VISIT TO MUSLIM SPAIN 2024

Meet and greet the group in the arrivals hall. 

After everyone in the group has arrived, our representative will accompany you to your designated transportation for the journey to Cordoba. 

As we leave the bustling coastal city of Malaga behind, we embark on a scenic journey towards the north. Surrounded by rolling hills, sprawling olive groves and majestic mountains, our journey promises to be an awe-inspiring experience. The picturesque scenery will transport you to a different world where time seems to have stood still. Get ready to be captivated by the beauty of the Andalusian countryside, dotted with charming white-washed villages, rustic farmhouses and lush greenery. This will be a journey to cherish as we immerse ourselves in the heart of rural Spain.

Check in to the hotel and have time to rest and freshen up. 

Please meet in the hotel lobby at the allocated time for the tour briefing and introductions. 

Dinner, then overnight at the hotel

Buffet Breakfast in the hotel restaurant

After breakfast, please go to the hotel lobby to check out and meet your guide and driver.

This walking tour of Cordoba's historic quarter will provide a comprehensive overview of the city's rich history and cultural heritage, offering a unique glimpse into the Islamic legacy that shaped Spain's history.

The tour offers a rich background on the Islamic influence in Spain and highlights the city's role as a centre of learning, culture, and trade. The beautiful monuments, historic buildings, and ancient streets you will see on this city tour will serve as a backdrop for the rest of the tour. By the end of this walking tour, guests will have a deeper appreciation for Cordoba's rich history and culture and a better understanding of the Islamic legacy that still shapes Spain today.

Upon your arrival in Cordoba, we will go straight to the Great Mosque.

The mosque is a symbol of the nearly 800 years of Islamic presence in Spain, now sadly converted to a cathedral. You will join your local expert guide at the mosque, who will escort you through the journey of how and when it was constructed, by whom, and then when it was converted to a Cathedral. Lose yourself in its hundreds of remaining columns and arches, which stand like palm trees, and be drawn in by the spectacular Mihrab, which still miraculously has verses all around it.

We will go a few kilometres outside the city to Madinat Al Zahra, a true architectural and cultural grandeur marvel. Its stunning design and intricate details showcase the sophisticated artistic and technical abilities of the Umayyad dynasty. The palace city symbolized the Caliph's wealth and power, with luxurious features such as intricate tile work, breathtaking courtyards, and advanced water systems. Despite its destruction in the 11th century, the remnants of Madinat Al Zahra remain a testament to the cultural and scientific achievements of the Islamic Golden Age and continue to astound visitors with their spectacular beauty and significance.

We will first visit the Museum to watch a short movie recreating Madinat AlZahra. Then, you can check out the museum, which has artefacts, information about the city, and more. We will then make our way to the city's actual ruins. Visiting the Madinat Al Zahra archaeological site is a humbling experience, as it is a powerful reminder of how even the most potent civilizations can fall.

Walking through the ruins of the once grand palace city, one can reflect on the transience of power and wealth. The remnants of the palace, despite their destruction, still evoke a sense of awe and reverence, highlighting the beauty and significance of the cultural and architectural heritage of the Umayyad dynasty. The visit to Madinat Al Zahra is a tribute to the timeless lessons of history. It reminds us that all empires, no matter how mighty, eventually fall and that the only thing that remains is the legacy they leave behind.

Depart from Madinat Al Zahra to Granada.

Upon our arrival in Granada, we make our way straight to the hotel to check and freshen up: 

Hotel Macia Condor or similar 

View

• Macia Condor Hotel Granada
• Avenida de la Constitucion 6, Granada, Andalucía, España
• http://www.maciacondor.com/en/

Once you have rested and freshened up, your guide will escort you on a walking tour of Granada, visiting some of the city's key sites. He will then advise and point out the many restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore and enjoy at your leisure. You will be free to return to your hotel in your own time.

Buffet Breakfast in the hotel restaurant

Now, get ready for what, for most, is the tour's highlight. With a personal guided tour, embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking beauty of the Alhambra. 

Be mesmerized by the magnificent architectural and cultural wonder of Islamic Spain as your guide takes you on a captivating tour filled with rich history and tales of the past. Experience the grandeur, splendour, and majesty of the Alhambra as you wander through its stunning courtyards, ornate halls, and intricate tilework. The Alhambra is a marvel, from its remarkable history to its breathtaking beauty. Your guided tour will be an experience like no other, providing an in-depth look into one of the world's most magnificent cultural and architectural wonders. Get ready to be captivated by the beauty, majesty, and magnificence of the Alhambra.

Lunch at one of the local restaurants or takeaways. 

Following your mesmerizing visit to the Alhambra, you will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Granada during your free time. 

Explore the bustling souks and indulge in the local shopping scene, where you can find unique and authentic treasures. As you wander through the narrow streets, you will be transported to another world that feels more like Morocco or the Middle East than Europe. This magical city will captivate you with its blend of Eastern and Western influences. The feeling of being transported to a different place and time will linger long after your visit. Get ready to be enchanted by the charm and allure of Granada.

Buffet Breakfast in the hotel restaurant.

After breakfast, please go to the hotel lobby to check out and meet your guide and driver.

After the enlightening presentation, we will visit the Granada Mosque, a landmark of historical and religious significance. 

As the first purpose-built mosque in over 500 years, this stunning structure holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims. Upon arrival, we will take in the breathtaking views of the Alhambra and the city and learn about the mosque's rich history. After gaining a deeper understanding of its significance, we will enter the mosque to offer our Jumaa prayers in this beautiful and spectacularly located place of worship. This experience will be unforgettable, filled with spiritual significance and breathtaking beauty. Get ready to connect with your faith and be inspired by the stunning surroundings at the Granada Mosque.

As we conclude our journey through the captivating history of Islamic Spain, we venture to the Alpujarra mountains. Here, we follow in the footsteps of the last Muslim king as he gazed upon the mountains and mourned the loss of nearly 800 years of Islamic legacy. 

The Alpujarra also served as a sanctuary for the Moriscos, Muslims who were forced to convert to Christianity, fleeing from persecution and seeking refuge in this region. Their brief time in the Alpujarra is a significant moment in their history, serving as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of intolerance and forced assimilation. This final stop on our journey is a fitting conclusion to the story of Islamic Spain, once a vibrant hub of diverse cultures, religions, and traditions.

As we enter the Alpujarra mountains, we stop at the Nasrid Bridge or the old Muslim bridge. Hundreds of years old, it was the only access into the Alpujarra, giving the Muslims some relative safety until King Phillip II decided to send an army in to finally brutally expel the Muslims from the whole region and the rest of Spain. 

Our tour concludes at a symbolic site, a ruined castle that serves as a testament to the resilience and bravery of the Muslim community in Spain. 

This castle was one of the last places where a small group of Muslims made a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful stand against the Christian army. This final stop on our journey serves as a poignant reminder of the perseverance and courage of those who fought to hold onto their cultural and religious identity in the face of overwhelming odds. 

Our journey ends at a tranquil restaurant in the heart of the Alpujarra mountains. The Spanish Muslim owner extends a warm welcome and delectable cuisine. 

This halal restaurant, located in an unexpected location, symbolizes the rebirth of Muslim culture in Spain and the triumph of resilience over adversity. The owner's personal story and the restaurant's impact on the local community remind us of Islam's power to endure and thrive despite challenges. As we savour the flavours of Spain and reflect on our journey, we celebrate the Muslim community's rich cultural heritage and strength and honour their journey back to this status through hard work and determination. 

Buffet Breakfast in the hotel restaurant

Final farewell before departure.

No, the flights are not included in the package. Everone makes their own way, however, we will be flying from Manchester should you choose to travel as a group.

No, this retreat/tour is designed to accommodate travellers at all levels.

Yes, absolutely. This is open to all, men and women, young or old. You may come alone or with family and friends. There is a space for everyone.

Yes. Please let us know in advance so we can arrange any needs. Under 2s, go free.

We understand that some people, while passionate about pursuing the path of knowledge, do not always have the financial means, hence why this tour has already been heavily discounted.