PLANTILLA VARIOS PARA BIBLIOTECA (*BIBLIOTECA TEMPORAL COPIA PEGA) FEATURES PLAN NOTES

This is an initial draft for us to understand your trip and needs in detail. The Travel Plan can be carried out in a number of distinct manners, after breaking down our main options which are:

To this we have to add the regular accommodation choices & standards, which are defined by your specific dates at each town and we will be including into our attached offers.

We have made a folder for you where you will find all of our offers, and any later documentation we should attach at the different stages of confirmation, travel vouchers, etc. will be centralised here for you to have convenient access to here:

The route to Cordoba is 350km but we will break it down with stops at every 140 km for site viewing, meals and prayers at actual mosques available along the route.

MADRID, FROM MUSLIM FORT, TO CAPITAL OF MODERN SPAIN

An introduction to Madrid for first time visitors, or those who know it and want to know deeper beneath it's surface. As you walk the city we will reveal different cultural notes that being common knowledge to those born to the city, are not so obvious to those just passing by. We also aim to enlighten locals with a vision which takes us from the modern capital of Spain, to the former Muslim defensive post, named after the apple tree meadows, near the river, in Arabic, Madrid.

INTRODUCTION

Madrid es la única capital de estado Europea fundada por musulmanes a quienes debemos algo más que el nombre de la ciudad. Su emplazamiento, el diseño urbano e incluso el origen de la Virgen de la Almudena(Almudaynaen árabe) son parte del legado del Madrid andalusí, que durante 200 años fue una ciudad fortaleza clave en la defensa de la marca Media de Al Andalus.

La historia de Madrid está marcada por el establecimiento en ella de la corte real en junio de 1561-939 h. Sin embargo, con anterioridad a esta fecha el área de la actual ciudad ya había sido poblada con el establecimiento de comunidades más o menos relevantes. La aparición de Madrid en la historia data del siglo IX, siglo en que el emir Muhammad I(852-886– 230-264 h.) levanta una fortaleza en el lugar ocupado actualmente por el Palacio Real aunque de época visigoda se conservan restos de un par de ermitas dispersas por el entorno de la ciudad.

La primera noticia histrica de lo que hoy es la ciudad de Madrid data de la época del Emirato omeya de al-Ándalus, concretamente de finales del siglo IX, cuando el emir cordobés Muhammad I levanta una fortaleza en un promontorio junto al río Manzanares, en el lugar donde se alzan hoy la catedral de la Almudena y el arranque de la calle Mayor. La función de esta fortaleza será la vigilancia de los pasos de la sierra de Guadarrama para proteger Toledo, la antigua capital visigoda. También la de Ribat, es decir, punto de reunión e inicio de las campañas contra los reinos cristianos del norte. Por ejemplo, en el año 977-355 h., Almanzor comienza su campaña en Madrid. Cuando el califato de Córdoba se desintegra, Madrid pasa a formar parte del reino taifa de Toledo.

Fortaleza andalusí de Madrid sobre plano actual de la ciudad.

En los alrededores de esta fortificación, se fue creando un pequeño enclave conocido con el nombre de Mayrit(paralos cristianos Magerit), cuyo significado era"tierrarica en agua".

Al rendirse Toledo a Alfonso VI de León y Castilla entre 1083 y 1085-461a 463 h, la ciudad pasa a manos cristianas sin lucha, como otras varias poblaciones del reino castellano.

Tras la conquista castellana la ciudad crece con nuevos habitantes venidos del norte, sin que por ello se expulsase a su población judía y musulmana(sibien algunos de los edificios religiosos musulmanes son requisados; de esta forma, la mezquita mayor se transforma en iglesia bajo la advocacin de Santa Mara).

HIGHLIGHTS:

ATOCHA:

Atocha strain station’sMain train station, connecting with the high velocity AVE to Barcelona, Córdoba, Seville or Malaga, in 2-3 hours only! connecting as well with Madrid’s local nearabout train and city tube networks.

PASEO DEL PRADO: THE ARTS DISTRICT :

Paseo del Prado is madrid’s classical art bank and museum. Counting withmostly private collector’s original paintings until the 21st Century, covering mostly the Reinaissance period of Spanish artists: Velazquez, Goya, Spanish artist work before Picasso is stored here, while Picasso and more modern collections are stored and viewed at the Reina Sofia Modern Art Museum, just around the corner, in front of Atocha train station.

PALACIO CIBELES & FUENTE:

Connecting Calle ALCALÁ with Paseo de RECOLETOS, Cibeles Roundabout gives it's name to the large palace behind it, formerly the Pubilc Post Office central headquarters, nowadays Madrid's Town Hall, or'Ayuntamiento'The town hall is VISITABLE, and in fact there is an accessible roof terrace with coffee facilities, this can be an insightful coffee while you are coming to know the city!

We must also draw our attention to the statue and fountain within the roundabout, as this is perhaps more famous than the palace itself. The statue represents'Cibeles'who is a female Greek mythical figure, drawn in a carriage by two lions. Well'LaCibeles' is very famous due to being adopted by Real Madrid Football Club to celebrate their championship victories. The whole place will be secured, a stage is set up for the players to come and celebrate, by dressing'Cibeles'statue with the Real Madrid'kit'and then they will usually do the traditional Champaigne popping and salute the crowds, and the international media coverage.

Further down Paseo del Prado(streetbelow) the next roundabout, holds a statue of Neptune and this is where the local rival football club celebrates their own victories, by a hawk of'Atletic'!This is the popular Ateltico de Madrid Football Club.

GRAN VÍA & CALLAO:

Gran Vía is a must,see in Madrid, Perhaps the widest street from the original layout of early 19th Centyry city plan. Gran Via represents Madrid as the Spanish metropolis, and main vehicle access to the pedestrian town Centre, Plaza de España, Palacio de Oriente, Opera, Puerta del Sol, Callao. These are the locations you may reach from here.

PLAZA DE ESPAÑA:

Perhaps the most emblematic public square in Madrid, Plaza de España is a timeless feature of the capital of Spain. As you approach the square you will notice the large hispanica trees planted symmetrically around the square, which contains a large monolitic fountain preceded by a wide yet shallow pond. The monolite is decorated with statues imitating some of Spain's most singular works of art, a representation of Queen Isabelle the Catholic to one side, and Miguel de Cervantes, to the opposite. We all know who Isabelle the Catholic was, but do you know Miguel de Cervantes and his work? He is responsible for the most celebrated work of literature in Spanish language,'DonQuijote de la Mancha', and for this reason, we find a large statue of this character, Don Quijote, on horse back and his bachelor, Sancho Panza, riding his donkey. The popular characters have a lot of stories to learn from, each one containing a reflection of the character of Spain from the late 16th Century, immediately after the final Muslim expulsion decree in 1609.

We shall come back to these characters on our way from Toledo to Andalusia, through Castilla La Mancha, southern mainland Spain.

To the north of Plaza de España we can see a building linked closely to the square beneath,'EdificioEspaña' or the'SpainBuilding'. If you walk toward it and take a right you will be walking up Gran Vía, if you took a left you would be starting to walk up Calle Princesa, which would eventually take you to'LaMoncloa', head of government building. However we advise to walk south, to the bottom left corner of the square where we will be able to see and walk over the bridge to the Official Royal Palace of Madrid,'Palaciode Oriente', our next stop.

PLAZA DE ORIENTE. PALACIO REAL

Before you you shuold be able to see a large'whitehouse' type building, this is in fact a neoclassic building and is the Official Royal Palace of Madrid, namely the Oriental Palace, or'Palaciode Oriente'.

The Palace is accessible for visitors and there are guided visits, however we will be focusing on the emplacement and it's history, rather than the palace itself. This was the location where the first Muslim fortress was established during the ruling of the Umayyas in Cordoba. Yes, that is correct, Madrid was founded by Muslim rulers, in the times of Al-Andalus as a strategic defense spot at the north of the Muslim state, while the capital was 400km south, in Cordoba.

Behind the palace you can see the Cathedral of La Almudena, where the monarchs will have their ceremonies such as weddings or Christian celebrations. However what will take you further back into the very foundations of the city is our next stop, where we can find part of the original Muslim walls of the city, just behind the Cathedral, down a slight slope. Don't go too far down as we will be returning up toward the centre next after that.

REMAINS OF THE ORIGINAL UMAYYAD WALL OF MADRID:

As we were saying, here we find the only remaining part of the original city wall of Madrid, a Muslim city in it's foundation. Though there is not much to see, we can imagine the X Century fortress where the Royal Palace and Cathedral is nowadays, in the same exact location, and surrounded by similar gardens, in fact the gardens below Palacio de Oriente, are nowadays called Jardines del Moro, the Moor's gardens. You will observe that below the Palace and Plaza de Oriente, there are steep slopes going south, and in fact right by there there is the highest bridge in Madrid, 100 m high. This is no coincidance, as the former Alkasar fort constructed by Muslims of the 10thCentury was placed at an enclave some 70m. above the rest of the city, a strategic defense spot, from which neighbouring towers could be seen up to 40 km away.

Hispano-Muslim towns where similar to those we find today in the north of Africa and the Middle East. They had a centre of the medina, walled city where there was an al-Kasr or government residence and the main mosque. They also had open spaces such as markets, little gardens and graveyards. They where surrounded by further walls and external town areas, the arrabiales.

The medina, city in Arabic, had defensive towers, with optical communication systems and offered it's inhabitants protection in times of war. The cities, both small and large, created stable environments where scholars in the different sciences would gather to share and further develop their studies.

Large cities had sewerage systems for dirty water as well as clean water systems for garden irrigation and public fountains with drinkable water and numerous baths. There were also funduqs or guest houses for the caravans which brought diverse merchandises to the town, coming from the farmlands, other cities or diverse foreign countries.

The main streets of the medina where born at the doors of the city wall and had a stoned finish. The rest where a labyrinth of little alleyways. Due to a lack in construction regulations people would construct their home where and as they thought most suitable, which made streets never be completely straight and the town would soon turn into a genuine labyrinth which locals knew like the back of their hands.

During our time in town, we shall be remembering the Islamic origin of our capital, as we drive(cycleor walk) by some of the cities most famous monuments, the city'arches'or former gateways to the former Musilm fortified city: Puerta del Sol, Puerta de Toledo, Puerta de Alcalá, amongst others, are nowadays a symbol containing the history of our city in stone, though nowadays in styles ranging from neoclassical to rainaissance styles.

Muralla andalusí vista desde el Parque Muhammad I.

Destacan la muralla emiral del siglo IX y la Iglesia de San Nicols de los Servitas La torre- campanario, de estilo mudéjar, aún conserva la estructura original del siglo XII, aunque rematada por un chapitel barroco.

CALLE MAYOR & PLAZA MAYOR

Calle Mayor is probably the most classical street of Madrid. Classical in a modern sense, as it's layout, building fronts and many business fronts are still from the early 19th Century, when cars first started cruising around the capital of Spain. Calle Mayor is also important due to it's location in the city, connecting the Royal Palace, to Plaza del Sol. Along the street in this direction, we will find to the right several places of interest, other than the a captain military headquarter building and a few religious buildings, we find an open square with a picturesque building at the back, and a statue somewhere before it, towards the middle of the square. The statue represents'Quevedo'a famous Spansih Literature figure, from Madrid, and the building is the former Town Hall., which was moved a few years back to'PalacioCibeles' which we will be coming to soon.

PLAZA MAYOR:

Plaza Mayor, is a classical Spanish popular square, surrounded by residential buildings which hang over an under cover side walk which surrounds the whole square, full of different restaurants and coffee terraces.Not comparable to Plaza de San Marcos in Venice, however the Latin character of an urban open public square, holding regular and diverse seasonal markets and events, Plaza Mayor is definitely a reference location in town.

If you are to walk through the square to it's most southern opening, down the steps you can walk down to Calle Toledo, a street which stretches up from Puerta de Toledo, and will allow us to expand a little on our next theme and the concept we've been seeing of Madrid being founded as an Islamic Medina and citadel.

PUERTA DE TOLEDO(BaabToleytula):

Perhaps the most southern gate of Madrid, you may ask, why a gate? Since nowadays it looks more like a symbol of triumph, of commemoration or celebration of the city of Madrid, celebrating it's foundation and standing in time through it's entire history. This is a good place to start grasping Madrid, from it's roots as an Islamic Medina. We are close to the former Alkasar, current Palacio de Oriente, the original Citadel founded in the times of the Umayyad, X Century Al-Andalusia.

PUERTA DEL SOL(BaabShams):

Close to Plaza Mallor, leading on from Calle Mallor, is perhaps the most central square of Madrid, also holding the name of a former gate, the Gate of the Sun, Puerta del Sol. This was the entrance to the most central part of the original Islamic Medina. Nowadays Puerta del Sol is famous locally for being the place where many people yearly celebrate the entry of the New Year, and is transmitted live on all television channels becoming the time with most TV viewers in the year.

Puerta del Sol, is also famous for another, small detail, with a large significance: KM 0 Plate.

KM 0 & THE NATIONAL ROAD SYSTEM:

If you walk towards the center of the square and look up, you will see a central building with a clock at the top of it's facade. Beneath, a large door providing access to the building, usually guarded by two traditional Guardian Civil, with their classical uniform and hat or'tricornio',and below their feet, a few meters ahead you will see a plate formed of colored stone and bronze lettering, this is the KK 0 of the main National road system in Spain. Six main national roads start symbolically at this point, so we can count clockwise from 12o'clock, National 1 to Burgos,(North),N 2 to Barcelona(North-East),N3 to Valencia(East),N4 to Andalusia(South!),N5 to Extremadura, & Portugal, N6 to Galicia, Asturias and the North West.

PUERTA DE ALCALÁ:(BaabAlkaalat):

This emblematic neoclassic monument is nothing else but the memory of the original foundation of the city of Madrid, passed through centuries of witnessing and celebrating the modern capital of Spain as a singular monument referred to in popular'pop'songs since the 70's while still holding wounds from bullets that we can still perceive as patches in the granite, from the civil war in Spain, back in the 30's.

The monument tries to express Spains heritage from it's roots, in a commemorative manner though neoclassical elements in it's style.

PARQUE DEL RETIRO:

Retiro Partk, was made by and for the monarchs, for kings and queens to escape to from their urban routines, to enjoy riding, garden games, or hunting, until mid XVII Century when it was donated by the Monarchs to the city of Madrid, and since then is a public park.

CALLE ALCALÁ:

The longest street in Madrid, is Calle Alcalá, which starts from Puerta del Sol, going North West. The street intersects Paseo del Prado at Cibeles square, and has it’s main highlight at‘Puertade Alcalá’ the doorway to Alcalá. This takes us back the our theme tracing the city back to it’s Islamic roots, the doorway of Alcalá was the original entrance to the city, from the direction of Alcalá la Real, a city some 40 km away from Madrid in that direction. Alcala in Arabic language, means the fortress, or castle. There are many towns and cities in Spain containing this reference in their names, Alcalá this, or Alcalá that, coming from their Arabic and Muslim roots.

CASA ÁRABE:

También es interesante visitar la Casa rabe de Madrid, un consorcio pblico espaol liderado por el Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores y de Cooperacin, que opera como centro estratégico en las relaciones de España con el mundo árabe. Un punto de encuentro donde los distintos actores e instituciones, privadas y pblicas, del mbito de la empresa, la educación, el mundo acadmico, poltico y cultural, dialogan, interactan, establecen lneas de cooperacin y emprenden proyectos conjuntos.

C/ Alcalá, 62. 28009 · Madrid +34 91 563 30 66 info@casaarabe.es

PLAZA DE TOROS DE LAS VENTAS:

This is our first example of Mudejar Art. Which will allow us to explore the fusion of the unique cultural heritage found within modern Spain. Mudejar, coming from the Arabic term‘adopted’or‘integrated’is refered to the Spanish art made after the time of Al-Andalus, yet using the islamic inspirations, techniques or designs in the medium. The bull ring was constructed in 1925 by a Spanish Architech, at the same time as Plaza de España was build in a very similar design as the centre piece of Sevilles‘WorldIbero-Latin Exposition’, an event which was intended to launch Spain and other Ibero-Latin countries to the rest of the world, which took place in Seville 1925 and was strongly affected in it’s results by the Wall-street Crash economic crisis of the same year.

MEZQUITA M-30:

This is the main mosque in Madrid, founded and maintained by the Saudi Kingdom for Spanish Muslims, inaugurated in the late 80´s. The complex contains not only a large mosque prayer room with upper quarters for ladies, but also a library, offices, full shower room, toilet and wudu facilities for around 50 people to perform ablution simultaneously, and there is also a coffee & tea bar and restaurant inside the complex. Our usual stop is for a few minutes, to pray and continue with our trips to discover Madrid from it’s Islamic origin until today.

Mezquita de la M-30.

Mezquita y centro cultural islámico C/Salvador de Madariaga, 4

Tel: 913262610

RECOLETOS - PASEO DE LA CASTELLANA:

Paseo de Recoletos is many times confused with Paseo de la Castellana or Paseo del Prado, yet this is no major error as it is essentially the same avenue, as it travels from Atocha through to the North of Madrid it will be called, first Avenida del Prado, then reaching Plaza de Cibeles and through the city centre it is called Paseo de Recoletos and further north after passing Nuevos Ministerios, it is Paseo de la Castellana, reaching the most North point of Madrid at Plaza de Castilla.

NUEVOS MINISTERIOS:

Los Nuevos Ministerios constituyen un complejo gubernamental que alberga las sedes de varios ministerios en el distrito de Chamberí, en la ciudad de Madrid(España).Se encuentra situado en la manzana delimitada por el Paseo de la Castellana, las calles Raimundo Fernández Villaverde y Agustín de Betancourt y la plaza de San Juan de la Cruz.

El proyecto original es obra del arquitecto Secundino Zuazo Ugalde y desde muy pronto contó con el patrocinio del entonces Ministro de Obras Públicas, Indalecio Prieto.1 Su construcción se inició en 1933 y, a pesar de que se vio paralizada durante la Guerra Civil, todo el complejo quedó finalizado en 1942. En la actualidad acoge la sede de los Ministerios de Fomento y de Empleo y Seguridad Social. Todo el conjunto arquitectónico se halla plenamente integrado en el llamado centro AZCA, uno de los centros de negocios y oficinas más importantes de la capital. En las cercanías se halla también la estación de Nuevos Ministerios, un intercambiador múltiple con servicios de Autobús, Metro y Cercanías.

(wikipedia - translate)

SANTIAGO BERNABEU:

El Estadio Santiago Bernabéu es un recinto deportivo propiedad del Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, situado en pleno Paseo de la Castellana, en el distrito de Chamartín de Madrid, España. Se inauguró el 14 de diciembre de 1947 y su aforo actualmente es de 81 044 espectadores.1 El estadio está catalogado por la UEFA con la máxima distinción,«estadioélite».3 4

The official tour of the stadium can be carried out independently at your own pace. The 21€ cost includes a ticket to access the stadium and then there are arrows indicating the way to carry out the tour at your own pace, passing through the different areas and the field itself or the coach seats. The tour naturally concludes at the Real Madrid Official Store, exactly opposite side of the statium to the main entrance where you started the tour from.

PLAZA CASTILLA:

A milestone at the very North of the capital of Spain, named after the mainland kingdom of former Iberia, is Plaza de Castilla.

Cuenta con dos de las estructuras más altas de Madrid, que son su principal atractivo: el par de edificios denominado Puerta de Europa, de más de 100 metros y casi 30 plantas, también conocidos coloquialmente como Torres Kío. Son visibles desde todo Madrid, y su principal particularidad es que son simétricas, estando cada una de ellas inclinadas 15º respecto a la vertical, ambas hacia el mismo lugar. Ocupan las posiciones 10 y 11 de los edificios más altos de Madrid, ya que ambos son de la misma altura, 114 m.

También está la Torre Castilla, de 24 plantas, en el extremo oeste de la plaza(decolor azul y amarillo), y que ocupaba una posición entre los 50 y 80 rascacielos más altos de Madrid en 2006

The Calatrava Obelisc

The Obelisk designed by Santiago Calatrava, was a donation by Caja Madrid to the city of Madrid, to celebrate the bank’s 300 year anniversary. Behind the obelisc we see the‘Doorto Europe’ and further we will find the newly constructed four tallest towers in Madrid, the CTBA towerds. The monument was the first work in Madrid by this engineer and architect of a Valencian origin. It is 92 m. hight and 6 in diameter. Installed in the southern side of the square and seem from‘cuzco’as in the picture it seems to be placed exactly between the two slanting towerds. It’s steel structure has 12 rings installed to turn around giving an impression of creating waves as it turns.

The project was launched in 2004 but due to there being main underground public transportation stations beneath, it was revised and finally concluded in 2009.

M-30, M-40, M-50 RING ROADS

MADRID BARAJAS / ADOLFO SUAREZ, INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

TAKE THE TUBE INTO TOWN

FLIGHT CONNECTIONS TO MADRID

EXPRESS ARRIVAL FROM AIRPORT TO HIGH SPEED TRAIN: CORDOBA, SEVILLA,

MALAGA, OR BARCELONA?

De esta época temprana de dominación cristiana datan los cultos a los patrones de Madrid: la Virgen de la Almudena, de la que según la tradición se encontró una imagen en la muralla exterior el 9 de noviembre de 1085-463 h, y San Isidro Labrador, nacido hacia el año 1082 – 460 h. y muerto el 30 de noviembre de 1172 – 550 h., santo patrón de la Villa y gran devoto de la Virgen de la Almudena.

Y aquí nos volvemos a encontrar con un sincretismo religioso nada o poco estudiado pero evidente: la virgen de la Almudena es la imagen titular de la catedral de Madrid que se sitúa sobre la antigua mezquita de la ciudad-fortaleza. Almudena de almudano, es decir del que llama a la oracin. San Isidro labrador no es ms que la castellanizacin de Idris, probablemente algn santn musulmn del lugar.

Al tratarse de una ciudad-fortaleza destinada a controlar la frontera y a proteger la importante ciudad de Toledo, Madrid no conserva muchos restos de poca islmica o mudjar.

Alminar de San Miguel de los Servitas. Siglo XII, de obra mudéjar.

Si bien del edificio original solo se conserva la torre, los restos arqueológicos encontrados y su situación sugieren la posibilidad de que la iglesia se edificó sobre una de las seis mezquitas que había en Mayrit antes de la conquista cristiana en 1083 – 461 h. De ahí que se aluda a la torre como el único minarete que se conserva en la ciudad, aunque no está del todo demostrado. Lo que sí resulta evidente es que fue construida por los alarifes(maestrosy obreros musulmanes) que permanecieron en la ciudad tras la reconquista, bajo las premisas en que se edificaban los alminares.

A finales del siglo XI o principios del XII se construyó la segunda muralla en Madrid, llamada"lamuralla cristiana", en el mismo estilo de la anterior, ya que son los mudéjares los que la edifican. Estos mudéjares habitarán el actual barrio de la latina, anteriormente llamado Morería de Madrid, del que se conserva la puerta de los Moros y una plaza que lleva el nombre del antiguo barrio.

Azulejos indicativos de plazas del antiguo barrio de la morería de Madrid.

Un antiguo hospital da nombre al barrio de moda de la capital, al que cada fin de semana acuden miles de personas para disfrutar de su ambiente y tapeo. Pero La Latina no es el nombre más correcto al que dirigirse cuando se habla del arrabal mudéjar de Madrid conocido como La Morería.

Pasear por La Morería es hacerlo por el barrio en el que primero vivieron los mozárabes(cristianosen territorio árabe) y al que más tarde se trasladaron los mudéjares(musulmanesbajo dominio cristiano) cuando Alfonso VI conquistó Madrid en 1083 – 461 h., quien concedió un amplio autogobierno a los musulmanes, permitiéndoles que mantuvieran vivas sus costumbres y tradiciones.

Agricultores, artesanos o alarifes cruzaron hacia el cerro de las Vistillas para residir en el arrabal mozárabe que los musulmanes transformaron en el barrio moro, el cual fue incorporado por Alfonso VI a la ciudad al levantar una segunda muralla para proteger este arrabal de los ataques. Un arroyo separaba el recinto amurallado árabe de la Morería. Este pequeño riachuelo se corresponde en la actualidad con la calle Segovia, donde se situaban los baños árabes. El nombre de Madrid procede precisamente de este río que los musulmanes bautizaron como Mayra y que derivó en Mayrit, que traducido literalmente al árabe significa“aguaque corre”.

Ampliación de la muralla andalusí Siglo XII, dentro de este nuevo recinto se ubicará el barrio mudéjar, morería o aljama de Madrid.

En la actualidad, el trazado del barrio deja entrever como pudo ser aquel arrabal que estaba articulado en torno a la Plaza del Alamillo, donde se situaba el Tribunal islámico de Justicia, y a las dos mezquitas, en el lugar donde hoy se alzan la iglesia de San Andrés y la iglesia de San Pedro el Viejo-consu magnífica torre mudéjar de claro recuerdo andalusí-.

Iglesia mudéjar de San Pedro el viejo en el barrio de la Moreria.

En la Plaza de los Carros(abajo)yace escondido un viaje de agua musulmán(qanat)del siglo XI que aprovechaba la riqueza del suelo madrileño para sacar el agua que llevaban por estos canales subterráneos a lugares lejanos. Este sistema hidráulico de abastecimiento es una de las más importantes herencias del Madrid islámico, pues se perpetuó hasta la creación del Canal de Isabel II.

Junto a este viaje de agua se encontraron algunos de los casi cien silos y pozos islámicos hallados en excavaciones y que servían para almacenar alimentos hasta que más tarde se usaron como basureros. En estos depósitos siempre aparecían restos de cerámica andalusí, que hoy en día pueden observarse en el Museo de los Orígenes, en este mismo barrio.

Silos de época islámica en el centro de Madrid.

Starting out from Plaza de España as a reference, we invite you to discover some of the main ancient gates to the Medina of Madrid, from Atocha to Prado Avenue, the Arts district, Castellana Street through Madrid's centre to Puerta de Alcalá and Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. Visit Real Madrid Football Club Stadium, Santiago Bernabeu, to complete the official tour of the stadium. which concludes naturally in the official Adidas shop of Real Madrid.

There is a range of shopping areas in the centre of Madrid, Serrano Street, by Plaza de Colón contains some of the most prestigious window shopping brands in the world. Shopping and leisure at your own choice, there is a range of optional activities we coffer provide through our 'City Guided Tours & Activity' section, as our favourite plans in Madrid.

Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD)

El aeropuerto de Madrid - Barajas es uno de los principales puntos de entrada de turistas en España. Su corta distancia con el núcleo urbano, le convierte en una pieza fundamental de nuestro sistema turístico..

2nd day in Madrid

On your second morning and depending on your departure time, we suggest to take an excursion outside of Madrid to either Toledo, former capital of Iberia with one of the most spectacular ancient towns in Spain; or to Las Rozas Outlet Village, a small outdoor shopping mall where we can find the best deals in main Spanish and international brands, with significant discounts and savings, sometimes over 50% from the original retail price. These activities can be easily booked from our 'City Guided Tours & Activity' section.

After you return to Madrid, there are plenty of leisure activities and options available for shopping or entertainment in the city centre, simply ask our booking manager for all of the options and we will help you explore and manage your time wisely in the city.

Departure can be arranged from Madrid International Airport, or from Atocha Train Station. The program can be extended in duration or combined with any other of our city escapes, for example to Córdoba, Sevilla, Granada, or Barcelona, composing your own independent travel plan. Please ask our booking manager for advice through the form below.

Toledo Sightseeing Tour - GUIDED TOUR. TOL_GT

Discover one of the oldest cities of Europe on an 2-hour walking sightseeing tour in Toledo and see magnificent examples of fusion between and within the Islamic, Jewish and Catholic architecture from different epochs.

The confirmation of the visit requires a minimum of 5 peopleDiscover one of the oldest Europe cities on our sightseeing tour of Toledo and see magnificent examples of fusion between and within the Islamic, Jewish and Catholic architecture from different epochs.The former capital of Spain, highlights of your tour include the Alcazar, looming over the city on its highest hill. One of the few buildings outside the city walls, the fortress provides a detailed history, from its time as a Roman palace to its role as a military academy during the Spanish Civil War.Once inside the city walls, admire the Cathedral, construction that started in 1227 under the order of the Archbishop Don Rodrigo Jumenéz. St. Tome Church is the most visited parish church in Toledo, thanks to its masterpiece painting by El Greco, "The Burial of Count Orgaz." Formerly a mosque, the church was completely rebuilt in the 14th century.Go to the 13th-century Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, boasting all the characteristics of Mudejar architecture. See the Monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes, the most important building erected by the Catholic monarchs, and a stunning example of Spanish Elizabethan Gothic.You can learn more about Toledo at the Victorio Macho Museum on Roca Tarpeya, overlooking a dramatic gorge of the River Tajo. Finally, admire the Damascene steel handicrafts, for which Toledo is famous, leading to free shopping and leisurely snacks in town.TOUR ONLY AVAILABLE ON MONDAYS AND SATURDAYS.

Toledo

Toledo day and half day activitiesHolding hundreds of years of old history inside its wall, Toledo is where the magic of Spain resides. Though small in size, it is an invaluable city to Spain which allures and captivates tourists from all around the world. Well known for its world-renowned museums, its entertaining and recreational family spots, it’s delicious cuisine and its classical glass collection, Toledo is a must visit for all people visiting Spain even for the shortest period of time.Arts and crafts in Toledo:Pottery making:Toledo is also well known for its ceramic and pottery. The arts and craft of Andalusia are well reflected in the craftsmen of Toledo. The beautiful and sturdy pottery designs are not only stimulating but also define the historical significance of Spain.Sword making:Art work such as sword making and damascene work is a legendary talent of Toledo. Damascene work of Toledo is known for its superior quality and its fine make. Toledo visitors purchase it as a souvenir to present them to their family and friends back home. Woodcraft and metal forging of Toledo are also iconic crafts that make a wonderful Spanish gift.Cooking:Toledo is well known for its tapas bars, its roast meat and stews. Visitors can indulge in the savory Spanish dishes on the rows of food shops lining the city. City walking tours:Queen of the most holy rosary temple:The crowning glory of Toledo, the temple is a reminder of holy sanctuary and deep faith. The temple reflects the exotic archaeological history of Spain and is an epitome of excellence.Alcazar:The alcazar was used as a fortress by Romans, Christians and Arabs. It is one of the symbolical landmarks of Toledo and holds a deep significance in the history of Spain. Famous architects and artists played a vital role in drafting the design of the palace and marking it as a prominent marker of Spain.Evening activities:A trip to the Toledo Zoo is one of the most amusing ways to pass your evening. Toledo zoo is truly worth seeing and has an amazing collection of animals, reptiles and birds. An excellently maintained zoo and a well-managed one too, Toledo zoo easily wins the badge of excellence.

Madrid Arrival, pick up, welcome tour and overnight in Toledo.

Pick up by a welcome car at Madrid International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Toledo.

THE COUCILS OF TOLEDO AND NICEA

The need for finding a unifying criteria in the diverse picture of Christian religion during the early middle ages forced the Church to form regular local Councils. The Councils where frequently gathered in order to adopt the necessary means to regulate constant abuses taken by the cleric and noblemen over the lower classes, as well as to learn about and eradicate'heresies'.The Councils where formed by select bishops and took place in Toledo. From Toledo the issues treated where taken to the supreme Council in Nice for further consensus by the Church in Rome.

It is well known about this period that Iberia, just as the rest of Europe lived a severe'darkage' in which human rights where abused on a regular basis by the Clerics, wealth and work were taxed at will by local Monarchs and epidemics where frequent. It was also a time when Iberia lived a profound religious crisis. Religion was divided within Christian faith itself and further, there was discomfort within the Jewish communities who where submitted to a miserable condition close to slavery.

In this state of affairs it shouldn't surprise anyone that there where XVII Councils in Toledo from 325 to 694-712, reflecting the needs for the Church to adapt and to solve the problems throughout the Peninsula

During the Council celebrated in 589, the division in Christianity was officially solved through the conversion of King Recaredo to Catholicism in 587 and Arianism was condemned as a'heresy'.From here on the documents have a constant mention about Christian'heretics',through which we learn that they where'UnitarianChristians', followers of Ario. This and other descriptions of the Arian doctrine which are issued in the Councils, where otherwise completely wiped out during the later'Inquisition'.

The climate in the VII century didn't get any better. The clergy and the two main Visigoth noble families, that of Wamba and Chindasvinto, where divided into Arian(Unitarian)and Catholic(Trinitarian).An interesting characteristic of the Visigoth kingship is that the crown was not hereditary, but through appointment by council of clerics. The king before last, Vitzia, was of an Arian Christian profession as was his inheritor Aguila. After Vitzia's death, Aguila took the throne but however, shortly after, it was given to Rodrigo who was Catholic. This is thought to be the straw that broke the camel's back.

Madrid Arrival, pick up, welcome tour and overnight in Toledo.

Pick up by a welcome car at Madrid International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Toledo.

Day 1: Arrival & evening in Cordoba

During your first night in Cordoba we suggest you enjoy the lovely night time walks in the medina, around the Ummayad mosque, Cordoba‘s most ancient town ‘Medina alQadima’ the ancient Islamic town. We offer a choice for dinner at one of our favorite and recommended halal establishments within town.

Cordoba Highlight Tours

In the morning we suggest you take part in one of our 'City Guided Tours'. We also offer optional entertainment options and leisure time including shopping or walks around the modern or historical town. Our historical introduction tour to Cordoba's ancient Islamic ‘medina’ explores the most ancient town, ‘Madinat alqadima’ of Cordoba and it’s Ummaya Mosque. We also recommend a series of our favorite expositions and museums in town. While in Cordoba one must also take a short excursion to witness and explore the Ummayad's Government city of Madinat al Zahra the Caliph's ruling city, the 'Dar al Mulk' of Al-Andalus.

There are three active mosques in Cordoba worth visiting, a marvelous opportunity to meet some local Muslims while touring around town.

Further service standards and options are provided at the time of your booking. You must not leave Cordoba without visiting 'Plaza de La Corredera', 'Parque de Colón' where you will find and actual mosque open for Muslims to pray in today. There are also some expositions in town, worth a visit to widen your knowledge of popular culture and the historical roots of Cordoba.

Introduction walk to Cordoba's Ancient Medina - GUIDED TOUR. GT1-COR

Enjoy an opportunity to discover the ancient Muslim town or 'Medina' al Qadima of Cordoba. We will be exploring the historical centre of the ancient town it's Ummaya Mosque along with the local UNESCO Heritage Guides.

Your guide will provide a historical account with insight into the different areas and specific buildings within the Historical Centre of Cordoba. At the end of the tour, you will be free within a lively souvenir shopping street, refreshments and snacks are available within stores nearby.

The tour will be carried out upon demand for any group size in English, or Spanish according to the majority of the public, we can also provide German, French and Arabic if there is a majority interested.

Once you make your booking, you will be sent a booking voucher by email containing all of the details of this tour: meeting point and the full itinerary draft. You should bring your voucher along with you to the starting point.

Please don't be late, once most of the group is there, 5-minute courtesy will be provided only, before starting with the program. Bring comfortable clothing and footwear, and perhaps some water for the walk.

Guided Visit to the Islamic Medina Ummayad Mosque of Cordoba

Enjoy a guided group tour of many classic landmarks and iconic scenes of The Ummayad Capital of Al-Andalus —including the Ummayad Mosque.

Optional Excursion to Seville, from rival kingdom to capital of Andalusia today. Or a free leisurely day in Cordoba.

On this day we will take an excursion from Córdoba to Seville. We will arrive in Seville before midday and have guided visits in Seville's historical center including the Alkasr Royal Palaces & Gardens, Cathedral of Seville, modern Giralda, Torre del Oro, Jewish quarters, the old medina and city walls, Parque de María Luisa, Plaza de España, and the remains of the Almohad courtyard and minaret.

After the visits, lunch & some 'free time', we will continue to Granada for an active program covering the fourth and fifth day of this trip.

Upon arrival to Granada, after due rest, we suggest you visit the Albayzín Mosque at the Mirador de San Nicolás, most famous viewing point of Granada and the Alhambra palace. After a lunch break, we will walk down to the city centre visiting the 'souq' streets and the most historical points. After a moment of rest, you will have the afternoon free to make your own plans for shopping or extra optional activities in Granada. You may enjoy free time in the modern town which is a fusion of Souq markets, old alleyways, walking on the riverside and the active modern city appeals.The route from Cordoba to Granada views of many castles, towers, 'zagras', white villages, where we can recreate a vivid historical vision of this whole period, the last Muslim lands of Al-Andalus, into the former Kingdom of 'Garnata'. We will be cruising along sites that used to be a 250 years border between the Muslim Kingdom of Granada and the four Spanish Christian Kingdoms, after their conquest of Cordoba. A quick stop along the way will allow travellers to gain some knowledge about the Olive Oil industry, enabling us also to purchase olive oil & traditional rural products, with the best quality and price.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!

Independent Travel Plan with discount to hop-on to our City Plans

For this option we welcome you to use our Travel Plan Itinerary App to get about, we will be updating the historical stages from our in-app day by day schedule adding information sections with GPS a reference to a location in town for practically each paragraph on your plan. In order not to loose out on the personal touch delivered through our Guided Tours , we have thought to make a special discount coupon code so that you may also return to our website using a special discount simply by using the code: HOPONCITYPLANS  (You can also press follow code link to access our City Plan website section, contact us if you need help).

Arrival into Seville, Capital of Andalusia Today

After arrival and checking into your hotel, we suggest you take the boat tour up river Guadalquivir as an introduction to the city, this will set the mood for a relaxed, yet lively experience in the capital of today’s Andalusia. You will be near enough to walk through the town’s pedestrian center, by the Cathedral along to the modern center with plenty of shops and a few Halal meal options available. There are two or three mosques in town currently, which opens at prayer times; even though you will be fascinated by the amount of older mosques which are nowadays very folkloric churches in Seville’s capital. There are at least 300 of these ‘old’ mosques.

Seville Highlights

Time for touring the highlights of Seville’s historical center. Starting with the Alkasr Royal Palaces you may continue to discover the Cathedral of Seville, built over the former mosque and still holds it’s minaret, the modern Giraldatower. This will all take you through to lunch, which you can find nearby. It may be advisable to take some rest through midday Spanish heat, especially during the summer time. A leisurely afternoon plan provides for shopping and further options from the historical town to the modern city center. You may find souvenir shops, typical Spanish restaurants and picturesque garden homes, nearby the city’s main shopping streets, laid out as if it were a large outdoor mall. Dinner arrangements, night walks and further options provided at the time of your booking.

The rest of the day in town is intended as a leisurely day, further options provided at the time of your booking. For independent tours we usually include a city transport card or hop-on hop-off tour of the city. Our private serviced tours include a dedicated driver and assistant, these are optional extras you may book towards your tour. You should not leave Seville without visiting ‘Plaza de España’ and ‘Parque de Maria Luisa’ where you will find some of the most exotic flora from around the world in beautiful gardens formerly belonging to the Royal Family. There are also two museums within the park, worth a visit to widen your knowledge of Popular Culture and Archaeology in the city of Seville.

Sevilla Introduction Walking Tour - GUIDED TOUR. GT-SV

Introduction tour to Sevilles Pedestrian centre, shopping ahistorical areas, yet no monument visits are included in this welcome tour. You may also book the Alkasr & Cathedral tour if you would like to climb the Giralda tower.

The tour will be carried out upon demand for any group size in English or Spanish according to the majority of the public, we can also provide German, French and Arabic if there is a majority interested.

Once you make your booking, you will be sent a booking voucher by email containing all of the details of this tour: meeting point and the full itinerary draft. You should bring your voucher along with you to the starting point.

Please don't be late, once most of the group is there, 55-minute courtesy will be provided only, before starting with the program. Bring comfortable clothing and footwear, and perhaps some water for the walk.

We require a minimum of 5 participants in order to confirm any single session of this tour.No monuments included just an introductory walk.Your guide will provide an introductory account with insight into the different areas and specific areas within the Historical Center. At the end of the tour, a free tea or emonade will be provided at the lively Moroccan ‘souq’ shopping street.Starting pointFrom November to March at 16 o’clock and from April to October at 18 o’clock. The tour will be carried out in English or Spanish according to the majority of the public, we can also provide German, French and Arabic if there is a majority interested.

Booking Voucher & Instructions:Once you make your booking, you will be sent a booking voucher by email containing all of the details of this tour: meeting point and the full itinerary draft. You should bring your voucher along with you to the starting point.Please don’t be late, 5-minute courtesy will be provided only, before starting with the program. Bring comfortable clothing and footwear, and perhaps some water for the walk.

Sevilla

Seville day and half day activitiesLying on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and proudly flaunting its Moorish architecture, Seville is home to historical monuments and long ago tales. Seville is a charming little town with crowning glories such as Maria Luisa Park, Seville Cathedral with the Giralda tower, the Alcazar Palace, Torre Del Orro and the Triana Bridge. Touring Seville can be a real joy if you are equipped with information on the best activities to indulge in Seville.Things to do in Seville:Electric bike tour:Touring Seville on an electric bike is twice as exciting as touring it on foot. The bicycles are easy and fun to ride. Visitors who want to revisit a certain place in Seville and tour it for a longer period of time are recommended to use electric bikes. The tour guides will brief visitors on the usage of the bike and will ask them to follow him or her on the tour. The tour guide will also share important knowledge and history about the iconic landmarks of the city as they loom in view.

Hiking and biking:There is nothing more refreshing in Seville than going out biking and hiking along the impressive biking trails of the city. Experience the exhilaration of riding past mountains and valleys covered with olive and almond orchards.

Nature walking routes:Breathe in the great aura of the powerful and impressive Gothic Cathedral of Seville and marvel at its supreme architectural beauty. Explore the royal Alcazar palace, the soaring Giralda bell tower and the lovely flamenco dances.

Evening tours:See the great Tower of Gold (Torre Del Orro) and the Triana Bridge by booking a river cruise on the Guadalquivir River. The peaceful cruise tour will not only uplift your spirits but will also instill in you a sense of deep appreciation. The tour will also give you a chance to marvel at the city’s glorious spots and understand their significance as famous history markers.

Cooking workshops:Seville is also known as the Tapas capital of Spain and there are plenty of cooking workshops available for tourists wishing to add the taste of Spain to their culinary talents. Easy to cook and sumptuous dishes can easily be learnt from expert chefs who take great pride in teaching their country’s authentic culinary variety. These workshops really can make Seville stay a valuable memory and give you the magic of Seville to take along with you back home.

Seville departure options

Departure transfer options are provided from the initial booking stage, as well as further city connection options for you to combine with modules, such as to continue into Cordoba, Granada, Madrid & Toledo or Barcelona, with the chosen transportation options.

Departure from Seville

Departure transfer options are provided from the initial booking stage, as well as further city connection options for you to combine with modules, such as to continue into Cordoba, Granada, Madrid & Toledo or Barcelona, with the chosen transportation options.

Independent Travel Plan with discount to hop-on to our City Plans

For this option we welcome you to use our Travel Plan Itinerary App to get about, we will be updating the historical stages from our in-app day by day schedule adding information sections with GPS a reference to a location in town for practically each paragraph on your plan. In order not to loose out on the personal touch delivered through our Guided Tours , we have thought to make a special discount coupon code so that you may also return to our website using a special discount simply by using the code: HOPONCITYPLANS  (You can also press follow code link to access our City Plan website section, contact us if you need help).

Mountain Route into Granada

Granada highlight program choice

Discover Granada & Albayzín walking Tour - GUIDED TOUR. GT-DGR

Enjoy an opportunity in discovering the ancient Muslim town or ‘Medina’ of Granada. We will be discovering the historical origin and growth of the city through its ancient walls and districts of our ancient town, the Albaycin.

Enjoy an opportunity in discovering the ancient Muslim town or ‘Medina’ of Granada. We will be discovering the historical origin and growth of the city through its ancient walls and districts.

Albaycin is the ancient town containing the most beautiful sites of modern Granada. The striking views of the Alhambra with the snow-topped Sierra Nevada Mountains blending into the unique landscape of the city and its surrounding. The tour takes us further through San Nicolas Square where we will find our local Mosque ‘Mezquita Mayor de Granada’. As we walk from the Albaycin to Sacromonte area to discover more ancestral and ‘sacred’ secrets of our city, we catch glimpses of the views from different angles and locations.

This tour is conducted by specialist guides who are duly accredited to perform such an introduction within the ancient town of Granada.

The confirmation of the visit requires a minimum of 5 people.

Your guide will provide a historical account with insight into the different areas and specific buildings within the Historical Center and the Albaycin. At the end of the tour, a free tea or lemonade will be provided at the lively Moroccan ‘souq’ shopping street.

From November to March at 16 o’clock and from April to October at 18 o’clock. The tour will be carried out in English or Spanish according to the majority of the public, we can also provide German, French and Arabic if there is a majority interested.

Once you make your booking, you will be sent a booking voucher by email containing all of the details of this tour: meeting point and the full itinerary draft. You should bring your voucher along with you to the starting point.

Please don’t be late, 5-minute courtesy will be provided only, before starting with the program. Bring comfortable clothing and footwear, and perhaps some water for the walk.