The beauty of nature, architecture, and diversity of cultures blend together into this magical day in the Andalucia area in southern Spain. From the moment you arrive in the town of Cordoba, you will realize that you are in a very special place. From the stunning coastal mountains through miles of countryside embellished with olive trees and sunflowers, you will arrive in one of the largest urban areas in Europe to be named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your professional English-speaking guide will meet you at a central location close to the port. From there you will begin the two-and-a-half-hour journey in comfortable air-conditioned transportation, taking in some of the most spectacular scenery. Upon arrival in Cordoba, your fully guided excursion will feature a panoramic view of the Roman Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, the Synagogue, and the Mezquita de Cordoba, the great Mosque-Cathedral.
The Roman Bridge, some 820 feet (250 meters) long and based on 16 ancient Roman foundations, majestically spans over the Guadalquivir River just in front of Mezquita. Once part of an important Roman commercial and military route, the bridge played a key role in medieval times, when people protected their city against attacks of Peter the Cruel. Today, thousands of tourists promenade the bridge as they are heading to the Calahorra Tower or backward to the Old Quarter. La Juderia, the Jewish Quarter, is the best-known part of Cordoba's historic center. During the 11th and 12th centuries, the Jewish population in Spain reached its point of greatest prosperity, intellectual energy, and well-being, coinciding with Cordoba's greatest moment in history. Your guide will walk with you through this fascinating neighborhood consisting of narrow, winding streets reminiscent of the Middle Ages. You will also have entrance included for the synagogue if you wish.
Your next stop is the Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is the most important monument of all the Western Islamic world, and one of the most amazing in the world (entrance fee is included). Your guide would show you the inside and you will show you this amazing building for 1.5 hours. The evolution of the "Omeya" style in Spain is displayed in the history of the Mosque of Cordoba, as well as other styles such as the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque of Christian architecture. With construction beginning in 784 A.D., the construction has lasted over two centuries and has undergone numerous changes. The Mezquita de Cordoba is most notable for its giant arches and its forest of over 856 (of an original 1,293) columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite. These were taken from the Roman temple which had previously occupied the site and other destroyed Roman buildings. It's a harmonious combination of various styles, providing an array of color and beauty presented in a myriad of mosaics and stained-glass windows. Also included is your entrance fee to the gardens on-site at the Mosque.
After your guided adventure, you will have approximately 1-hour free time to wander through the old quarter to sightsee, shop, and purchase a glass or two of sangria on your own. As your magnificent Andalucian day in Cordoba comes to a close, you will be returned in comfort to your original pick-up point in Malaga where you may board your ship or continue to explore at your own expense.
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