2011-2012 Historical Tour Catalogue in Andalusia and Morocco.

Al-Andalus Experience, Tours & Events in Andalucia, Spain.

2011 Trip catalogue for agency distribution: An encounter with the historical paradoxes in Muslim Spain. An exclusive insight from the very first generation of Spanish Muslims since the fall of alAndalus, seeking for an unbiased and objective historical picture of alAndalus. Based upon the official historical version and further researches from independent and unbiased professors and experts on the matter we have produced a print edition 'Booklet Guide of al-Andalus' summarising the main points which will lead you to a complete comprehension of the Islamic period in Spain and the specific importance of the cities and sites visited along our tours. The tours count with a specialist tour conductor from our organization and local official guides for monuments in the different towns.

Our catalogue is quite simple, we offer comprehensive historical revision tours as well as specific study trips covering topics of interest within the history and culture of al-Andalus and it's influence on modern Spain and can also assist you into travelling in Morocco as an 'insider' to the Islamic and local culture.

Our first program is an 'express tour' covering the main towns and provinces of al-Andalus. The 5 day program is quite intense though travellers can make use of their evening time in each location at will. For an itinerary at a more relaxed pace, with time for shopping and free walks or entertainment please check our 7 night tour. As a more 'exotic' plan, we offer a 5 night taster of Morocco and for those who want it all there is a combined al-Andalus and alMaghreb program of 12-14 nights, visiting Andalusian and Moroccan main towns and digging out their history.

Finally for those who want to go deeper into specific areas of interest within the history of al-Andalus, we offer 10-12 day study trips on different topics including the expulsion of the Moriscos, final Muslims in Spain after 1492

and Spirituality and Scholars of al-Andalus and al-Maghreb, with a study case of Ibn Arabi.

Finally towards 2011, we will be presenting a yearly calendar of events in the form of 'Andalusi Culture Festivals' in cities of Andalusia and Morocco, including concerts in traditional music, chants, conferences, workshops, expositions, craft markets and tour excursions within the program of each festival.

We hope you enjoy our present catalogue, please feel free to request your own tour or event program and we will fit our experience to you specifications.

1. An Introduction to al-Andalus: 'Express 5 night' An introduction to al-Andalus and it's main cities and provinces, exploring their main monuments.

Day 1. Arrival at Malaga/Sevilla/Granada. Transfer to Cordoba.

Pick up at Malaga international airport and transfer to Cordoba, 170 km.

Handout of our booklet guide updated with the latest research upon the history of al-Andalus.

Day 2. Cordoba.

Guided visits in the medina of Cordoba, including Cordoba MosqueCathedral, the Alkasr Royal Palaces, the Jewish quarters, old city walls, Live Museum of al-Andalus, Andalusi courtyard home and other streets and alleys in the historical medina of Cordoba. Free time for meals and shopping.

Optional visits to the two mosques in use in Cordoba today.

Day 3. Medinat al-Zahra, arrival in Seville.

Morning excursion and tour in Medinat al-Zahra, court city and Caliph's palace ruins, including a visit to the museum and expositions there. Continue down the river Guadalquivir towards Almodovar del Rio and further to Seville, 150 km. Upon arrival we will be introduced to the city from the bus and check in at the arranged hotel. Free evening for walks and rides in Seville historical centre and riverside.

Day 4. Day tour of Seville. Transfer to Granada.

Guided visits in the historical centre of Seville, including the Alkasr Royal Palaces and gardens, Cathedral of Seville and the remains of the Almohad courtyard and minaret, the modern Giralda, Torre del Oro, Jewish quarters, old medina and city walls, Parque de Maria Luisa and Plaza de EspaĂąa. After a break for lunch we will be moving swiftly to Granada, 260 km.

Day 5. Granada, the last Muslim Kingdom of al-Andalus.

Tour of the Alhambra court city, palaces and gardens.

Guided visit to the Alhambra palatial town, including the Nashrid Palaces, Alkasaba fortress, Generalife summer palace, gardens and the old medina of the Alhambra. After this we will pass on to the opposite hill to visit the old medina of Garnatta and it's main areas, divisions, city walls. We will visit the Mosque of the Albayzin at the Mirador de San Nicolas, most famous viewing point to the Alhambra and Granada city. After a break for lunch we will walk down to the town centre and visit the souq streets and most important areas of the historical medina within the modern city centre.

Day 6. Departure from Malaga/Sevilla/Granada.

During your departure transfer you will go through the southern mountain ranges of Andalusia, those which belonged entirely to the Kingdom of Granada in during the last 250 years of Islamic Spain, al-Andalus.

2. Within the heart of al-Andalus: '7 night tour': Within the heart of al-Andalus, a tour within the heart of al-Andalus, it's main cities and provinces, exploring the most important monuments of each town. An encounter with the historical paradoxes in Muslim Spain presented from the exclusive insight of the very first generation of Spanish Muslims since the fall of al-Andalus.

Day 1. Arrival at Málaga. Tour to Gibraltar and further to Ronda.

Upon arrival at Málaga airport we will take a bus transfer to Algeciras to view the rock of Gibraltar and symbol of the Muslim cross over to Europe and the beginning of al-Andalus to spend the night nearby in the town of Algeciras or La Línea de la Concepcción. Those willing can visit the British town of Gibraltar in the evening though it is not included in our itinerary. (overnight at Ageciras / La Línea (next to Gibraltar) / Ronda) Day 2. Morning tour of Ronda. Transfer to Cordoba. Overnight at Cordoba.

We will get an early start and tour in the same direction as the first Muslim allies would travel to Córdoba. On our way we will visit the city of Ronda, within the Mountains North of Málaga where we will be able to pick up on all of the different historical periods of the Iberian Peninsula, and also specifically on the periods of al-Andalus, Islamic Spain. Our tour will take us through the old medina, it's alleyways and walls of this spectacular town, visiting different palaces, expositions, including the famous Hammam of Ronda and secret tunnels in the city.

We will reach Cordoba by the evening and after a brief presentation of the city and hotel check in, we will walk around the Mosque-Cathedral at night.

Traditional courtyard tea saloon, night walks in the medina, flamenco show and horse rides are available during our free evening in Cordoba.

Day 3. Tour of Cordoba, visit to Medinat al-Zahra. Overnight at Sevilla.

Guided visits in the medina of Cordoba, including Cordoba MosqueCathedral, the Alkasr Royal Palaces, the Jewish quarters, old city walls, Live

Museum of al-Andalus, Andalusi courtyard home and other streets and alleys in the historical medina of Cordoba.

Continuing our visits in the city and a break for lunch in the medina, we will depart Cordoba through Medinat al-Zahra, court city and Caliph's palace ruins, including a visit to the museum and expositions there. Then continue down the river Guadalquivir towards Almodovar del Río, and further to Seville, 150 km. Upon arrival we will be introduced to the city from the bus and check in at the arranged hotel. Night walks around historical centre or riverside, flamenco show and horse carriage rides are available during our free evening in Seville.

Day 4. Sevilla day tour. Transfer to Granada. Overnight in Granada.

Guided visits in the historical centre of Seville, including the Alkasr Royal Palaces and gardens, Cathedral of Seville and the remains of the Almohad courtyard and minaret, the modern Giralda, Torre del Oro, Jewish quarters, old medina and city walls, Parque de Maria Luisa and Plaza de España. After a break for lunch we will be moving swiftly to Granada, 260 km.

Day 5. Sevilla. Visit 'Isla Mágica' theme park and ransfer to Granada.

Overnight in Granada. .On our second day in Sevilla, we will adventure to the latest and largest theme park in Andalucia today, Isla Mágica. We will stay at 'Isla Mágica' enjoying walks, attractions and rides until lunch time.

After a break for lunch we will be moving swiftly to Granada, 260 km.

Day 6. Granada, the last Muslim Kingdom of al-Andalus.

Tour of the Alhambra court city, palaces and gardens.

Guided visit to the Alhambra palatial town, including the Nashrid Palaces, Alkasaba fortress, Generalife summer palace, gardens and the old medina of the Alhambra. After this we will pass on to the opposite hill to visit the old medina of Garnata and it's main areas, divisions, city walls. We will visit the Mosque of the Albayzin at the Mirador de San Nicolas, most famous viewing point to the Alhambra and Granada city. After a break for lunch we will walk down to the town centre and visit the souq streets and most important areas of the historical medina within the modern city centre.

Day 7.

Once concluded with the main cities of al-Andalus in the South of Spain, our tour can be continued in several manners, hence we must make choices according to group interests, time and budget. Please consult our partner agents for their seasonal calendar of tours and the choices included towards each group.

Option 1. Visit the Alpujarra valleys and mountains.

The tour will naturally continue with a visit to the Alpujarra mountain region of Granada, one of the final places to see Islam in Spain. During our day long tour we will come to know more and witness the lifestyle present in alAndalus and during the final period of Islamic Spain. This is a day time excusion and can conclude in Granada or Malaga for overnight stay.

Option 2.

Free day in Granada for walks, tours, workshops, entertainment

and shopping. http://www.alandalus-experience.com/coursesworkshops.html It may also be recommendable to have a completely free day in Granada, for your personal enjoyment or further arrangements which you may require.

During this free day we can offer walks, entertainment activities, special meal arrangements, workshop programs, or other activities or you may prefer to enjoy free time for shopping and discovering the city by your self.

Day 8. Departure from Malaga international airport.

Finally we conclude our tour in Granada and it is time for departure. A bus transfer to Malaga airport will be arranged leaving the hotel 4 h. before flight departure. Any time available during departure day will be free time for travellers to make last minute shopping or cover any specific curiosity within the city.

3. A tour of al-Magreb, Morocco, a 5 night tour: Day 1. Arrival in Casablanca.

This 'taster' experience in Morocco is designed for easy access through the international airport of Casablanca. We won't stay long there thuogh, after visiting the mosque of Hassan II and having a brief walk for snacks we will be transferred to Rabat to stay overnight.

Visit mosque of Hassan II. Transfer to Rabat.

Overnight in Rabat.

Day 2. Tour of Rabat and transfer to Fes. Day tour of Rabat and the medina.

During our morning in the present capital of Morocco, Rabat, we will visit Udaya and Chella old fortress towns, the Palace of Hassan II, and the King's Mausoleum.

After tours, walks and snacks we will move to Fez to spend the night there.

Day 3. Tour of medina in Fes. Starting our tour at the Andalusi quarters of the medina of Fez, we will be touring the narrow streets and alleyways to visit the Qarawiyanne mosque, the Mausoleum of Idris II, and the main souqs and babs.

We will enjoy free time in Fes to shop around for bargains and enjoy a relaxed dinner somewhere nice in the medina.

Day 4. Transfer to Marrakech.

Arrival and introduction to Marrakech.

During our fourth day in Morocco, we will get an early start to go 490 km from Fes to Marrakech at an easy pace and stopping along the way to enjoy a good roast by the road. Once we arrive in Marrakech we will be introduced to the Qutubiya mosque and the main square of Fna where the labyrinth of souq

streets starts. We will have a welcome dinner at the most 'exotic' city in Morocco and conclude the 'official' program to the day.

Day 5. Tour of the medina of Marrakech.

In Marrakesh during the day we will tour the medina and souqs around Jam'a Fna. Throughout the day we will be introduced to the story of the 7 saints of the city and visiting some of their Mausoleums in the medina.

After a midday snack we will visit Menara gardens, one of the most exotic and famous Islamic gardens in Morocco.

You will be able to enjoy the exotic Moroccan food again on your second night in Marrakech during a farewell dinner at the central square Jama Fna. Day 6. Departure from Marrakech.

By the 6th day, as a taster experience in Morocco, we will have completed our introduction. Pickup from hotel to airport will be arranged three hours before your flight departure. Time available before departure can be used freely.

4. A tour of al-Andalus and al-Maghreb, a 12 night tour: Within the heart of al-Andalus, an introduction to al-Andalus and it's main cities and provinces, exploring their main monuments. An encounter with the historical paradoxes in Muslim Spain with a privileged insight to Islam in Andalusia today.

Al-Andalus: Day 1. Arrival at Madrid. Tour of the city by bus. Overnight in Madrid.

Later we will continue to Madrid to receive a brief introduction covering the main monuments of the modern capital, the famous mudejar bull ring Plaza de Todos de Las Ventas, Castellana main avenue containing the main parks and buildings Madrid, main museums, bureaucratic and business buildings and sky scrapers, Santiago Bernabeu Real Madrid football stadium, between others. We will be driving in front of the Presidential Residence in La Moncloa and stopping in the historical centre to visit the Royal Palace, Catedral de la Almudena, Plaza de EspaĂąa, Plaza Mayor, Gran VĂ­a, Puerta del Sol. Day 2. Visit Toledo and further transfer to Cordoba. Overnight in Cordoba.

Toledo, 70 km from Madrid, was the former capital of Spain before and after Muslim Rule. We will tour the old medina and historical centre of Toledo for around 2-4 hours, including time for touring some of it's monuments, the Alkasr Royal Palaces, the Cathedral, and time for meals, snacks and a little break for your free exploring and shopping. After this, a 350 km bus ride through La Mancha, lands of the famous figure Don Quijote, will lead us to CĂłrdoba.

We will reach Cordoba by the evening and after a brief presentation of the city and hotel check in, we will walk around the Mosque-Cathedral at night.

Traditional courtyard tea saloon, night walks in the medina, flamenco show and horse rides are available during our free evening in Cordoba.

Day 3. Tour of Cordoba, visit to Medinat al-Zahra. Night tour of the medina. Free evening for proposed activities. Overnight in Cordoba.

Guided visits in the medina of Cordoba, including Cordoba MosqueCathedral, the Alkasr Royal Palaces, the Jewish quarters, old city walls, Live Museum of al-Andalus, Andalusi courtyard home and other streets and alleys in the historical medina of Cordoba.

Continuing our visits in the city and a break for lunch in the medina, we will depart Cordoba through Medinat al-Zahra, court city and Caliph's palace ruins, including a visit to the museum and expositions there.

Day 4. Transfer to Seville and tours, overnight in Seville.

Then continue down the river Guadalquivir towards Almodovar del RĂ­o, and further to Seville, 150 km. Guided visits in the historical centre of Seville, including the Alkasr Royal Palaces and gardens, Cathedral of Seville and the remains of the Almohad courtyard and minaret, the modern Giralda, Torre del Oro, Jewish quarters, old medina and city walls. After a break for lunch we will walk along the river to the Parque de Maria Luisa and Plaza de EspaĂąa, where we will be picked up and taken to our hotel. Night walks around historical centre or riverside, flamenco show and horse carriage rides are available during our free evening in Seville.

Day 5. Transfer to Granada, visit Alhambra palace and Gardens. Free

evening in Granada.

Morning transfer to Granada for a midday arrival (260 km). Upon arrival at Granada, we will collect some snacks and be introduced through a guided visit to the Alhambra palatial town, including the Nashrid Palaces, Alkasba fortress, Generalife summer palace, gardens and the old medina of the Alhambra. After this we will pass on to the opposite hill to visit the old medina of Garnata and it's main areas, divisions, city walls. We will visit the Mosque of the Albayzin at the Mirador de San Nicolรกs, most famous viewing point to the Alhambra and Granada city. From there we will walk down to the town centre and visit the souq streets where we will have dinner and enjoy the evening freely.

Day 6. Tour of the medina of Granada, free afternoon in Granada.

Special dinner in Granada.

The next morning you will be introduced to the modern capital of Granada, we will go through the most important areas of the historical medina within the modern city centre, the old medina after which Granada is named.

After this introduction you will have free time for shopping, leisure walks or activities in Granada, during your last afternoon in Spain.

Al-Maghreb: Morocco.

Day 7. Bus tour along the Costa del Sol, visit Alkasr of Malaga and further reach Gibraltar. Ferry transfer to Tangier. Overnight at Tangier.

We will make an early departure along the Costa del Sol drive past the defensive fortress towns of the southern coastline of Spain until we reach Malaga. At Mรกlaga we will visit the historical quarters briefly for an introduction and head up to it's Alkasr fortress. After a midday break we will move on to Algeciras where we can view the rock of Gibraltar from on our way across the channel to Tangier by ferry. Once we arrive in Tangier we will be introduced to the medina and souq area and after our first Moroccan meal

we will spend overnight at Tangier.

Day 8. Continue to Rabat. Tour of Medina in Rabat, transfer to Fes. Overnight at Fes. During our first day in Morocco we will head to Rabat to tour the medina.

During our morning in the present capital of Morocco, Rabat, we will visit Udaya and Chella old fortress towns, the Palace of Hassan II, and the King's Mausoleum.

After tours, walks and snacks we will move to Fez to spend the night there.

Day 9. Tour of medina in Fes. Overnight at Fes. We will be starting our tour in Fez at the Andalusi quarters of the medina, touring the narrow streets and alleyways to visit the Qarawiyanne mosque, the Mausoleum of Idris II, and the main souqs and babs.

We will enjoy free time in Fes to shop arround for bargains and enjoy a relaxed dinner somewhere nice in the medina. Overnight at Fes. Day 10. Continue to Casablanca, Visit mosque of Hassan II, continue to to Marrakech. Arrival and introduction to Marrakech. Overnight at Marrakech.

The next morning we will depart to Marrakech. We will get an early start to go 490 km from Fes to Marrakech at an easy pace and stopping at Casablanca along the way to enjoy a good roast and visit the mosque of Hassan II. Once we arrive in Marrakech we will be introduced to the Qutubiya mosque and the main square of Fna where the labyrinth of souq streets starts. We will have a welcome dinner at the most 'exotic' city in Morocco and conclude the 'official' program to the day.

Day 11. Tour of the medina of Marrakech.

Tour of the medina and Jama fna and souqs. Introduction to the 7 saints of the city, Qutubiya mosque, Gardens of Menara.

In Marrakesh during the day we will tour the medina and souqs around Jam'a Fna. Throughout the day we will be introduced to the story of the 7 saints of the city and visiting some of their Mausoleums in the medina.

After a midday snack we will visit Menara gardens, one of the most exotic and famous Islamic gardens in Morocco.

You will be able to enjoy the exotic Moroccan food again on your second night in Marrakech during a farewell dinner at the central square Jama Fna.

Day 12. Departure from Marrakech. *Optional tour extension to Ouarzazate, Merzouga with a night in the desert.

For the more adventurous we have a 2 day extra program visiting Ouarzate with overnight at an open desert camp. Before return to Marrakech for departure.

The following study trips are programmed for those who want to go deeper into specific areas of interest within the history of al-Andalus, we offer 10-12 day study trips on different topics including the expulsion of the Moriscos, final Muslims in Spain after 1492 and Spirituality and Scholars of al-Andalus and al-Maghreb, with a study case of Ibn Arabi.

5. Study trip: The Moriscos, 1492-1609, Muslims under Christian Rule

Day 1. Arrival in Valencia/Alicante intl. Airport. Valencia overnight.

Introduction to Valencia it's old medina and city walls.

When in season we will have an introduction to Valencia's 'morisco' tradition local festives: the 'tribunal de agua' and the festives of 'Moros y Cristianos'.

Day 2. Transfer and visit to Murcia. Murcia overnight.

Day 3. Transfer to AlmerĂ­a and overnight.

Day 4. Transfer to the Islamic Study and Retreat centre of Rosales.

Special program at Rosales Islamic Study and Retreat cenre, including talks and conferences, open air activities, daily meals and accommodation.

Day 5. Morning at the Islamic Study and Retreat centre of Rosales.

Special program at Rosales Islamic Study and Retreat cenre, including activities, excusions to local 'Morisco' villages, talks and conferences, daily meals and accommodation.

Day 6. Tour through the Alpujarra valleys into Granada.

Drive into the Alpujarra mountains behind Sierra Nevada, through the final

Muslim settlements of the Kingdom of Granada in the Alpujarra mountains and valleys. The excursion will take us through and over the Sierra Nevada mountain range into the Alpujarra region where we can witness the traditional lifestyle of those last Muslims in Spain. The day will conclude at Granada.

Day 7. Tour through the Alpujarra valleys into Granada.

Drive into the Alpujarra mountains behind Sierra Nevada, through the final Muslim settlements of the Kingdom of Granada in the Alpujarra mountains and valleys. The excursion will take us through and over the Sierra Nevada mountain range into the Alpujarra region where we can witness the traditional lifestyle of those last Muslims in Spain. The day will conclude at Granada where we will have a welcome dinner prepared for us.

Day 8. Tour of the medina of Granada, free afternoon in Granada.

Special dinner in Granada.

Upon arrival at Granada, we will be introduced through a guided visit to the Alhambra palatial town, including the Nashrid Palaces, Alkasba fortress, Generalife summer palace, gardens and the old medina of the Alhambra.

After this we will pass on to the opposite hill to visit the old medina of Garnata and it's main areas, divisions, city walls. We will visit the Mosque of the Albayzin at the Mirador de San Nicolas, most famous viewing point to the Alhambra and Granada city. From there we will walk down to the town centre and visit the souq streets.

You will then be introduced to the modern capital of Granada, we will go through the most important areas of the historical medina within the modern city centre, the old medina after which Granada is named.

After this introduction you will have free time for shopping, leisure walks or activities in Granada, during your last afternoon in Spain.

Day 9. Excursion to Ronda, tours and overnight there.

Continuing west through the mountains of Granada they will lead us to Gibraltar but on our way we will stop at Ronda. At Ronda we will be able to witness the very different phases of Iberian history. We will tour the fortified town and some of it's monuments and expositions including the towns famous Hammams, city walls, palaces and the new bridge. After a midday meal, in the afternoon we will have some free time to enjoy the modern side of town, counting with the oldest bull ring in Spain. We will also enjoy Ronda's walks and views to the surrounding mountains.

We will stay overnight at Ronda.

Day 10. Excursion to Gibraltar and further transfer to Malaga.

From Ronda we will continue south west until we reach Gibraltar. We will stop at La Línea de la Concepción, from which those willing may enter Gibraltar to take a tour bus inside through the Natural Park Reserve of Gibraltar, containing natural cave formations, centenary cork oak forests with wild monkey species, a Moorish defence tower, and other attractions. Within the modern town of Gibraltar you will be able to enjoy British food and shopping, and also practice a bit of English in the street.

From La Línea we will depart to Malaga for dinner and check in to our hotel there.

Day 11. Tour of historical quarters in Malaga including the Alkasr fortress. Free day for departure shopping and other interests in Malaga.

In the morning in Malaga we will take a tour through the historical area with the possibility to visit the Cathedral and other interesting sites. Our tour will conclude with the visit to the Alkasr fortress of Malaga. After this you may also be interested in visiting Roman ruins below the fortress, to later enjoy your last afternoon in Spain and catch up with some last minute shopping.

The modern capital of Malaga contains all main street shops and brands.

Day 12. Departure from Malaga international airport.

A transfer bus to Malaga airport for departure will be scheduled 3 hours before your flight. Any time available during this final day will be used freely for packing, last minute walks or shopping.

6. Study trip: Spirituality in al-Andalus. Ibn Arabi and other eminent scholars of al-Andalus This tour will be conducted by one of our specialised team members and count with the participation of specialist guests to talk on the matter throughout our circuit and visits.

Day 1. Arrival at Sevilla international airport. Introduction and check in to hotel. Introduction to Sevilla. Overnight at Sevilla.

Day 2. Sevilla Tours. Medina of Sevilla, city walls, Torre del Oro the Alkasr Palace, the Cathedral and old Almohad Mosque remains.

Overnight at Sevilla.

Day 3. Excursion to Écija, Osuna and Estepa. Overnight at Sevilla.

Day 4. Excursion and tours in Zahara del Monte and Ronda. Overnight at Ronda.

Day 5. Morning tour in Ronda's medina. Midday meal at Ronda.

Afternoon visit to Antequera and continue to Granada. Overnight at Granada.

Day 6. Granada. The Alhambra and it's medina. The Albayzin and other medinas in Granada. Introduction to modern city and former medina of Garnata. Welcome dinner in moroccan souq area of Granada. Overnight at Granada.

Day 7. Excursion to the Alpujarra mountains, driving around Sierra Nevada, behind and over into Guadix cave village area. Overnight at Guadix cave apartments.

Day 8. Transfer to the Islamic Study and Retreat centre of Rosales.

Overnight at Rosales.

Special program at Rosales Islamic Study and Retreat cenre, including talks and conferences, open air activities, daily meals and accommodation.

Day 9. Visit AlmerĂ­a and continue to Murcia. Overnight at Murcia.

Day 10. Tour and visits in Murcia. Overnight.

Day 11. Depart from Alicante/Murcia.