Adventure in Spain - Flamenco and Fiestas In Moorish Andalucia

ANDALUCIA, SPAIN - Stirring flamenco music and haughty dancing, lively fiestas and the drama of bullfighting all are part of the heritage of Andalucia, Spain’s most southerly region. So is its famous Moorish architecture-and the pueblos blancos, the glittering “white towns” that cling dramatically to hillsides and seaside bluffs.

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A new 15-day visit to “Moorish Andalucia” combines pleasant walks in the countryside and time spent exploring some of Spain’s most beautiful cities. It is offered for 2010 by The Great Canadian Travel Company, foremost experts in travel to some of the world’s least-traveled regions. Note: All walks are optional.

Tour highlights include:
Seville. Join your tour in the capital of Andalucia. Highlights include a visit to the Alcazar, an acclaimed example of Mudejar architecture. Queen Isabella constructed an extra wing from where she controlled Spain’s expansion into the New World of the Americas. Another monumental building is the cathedral, the largest (in cubic capacity) in the world. Built in Gothic style, it shows obvious Renaissance influences and an interior that is striking in size and richness.

Cordoba. You’ll journey by train to this city on the banks of the Guadalquivir River to one of the most brilliant Moorish cities that is, for many, the most beautiful city in Spain. The Arabs established themselves in Cordoba as early as 719 AD and, before that, the Romans had left their own mark there. It was the birthplace of the Roman philosopher Seneca (who was compelled to commit suicide by Nero). In the evening, enjoy traditional flamenco music and dancing.

Cazorla. A bus ride transports you to the ancient town of Ubeda, set amid olive groves on the borders of Andalucia and La Mancha-the latter with its images of Don Quixote tilting at windmills. Cazorla is an attractive mountain town nestling in a spectacular natural amphitheatre, overlooked by two Moorish castles. Steep, winding streets, whitewashed houses and balconied windows of its old quarter are full of character.

Granada. A major highlight of the trip is a guided visit to the magnificent palace of Alhambra, considered the finest example of Moorish architecture outside the Arab world. You’ll also visit the Generalife, one of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in the world. It is entirely feasible to spend a full day enjoying the Alhambra and the Generalife (and you are welcome to do exactly that).

Included in this tour stop is an orientation walk around the famous Andalucian city of Grenada. It includes the Albaicin, the old Moorish quarter, characterized by white walls and narrow streets.

Ronda. Spend an enjoyable afternoon exploring one of southern Spain’s most attractive towns, one of the original “white towns.” At Ronda, you can visit the oldest bullring in Spain and walk down into El Tajo gorge.

Grazalema. This delightful white village nestled beneath the limestone peak of San Cristobal is famous for hand-woven blankets. First introduced during Moorish times, they are still made at Grazalema on large old wooden looms. A nearby natural park contains an ancient forest of oak and maple. You may spot eagles soaring on the thermals and mountain goats grazing on the mountain slopes.

Cost for this two-week trip is from $1,820 Canadian (approximately $1,720 US) per person, based on double occupancy. Included are 12 nights in standard hotels, plus two nights in a hostel in Granada and 14 breakfasts. Also included is transportation by chartered bus, local bus and train, as well as services of a tour leader. Departures for 2010: March 20, April 3 & 24, May 1, 15 & 22, and June 5.

Reservations and additional information available from The Great Canadian Travel Company, 800-661-3830, www.greatcanadiantravel.com. The URL for the Andalucia program is http://www.greatcanadiantravel.com/tours/europe/western-europe/moorish-andalucia

January 2, 2010   Posted in: Spain