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. On arrival, we will sightseeing the historic center of Granada. 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.
Enjoy a flamenco show, world-famous dance that was born in the spanish gipsy quarters.

Day 3 - Granada

In the morning, we will visit the Alhambra Complex in full: Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces and Generalife in approx. 3h. After lunch we will explore the Albaicin quarter, an UNESCO heritage site. We will walk the riverside boulevard, visit the 11th–century arab baths al-Yawza or “el Bañuelo”. The best preserved public arab baths in the Iberian Peninsula. And see how the wealthy family lived in Al-Andalus, visiting one of the 14th-century house. Will stop in the most beautiful lookout and squares. We will continue exploring the Sacromonte a popular house-caves quarter hanging on the hills.
Monuments from al-Andalus we will see in the city:
Alhambra palaces. The palatial city of the Nasrid rulers, militar fortress and medina for the service of the court.
Generalife the kings resting place, find centenary trees in its gardens.
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.
Casa del Chapiz carmen which houses the school of Arabic studies.

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 is reduced, destroyed by the christian conquest. However, the beauty of its streets, architecture and folklore well deserve the visit. 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). We will explore the historic district, seeking for the Al Andalus traces at Santa Cruz quarter. Enjoy the walk along the boulevard on the banks of the river Guadalquivir on our way to the beautiful Plaza de España.

Day 6 - Seville to Algarve (Portugal)

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 7- Algarve 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 8 - 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.

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 9 - Lisbon to Sintra

We will travel to Sintra, a mountain village 30 km away from Lisbon to explore its world heritage cultural landscape. 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 10 - Lisbon, Merida & Madrid

We will take you back to Madrid to get your flight back home. On the way, will stop in the historic center of Merida to see the Archaeological Ensemble of the roman colony Augusta Emerita 2000 years old, it is a world heritage site.