Al-Andalus Experience set out to bridge a culture gap between the modern and traditional, European and Islamic worlds.
Setting a trend for Muslim friendly and halal hospitality services in Spain since 2007, we invite you to experience Islamic heritage through tradition and synergies, rather than a dry political and warfare account.
Learn or teach arts and skills within unique and inspiring locations, while realising the spiritual value in traditional arts and apprenticeship of new skills.
EXPERIENCE
AL-ANDALUS
DAY 1:
MADRID - TOLEDO
A brief welcome to Madrid takes us straight into the historical narration through Toledo, Medieval capital of Iberia, ‘mosaic’ and ‘bridge’ between the three main cultures & religious traditions in Al-Andalus. We travel South from Toledo, the capital of Castille, to Cordoba, the Umayyad Capital of Al-Andalus, and further to Granada, the last Muslim Kingdom of Al-Andalus. The tour will also present the deeper roots of Iberian tradition and the Moorish fusion into our modern time through the very words of reading our Spanish top literature master Miguel de Cervantes.
DAY 2:
TOLEDO - CORDOBA
This morning we will take our romantic looks at the city of Toledo, capital of former Castille, a flagstone in Spanish history and culture. Then we continue further south along the ‘Route of Don Quixote’, through Castilla La Mancha to Andalusia to reach Córdoba, the Umayyad Capital of Al-Andalus. As we move into Andalusia, we will also be shifting in time, to Al-Andalus. The trip is an introductory summary with unique insights into the history of Iberia, Spain and Al-Andalus, Muslim Spain.
Toledo provides a context for a vast historical narrative, so as we travel South we aim to connect the dots and explore freely the origin and history of Al-Andalus. To do this we will learn about the context where Al-Andalus emerges, land distribution, political arrangements and affairs, main Kingdoms and players present, the population and religious diversity present during the roman and Visigoth rule of Iberia up until the arrival of Musa Bin Nussayr to Toledo.
DAY 3:
CÓRDOBA - GRANADA
Our first stop in Granada is usually a walk into the Albaycin to reach San Nicolas square, where we shall find the Mosque to pray at ‘Mezquita Mayor de Granada’. We will have dinner nearby the mosque and later check into our hotel in the city centre. Welcome to our hometown Granada!
DAY 4:
GRANADA
Day 4: Granada, the last Muslim Kingdom of Al-Andalus. Tour of the Alhambra court city, palaces and gardens.
On this day we finally enjoy the guided visit to the Alhambra palatial town, including the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba fortress, Generalife summer palace & gardens, and the old medina of the Alhambra. Afterwards, we move on to visit the old medina of Garnatta and its main areas, divisions, and city walls.
DAY 5:
GRANADA - MADRID
Returning by road from Granada to Marid, we will reach the capital of Spain understanding and appreciating its uniqueness a lot more than when we landed here a few days before.
Madrid highlights can be carried out by a hop-on-hop-off panoramic bus tour. Starting out from Plaza de España you can discover some of the main ancient gates to the Medina of Maŷrīṭ, from Atocha to Paseo del Prado, the Arts district, Castellana Street through Madrid’s center to Puerta de Alcalá and Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. Visit the Real Madrid Football Club Stadium, Santiago Bernabeu, to complete the official tour of the stadium, which concludes naturally in the official Adidas shop of the Real Madrid Football Club.
DAY 6:
DEPARTURE FROM MADRID
DAY 6: PRIVATE TRANSFER TO MADRID INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The program on your final morning in Madrid will depend upon your flight departure time. Departure is scheduled from Madrid Barajas International Airport. You may also seek our advice upon extension plans, optional leisure activities, visits or available excursions to add on at any point of this tour.
