Spain-Gibraltar

Jewish tours to Spain-Gibraltar

“Espana” is an exquisite symphony of experience, with a vital connection to world history and enduring Spain Jewish heritage. This timeless land of explorers vibrates with the colorful passions of swirling flamenco and guitars; you will find its deep beauty unforgettable. From this exotic land emerged great sages and Kabbalistic mystics of the “Golden Age,” as well as the origins of Sephardic Judaism, with its fascinating “Eastern” flavor. 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!

Day 01 Monday Departure USA

Departure on your flight from the USA.

Day 02 Tuesday Arrival in Madrid

Upon arrival to Madrid International Airport, you are welcomed to Spain and its gorgeous capital, Madrid. Here, the history of a people blends with the world of power, glamour and enterprise, making Madrid uniquely textured. During your tour this morning, visit the impressive Royal Palace before being introduced to two of Europe’s grandest squares: Plaza Mayor, with arts, crafts and chic boutiques under its arcades, and the Spanish version of Times Square – Puerta del Sol. Check into your hotel in the heart of Madrid’s most popular area. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Welcome Dinner tonight at the hotel.

Day 03 Wednesday Madrid

Breakfast, followed by a tour of the impressive Prado Museum, with its priceless collections of Spanish art by Velazquez, Goya and El Greco. Later, enjoy an introduction to Madrid Jewish community in today’s Spain as you Lunch with members of the Jewish Community. A visit to one of Madrid’s splendid Synagogues is included before returning to the hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy Madrid – by simply stepping out of the lobby of your elegant hotel. This evening, get ready for a fabulous Dinner & Show.

Day 04 Thursday Madrid – Toledo – Madrid

Breakfast. This day is devoted to Toledo, perched high on a hill by the Tagus River. With its naturally fortified location, Toledo was once the true center of Spain, and is widely considered a “pearl” in terms of its subtle beauty. This city was also the center for Jewish Spain, with a rich, creative heritage. You will feel this atmosphere as you stroll the narrow alleys in its historic section. Your tour will include El Greco’s house, formerly the palace of the prominent (and Jewish) Samuel Halevy (treasurer of King Pedro I, and architect of the El Transito Synagogue). Continue to Sinagoga de Santa Maria La Blanca, later converted to a church, and to the Sinagoga del Transito, which today houses The Sephardic Museum. This strand of Judaism can now be found vibrantly alive all over the world.

Day 05 Friday Madrid – Cordoba – Seville

Breakfast. This morning, transfer to the train station for the Express Train to the former home of many Jewish scholars and poets: Cordoba. Once the biggest city in all of Europe, Cordoba thrived and expanded with its unique blend of cultures. These are beautifully expressed with a visit to Mezquita, the most significant Muslim architectural achievement in the Western world. This 8th century structure was first a church, then a mosque, and today has a cathedral oddly placed in its center. Walk the street leading up to the Juderia, with its whitewashed houses and colorful courtyards and shops. Though not Jewish in its current expression, a few signs hint of the Golden Age of Jewish life. Note, for example, the tiny, gem-like Synagogue, as well as the statue of the great court doctor and Torah sage, Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon). Later in the afternoon, continue by coach to Andalusia’s legendary city: Seville, immortalized in opera classics such as “The Barber of Seville,” “Carmen” and “Don Giovanni.” Check-in at your beautiful hotel, with time to relax before celebrating a Shabbat Dinner.

Day 06 Saturday Seville

Breakfast. Today, explore the great mixture of past and present that is Seville. Your tour will include the imposing Cathedral, said to be one of the largest in the world. Here, find the resting place of Spanish Kings and Queens, as well as the impressive sepulcher of Christopher Columbus – but are his remains there? Continue past the Alcazar Palace, still used as a residence for the Spanish Royal Family, to the grand Plaza Espana, site of the pavillion of the great 1929 exhibition. Last but not least, visit the Barrio de Santa Cruz – the former Jewish Quarter. Today, it is one of Seville’s most charming areas. Enjoy Lunch during the course of your tour. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore this magnificent city as you please. Tonight, experience the passionate Latin feel of “Flamenco” in a town that has celebrated this art for centuries.

Day 07 Sunday Seville – Gibraltar

Breakfast. Today, visit Gibraltar and the very south of Spain. En route to the southern tip, pass the legendary Port of Cadiz, from which Columbus began many of his quests for distant lands. Entering Gibraltar, you will feel as though you have landed somewhere in the British Empire, with quaint sights such as dapper “bobbies” and typically English red “post” boxes. Begin sightseeing this fascinating, independent little plot of land, and gain an in-depth introduction to Gibraltar as seen from a Jewish perspective. The tour will include the Jewish Cemetery, Synagogue and Community Center, where Lunch will be served in the warmth of company. After lunch, visit the Upper Reserve, home of the famous Gibraltar monkeys, before check-in at the Hotel.

Day 08 Monday Gibraltar – Granada

Breakfast. Wake up literally “on the Rock,” and enjoy vistas of two continents (Europe and Africa) right from your window! Leave for Granada and a spectacular drive though the Mountains of Andalusia, with vistas of olive groves waiting around every corner, and charming villages greeting you with a sweet bouquet of colors. En route, visit gorgeous Ronda, built atop the gorge and river below. Ronda is legendary, as is its Bullfighting Ring, said to be the oldest in Spain. Director Orson Welles’s fascination with Ronda led to his last wish – to be buried here (and he was). Lunch is served during the tour. Continue via the mountains to Granada in the famed Andalusian province. Upon arrival, visit one of the Wonders of the World, the Moorish Palace of Alhambra. Located on a hilltop with the Sierra Nevada as background, Alhambra’s exquisite design and layout have few rivals. Be filled with a sense of mystique as you are guided past graceful courtyards, splashing fountains and lavish rooms. Enjoy an evening in the profound town of Granada.

Day 09 Tuesday Granada – Barcelona

Breakfast, followed by a transfer to the airport for the short flight to Barcelona. Upon arrival at Barcelona airport begin sightseeing in the most exciting city Spain can offer – Barcelona, capital of the Catalonian province. Begin with a visit to one of Spain’s landmarks: the incomplete architectural masterpiece of Antonio Gaudi, known as the Sagrada Familia (Sacred Family). This unique cathedral is imaginatively conceived as a looming, magnificent sand castle! Later, drive to the port of Barcelona, and via Cable Car, begin the ascent to Montjuic (Mountain of Jews) with spectacular views of the city below. Today, Montjuic Hill is a popular site for exhibitions. See the Olympic Stadium and visit the Spanish Village before returning to the center of town. Afternoon at leisure, with time to browse the many exciting areas of downtown Barcelona.Dinner.

Day 10 Wednesday Barcelona – Girona – Barcelona

Breakfast. Today, drive northward to small historic towns in the hilly areas of Catalonia. Visit Girona, which stands today not only as a charming example of Spain’s quaint early-Medieval ambience, but also as a reminder of the days when Jewish traditions bloomed. Jewish Girona was once a link between the first Kabbalists of Provence and the poets and writers of Cordoba and Toledo — also major Kabbalah Centers. Jewish settlers came to Girona at the end of the 9th century, growing and prospering until the Spanish Inquisition forced them into exile in 1492 – a span of 600 years! Walking through the “Call” (Jewish Quarter) still evokes this precious Jewish culture, an important part of the Golden Age of Spain. The spirit of our ancestors, you will sense, has never vanished. Visit the Archeological and Jewish Museums during your tour. Enjoy a traditional Spanish Country Lunch, before heading back to Barcelona in the afternoon.

Day 11 Thursday Barcelona

Breakfast. Today, a walking tour through the centuries-old streets and alleys of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. You tour will include an introduction to this former Jewish area in Barcelona. Visit the oldest Synagogue in Barcelona, which has recently been restored. Enjoy light refreshments in this charming neighborhood before returning to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure for your own activities or a visit the small but significant Picasso Museum nearby. This evening, enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner at the hotel.

Day 12 Friday Barcelona – USA

Breakfast. Say “adios” to Spain as you are transferred to Barcelona Airport for your flight back to the USA.