatic inscriptions. Meander through the adjacent grounds of the Generalife, beautifully designed with waterfalls, walkways, courtyards, and smaller secret gardens. On your return, enjoy dinner in the charming traditional hillside village of Mijas. (B, D)

Day 9: Estepona
Enjoy a day at leisure to relax in Estepona or, if you prefer, choose an optional full-day excursion to exotic Morocco.
(B, D)

Day 10: Estepona - Ronda
Today, view some of the traditional pueblos blancos, or white villages, set within the scenic mountain range of Serrania de Ronda. Take a walking tour of the historic town of Ronda, split dramatically in two by the impressive El Tajo Gorge. Cap off an unforgettable journey with a special farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 11: Estepona - Malaga - Tour Ends
(B)

Stay a little longer...with a 1 night pre-tour stay in Madrid starting
at $100 per person, double or a 1 night post-tour stay in Estepona
starting at $90 per person, double.

Air inclusive rate starting at $2569 is per person from New York City during certain season. Call for other air rates and Business Class upgrades.

*Tour prices are based on double occupancy and are subject to change. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Additional tour dates may be available, please call us for information.

11 days, 16 meals
9 Buffet Breakfasts, 7 Dinners

Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 4 - Melia Galgos, Madrid
Day 5, 6 - Melia Colon, Seville
Day 7 - 10 - Andalucia Princess Hotel, Estepona

NOTES:

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