Arbuthnott holidays THE MOORISH HISTORICAL JOURNEY 18th – 25th October 2013

‘When the Moors ruled in Spain’ In the year 711 a Muslim Berber army under Tariq ibn Ziyad landed near Gibraltar, the mountain which bears his name (Jabal Tariq), and overthrew the Visigoths who had ruled the Iberian Peninsula for over 200 years. The wave of conquest extended across the Pyrenees until halted by the Franks under Charles Martel near Poitiers in 732. Under the name of al-Andalus, Muslim Spain became an independent kingdom in 755, sealed by Berbers and Arabs under the Spanish name of los Moros, ‘the Moors’. It’s capital at Cordoba became one of the greatest cities of the world, at a time when Christian Europe struggled to emerge from the Dark Ages, while its achievements in agriculture, medicine, mathematics and philosophy went on to supply mediaeval Europe with its learning. In the 11th century al-Andalus disintegrated into city states such as Seville, the Castilian king Alfonso VI captured Toledo in 1085 at the beginning of the Reconquista of Spain by the Christians of the north. Victory at the battle of Navas de Tolosa in 1212 opened the way to the conquest of almost the whole of al-Andalus, so that by the end of the 13th century all that remained was the Nasrid kingdom of Granada, shielded by a fortified frontier which encircled the bottom right hand corner of Spain. The end came with the union of Castile and Aragon under Isabella and Ferdinand in 1479. In 1492 the ‘Reyes Catolicas’ entered Granada to complete the formation of the kingdom of Spain. Muslims and Jews were expelled from the peninsula, followed in 1610 by the Moriscos, Muslims who had been obliged to convert to Christianity, bringing to an end the religious and cultural diversity of the previous eight hundred years. During the week Hugh Arbuthnott will give three pictorial presentations: 1. The Umayyads. 632 - 1031 2. The Taifas to the fall of Seville 1031 - 1246 3. The Nasrid kingdom of Granada 1250 - 1492

NOTE: Subject to change according to local conditions. All distances shown are approximate

Version 2013: Nº 1

Arbuthnott holidays

Itinerary The holiday starts and ends at Almuña the charming and very comfortable home of Hugh and Jane Arbuthnott set in the hills of Southern Andalucía with views of the frontier citadels of Jimena and Castellar de la Frontera and in the distance Gibraltar and the mountains of Morocco. The Arbuthnott family look after you and, not only like you to eat exceptionally well, but experience delicious food that is home cooked, using fresh and totally organic ingredients from the Almuña kitchen garden together with some outstanding Spanish wines. Day 1.

You will be met at Malaga airport and driven to Almuña. In the evening there will be the first presentation: The Umayyads. 632 - 1031 Overnight night at Almuña

Day 2.

In the morning we shall travel just over an hour to Tarifa. On a clear day this is a magnificent journey along the Strait of Gibraltar with views of Jebel Musa where one can imagine the site of embarkation in 711. We shall visit the Moorish castle bravely defended by Alonso Perez de Guzman and the ground over which the battle of Río Salado was fought. On the way back we shall visit Castellar de la Frontera, a perfectly preserved 14th century Moorish fortified village perched on a rocky outcrop. That evening there will be a presentation: The Taifas to the fall of Seville 1031 – 1492 Overnight at Almuña

Day 3.

We leave early for a 3 hour drive through some beautiful scenery to Cordoba. On arrival we shall stop to look across the river at the perfect view of the old city before visiting the Calahorra Tower and walking across Roman Bridge to the hotel. After lunch we shall walk a few yards to visit the Mezquita (Cordoba mosque) and be shown around by Lola. The rest of the day is free to wander the narrow city streets. Overnight at Cordoba hotel.

Day 4.

The Mezquita opens at 08.30 and this is a perfect opportunity to return to this amazing place and spend some quite time on your own. There will be a conducted tour of the old city by our guide before we depart to visit one of the most important mediaeval archaeological sites in Europe, the palace of Medinat al-Zahra. After a picnic lunch we shall drive about two hours along the frontier route, peppered with castles, to Granada where we shall stay in a private hotel in the Albayzín with splendid views of the Alhambra. Overnight at Granada hotel.

Day 5.

In the morning we visit The Alhambra and Generalife guided by Diego Muñoz-Cobo. In the afternoon we shall walk down to the old part of Granada and visit various sites including the Capilla Real and the Corral de Carbon. Otherwise you are free to shop and explore this heavenly old centre of Granada. In the evening there will be the final presentation: The Nasrid kingdom of Granada 1250 - 1492 . Overnight at Granada hotel.

Day 6.

In the morning Diego will take us on a walking tour of the Albayzín, the original city of Granada, with its glorious churches, Moorish houses and medieval Arab baths. After lunch we shall depart from the hotel and drive back, in part along 13th century frontier passing Teba where Sir James Douglas was killed carrying The Bruce‘s heart in 1330. We shall skirt Ronda admiring its Arab walls and mighty position before we return to Almuña. Overnight at Almuña.

Day 7.

Quiet day at Almuña with visit to the Moorish castle at Gaucín and a walk around the village. There will be a morning and afternoon screening of the Channel 4 documentary When the Moors Ruled in Europe. Overnight at Almuña

Day 8.

Drive to Málaga to catch the flight home.

€ 2,175 per person sharing Single supplement €350

Flight not included

The rates are per person and include full board and lodging, quality wine with lunch and dinner and all pre-lunch and after dinner drinks when staying at Almuña. Also included is transport and carriage of luggage throughout the week, excursions and entrance fees as specified. Payment may also be made in Pounds Sterling. The price does not include airfares, insurance and staff gratuities. NOTE: Subject to change according to local conditions. All distances shown are approximate

Version 2013: Nº 1