Kosher tour of Andalusia 

Now in its fourth year, we are proud to present the 2012 itinerary for our exhilarating tour of Spain

2012 Dates: May 16– 23
(also July 9 – 19 as part of Iberia Tour)
August 29– Sept 5, November 14 - 21

 "In the footsteps of the Rambam"

Andalusia before, during and after the Inquisition

"711 – 1492 - 2011" Andalucía before, during and after the Inquisition

Andalucía, Southern Spain, is an eternal wellspring of intense beauty, festive spirit and cultural richness. Nowhere else in the world, other than in our own Jerusalem, does one see the collision of three monumental cultures so clearly and to such dramatic effect. The Muslims, Jews and Christians all contributed to a vital, if ultimately tragic, history. Andalucía is a land of pretty white villages, fabulous cities and undiscovered National Parks. This area was once the heart of the empire of the Moors, whose influence still pervades Andalucían life at every level, most spectacularly in the old cities, which are amongst the most magical in Europe.

The tour includes visits of general and Jewish interest:-

the old cities of Andalusia

Granada - once "Granada of the Jews", the site of Shmuel HaNagid's Talmudic Academy; now famous for the incomparably beautiful Moorish Palace of Alhambra, one of the Wonders of the World. In 1492, the decree expelling the Jews from Spain was signed here.

Located on a hilltop with the Sierra Nevada as background, Alhambra's exquisite design and layout have few rivals. Be filled with a sense of mystique as you are guided past its graceful courtyards, splashing fountains and lavish rooms. You will also see its Generalife Gardens.

Seville – capital of Andalusia, immortalized in opera classics such as "The Barber of Seville," "Carmen" and "Don Giovanni." You will see the imposing Cathedral, one of the largest in the world, and  the resting place of Spanish Kings and Queens, as well as that of Christopher Columbus. No one knows if his remains are there.

Then there is the Alcazar Palace, still used as a residence for the Spanish Royal Family, the grand Plaza Espana, site of the pavilion of the great 1929 exhibition. Last but not least, you'll visit the Barrio de Santa Cruz - the former Jewish Quarter. Today, it is one of Seville's most charming areas.

Cordoba – the former home of many Jewish scholars and poets. Once the biggest city in all of Europe, Cordoba thrived and expanded with its unique blend of cultures. These are beautifully expressed with a visit to Mesquita, the most significant Muslim architectural achievement in the Western world. This 8th century structure was first a church, then a mosque, and today has a cathedral oddly placed in its center. Walk the street leading up to the Juderia, with its whitewashed houses and colorful courtyards and shops. Though not Jewish in its current expression, a few signs hint of the Golden Age of Jewish life. Note, for example, the tiny, gem-like Synagogue, as well as the statue of the great court doctor and Torah sage, Maimonides. Casa Sefarad is unforgettable.

the coastal highlights

Gibraltar – "the Rock", unique and quaintly British, with its tiny but vibrant Jewish community. Entering Gibraltar, you will feel as though you have landed in the British Empire, with quaint sights such as dapper "bobbies" and typically English red "post" boxes. Begin sightseeing this fascinating, independent little plot of land, and gain an in-depth introduction to Gibraltar as seen from a Jewish perspective. The tour will include the Jewish sights and a visit to the Upper Reserve, home of the famous Gibraltar apes.

Marbella and Puerto Banus - magnets for the jet-set, and a short exposure to the attractions that have made this coast one of the world's most popular vacation destinations

Andalusia's famous mountain white villages

Ronda – built atop the gorge with the river below. Ronda is famed for its beauty, and for its bullfighting ring, said to be the oldest in Spain.

Mijas - a typical Andalucian white village, perched high up with spectacular views of the coast and surrounding heavily wooded mountains. It is a web of narrow cobbled streets and conserves its essentially Arabic mediaeval layout and so has a slightly exotic feel about it that visitors find hard to pin down. Mijas, formerly home to a thriving Jewish community, is today one of Spain’s prettiest "white villages".  It is famous also for its donkey taxis, which are to be found all round the central plaza, and throughout the town.

Vejer de la Frontera - Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1976, and winner of the First National Embellishment Award in 1978, Vejer de la Frontera's most stunning feature is the Arab-Andalusian popular architecture.

The town sits on a hill, a few kilometers away from the coast, and from it the visitor can have a magnificent panoramic view. The walled enclosure and the historic quarter, with its narrow, winding streets and whitewashed houses, are a gorgeous sight. There we must highlight the medieval castle, from the 11th century, the Jewish quarter, and the arch of Segur.

a day in Morocco

Tangier via Tarifa – a glimpse of North Africa, whose influence spread so powerfully across the straits of Gibraltar into Andalucia.

After driving through the main boulevards and the "Place de France", you pass the fashionable residential districts of "Marché aux Boeufs" and "California"; thence along the new mountain road with its magnificent villas and lovely gardens.

The Jewish Community that remains numbers less than 100 souls, all elderly. We will visit two synagogues, one in the old Mellah, the Jewish quarter, beautiful but unused and the modern synagogue in the new city where prayers are held on Shabbat and Chagim. Most of the Jews left in the last 60 years - to Israel, France and the USA.

After lunch, we take a stroll through the picturesque winding streets and souks of the Medina, to visit the Berber handicraft and spice markets.

Typical itinerary (always subject to change)

Arrival Day (usually Wednesday)

Meeting point options:-

1) Malaga Airport (AGP) 11.00 (direct summer Delta flight from JFK arr. 09.00, flights from London, those coming early to Malaga)

2) Granada airport (GRX) 13.15 (from Madrid, Iberia dep. 11.50; arr. 12.55; from Barcelona, Vueling dep. 12.00; arr. 13.25)

Remember: we highly recommend arriving in Spain a day or two before the tour and staying in Madrid, Barcelona or Malaga, so as to recover from the journey and so as not to be late arriving at the meeting point. We will be pleased to suggest hotels and what to do in those places.

Granada - Alhambra Palace – guided tour

We’ll have a quick lunch before entering the most impressive Moorish structure in the world, and the room where the final expulsion order was signed by Ferdinand and Isabella. It's a short, downhill walk to Granada for a break before setting off to our hotel some 3 hours drive away, arriving for a well-deserved welcome dinner!!

Day 2 (usually Thursday)

Ronda

Day 3 (usually Friday)

Gibraltar - we will be met by a community elder who will introduce the town, the synagogue and the community; we'll climb the rock (by bus), meet the apes, pass the Oldest Jewish cemetery in the Iberian Peninsula with Tombs of 4 Tzadikim; and we'll eat (of course)….. the most typical English Friday lunch, delicious “fish’n’chips”, in one of the kosher restaurants on Main (almost “only”) Street. There’ll be a little free time for “duty free” shopping before heading back to prepare for Shabbat.

Day 4 (usually Shabbat)

Tangier - a whole day trip by ferry from Tarifa to this fascinating city. Sunday is always Morocco day, as Spain is largely closed and Tangier is largely open.

Vejer - Walking tour and lunch; our most fascinating , and unexpected, guide will give us an understanding of the history of the modern area and we’ll learn specifically about the Spanish Civil War in the last century whose marks still remain in Spain and Spanish society. He’ll also explain how he came to be living there from his native……Israel!!!

Jerez - Tio Pepe Winery tour

Cooking with the chef - in our hotel, followed by dinner

Day 7 (usually Tuesday)

A VERY early start – leaving with luggage

Seville – tour of the beautiful city and some free time before lunch

Cordoba – Rambam Synagogue and Beit S’farad

Dinner (and overnight) in 4* Cordoba hotel

Guided Night Walking Tour – “In the steps of the Inquisition”

Day 8 (usually Wednesday)

Before leaving town you’ll want to see the magnificent Mesquita.

Departure options.

We can take you to Malaga airport in time to get the mid-day flights out to Madrid or, in summer, NYC direct.

Many people, however, prefer to take the superfast train from Cordoba to Madrid where they will have time in the city before travelling to Madrid airport for their evening flights to most destinations

Andalusia tour dates 2012

2012 Dates: May 16– 23
(also July 9 – 19 as part of Iberia Tour)
August 29– Sept 5, November 14 - 21

Price: for 7 nights and 8 days

from $3850 USD  pp sharing

(optional extras - DLX rooms, single occupancy)

Naomi's promise:

"From the minute you land, until the minute you take off, you will not need to spend one cent".

 (You'll probably spend many cents, but that's because you want to, not because you have to!!)

Kashrut:: a mashgiach tmidi will represent our Rav Machshir, Rav Hassid, the Chief Rabbi of Gibraltar; glatt meat; regular milk, but chalav yisrael observers can be accommodated, if notified in advance

·       flights: most (but not all) Andalucía tours run from Thursday mid-day to Thursday mid-day.

·     ·       spending money for shopping: plenty to choose from, although we limit the time allocated. However you can always go off on your own and meet us later!!

·      upgrades: deluxe rooms (DLX) and single occupancy are available at an additional price (see booking form).

·      insurance: all clients should be aware that while all efforts are made to avoid any problems before during or after your trip, Naomi carries no insurance for your health or luggage. While using the services only of registered suppliers, we highly recommend that you purchase fully comprehensive travel insurance as we cannot be held liable for any mishaps during your stay.

·       tips: we recommend 100 euro per person for the week for drivers, chefs, waiters and chambermaids: we will collect and distribute for you.

In addition to these dates, we will be pleased to tailor a week in Andalucia for your group according to your needs and preferences.
so if you are planning a family gathering, a club or synagogue trip, a business promotion, a charity fundraiser, a bar/bat-mitzvah, a wedding or any other specific group activity, contact us.

Inquire for more info or to book

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