he city of Málaga, your guides will introduce you to the history of the city and its architecture. The 80-mile journey by coach to Granada, takes you past Villanueva del Rosario and then to La Bobadilla, Salar, and Santa Fe. You will go to the Alhambra complex to meet your special Alhambra guide. The Alhambra is the most important structure in the city. Your visit to the Alhambra and gardens will take the entire morning.
The city of Granada was named Iliberri by the Romans and was the capital of Spain under the Muslims during the 11th century. Granada reached its pinnacle during the 15th century when the Christians re-conquered it. The Catholic King and Queen, Isabel and Fernando, made it their favorite court. A later king, Carlos V, constructed the beautiful palace and founded the University of Granada.
No visit to Granada is complete without touring the Alhambra, The Red One. It is an Arab citadel erected over a hill, called Assabica, and covered by a forest and gardens. Witness the artistry of the Muslim architects who reached the peak of their skills building the many patios and interior rooms. The complex houses the National Museum of Hispanic-Muslim Art and the Alcazaba, the oldest part of the Alhambra. It was first a fortress built during the 9th century by the founder of the Nazarene dynasty. Gothic elements were added later, as were many palaces and patios including the Palacio de Comares, Patio de los Leones, and the Patio de Los Arrayanes. Adjacent to the Alhambra is the Jeneralife Gardens, a former summer residence featuring the lovely Moorish Patio de La Acequia and Patio del Cipres or de La Sultana, which mixes Moorish and Renaissance features. Laid out in the Italian style there are also terraced gardens where you will see the famous Water Steps. The Jeneralife Gardens also display a wonderful array of cypress hedges and many fountains.
Following your time at the Alhambra, you will make your way to a local restuarant where you will be treated to an enjoyable lunch. Afterwards, you will continue with a panoramic tour of Granada. Before making the return drive to Málaga, you will stop at the Mirador del Albaicin in the gypsy quarter of El Sacramento where you will be treated to some lovely views of the city.
At the conclusion of the tour, guests will reboard the coach for the 80-mile return to the Málaga pier.
Please note: Due to traffic conditions, the tour duration may vary from 8- to 9-hours. This tour involves difficult and extensive walking in the Alhambra and Generalife, with some steps to climb. The drive time to and from Granada is approximately 2 hours in each direction, during which time the coaches will make a restroom stop. Interior visits of the Palaces cannot be guaranteed. This tour is not available to wheelchair guests. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Caps and comfortable walking shoes are suggested.