Moorish Andalucia

We start the day with a guided visit to the Alcazar and a visit to one of the largest Gothic Cathedrals in the world. The bell tower was once the minaret of the Almohad great mosque, so impressive that the Christians incorporated it into their building. They topped it off with a weather vane statue called the Giralda and we recommend a walk up the ramps to the top for superb views over Seville. The rest of the day is free to explore the city, with attractions like the General Archive of the Indias, Plaza de San Francisco, Casa Pilatos or Maria Luisa Park.

Today we take a private bus to Cordoba. Standing on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Córdoba was the first of Spain's three most important Moorish cities and was established in 719 AD. It was the most enlightened of the Moorish period with one of Europe's leading universities and libraries of the time. The Romans had also left their mark here, best seen in the vast bridge that still spans the Guadalquivir. The Roman philosopher Seneca (who was compelled to commit suicide by Nero) was born here. Cordoba has a wealth of treasures locked away in its back streets with secluded patios tucked behind delicate iron grills. The 14th-century synagogue is one of only two left standing in Spain, with the other in Toledo. Upon arrival we will take an orientation walk around the Juderia (Jewish quarter) and a guided visit to the renowned Mosque (Mezquita), an extraordinary and unique building. Instead of destroying the original mosque after the Christians conquered Cordoba, the Catholic king decided to build a Cathedral within it. The early massive structure dates back to the 8th century, its roof supported by a forest of 850 coloured columns. Its jewel is the gleaming and superbly decorated Mihrab, which has survived in its original state. The rest of the afternoon is free for further exploration and this evening there is the chance to take in some traditional flamenco music and dancing.