Tales of Granada and Cordoba The Kingdom of the Moors
1st-8th October 2018
Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and Byzantines all left their marks here, and the Moors ruled for nearly 700 years from the 8th to the 15th centuries. Moorish Al-andalus, centred on Cordoba and Granada, our bases, was one of the most cultured, and sometimes tolerant, kingdoms of Europe. In Cordoba we shall stay three nights at Las Casas de la Judería de Cordoba (www. lascasasdelajuderiadecordoba.com).
For the second half of the week, we will stay at Palacio de Santa Inés (www.palaciosantaines.es) in Granada, where from the terrace of this 16th-century hotel we have a fine view of the great palace of the Alhambra. During our stay we should be able to enjoy what Bill Clinton called ‘the most beautiful sunset in the world'. The gardens of the Alhambra and the Generalife are among civilisation's highest triumphs.
Monday 1st October – arrive at Malaga
– 12.15 depart Gatwick, flight number EZY 8607, arrive Malaga 16.10. Transfer to boutique hotel. Talk by Huon Mallalieu.
Tuesday 2nd October – Cordoba
– Morning tour of the Mezquita, built as a mosque (started in 785AD) before becoming a Christian cathedral. In the afternoon, we visit the Alcázar, the palace where Queen Isabella first met Christopher Columbus in 1486.
Wednesday 3rd October – Cordoba
– Tour of the Judería, Cordoba's old Jewish quarter, an atmospheric network of narrow lanes and artisan shops. Tapas lunch followed by a tour of the Royal Stables and a show with incredible dancing horses.
Thursday 4th October – Antequera – Montilla
– Transfer to Granada. Wine tasting of cool amontillado then on to Antequera, a little-explored gem, with megalithic dolmens and thirty churches.
Friday 5th October – Granada – Generalife
– Guided tour with the senior gardener of Generalife, a rural villa of cool courtyards with decorative gardens. After lunch: shopping and explore Albaicín.
Saturday 6th October – Malaga
– Visit to this oft-neglected city, including its Picasso and Thyssen museums. Lunch in one of its seafood restaurants.
Sunday 7th October – Granada
– Tour of the Alhambra, part fortress (the Alcazar), part palace: with arches and colonnades, exquisite masonry, intricately carved ceilings and walls. In the evening there is a flamenco show while we enjoy dinner at Jardines de Zoraya in the heart of Albaicín.
Monday 8th October – Malaga and home
– Depart Malaga at 12:35, flight number EZY 8604, arriving Gatwick at 14.35.