Al-Andalus is the name of the Moorish-held area of Spain, which encompassed most of the country during its height. The Moorish era in Spain is perhaps the most important chapter in the nation's history, having far-reaching influences on culture, art and architecture. Touring all of the Moorish sites in Spain can be difficult given the vast geographic range of their influence, but a guided tour can help travelers make the most of their visit. Step in Time Tours has a comprehensive tour of the Moorish sites of Spain, taking in the cities of Cordoba and its Grand Mosque; and Granada, which is home to the Alhambra and Malaga, with its Moorish castle and walls. The tour takes five days and includes lodging and entrance costs for some of the sites.
Step in Time Tours
011-44-0-870-000-0123
stepintimetours.com
The southern half of the country often overshadows northern Spain, but there are many interesting and little-known historical sites scattered throughout the countryside of the North. Paradors are historical sites, usually castles or monasteries, that have been converted to hotel-type accommodations, allowing visitors to spend a leisurely amount of time exploring the structures. Totally Spain Tours offers an eight-day tour of the paradores of northern Spain, spending a full day and night at each locale for an in-depth understanding of its historical and architectural value. The tour takes in sites in La Rioja, Leon, Asturias and Cantabria, such as monasteries, castles, ruins and historic mansions.
Totally Spain Tours
Barrio Zoña 36
Bajo Izquierda
39193 Castillo
Cantabria, Spain
888-717-4514
totallyspain.com
Many historical sites in Spain are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their great cultural and historical value, and many of them are some of the most popular visitor attractions in the country. Totally Spain Tours has two itineraries that take guests through seven- or 10-day tours of the UNESCO sites around Spain, making stops in Madrid, Segovia, Zaragoza, Pamplona, Leon, Salamanca and Toledo. Among the stops are the Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial in Madrid; the old city of Caceres, which was the first World Heritage designation in Spain; the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz and Santo Tome Church in Toledo; and San Isidoro Basilica in Leon. The tour stays at paradores, or hotels housed in historical structures, when available, and one meal per day is provided.
Totally Spain Tours
Barrio Zoña 36
Bajo Izquierda
39193 Castillo
Cantabria, Spain
888-717-4514
totallyspain.com
