andalusia

Christian & Islamic Andalucia
Led by Canon Peter Ball

andalusia2

Introduction

Our pilgrimage to Andalucia takes us to one of the most fascinating and diverse regions of Spain with great cultural and religious interest. There is the inheritance of the centuries of the Islamic civilization of Al-Andalus to be found in the mosques and palaces of Seville, Cordoba and Granada some of which we shall be visiting on our journey. This is blended with a powerful and deep Christian tradition. The great Carmelite poet and saint, John of the Cross worked in the region over many years and died in Ubeda.

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE - MONDAY 10TH MAY

Bournemouth or Bristol - Malaga

Flight to Malaga. Transfer by coach to out hotel in Seville for a two-night stay. Dinner will be in our hotel.

DAY TWO - TUESDAY 11TH MAY

Seville

Seville, the capital of Andalucia, is known as Spain's eternal city. Conquered by the Moors in 712 A.D. it became a great example of Islamic culture and civilisation before being retaken by Christian forces in 1258. The influence of the former civilisation on Christian and secular Seville can still be seen here, as in Cordoba and Granada. This morning we join our guide for a walking tour of the part of the city that includes the magnificent cathedral, the biggest gothic cathedral in the world. We also visit the Basilica of La Macarena, which contains the statue of the same name, a carving of the Virgin Mary, behind the high altar. People of Seville say the statue must have been made by angels because of its outstanding beauty. Lunch will be at choice today, with the afternoon at leisure, and dinner in our hotel.

DAY THREE - WEDNESDAY 12TH MAY

Seville - Cordoba

After breakfast, we leave Seville and drive to Cordoba. Cordoba was capital of Moorish Spain and in its time the largest city in Europe. In the afternoon we will have a guided walking tour of the city to include the fascinating old quarter. Here we will visit La Mezquita, a Moslem shrine with a Christian Cathedral contained inside it (after the conversion of the city to Christianity in the sixteenth century). Afterwards we check into our central hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY FOUR - THURSDAY 13TH MAY

Cordoba - Granada (Ascension Day)

The morning today is at leisure to give the chance for further exploration of Cordoba, and perhaps even to do some shopping. In the afternoon we join our coach for the drive to out third great Moorish city, Granada, where we check into our hotel for dinner and a two-night stay.

DAY FIVE - FRIDAY 14TH MAY

Granada

This morning we have a walking tour of the old city, which will show us the magnificent Alhambra Palace, as well as the royal chapel of Queen Isabella, and the cathedral, the facade of which is more impressive than the interior. This afternoon is at leisure. Dinner is at the hotel of in a local restaurant. 

DAY SIX - SATURDAY 15TH MAY

Malaga - Bournemouth or Bristol

Today we drive to Malaga Airport for our return flight.

Travel Dates and Cost:

10th May 2010 - 15th May 2010
Six days
£769

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Terms of Payment:

A deposit of £120 per person with a completed booking form is required to book a place on this tour (plus the insurance premium if the cover we offer is required). The final payment is due two months before the departure date. The tour price is guaranteed until 31st December 2009. Any bookings received after this date may be subject to a flight surcharge.

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

Scheduled flights: Bristol or Bournemouth - Malaga - Bristol/Bournemouth, I piece of checked-in luggage, U.K. and Spain airport taxes. 5-nights accommodation in shared twin-bedded rooms with private facilities in 3 and 4 star hotels on a half board basis. All touring and transfers in Spain by air-conditioned coach as per the itinerary. Guided tours by fully licensed English-speaking guides as per the itinerary. All entrance fees as per the itinerary, religious services and ATOL and AITO 100% financial protection.

EXTRAS:

Travel & General travel insurance at £28.50 for this tour. Single room supplement at £135 per person for 5 nights (limited number of single rooms available). Lunches, drinks and souvenirs. Airport transfers with in the U.K.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:

Anglican

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