Maghull and Lydiate U3A

We have arranged a 4 nights, 5 day tour to Granada, Spain, flying to Malaga from Manchester and staying at the Los Angeles Hotel on a half board basis.
Sunday 30th September 2012 After departing from Maghull we drive to Manchester Airport for our flight to Malaga. Upon arrival a coach will transfer us from the airport to Granada. Granada is the capital of the province with the same name, situated in the eastern part of the region of Andalusia. The city of Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at the confluences of the Darro and Genil rivers. Its unique history has bestowed it with an artistic grandeur embracing Moorish palaces and Christian Renaissance treasures. The city of Granada has been shaped by the hills, where the old districts in the Albaicín and the Alhambra were founded, brimming with steep, narrow streets, beautiful nooks and crannies, and marvelous landscapes. The new part of the city is situated on the plain, crisscrossed by the large arteries of Gran Vía de Colón and Calle de los Reyes Católicos, and where the busy streets around the Cathedral are found. We will make a stop for lunch en-route (not included) before continuing to our hotel, the Los Angeles, located in a privileged place in the centre of Granada for 4 nights on a Half Board basis.

In the late afternoon we continue to our hotel. The Duques de Bergara is a good quality hotel just a few yards away from Catalan Square which is the centre of the city. There is a bar and restaurant in the hotel. We shall stay here for 3 nights on a Bed and Breakfast basis. Half board option is also available.

Towns in this part of the country. Much of the hotel has undergone major improvements and redecoration. We shall stay here for 4 nights on a half board basis.

Monday 1st October 2102 This morning we will have a guided walking tour of Granada visiting the major sights. The rest of the day is free.

Tuesday 2nd October 2012 Today we will have a coach tour to Cordoba. Cordoba has the second largest old town in Europe, the largest urban area in the world declared World Heritage by UNESCO. The different cultures that throughout the centuries have met in this city have enriched it and left a definite mark. As well as the unique mosque-cathedral, Cordoba’s treasures include the Alcazar, or Fortress, built by the Christians in 1328; the Calahorra Fort, originally built by the Arabs, which guards the Roman Bridge, on the far side of the river from the Mezquita and the ancient Jewish Synagogue, now a museum. Cordoba’s medieval quarter, once the home of the Jewish community, is called “La Judería” (The Jewry), a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, shady flower-filled courtyards and picturesque squares. We will have plenty of time here to see the major sights before returning to the hotel.

Wednesday 3rd October 2012 After breakfast we make our way to The Alhambra Palace where we will have a guided tour. The Palace was one of the greatest architectural wonders of the world when it was created in the 13th and 14th centuries and remains so today. The Alhambra is a unique creation spawned from the gold coffers of Moorish sultans. Wars, sieges and years of neglect have failed to detract from the allure of the Alhambra Palace which continues to attract millions of visitors each year to a hilltop that overlooks the city. It was the last and most splendid of all the Arabian palaces to be built in Spain during 700 years of Moorish domination and offers a mesmerizing mixture of the most intricate tilework, filigree decoration and mosaics within its royal rooms and shaded courtyards. A sensual blend of bubbling fountains, dark green pools, white marble floors and enchanting passage ways draw you back through the centuries. There will be free time in the afternoon.

Thursday 4th October 2012 After breakfast we check out of the hotel. The day will be free (bags can be left in the hotel) before we make our way to Malaga Airport for our flight home. Upon arrival at Manchester Airport we will be met by a coach and transferred back to Maghull.

The total cost of this tour will be £359 per person plus flight cost £165 excluding baggage,       1 bag can be booked for an extra £32. Single room supplement £75. Insurance available at: £18 up to 65 years of age, £26 66-69yrs, £34 70-74yrs, £46 75-80yrs. Please contact us for a quote for 80+ years of age. Please fill in the booking form and send a deposit of £200 per person along with any single room or insurance costs. Balance of payment due by 13th August 2012.

Geoff Kean