Barcelona Andalusia & Madrid Tour

Discover the bohemian Barcelona walking the popular quarter of El Born. Take your time to feel the city, have a coffee in a nice square or garden and pop in to the numerous art galleries and local designers shops.

Today we travel to Cordoba (2h) 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 it 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.

The islamic imprint of ancient Isbilya is not large, as the city falled in 1248 in hands of Fernando III. However, it still deserves a visit because of the beauty of its palaces, parks and river wadi al-Kabir. In times of the caliphate, an important route to Cordoba. Historically it has been rich city due to the effervescent activity of this port as the river flows into the Atlantic ocean. Here were established the main routes for trading with the New World since the America conquest (1492). Discover its historic center. 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 boulevard on the banks of the river Guadalquivir on our way to the beautiful Plaza de España.

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 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. We travel to Madrid for overnight.

In the 9th century emir Muhamad I built a fortress to protect the routes to Toledo. For 250 years Mayrit would be the north border of al-Andalus. Unfortunately, few traces has been left.

Artistic, vibrant and filled with culinary hotspots spending your time seeing the Gran Via, Plaza de Espana, Royal Palace & Puerta del Sol (the city’s main square) will not go to waste as you explore the heart of the city. Walk the Madrid de los Austrias and La Latina the muslim quarter Moreria for centuries after the christian conquest in 1085.

Private transfer to airport at least 3 hours before your flight departure.