Gems of Al Andalus & Madrid 8D (Halal private tour)

Today, you will discover the main highlights of the Spanish capital on a private half-day guided tour (4 hours), with a vehicle at your disposal, combining panoramic drives with walking sections.

The tour traces Madrid’s Islamic origins — the current Royal Palace stands on the site of the former Arab Alcázar — and continues through emblematic landmarks such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía. It also includes the elegant avenues of the city, where you will find Puerta de Alcalá, the Prado Museum, the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, Las Ventas Bullring and the Real Madrid Stadium.

After the tour, you will have the rest of the day free for shopping or your own activities.

If you wish, you may optionally extend the use of the private vehicle for the rest of the day.

Your Andalusian journey begins in Córdoba, the Islamic Qurtubah, where Al-Andalus reached its greatest splendour. In the morning, you will depart for Andalusia in your private luxury vehicle, accompanied by an experienced Muslim driver-guide who will help you make the most of the journey. After travelling the 396 km from the capital (approximately 4.5 to 5 hours), you will arrive in Córdoba and check in at your hotel of the selected category.

After a lunch break, and accompanied by an expert local guide, you will visit the Great Mosque (entrance included), uncovering the wonders of the most important Islamic monument in the West. You will also walk through the heart of the former caliphal city, with highlights including the Roman Bridge, the Calahorra Tower, the city walls and traditional crafts inherited from Al-Andalus.

If you have not opted for half board or full board, your driver-guide will assist you in finding restaurants that best suit your preferences in the city.

Today, your driver-guide will take you to Seville, the capital of Andalusia and another jewel of Al-Andalus. In just over an hour and a half —the time needed to cover the 140 km separating Cordoba from Seville— you will arrive in what many consider to be the most beautiful city in Spain.

There, together with your expert local guide, you will explore the highlights of Islamic Seville, Isbiliya, one of the great capitals of Al-Andalus. You will discover iconic landmarks such as the Giralda —the former minaret of the main mosque and today the symbol of the city—, the Puerta del Perdón of the Cathedral, a remaining part of the old mosque, the Torre del Oro beside the Guadalquivir River, and the Royal Alcazar, originally begun by the Umayyad governors.

You will also visit other emblematic sites such as the Archivo de Indias and the Plaza de España. Together with the Cathedral, the Giralda and the Royal Alcazar, the Archive forms part of Seville’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. You are going to love this city.

Seville also offers excellent shopping opportunities, from the historic streets of the old centre —such as Sierpes and Tetuán— to modern shopping centres and fashion outlets. You may even enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Guadalquivir River. The possibilities in Seville are endless.

This morning, if you wish, you may continue exploring the charming city of Seville before departing for Granada, one of Spain’s most fascinating cities for Islamic heritage.

Depending on your arrival time, and assisted by your tour guide, you may begin discovering Granada today. A perfect starting point is the Albaicín, the historic Muslim quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the spirit of Al-Andalus still feels alive. At the highest point of this neighbourhood, two emblematic landmarks await: the San Nicolás viewpoint, famous for its breathtaking views of the Alhambra, and nearby, the Great Mosque of Granada, the first mosque built in Spain by new Muslims since the end of Al-Andalus.

Other important landmarks can be found around the Cathedral —built on the site of the former Great Mosque— including the Alcaicería, the old silk market.

Accommodation in the selected hotel category.

Get ready to experience one of the highlights of your journey: the impressive Alhambra, a true masterpiece of Islamic art and one of the most visited monuments in the world. The time of your guided visit will be scheduled based on ticket and Muslim guide availability. The visit lasts approximately 2,5 to 3 hours (admission included for a full visit of the monument).

You will then have the rest of the day to explore other highlights of Granada with your tour guide. If you have already explored the Albaicín, you may also visit Sacromonte, known for its cave houses and flamenco shows, or stroll along the Paseo de los Tristes, by the Darro River, lined with palaces and charming shops. Alternatively, you may prefer to spend some time shopping.

Today you leave Andalusia behind and return to Madrid. Before reaching the Spanish capital, however, you will discover another jewel of Al-Andalus outside Andalusia: Toledo, the emblematic “City of the Three Cultures”, where Muslims, Christians and Jews lived together for centuries, and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Besides its spectacular location —surrounded by the Tagus River— Toledo preserves an extraordinary medieval urban layout, making it probably the best-preserved Andalusi medina in Spain. You will explore its historic monumental gates and walls, emblematic mosques such as Bab al-Mardum and Tornerías, the former souk square of Zocodover, magnificent Mudejar buildings and more.

After the visit, continuation to Madrid, located just 70 km away, where you will arrive by late afternoon.

Check-in at the hotel of the selected category.

Or perhaps you would rather say “see you soon”? Eight days filled with unforgettable experiences and wonderful moments are coming to an end, but chances are you are already thinking about returning to Spain...

Private transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.