Seville, Cordoba & Granada Tour

Today we are heading to the capital of the Andalusia region Seville. The islamic imprint of ancient Isbilya is not large, as the city was taken by christian king Fernando III en 1248. However, Seville well worth a visit. The beauty of its palaces, parks and its river Wadi al-Kabir (Guadalquivir). In times of Al-Andalus, an important fluvial port. After the America Discovery in 1492 it became the main commercial hub.  Discover the islamic heritage of this city. Today belltower of Seville’s cathedral, la Giralda was once the  minaret of the old Masjid of muslim Isbiliya. The Golden Tower is another landmark of the city. We will continue exploring the historic district and Santa Cruz quarter, and we will walk along the river boulevard to the beautiful Plaza de España.

Free time add-ons: Enjoy a bike ride in the riverside to reach the archeological site of “Italica” the first roman city founded in the Iberian Peninsula. The mosaics of the houses are amazing.

Qurtuba, the old capital of al-Andalus where you will learn about the Umayyad dynasty. Cordoba city was established capital of al-Andalus by the first Umayyad emir, Abd al-Rahman I in the early 8th-century. During the muslim period, Cordoba became a center of knowledge with countless libraries and three universities. It was the world’s most populated city, but suffered a sharp decrease in population during the Renaissance.

We will visit first the old Mosque of Cordoba, famous for its red and white arches and its mihrab the site is a World Heritage protected by the Unesco. Nowadays, it is the cathedral of Cordoba. Afterwards, we will explore the old muslim quarter (nowadays known as the “Jewish quarter”. Walking through these narrow streets you will learn the history of this neighborhood listed by UNESCO as world heritage while enjoy the beauty of its whitewashed houses and courtyards full of flowers. We will see many examples of islamic architecture from Al Andalus times. Take a nice shot from the roman bridge and the Calahorra tower.
Pop in the arts & crafts shops and discover the local handcrafts. Visit a jewelry to see why cordobese workshops of silver and gold are world famous in techniques like the filigree. Continue the journey to Granada.

The hilltop city of Granada surrounded by mountains and irrigated by two rivers, was the last fort of al-Andalus falling in the year 1492. Walking through the historic center, you will discover the trace of 800 years of Islamic presence in the many old building,local gastronomy and culture.

Visit the Alhambra Complex in full: Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens. You will also enjoy a walking tour of the Albaicin quarter, listed as UNESCO heritage. We will explore the mysterious maze of alleyways of the old muslim quarter. Enjoy the astounding views over Alhambra and Sierra Nevada mountains from the Masjid gardens next to famous San Nicolas lookout.
The palace Dar al-Horra in the oldest part of Albayzin, the official residence of Aixa mother of the last emir of Granada Boabdil. The Hammam al-Yawza “El Bañuelo”. Best preserved public arab baths in the Iberian Peninsula. An example of a wealthy family house in times of the Nasrid, Horno de Oro house.

Roam through the streets of the historic center and “Realejo” the old jewish quarter. Discover the local handicrafts. The Fajalauza a traditional ceramic technique of hand painted glazed clay brought 500 years from Middle East. And Taracea a decorative art consisting in adding pieces of ivory, silver or bone in wood.