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. In the Museum of vestiges San Isidro we will see some of them.

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.

Day 2 - Madrid 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 -for example, the famous spanish guitar may be an evolution of an instrument brought from Damasco by Ziryab an influencer in the court of Abd al-Rahman III-.

Visit the Nasrid palaces of Alhambra. Its militar fortress and ancient medina for the service of the court. The king countryside palace, the Generalife with magnificent gardens.

Sightseeing tour of the Albayzin quarter. 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 viewpoint.
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.

Free time add on:

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.

Day 3 - Granada

Day 4 - Granada to Cordoba

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, schools and 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.

Pop in the arts & crafts center to discover why Cordoba handicrafts are worldwide famous. Take a nice shot from the roman bridge and the Calahorra tower.

Visit Madinat Al Zahra the city built by caliph Abd al-Rahman III in the 10th century to show the world the splendor of its kingdom. The archaeological site is located 5 km away from Cordoba. It is listed as world heritage by UNESCO for it’s great example of the sophisticated urban planification in al-Andalus.

Free time Add ons:
Al Andalus interactive museum (Calahorra Tower)
Visit a workshop of jewelry to discover the art of the Filigree technique
Visit the archeological museum of the city

Day 5 - Cordoba to Seville

Continue the journey to the capital of the Andalusia region Seville.
The islamic imprint of Seville 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 of course,

The wadi al-Kabir river. 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). Islamic monuments to see in Seville are the minaret of the old Masjid La Giralda and the Golden Tower in one of the banks of the river.

Day 6 - Seville to Lisbon

Located on the banks of the Tejo river much of its character and charm lies in its beautiful renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles.

Enjoy the walking tour through the old town, discover the medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle, which dates back to Al Andalus times and sits on the highest point. Look down on a city swarming with endless angular white houses and buildings with distinct red terracotta rooftops. Explore Bairro Alto quarter and beautiful palaces, the belvederes of Graça and 16th-century houses of the Alfama quarter. Enjoy to the to the historic neighborhood of Belem.

Free time add ons:

Shopping in the commercial streets near Rua augusta. Taste a traditional sweet: pastei de nata inside thr cafe Confeitaria Nacional.

Day 7 - Lisbon to Sintra (half-day trip)

We go to Sintra a mountain village, 30 km away from Lisbon. To visit more UNESCO heritage. The exotic gardens on the hills and the palaces give the National Park of Sintra the look of a fairy tale! Visit the 19th-century Romantic Da Pena Palace, located on a high peak, dominating the views from the town. We will get back to Lisbon afterwards. Afterwards we will stop at the Moorish castle a fortification founded in the 10th century.

Day 8 - Lisbon to Algarve

We will wander around Lagos’s old town enclosed within 16th century walls, on pretty cobbled streets and picturesque plazas. The vast sands of Meia Praia stretch for over four kilometers. Plenty of water sports are on offer in the summer. In addition, there are numerous boat trip options, focusing on birdwatching, fishing, or even spotting the Algarve dolphins. We will visit too other nice beaches surrounded by great rock formations, Praia do Porto de Mos and Camilo Beach.

Day 9 - Algarve to Algeciras

Overnight in Algeciras (Cadiz) to get on time to embark the ferry that will take you to Morocco early morning next day. A local tour guide will great you on arrival in Tangier Port and drive you to Chefchaouen.