Explore Al Andalus with Dr. Yasir Qadhi
The Rise and Fall of Andalusia: Daily Lectures with Dr. Yasir Qadhi
In less than a hundred years since the Prophetic Hijrah, during the ‘Golden Age of Islam’ the vastness of the Islamic Empire expanded all the way to Europe. Muslims from North Africa, under the leadership of Tariq bin Ziyad, conquered Spain and brought along with them their system of governance and law as well as beautiful architecture and vibrant culture.
Journey with us and visit the Iberian Peninsula, Al-Andalusia, and explore the abundant Islamic history of Seville, Cordoba, Ronda, Granada and more. An 8-day tour bringing the history and heritage of Muslim Spain to life. See for yourself how over 700 years of Muslim rule left a legacy of Islamic Spain that remains today in the beautifully ornate mosques and palaces, as well as the rich local culture.
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Temperature checks will be taken before trips for your safety.
Wearing masks on your journey helps keep everyone safe.
We’re committed to facilitating physical distancing.
All guests and staff are to adhere to sanitizing procedures at all times.
We’re adhering to best practices for cleanliness and disinfection.
Seville
Seville houses one of the most famous and iconic remnants of Islamic Spain – the Real Alcazar, or Royal Alcazar – a remarkable palace built by the Muslim ruling class in the 8th century. It is a fine and unique example of Mudéjar art – a style, deeply rooted in cultural diversity and originating from practising Muslims living in Christian territories in historical Spain.
Marvel at the Seville Cathedral, originally AlJama Mosque constructed by the order of the Almohad caliph Abu Yaqub Yusuf. Admire the Giralda, now a bell tower for the cathedral, but originally the minaret of the mosque, and in its time the tallest tower in the world, designed to resemble the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh.
Cordoba
One of the world’s greatest Islamic buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Mezquita, or Grand Mosque of Cordoba, is a symbol of the worldly, sophisticated culture that flourished here more than a millennium ago, in the 8th century, when Córdoba was capital of Islamic Spain and western Europe’s biggest, most cultured city.
The design evolved for around 200 years to its final form as the Grand Mosque, until it was repurposed as a cathedral and altered accordingly. One of the most famous features of the building is its 856 double arches that are modelled on the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba remains a truly mesmerizing building that exudes history, culture and opulence.
Ronda
Ronda, spectacularly located atop El Tajo gorge and overlooking most of the region, has a rich Islamic heritage which can be seen through its magnificent architecture, with most of it being created after the fall of Cordoba’s caliphate, when it became Taifah Ronda, an independent Muslim kingdom. The town is famously known for the best-preserved bathhouses (hammams) of that era in the whole of Spain as well as for being the birthplace of celebrated polymath, inventor and engineer Abbas ibn Firnas.
The 17th century Puente Viejo, the Old Bridge, also known as the Arab Bridge, crosses over the Guadalevin river. The breath-taking scenery, the surrounding mountains, the flowing river, coupled with rich history and warm culture, make Ronda a definite stop for anyone touring Islamic Spain.
Granada
Granada, the last stronghold of Muslims in Spain, is filled with exquisite architecture and serene surroundings telling of a historic time in which Muslims ruled over this region. Every turn speaks of remnants of this age and the prosperity enjoyed by the people living there.
You’ll be taken back to this time as you walk through the picturesque arches, stroll through the Arab quarter or drink tea at one of teterías of Albayacin.
The iconic and astonishing AlHambra, standing at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, Spain’s highest mountain range, is a jewel in the crown of Islamic Spain. Developed in the 13th century, Alhambra, a series of palaces, citadel, gardens and orchards, was the residence for the Nasarid sultans and elites, the last remaining Muslim dynasty in Al-Andalus. The profound beauty in its architectural design, intricate detail and engineering leaves visitors in awe of its allure.
Toledo
Known as the ‘city of three cultures’ due to the peaceful coexistence of Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities for centuries. Toldeo’s magnificence comes from the numerous mosques, synagogues and churches alongside its palaces and fortresses. Amongst the most famous are the Catedral Primada de Toledo, a gothic cathedral, the Mezquita del
Cristo de La Cruz, the Mosque of Christ of the Light, a 10th century mosque and the Santa María la Blanca, a former synagogue built in the Muslims style of construction.
Gaze in wonder at the rich and diverse history of Toldeo that exudes out of its buildings, landscapes and culture. A UNESCO World Heritage site, still preserving its original layout and accessible through its narrow, winding streets, Toldeo will leave you deeply fascinated with Islamic Spain.
Dr. Yasir Qadhi Al Andalus Trip
Accompanied by Dr. Yasir Qadhi
Trip at a Glance
Day 1 Arrival Seville
Arrival at Seville Airport, followed by a warm welcome and a panoramic tour of the city. Check in, refresh, and then take the afternoon to discover Seville at your own pace. Spend the night in Seville.
Day 2 Seville
Enjoy breakfast, then join the welcoming orientation between 8:00-9:00 AM. Explore Seville’s former Muslim quarters, visit iconic landmarks like Giralda tower, Plaza de España, and Torre del Oro, followed by a guided tour of the Royal Alcazar. After lunch, visit the Mosque of Seville for prayers, with a mini lecture afterward. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore as you please.
Day 3 Seville – Ronda
Start your day with breakfast, then transfer to Ronda (approx. 2.5 hours). Admire Puente Nuevo’s stunning viewpoint and explore the city on a walking tour. Afternoon is free for self-discovery. Attend a 6:00 PM lecture, followed by an overnight stay in Ronda.
Day 4 Ronda – Cordoba
Have breakfast, then transfer to Cordoba (approx. 1.5 hours). Explore the Old Mosque and Muslim quarters on a guided tour in the morning. Enjoy a free afternoon for self-discovery and attend a lecture at 6:00 PM. Overnight in Cordoba.
Day 5 Cordoba
Start your day with breakfast, followed by a lecture at 9:00 AM. At 10:30 AM, embark on a tour of Madinat Az Zahra. Afterward, take a break for lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore and learn independently, attending any additional lectures as desired.
Day 6 Cordoba – Granada
Begin your day with breakfast. In the morning, you’ll be transferred to Granada. Spend the afternoon visiting the central Mosque of Granada. At 6:00 PM, there will be a lecture for you to attend. Enjoy your night in Granada.
Day 7 – AlHambra – Jumuaa in Granada
Start your day with breakfast. Take a guided tour of the Alhambra and Generalife gardens in the morning. Join the Jumu’ah prayer at the Granada Mosque. Afterward, the rest of the day is free for you to explore and enjoy.
Day 8 Granada – Toledo
Enjoy breakfast, followed by a lecture at 8:00 AM. In the morning, transfer to Toledo. Spend the afternoon visiting Mirador del Valle and Zocodover square. Join a farewell dinner at 8:00 PM. Spend the night in Toledo, cherishing your time in the city.
Day 9 Toledo – Madrid – Home
Begin your day with breakfast. In the morning, you will be transferred to Madrid’s Airport for your departure. Bid farewell and embark on your journey home. Safe travels!
Inclusions/Exclusions
PRICE INCLUDES:
Accommodation on Bed and Breakfast basis 4*
2 Nights Hotel in Seville
1 Night in Ronda
2 Night Hotel in Cordoba
2 Nights Hotel in Granada
1 Night in Hotel in Toledo
Ground Transfers by Bus
Group Transfer Toledo Hotel-Madrid Airport
Tours (Guide, entrance fees and transport)
EXCLUSIONS:
Individual transportation, outside of the group designated pick and drop off.
Lunch and dinners except dinner last night
Tips
Drinks
Any other item not mentioned in the trip details
Hotels
Seville: Occidental Hotel | Cordoba: Cordoba Center Hotel | Granada: Hotel Barcelo Carmen| Ronda: Hotel Catalonia | Toledo: Hotel Sercotel Alfonso
I’m deeply thankful for all your kindness in assisting and guiding through this journey. May Allah bless you and all your loved ones with the best in this world and the next Ameen JAK.
Thank you Dar El Salam for everything you have been amazing in every way and may Allah bless you and jazakom Allah Khairan .