In the footsteps of the Rambam, Kosher tour of Andalusia

Jewish Travel
Division of EMCO Travel, LLC

Since 1993

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Now in its third year, we are proud to present the 2010 itinerary for our exhilarating tour of Spain:

Andalusia, 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.

Andalusia 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 Andalusian life at every level, most spectacularly in the old cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville, which are amongst the most magical in Europe.

You will start your tour at the amazing Palace of the Alhambra in Granada, see the awesome Mesquita and the Alcazar in Seville, and the famous Jewish quarter of Cordoba.

However there are other, quieter, more rural sides to Andalusia, in the mountains near Ronda, and in the white mountain villages of Mijas and Vejer de la Frontera.

And of course there is the gastronomy. We are delighted to offer an authentic local culinary experience which will include informal participation in preparing some of the dishes you will be eating. And, once again, all this with the "comfort of Kashrut", and strict Shabbat observance, under the supervision of Rav Hassid, chief Rabbi of Gibraltar.

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.

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

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.

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 drive continues to the famous lighthouse of CAPE SPARTEL - The Lighthouse on the Northern most point of Africa - where a brief halt is made to admire the magnificent view of the Straits of Gibraltar from the farthest westerly point of the African continent.

Lunch is in the Jewish Community Center where you will meet some of the few Jews who remain in Tangier – most left to Israel, France and the USA. Afterwards, we will visit the only active synagogue .

Thereafter you will visit the Kasbah with its Sultan's Palace, a magnificent example of Moorish architecture, the Old Treasury and the Museum which contains fine specimens of Moroccan art. Then follows an interesting stroll through the picturesque winding streets and souks of the Medina, to visit the MENDOUBIA GARDENS, the GRAND SOCCO, the PETIT SOCCO, the Jewish Quarter, and the Berber handicraft and spice markets…

09.30 Meet at Malaga Airport (AGP) (for direct flight from JFK on Delta, flight arrives 08.40): Short visit to Malaga town

Most impressive Moorish structure in the world, and the room where the final expulsion order was signed by Ferdinand and Isabella: depart Granada 18.30

10.30 Gibraltar - we will be met by a community elder who will introduce the town, the synagogue and the community; we'll climb the rock, meet the Apes, pass the Oldest Jewish cemetery in The Iberian Peninsular with Tombs of 4 Tsadikim; we'll picnic in the park, have some free time: depart 1600.

If there’s time before Shabbat we will take you to see the original Castellar – the castle village with stunning views. Or you can relax by the pool , or cycle.

15.00 overview of Seville by bus and then on bicycle tour with guide through the city center including the old quarters: depart , after free time, 19.00

09.30 arr Malaga airport for Delta non-stop to JFK and flights to all other destinations.

For those leaving later that day, you can check in and we will gladly take you into Malaga town.

For those wishing to extend their stay before ar after the tour in Madrid and/or Barcelona, we will be pleased to make all arrangements for flights, hotels, guides and food.

"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!!)

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.

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