Cultures and Faiths of Morocco and Spain aboard the Callisto

The Golden Age of the Moors

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At a time when all of Europe was shrouded in the Dark Ages, a glorious civilization—the Moors—sprang up in southern Spain and northern Africa. When the Moorish kings ruled, it was a rare moment in history when the three great monotheistic faiths worked side by side to build a sophisticated society that excelled in science, art, and architecture. As we journey from Morocco to Spain aboard the 34-guest Callisto, we discover the legacy of the Moors from the astonishing medieval medina of Fez to two of Spain’s most splendid cities: gracious Seville, site of the Moors’ royal Alcazar, and Granada, home of the incomparable Alhambra Palace. Our guest lecturers, including cultural anthropologist John Shoup, PhD, bring the world of the Moors to life for us.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-3
US / Marrakesh, Morocco

Intricately tiled walls in intense colors of blue and paprika, interior courtyards with bubbling fountains, exquisite domed ceilings—the Moors’ architectural heritage is a superb one. We explore the treasures of Marrakesh, including the Bahia Palace, and people-watch in the Djemaa el-Fna, the celebrated central square.

Days 4-6
Taroudant / Embark / Essaouiria / Casablanca

In medieval Taroudant, a center of trade in the early days of the Moorish Empire, we stroll the well-preserved city walls and make a foray into the souks. Boarding the Callisto in Agadir, we call at Essaouira, a charming seaside town, to walk the red ramparts that attest to its hybrid Moorish and European influences. Voyaging to Casablanca, we tour the impressive new Hassan II mosque, the second largest in the world.

Days 7-9
Rabat / Fez

We roam the narrow passages of Rabat’s mysterious Oudaya Kasbah, concealed behind formidable Almohad walls, and visit the splendid mausoleum of Mohammed V. With a full overnight in magical Fez, we savor the scents, sights, and sounds of a perfectly preserved medieval city enclosed within its original walls. Pottery, leather tanning, and tile-making are still important arts here.

Days 10-12
Sevilla, Spain / Granada / Malaga

From Cadiz, we drive to magnificent Sevilla, a city scented with orange blossoms, where our explorations include the great Alcazar, palace of the Spanish kings for nearly seven centuries. At Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain, we devote a day to the majestic Alhambra Palace, once the retreat of the caliphs. We disembark at Malaga and depart on Day 12.

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Tour Costs From $8895 per person Prices are based on double occupancy and depend on cabin type Prices are for 2009 dates **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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