GRANADA TOUR

Date: Friday September 13, 2002
Time: 08:00 - 19:45
Cost: $80 USD
This price includes the coach, tickets to the Royal Chapel, the entrance fee and guide for the Alhambra and Generalife, and lunch.

A visit to Southern Spain would not be complete without a trip to the world-famous city of Granada, which is set against the mountain backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. Granada was the crown jewel of the Arab empire in Spain and the last to be conquered by the Catholic Kings, Isabella and Ferdinand. The drive to Granada is resplendent with a multi-coloured and fascinating countryside, featuring such diverse terrain as mountains and plains to vast properties of olive groves. The journey, including a short stop en-route, will take approximately 2 hours.

Once in Granada, delegates have some free time to visit the markets. This may be a good opportunity to buy souvenirs. We also recommend a visit to the nearby Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), in which Fernando III and Isabel, the Christian conquerors of Granada, are buried. Next door to the chapel is Granada's cathedral, which dates from the early 16th century.

Finally, participants will visit the Alhambra Palace, one of the world's most important and well-recognized accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture. This palace, with its elaborate patios and gardens, is almost one of the most important attractions of Spain. The Alcazaba is the Alhambra's Muslim fortress dating from the 11th century, with great views of the city from the tops of its towers. The Palacio Nazaries is the centerpiece of the Alhambra, and is noted for the intricacy of its stonework. Finally, there is the Generalife - the summer palace of the sultans, set in the soul-soothing Alhambra gardens.

ITINERARY
Please note that times shown are approximate

08:00 Meeting with our bus and guide at Hotel Torrequebrada
08:15 Departure towards Granada
10:15 Arrival in Granada
10:30 Self-guided tour of the Royal Chapel Time at leisure for shopping            and visit the city centre~
13:00 Lunch at restaurant
15:00 Visit of Alhambra and Generalife
17:30 Departure towards the Torrequebrada Hotel
19:45 Arrival at the hotel