Discover enchanting Jewish Espana - Gibraltar
From Tuesday 28th May 2013 - Andalucía Spain 6 days 5 nights
Sefarad actually means Spain - In 711 the forces of Islam crossed into Spain and conquered the whole Iberian peninsula. It ushered in one of the greatest periods of Jewish Diaspora history, known as the golden age until the 1492 inquisition, which changed our history forever. This deep Sephardic Jewish heritage of Spain is still firmly implanted in our national psyche that mixes both glory, betrayal, peace, prosperity and pain. It is a rich history that goes back 1,500 years in Spain, from this exotic land emerged great sages and Kabbalistic mystics epitomized by key figures like Maimonides, Ibn Ezra and Yehuda Halevi, in which they worked and lived harmoniously with Muslims and Christians.
Join us as we travel to the heart of the medieval Jewish experience and visit the main sites connected to the rich and illustrious sites of the beautiful cities in Andalucia. You will understand why this area of Spain has become the most visited area by tourists in the world today, a land vibrates with the colorful passions of swirling flamenco and guitars; you will find its deep beauty unforgettable. Enjoy a blend of Moorish, European and Jewish influences as we travel in luxury through the legendary land of Cortez and Ponce de Leon. A delight for the senses and for the soul!
This trip will be supervised strictly kosher throughout. Our Hotel Vertice in Seville 4* http://en.hotelverticesevilla.com/highlights/ has been selected for that purpose for the first 3 nights where we will be having breakfast and evening meals and will be supplying us with lunch packs each day when we go for our day trips as follows:-
Day 1 Tuesday 28th May 2013 - FLY early to Seville and visit Seville during the course of the first day we visit one of the most beautiful cities in Spain seeing its Jewish quarter, Akcazar & Plaza Espana with some free time allocated to choose to visit further sites, river cruise or simply sit in its beautiful cafes and relax.
Day 2 Wednesday 29th May 2013 - We visit Cordoba where we visit the Mosque, The Synagogue plus the Al-Zahra [Palace of the Caliph Abd Al Rahman 111] plus Jewish museum and Jewish quarter. If time we will visit Lucena which was in the 9th century an exclusive Jewish town and see the Alcazar fortress and Jewish cemetery. After dinner we intend going to a Flamenco show in Seville.
Day 3 Thursday 30th May 2013 - Dedicated to Granada and Spain's Moorish jewel in the crown the in famous Alhambra palace and the Generalife gardens.
Day 4 Friday 31st May 2013 - We check out of the hotel and head for the Mediterranean coast at Malaga for a sea drive down to Marbella’s famous playground Puerta Banus where free time [up to 3 hours] dependent on time to spend at your choice or leisure before we head up the coast to Gibraltar in time to check in at hotel and prepare for shabbos. Attend Shabbos services with Gibralta’s chief Rabbi Ron Hassid and group meal with him and members of the community. We are staying 4* boutique hotel http://www.eliotthotel.com/ for the final 2 nights.
Day 5 Shabbat 1st June 2013 - Attend Shabbat services in a choice of Synagogues with group Shabbat lunch thereafter in the delightful care of Rabbi Ron Hassid. Shabbos pm stroll of Gibraltar.
Day 6 Sunday 2nd June 2013 - Last day, after checking out of hotel visiting the Upper Rock and caves we visit synagogues and cemetery before being transferred to airport for flight home.
Fully escorted price £895 pp sharing a twin/double single supplement £185 includes:
Strictly kosher full board hotel consisting breakfast packed lunches in Spain & three course evening diners Experienced guide throughout, all tours inclusive use of luxury coach and all museum entry charges. Full Shabbat meals in Gibraltar and evening entertainments
Flights not included must be booked direct suggest Gatwick to Seville EASYJET Flight 5175 at 6.45am Land 10.30 Cost £65 - Back on B A from Gibraltar on flight No BAO493 at 16.40pm lands Heathrow 20.40 cost £134
A deposit of £75 per person is required to book a place for trip which needs 20 bookings to proceed.