Arabic Heritage: The Splendor of Southern Spain - 14 Days

Highlights

• Kick off your palace tour of Spain with the Palacio Real in Madrid
• Hit the highlights of Seville, like its grand Cathedral and Moorish fortress
• Stroll Córdoba's ancient palace city and tour Granada's spectacular Alhambra
• Visit the historic highlights of Málaga and Almería and enjoy the golden beaches

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Walking Tour

Welcome to Spain! This nation on Europe's Iberian Peninsula is a treasure trove of history—much of it evident in the famous landmarks throughout the country. During this packed two-week itinerary, you'll travel to many of Spain's most iconic and awe-inspiring historical sites, starting with your arrival in Madrid. At the airport, a driver will pick you up for the ride into the city and your hotel. Then, you'll meet a guide and head out to discover Spain's capital on foot.

Start with a half-day walk around the most emblematic places in the city. These include the Plaza Mayor, which dates back to the 15th century, and Plaza de Oriente, where you'll find the Royal Palace and Royal Theater. You might also visit the ancient Egyptian Templo de Debod, learn about the June 13th celebrations at the San Antonio de la Florida Chapel, stroll through the beautiful Jardines del Moro, look inside Almudena Cathedral, and explore one of Madrid's liveliest neighborhoods, La Latina. Regardless of your route, you'll pause for a drink and tapas with your guide, too.

Day 2: Royal Palace & Prado Museum Private Tour

Today, you'll delve into Spain's culture and history on a guided visit to the historic Habsburg district. This is the oldest part of the city, known in Spanish as El Madrid de Los Austrias. Among other impressive landmarks, it's home to the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the largest palaces in the world. On a tour, you'll visit its main halls, the most striking of which include the Throne Room, the Mirror Hall, and the Gaspari Chamber.

After snapping pics of the palace, you and your guide will head to the Prado Museum, which houses one of the world's most significant classical European art collections. During the visit, you'll see various masterpieces highlighting Spain's storied past. These include "3 de Mayo en Madrid" by Goya, "Las Meninas" by Velázquez, and "The Garden of Earthly Delights" by Bosch. After the visit, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 3: Train to Seville, Guided Tour

Rise and shine! This morning, your driver will take you to the train station for the 2.5-hour journey from Madrid to Seville, the capital and largest city in the autonomous community of Andalusia. This region's heyday was during the Al-Andalus era (711-1492) when Islamic Moors ruled the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Upon arrival, a private driver will transfer you to your hotel.

Get to know Seville's 2,000-year history this afternoon on a guided walking tour. First up is the Seville Cathedral, a 15th-century Roman Catholic church that's home to Christopher Columbus's tomb. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest Gothic church in Spain, and an awe-inspiring testament to pious grandiosity. You'll also see La Giralda, the cathedral's looming bell tower. Another highlight is the 11th-century Real Alcázar (Royal Alcázar), an impressive set of palaces and gardens that combine Christian and Muslim cultures.

Day 4: Seville Guided Tour (Day 2)

After breakfast at the hotel, head out with a guide to explore other highlights of Seville you didn't get around to yesterday. One landmark you'll visit is the Torre del Oro, an impressive watchtower constructed by the Almohad Caliphate in the 13th century. Outside the walled historic center, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, you'll visit the Triana neighborhood. It's home to landmarks like the Castle of San Jorge, which dates to the 11th century and was once used as a prison for the Spanish Inquisition.

Other highlights in the area include the 13th-century Church of Santa Ana and the Cartuja complex, a theme park on a river island with scenic cycling and walking trails. Other optional stops include the Baroque Palace of San Telmo, a famous tobacco factory, and the Archeological Museum of Seville.

Day 5: Transfer to Córdoba, Mosque Tour

Say goodbye to Seville as your driver picks you up for the one-hour ride east to Córdoba this morning. This city is renowned for its rich history as a major cultural and intellectual center during the Islamic Golden Age, when it served as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate in the 10th century. After checking into your hotel, you'll meet a guide for a tour of Córdoba's historic and architectural masterpiece: the Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba).

This temple was originally built in the 8th century as a mosque by Abd al-Rahman I, the first Umayyad emir of Córdoba, on the site of a Visigothic church. Over the following two centuries, the mosque was expanded and enhanced by subsequent rulers until it was one of the most prized structures in the Western Islamic world. Highlights you'll see on a tour include Hypostyle Hall, a prayer hall featuring hundreds of columns; the Mihrab, an architectural niche indicating the direction of Mecca; and an impressive courtyard filled with orange trees and a central fountain.

Day 6: Day Trip to Medina Azahara

Continue walking in the footsteps of Spain's Islamic history today on a visit to Medinat al-Zahra, also known as Medina Azahara. Located on the city's outskirts, this medieval Moorish palace was commissioned in the 10th century by the first Caliph of Córdoba. Built over nearly 300 acres, Medina Azahara was the de facto capital of Al-Andalus. Strolling among its ancient ruins, you'll get a vivid sense of how this archaeological site was once the center of government. At the end of the three-hour visit, you'll return to Córdoba by bus.

Day 7: Train to Granada, Visit the Alhambra

In the morning, transfer to the train station for the 1.5-hour ride farther east to Granada. This city was the last bastion of Al-Andalus during the 400-year reign of the Moors (711-1086 CE). Witness the most enduring icon of this historical legacy when you visit the legendary Alhambra on a tour after checking into your hotel.

Built atop a hill overlooking the city, this 26-acre (12 ha) Muslim fortress dates to the ninth century. It was rebuilt in the 14th century by the Nasrid Dynasty and served as a Moorish palace until 1492, when, after the Christian reconquest, it became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. During a three-hour private tour, you'll walk its grand halls and stroll the Generalife Gardens, which are filled with colorful flowers and fountains and offer panoramic views of the city below.

Day 8: Granada's Arab Legacy Tour

Today, you'll visit more well-preserved remnants of Muslim Spain in Granada. The tour includes stops at three vital monuments showcasing life in this city between the eighth and 15th centuries. First up is the 11th-century palace of Dar Al-Horra, one of the most beautiful buildings in the town. Afterward, walk over to the Maristan, founded by Sultan Muhammad V in the 14th century as Granada's first hospital. Continue to the Bañuelo, one of the best-preserved Arab baths in Spain, to learn about ancient rituals of physical and spiritual cleansing.

Day 9: Day Trip to Countryside & Olive Oil Mill

Today, you'll drive half an hour from Granada to the Lecrin Valley in rural Andalusia. Situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this valley enjoys a gentle microclimate ideal for growing citrus fruits, almonds, and olives. On a half-day excursion, you'll visit an Arab oil mill dating to the 15th century. During a tour, you'll learn the processes the Andalusians used during the Middle Ages to produce virgin olive oil. The visit concludes with a tasting of fine olive oil before returning to Granada.

Day 10: Transfer to Almería, Guided Tour

This morning, you're off to Andalusia's sunkissed Mediterranean coast as your driver whisks you off on a two-hour ride to Almería. Founded by the Moors in 955 CE, Almería was established as a prominent port and fortress city, flourishing during the Islamic period as a significant trade center. Following the Reconquista, it was captured by Christian forces in 1489, leading to a period of transformation and incorporation into the Kingdom of Castile.

After checking into your hotel, you'll meet a guide and discover Almería's Moorish history on a tour of the Alcazaba. One of the largest Muslim fortresses in Spain, this 10th-century landmark offers incredible views of the city and the sea with its well-preserved walls, gardens, and historical exhibits. After seeing the inside and outside of the complex, you'll visit some of Almería's other symbolic monuments, which include the House of the Butterflies, Constitution Square, and the Muslim Quarter. 

Day 11: Transfer to Málaga via Frigiliana

Continue up the coast this morning to your final destination of Málaga. On the way, you'll stop in Frigiliana, one of Andalusia's famous "white villages" so named for their bright, whitewashed buildings. Wander the zig-zagging streets of the Old Quarter as you make your way to various viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the village and the Mediterranean beyond. Later, you'll arrive in the coastal city of Málaga. This ancient metropolis has quite a history, dating back 3,000 years to Phoenician times. It also happens to be the city where Picasso was born.

Day 12: Gibralfaro Castle Private Tour

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, meet a local guide to tour some of the most famous sites dating to the time of al Andalus (Andalusia's Muslim period). One highlight is Gibralfaro Castle. This imposing fortress sits atop Mount Gibralfaro and dates to the 14th century. Overlooking the coast, it was a vital defensive structure that protected Málaga from siege during the Middle Ages. On a tour, you'll stroll the castle grounds, walk the ancient ramparts, and visit its most impressive structures, like the White Tower.

Day 13: Málaga Historic Center Tour

This morning, you'll discover what makes Málaga one of the crown jewels of the Andalusia region on a tour of its Centro Histórico (historic center). Your guide will lead you to Málaga's iconic landmarks that span the ages, such as the Roman Theater and the soaring Renaissance facade of the 18th-century Cathedral. One highlight is the Alcazaba, a Muslim palace fortress dating to the 11th century. Head inside and stroll its Plaza de Armas and its flourishing Andalusian gardens. You'll also visit the famous Atarazanas Market, where you'll enjoy a tasting of almonds and figs grown right near Málaga.

Day 14: Depart Málaga

Alas, all adventures must come to an end. If you like, wake up early for one more walk on the beach or stroll through the Centro Histórico. Then, at the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up for the ride to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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