Artists, writers and travellers have felt the force of the millennial beauty of three historic cities: Córdoba, Sevilla and Granada.

These are among the most important monuments of the Muslim culture.

Duration of travel: 8 days / 7 nights

Day 1

After leaving Madrid and heading south, we’ll cross the lands of the Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha to enter the province of Jaén in Andalucía. Nestled among olive groves, the cities of Úbeda and the historic Baeza both marked the Renaissance in Andalucía. We’ll continue towards Jaén, where we’ll rest that night in an 18^th century castle, once a Moorish bastion.

Day 2

We’ll cross the olive groves of the province of Jaén to enter the province of Córdoba. After our first stop in the beautiful Priego de Córdoba, we’ll admire Alcalá la Real, Baena, Cabra, Lucena, and finally reach Granada where we’ll spend the night in the former Nazarí palace, a 15th century Franciscan convent.

Day 3

Today we’ll enjoy a whole day in Granada. A World Heritage Site, the city embraces the most beautiful Muslim fortress in the world, the hilltop Alhambra, replete with fountains, courtyards, "estancias" and lush gardens that create a unique atmosphere.

On our third night we’ll enjoy watching the gypsies dancing and singing in the Sacromonte caves.

Day 4

The traveller will feel a certain sadness at leaving Granada, but we must continue our journey. Heading west, we’ll visit Santa Fé, Loja, Antequera, Ronda, Grazalema and finally will reach what is the quintessence of the Andalusian pueblo blanco, Arcos de la Frontera. We’ll spend the night in the Parador with its spectacular view overlooking the valley of the Guadalete River.

Day 5

Following the Route of the Pueblos Blancos, we’ll arrive at Jerez de la Frontera, world headquarters for sherry and capital of horses. We’ll visit its monuments, its wine cellars and watch the world-famous Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Ecuestre. In the afternoon, we’ll reach Sevilla and rest in a beautiful country palacio near Sevilla, now transformed into a luxurious hotel. If you prefer we can stay in the splendid and historical Alfonso XIII.

Day 6

Sevilla - the magnificent Roman city of Hispalis. No other Spanish city has such evocative power; the essence of beauty, warmth, mild weather, exoticism, music, singing, poetry, art… In the morning, a private guide will show us its monuments: the Reales Alcázares, the Torre del Oro, the Giralda, the Arab tower of its immense Gothic cathedral… The afternoon will be free to allow you to explore at your ease all the beauties of this enchanting city. And at night we’ll have dinner watching flamenco!

Day 7

With vivid memories of our visit to Sevilla, today we’ll continue our journey toward Córdoba, discovering on our way distinctive historic towns such as Carmona and Ecija. We’ll reach Córdoba at noon. In the afternoon we’ll wander in the Judería, the old Jewish Quarter, through narrow and whitewashed streets. We’ll have dinner in a typical restaurant and spend the night in the Parador with magnificent views over the city.

Day 8

Córdoba: symbol of the power of Islam, it became during its andalusi period - its Golden Age - the greatest centre of culture, art and learning in the western world, with more than a thousand mosques. We’ll be guided on a private tour through the Medina al-Zahara and the Mezquita, a World Heritage Site and glory of the architecture of the Caliphate.

Here is the end of our travels, and our farewell dinner.

To get personalized information of the ROUTE OF THE CALIPHATE please send an e-mail to:

· califato@duchatelle.com