MOROCCO & SOUTHERN SPAIN OCTOBER 9-25, 2017 TOUR LEADER: SUE ROLLIN

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1 MOROCCO & SOUTHERN SPAIN OCTOBER 9-25, 2017 TOUR LEADER: SUE ROLLIN

2 MOROCCO & SOUTHERN SPAIN Tour dates: October 9-25, 2017 Tour leader: Sue Rollin Tour Price: $9,645 per person, twin share Single Supplement: $1,925 for sole use of double room Booking deposit: $500 per person Recommended airline: Emirates Maximum places: 20 Itinerary: Rabat (2 nights), Fes (2 nights), Chefchaouen (1 night), Tangier (2 nights), Arcos (2 nights), Seville (3 nights), Cordoba (2 nights), Granada (2 nights) Date published: November 2, 2016 ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Kathy Wardrop at Academy Travel on or (outside Sydney) or kathy@academytravel.com.au OVERVIEW Discover the cultural and historic connections between North Africa and Spain on this exciting new tour, which offers the opportunity to explore the art and architecture, gastronomy, gardens and picturesque landscapes of Morocco and Al-Andalus. Roman domination of Morocco, as witnessed by the splendid ruins of Volubilis, capital of Mauretania Tingitania, gave way to rule by the Vandals and the Byzantines until in the early 8C the Arab conquest brought Islam. Local Berber tribes flocked to join the Arab banners and in 711 the conquering army landed in Spain, where they defeated the Visigoths. A blend of Berber and Arab culture produced the Moorish art of both Spain and Morocco. In Morocco, we visit the kasbahs and medinas of Rabat, Meknes and Fes, renowned for its labyrinth of market streets and workshops where traditional trades and crafts, including colourful mosaic tilework (zellij) are practised. A drive through the Rif mountains via the beautiful medieval town of Chefchaouen with its red-tiled roofs takes us to the Mediterranean coast and Tangiers, where we cross the straits to Spain. Here, in the heart of Al-Andalus, where Islam, Christianity and Judaism interacted, we explore the magnificent architecture of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, enjoy the passion of flamenco and admire the rugged Sierra Nevada. Along the route of the pueblos blancos we see charming whitewashed towns and villages amid a landscape of hills clad with cork oaks, walnut and olive trees and valleys where citrus and cherry orchards vie with cotton and wheat. YOUR TOUR LEADER Sue Rollin holds degrees in Near Eastern history and archaeology, South Asian studies and in conference interpreting. She has tutored and lectured in Assyriology and Ancient History at London and Cambridge Universities, has participated on several archaeological excavations in Europe, had a post as staff interpreter at the European Commission and currently works as a freelance interpreter, lecturer and tour guide. Sue has led many cultural tours in India, Central Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean for leading travel companies. Sue lectures for NADFAS, the Art Fund and the V&A and she has done three ADFAS lecture tours in Australia. She speaks French, German, Spanish and Italian and works regularly as an interpreter for the European Parliament, Council of Europe and the United Nations. For Sue, Morocco and southern Spain are compelling destinations. A journey to Morocco and southern Spain is a rewarding and exciting experience that awakens all the senses. Moorish art and architecture with its decorative stonework, delicate wood carving and colourful tiles is a feast for the eyes, and in the bustling markets, the cries of the traders mingle with the clip-clop of donkeys hoofs on the cobbles. The exotic flavours of the region combined with spectacular landscapes, the rhythm of flamenco, and the friendliness and hospitality of the people make for an unforgettable experience.

3 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS FES Explore stunning Islamic architecture in the labyrinthine warren of narrow lanes and covered bazaars of the World Heritage-Listed medina of Fes el Bali. VOLUBILIS Survey the Roman ruins at Volubilis, the best preserved archaeological site in Morocco with its many temples, villas, public building and spectacular mosaics. SEVILLE Admire Seville s vast Gothic cathedral and exquisitely decorated Real Alcázar, an outstanding of Mudéjar (Moorish influenced) architecture. GREAT MOSQUE OF CΌRDOBA Marvel at Cordoba s breathtaking mosque, one of Islam s finest legacies in Spain. ALHAMBRA Experience the Alhambra, last stronghold of the Moors in Spain, with its fine backdrop of The Sierra Nevada mountains.

4 THE GREAT MOSQUE OF CΌRDOBA Cordoba s most iconic building, the Great Mosque, above the Guadalquivir River, is a unique architectural masterpiece. Known locally as La Mezquita, it is the only mosque in the world which contains a cathedral and it is an expression in stone of over 1700 years of Roman, Christian and Muslim history. Originally there was probably a Roman temple on the site and when the Visigoths arrived in the late 6C they built there a Christian basilica dedicated to San Vicente. In 711 Muslim conquerors took over southern Spain and in Cordoba they initially shared the church with the Christians, until in 756 it was purchased by Abd al-rahman I, grandson of Umayyad caliph Hisham, who made Cordoba his capital. In line with the city s new status a grand congregational mosque was built over the church, a symbol of Islamic supremacy and inspired by the great Umayyad mosque in Damascus, where the family had once held power. Over the next 200 years the mosque was enlarged by Abd al-rahman s successors. Entered through the Patio de los Naranjos, pervaded by the scent of orange blossom in springtime, and where the fountains were once used for ablutions, the prayer hall is a forest of over 850 marble, granite and jasper columns supporting two tiers of red and white banded horseshoe arches, creating an impression of height and space. Historical allusions abound: many columns and capitals are Roman or Visigothic, horseshoe arches are adopted from Visigothic churches and bands of coloured stone hark back to Byzantine tradition. The private prayer room of the caliph, emphasised architecturally by ribbed domes supported on elaborately decorated multi-lobed arches, looks towards the mihrab, the culmination of the Great Mosque. Both mihrab and prayer room are incrusted with glittering gold, red and blue glass mosaic, showing Koranic inscriptions and floral and foliate designs, intended to invoke paradise. Tradition holds that this superb glass mosaic decoration was executed by a mosaicist sent specially by the Byzantine emperor. In the heart of the hypostyle hall is the most surprising feature of all, a 16C cathedral inserted into the mosque at the time of Charles V. After Ferdinand III of Castile had conquered Cordoba in 1236 the mosque was declared a Catholic cathedral, but apart from the conversion of sections of the building into chapels, little else changed. The new cathedral, which rises high above the roof of the mosque, was altogether different. When he visited Cordoba, Charles was disappointed: They have taken something unique in the world and destroyed it to build something you can find in any city. True, perhaps, but it is worth considering that the mosque may have survived precisely because a Christian church was built within it.

5 DETAILED ITINERARY Included meals are shown with the symbols B, L and D. MONDAY 9 OCTOBER ARRIVE The tour commences at Casablanca Airport. Your tour leaders will be waiting in the arrivals hall to meet the Emirates Airlines flight at 12.30pm, before departing by coach for the ninety-minute journey to Rabat. Upon arrival we visit the archaeological museum and its collection of Neolithic carving and small bronzes from Volubilis and Chellah. Overnight Rabat (D) TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER RABAT This morning we visit the archaeological site of Chella, which combines a Merenid necropolis built over the Roman city. We then continue to the elaborate mausoleum of Mohammed V which houses the tombs of the nation s recent kings; considered a masterpiece of Alawite architecture. After lunch, we explore the cliff top Kasbah les Oudaias, which features 12th century fortifications, narrow streets and whitewashed houses that are still inhabited today. Overnight Rabat (B, L) Above: standing guard at the Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat; beautiful mosaics are preserved in situ in the ruins of the villas at Volubilis Below: Bab Boujeloud gate at the entrance to the labyrinthine, Fes el Bali WEDNESDAY 11 OCTOBER MEKNES & VOLUBILIS Heading east we travel to Meknes. Our touring includes Bab el-mansour, Meknes main gate, the medina, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and the Dar Jamai Museum. After lunch we explore Volubilis, an important Roman trading post and administrative centre on the southwestern border of the empire before travelling to Fes in the afternoon. Overnight Fes (B, L, D) THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER FES This morning we visit the excellent collection at the Dar Batha Museum, a converted 19th century Moorish Palace. We see the displays of carved wooden furniture, clothing, musical instruments and carpets. The pottery room has a superb display of ceramics from the 14th century. Entering Fes medina, we pass through Bab Boujeloud gate and visit the Bou Inania Madrasa. We continue past the Fondouks, used as workshops and warehouses to the Chaouwara Tanneries. Leaving the medina, we head to a tile factory to see the Zellij tiles being made by hand. Overnight Fes (B, L, D) FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER CHEFCHAOUEN Today we travel through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, a delightful mountain village defined by

6 the blue washed buildings lining the cobbled streets. The old medina here has Moroccan and Andalusian influences, with red-tiled roofs and bright blue walls adorned with flower pots. We explore the compact medina and the Kasbah, that now contains a lovely garden and small ethnographic museum. Overnight Chefchaouen (B, L) SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER TO TANGIER Continuing towards Tangier, we stop at the world heritage listed town of Tetouan which served as the capital of the Spanish protectorate when it encompassed much of Northern Morocco. We wander through the Islamic medina and restored Spanish colonial buildings and boulevards that give the town its unique Hispano-Moorish character. After lunch, we travel to Tangier and do a short orientation walk before checking in and enjoying dinner. Overnight Tangier (B, L, D) Above: The blue buildings of Chefchaouen show Moroccan and Andalusian influences Below: the dramatic pueblos blancos (white villages) of Arcos de la Frontera; bridge over the gorge at Ronda SUNDAY15 OCTOBER TANGIER We spend the morning exploring the sights of Tangier commencing with the American Legation Museum. This houses an impressive art and furniture collection and has a section dedicated to American expatriate composer and author, Paul Bowles. We continue to the Medina and wander through the Mendoubia gardens and visit the Moorish style St Andrew s Anglican Church. (B) MONDAY 16 OCTOBER TO SPAIN From the port at Tangiers we embark on the ferry for the short trip across the Straits of Gibraltar to Spain. Upon arrival, we head to the sherry producing town of Jerez for a walk through the old town and a tasting at a bodega, or cellar door. Our destination is Arcos de la Frontera, one of Andalusia s most dramatically positioned pueblos blancos (white villages), perched high on a limestone ridge. Here we stay in a traditional Parador for two nights, with dinner provided each night. (B, D) TUESDAY 17 OCTOBER PUEBLOS BLANCOS. Today we tour the other fabulous white hillside villages around Arcos, like Grazalema and Ubrique. These charming and timeless villages were founded by the Berbers from Northern Africa, who felt particularly at home in these mountainous regions. For lunch, we stop at the city of Ronda which is famous worldwide for its position above a huge gorge with unparalleled views across the surrounding mountains. (B, D)

7 WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER TO SEVILLE Vibrant and theatrical Seville, the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro is regarded as the quintessential Andalusian city. After checking into our hotel, which is a selection of converted traditional houses linked by patios and passageways, we set off on foot to explore the cobbled streets of the surrounding Jewish Quarter, plus the city s magnificent cathedral, the largest Gothic church in the world. Those who are keen can climb the 12th-century Giralda, a beautiful 98 metre minaret which was once part of the original mosque on this site. (B) THURSDAY 19 OCTOBER THE ALCÁZAR AND FLAMENCO The Real Alcázar, or Royal Palace, is a highlight of any trip to Seville. It dates from the 12th to 14th centuries and is an exquisite example of the highly decorated Mudéjar style, a symbiosis of Christian and Islamic influences. The afternoon is free for sightseeing around Seville. This evening we regroup for a Flamenco performance in an intimate location, followed by a tapas dinner. (B, D) FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER ROMAN ITALICA This morning we take a short transfer out to Santiponce to see the Roman remains at Italica. a superb amphitheatre, well preserved mosaics and evidence of a once thriving civilisation from 200 BCE. On the way back to Seville we stop at the Plaza de España to view the huge decorated square with tiles representing all the regions of Spain. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. (B) SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER TO CΌRDOBA We depart Seville for Cόrdoba this morning, stopping at Carmona, a small picturesque town with many heritage buildings. On the outskirts of Cόrdoba we stop at the Medina Azahara, the site of a once sumptuous palatine city built by caliph Abd al-rahman III in the 10th-century. Today we can see parts of the palace and mosque and a section of reconstructed gardens, and visit the awardwinning museum. (B, D) Above: Seville s magnificent Gothic cathedral with its 12th-century Giralda; magnificent detail showing the Mudéjar decorations from Seville s, Real Alcázar Below: the splendid patios of Córdoba are filled with attractive pots of flowers SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER CΌRDOBA Our hotel is the ideal base to take a walking tour of the winding streets of the historic centre, where we marvel at the world famous Mezquita, or mosque, and the beautiful gardens of the Alcázar palace. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Cόrdoba s other attractions- the archaeological museum or the splendid patios of the Palacio Viana. (B)

8 MONDAY 23 OCTOBER TO GRANADA Our drive to Granada is enriched by the small towns of Baeza and Ubeda where we can admire Renaissance Palaces and beautiful town squares. In Ubeda we stop for an opulent lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to Granada. In the late afternoon, we are transported up to the lookout of San Nicolás for a sunset view of the Alhambra palace before a walk back down to the centre along the narrow cobbled streets of the former Moorish quarter, the Albaicin. (B, L) TUESDAY 24 OCTOBER ALHAMBRA Today is dedicated to visiting the Alhambra, palace fortress of the Nasrid sultans, rulers of the last Spanish Moorish kingdoms. This magical site with its walled gardens and decorated patios is one of the highlights of our trip. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner in the centre of Granada. (B, D) WEDNESDAY 25 OCTOBER DEPARTURE Our tour finishes after breakfast today. Transfers are included to the airport for those who have booked their flights with Academy Travel. HOTELS Above: A manicured courtyard in the Alhambra Below: the famous Patio de los Leones Hotels have been selected principally for their central location. Rabat, Riad Kalaa (2 nights) Fes, Hotel Sahrai (2 nights) Chefchaouen, Riad Lina (1 night) Tangier, Grand Hotel Villa de France (2 nights) Arcos, Parador de Arcos de la Frontera (2 nights) Seville, Hotel Casas de la Judería (3 nights) Cordoba, Hotel NH Amistad (2 nights) Granada, Hotel Villa Oniria (2 nights)

9 TOUR COST The tour price is $9,645 per person, twin share (land content only). The supplement for a single room is $1,925 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a place on the tour. TOUR INCLUSIONS Included in the tour price 16 nights accommodation in carefully selected 4- star hotels All breakfasts, plus lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary Travel by air-conditioned coach and ferry to Tarifa Extensive background notes and talks Services of an expert tour leader and tour manager All entrance fees to sites mentioned on the itinerary Qualified local guides where appropriate Porterage of one piece of luggage at all hotels Tips for all services included in the itinerary Not included in the tour price International airfares, taxes and surcharges (see below) and airfare or bus from Granada to Madrid or Barcelona at the end of the tour. Travel insurance (highly recommended) Meals not stated as included in this itinerary Items of a personal nature such as laundry AIR TRAVEL The tour price quoted is for land content only. For this tour, we recommend Emirates into Casablanca and out of Spain (either Madrid or Barcelona). A one-way flight from Granada to Madrid or Barcelona with Vueling or Iberian airlines would be needed in addition to the international airfare. Please contact us for the best possible prices on economy, business or first class fares. Transfers between airport and hotel are included for all passengers booking their flights through Academy Travel. ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Kathy Wardrop at Academy Travel on or (outside Sydney) or kathy@academytravel.com.au CONNECT THIS TOUR WITH Academy Travel s Barcelona & Madrid commencing on the last day of this tour. More details over the page. Full details at academytravel.com.au FITNESS REQUIREMENTS OF THIS TOUR GRADE TWO It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that you are fit enough to be able to enjoy all the activities on this tour. To give you an indication of the level of physical fitness required to participate on our tours, we have given them a star grading. Academy Travel s tours tend to feature extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater fitness than coach touring. We ask you to carefully consider your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour. Participation criteria for this tour This Grade Two tour is designed for people who lead active lives and can comfortably participate in up to five hours of physical activity per day on most days, including longer walking tours, challenging archaeological sites, climbing stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats, and a more demanding tour schedule with one night stops or several internal flights. You should be able to: keep up with the group at all times walk for 4-5 kilometres at a moderate pace with only short breaks stand for a reasonable length of time in galleries and museums tolerate uncomfortable climatic conditions such as cold, humidity and heat walk up and down slopes negotiate steps and slopes on archaeological sites, which are often uneven and unstable get on and off a large coach with steep stairs, train or boat unassisted, possibly with luggage move your luggage a short distance if required A note for older travellers If you are more than 80 years old, or have restricted mobility, it is highly likely that you will find this itinerary challenging. You will have to miss several activities and will not get the full value of the tour. Your booking will not be accepted until after you have contacted Academy Travel to discuss your situation and the exact physical requirements of this tour. While we will do our best to reasonably accommodate the physical needs of all group members, we reserve the right to refuse bookings if we feel that the requirements of the tour are too demanding for you and/or if local conditions mean we cannot reasonably accommodate your condition.

10 Barcelona & Madrid $4,975 pp, twin share $1,250 single supplement October 25 November 2, 2017 Explore The winding streets of Barcelona s Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) The distinctive modernista architecture of the Catalonian capital, from cathedrals and palaces to parks and hospitals The art of Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque Spain, including Velásquez, El Greco and Goya Imperial Spain and its legacy in the architecture and wealth of its two major cities Cities of three religions: a historical co-existence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures Connect this tour Overview Spain s two largest cities are as diverse as they are rich in culture and history. In Barcelona we find a city that looks to the North of Europe for its cultural influences. Here Spain s own version of Art Nouveau, Modernism, took root and innovative artists like Picasso and Miró flourished. A short train ride away Imperial Madrid offers austere royal residences and some of the finest traditional art collections in Europe. Neighbouring Toledo and Segovia showcase Roman remains, a fairytale Alcázar palace and a superb Gothic cathedral. Highlights > The Romanesque frescoes at the National Museum of Catalunyan Art in Barcelona (MNAC) > The modernist architecture of Gaudí s Sagrada Família and Domenèch i Montaner s Hospital de San Pau and the Palau de la Música > Montserrat monastery towering above Barcelona and a sparkling wine cava tasting and degustation lunch > The art collections of the Prado, the Thyssen- Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia museums > Philip II s monastery-palace of El Escorial, the epitome of Spanish imperial power > A day trip to cliff-top Toledo and an insight into its Visigothic, Arabic and Jewish roots Your tour leader Dr Jeni Ryde is a former Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University. Her PhD focused on the Renaissance, heritage tourism and museology. She has travelled extensively through Portugal and Spain. Getting there Emirates have flights into Barcelona and out of Madrid. Please contact us for competitive quotes. Contact us for competitive quotes and bookings. Fitness requirement Itinerary Days 1 5: Barcelona city tour, MNAC museum (National Museum of Catalunyan Art) and the Miró Foundation. Modernist sites of Sagrada Família, the Hospital de San Pau and the Palau de la Música. Day trip to the monastery of Montserrat with sparkling wine cava tasting and farewell lunch. Days 5 9: Madrid guided tours of the Prado and Reina Sofia galleries and an extended visit to the Thyssen-Bornemisza, a day trip to the El Escorial monastery with a traditional suckling pig lunch in Segovia and a full day in Toledo. Segovia Madrid (4) Toledo SPAIN Montserrat FRANCE Barcelona (4) More details at academytravel.com.au

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