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explore SOUTHERN SPAIN

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MADRID       TOLEDO       CORDOBA        SEVILLA        RONDA       GRANADA       MALAGA

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June 14 - 25, 2023

10 Nights • 11 Days

Explore the heritage of Al-Andalus, the Islamic civilization that flourished in Iberia (modern Spain and Portugal) from 711-1492 CE. Starting from the nation’s capital and passing through the region of La Mancha, journey through key cities of the Muslim era in Andalucía (a region of several provinces in southern Spain), learning about the multi-faith experience of cooperation and conflict, scientific advancements, and cultural influences that continue to impact us today. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, try unique cuisines, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes that will transport you to another world.

faculty guide

Professor Munir Shaikh

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Bayan’s vice president and professor Munir Shaikh will be the faculty escort for the tour. He holds an M.A. in Islamic Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a specialization in the history of Islamic Iberia (Al-Andalus), and certificates from academic programs in Morocco, Egypt and Spain. He has lived for periods of time in Spain (and Morocco), and is conversant in Spanish. He has taught academic courses on Islamic Spain, Middle Eastern history, Islam, and world history, and led world heritage tours in various countries, including seven previous excursions in Southern Spain.

Itinerary in southern Spain

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Bayan has been offering faculty-led tours to world heritage destinations since 2017, with previous tours to Southern Spain, Malaysia & Singapore, Uzbekistan and Bosnia-Herzegovina. 

 

WHY JOIN A BAYAN TOUR?

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Tours offered by Bayan cater to the diverse interests and needs of families, while offering an exceptional educational and cultural program. Each tour is led by one or more faculty members who provide daily background lectures and insights about the historical and contemporary contexts. Local guides are utilized as well at various points in time. The itinerary is crafted by experienced personnel to maximize your enjoyment and satisfaction. While the scheduled program is robust, ample time is provided to explore on your own, shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs, and enjoy some leisure activities. Bayan’s tour group size is generally kept to 20-30 participants.

SOUTHERN SPAIN TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Madrid

  • Plaza Mayor, Gran Via, Puerta del Sol

  • Royal Palace

  • Friday prayer at Madrid Central Mosque

  • El Retiro Park

 

Toledo

  • Mezquita de Cristo de la Luz

  • Synagogue El Transito & Sta. Maria La Blanca

  • Damascene metalworks shops

  • Visigothic Museum

 

Cordoba

  • Mezquita-Catedral (Great Mosque)

  • Judería (old Jewish quarter)

  • Museum of Three Cultures

  • Madinat Al-Zahra archaeological site

 

Sevilla

  • Royal Alcázar of Sevilla

  • Cathedral of Sevilla / Giralda Tower

  • Plaza de España

  • Horse-carriage ride

 

Ronda

  • Puente Nuevo

  • Casa del Rey Moro

  • Arab baths archaeological site

 

Granada

  • Alhambra palace

  • Friday prayer at Mosque of Granada

  • Albaicín (old Muslim city)

  • Flamenco show

 

Malaga

  • La Calle Larios

  • Boardwalk / Promenade

  • Gibralfaro castle vista point


 

Along with visiting these sites, we will encounter the people and make friendships, sample various cuisines, appreciate cultural programs, and enjoy the natural landscapes that we pass through.

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TOUR INFORMATION

Tour Pricing - land package only

All pricing is double-occupancy, airfare is not included.

 

Adult                             $2,995

Additional Adult          $2,695

Minors (8-17)               $2.195

 

Single supplement:       $500

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Land Package Inclusions

  • Airport transfers in Spain

  • 10 nights hotel (4* in most cases)

  • Ground transportation by private A/C coach and high-speed train from Malaga to Madrid

  • Local bus, taxi, metro fares during group excursions

  • Entrance fees for sites

  • Breakfast + lunch or dinner (2 meals/day)

  • Gratuities for group transport, meals, activities

  • Daily lectures/discussions with readings/handouts

 

exclusions

  • International airfare to Spain (budget about $1,400 round-trip per person from US gateways) and applicable baggage fees

  • Tourist visa if required (US and EU citizens do not need a visa)

  • Travel insurance

  • Covid-19 testing costs (if required for entry or return to country of origin)

  • Additional meals/beverages, personal items

  • Hotel incidental charges, hotel porters and other individualized services

International Travel Arrangements

 

Arriving to Spain

Numerous airlines provide service to Spain. Participants should book roundtrip flights to Madrid (MAD), and arrive no later than Thursday, June 15. The tour program officially begins at 5:00pm on that day with a group orientation meeting in the Madrid hotel, evening walk in Madrid, and group dinner. For travelers from the US, this would mean departing from your city of origin on Wednesday, June 14. You can plan your travel to add extra days in transit before reaching Madrid, but the included transfer from airport to hotel is only available to those arriving on June 15. 

 

Departing from Spain

Participants who wish to remain longer in Spain after the tour concludes can make their own arrangements for the night of June 24 if not wishing to return via train to Madrid on that afternoon with the group; these participants can also consider departing from a different city such as Malaga (AGP) or Barcelona (BCN) rather than booking a roundtrip itinerary via Madrid, and make their further lodging, transportation, and departure arrangements accordingly.

 

Booking Your Flights

Once you’ve paid your deposit to Bayan Tours, you should book your flights as soon as possible to try and obtain well-priced airfare with suitable flight timings and layovers. You can use your own travel agent, check airline websites, or use other booking sites to select the flight legs that are best for you. We recommend that you choose routes with layovers of not less than 90 minutes.

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HOTELS

  • Madrid: Hotel Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza  (2 nights)

  • Cordoba: Eurostars Palace (2 nights)

  • Sevilla: Petit Palace Marques Santa Ana (1 night)

  • Ronda: Hotel Catalonia (1 night)

  • Granada: NH Victoria (2 nights)

  • Malaga: Vincci Larios Diez (1 night)

  • Madrid: Hotel Petit Palace Preciados  (1 night)

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