Magnificent Journey of the Moors' Spain & Morocco Tour
Black History Study Tours presents an educational experience of a life time. You are invited to be a part of ‘The Magnificent Journey of The Moors’.
This new and exciting tour takes you on a journey over 2 countries in 2 continents following the footsteps of the Moors who left out of Africa and crossed over into Spain, where they ruled for over 700 years.
This new and exciting tour will take you to Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Tarifa and Tangiers in Morocco (North Africa), where the ‘Magnificent Journey of the Moors’began. This trip is more than just a tour, it is more than just a journey, it is an experience of a lifetime not to be missed.
To book or for more information, call 020 8881 0660 / 07951 23423 or email info@bhstours.com
The highlights of the tour are:
- History of Moorish Spain and Tangiers from an African perspective
- A tour guide with over 10 years experience of tours around Andalusia
- Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Opportunity for group discussion, debate and networking
- Opportunity to experience Moorish Spain and Tangiers with like minded people
- Self catering
- Each delegate will receive a tour booklet summarising each location
Includes
- Return scheduled flights to Malaga from Gatwick Airport
- Transfers between airport and hotel
- Services of an experienced Tour Guide
- Seven nights’ accommodation in furnished apartments
- Travel to destinations in a modern air-conditioned coach
- Tours to Granada, Seville, Cordova, Tarifa and Tangier with 3 course lunch provided in restaurant
The cities we will visit are:
Granada
We will visit the city of charm and mystery ‘Granada’ which is situated at the foot of the Sierra Navada. Granada was the last Moorish stronghold in Spain which was conquered by the Christians in 1492. We will visit The Alhambra Palace – the most visited monument of Spain and the best conserved example of Islamic architecture in Spain. The Alhambra Palace was built by the Moors in the 13th and 14th centuries on a hill overlooking Granada and has been added to over the centuries to become a magnificent complex of pink stone courtyards, pools, fountains, grand halls and cool patios, alongside the beautiful Generalife Gardens. A truly magnificent sight to see!
Cordoba
We will visit Cordoba. This elegant city was once the capital city of the Moorish kingdom of Andalusia. As a result of this, it boasts the “Great Mosque” or “Mezquita”, one of the most fascinating buildings in the world. This building was built in the 8th century and was the largest and most beautiful mosque outside of the Middle East and it is now the Cathedral of Cordoba. Take part in our orange tree quiz in the Orange Tree Courtyard .In addition to the Great Mosque, you will cross the famous Puente Romano Bridge and visit the picturesque Jewish quarter to explore the labyrinth of winding narrow streets, shaded flower-filled courtyards and attractive squares. Visit the Synagogue, the only one remaining in Andalusia, dating from 1315. The walls are adorned with plaster work of plant motifs and epigraphs referring to the psalms, and Song of Songs.
Seville
We will visit Seville, the capital city of Andalusia. You will spend time admiring the Plaza de España with its fascinating blend of Art Deco and Moorish architecture built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. This semi-circular complex boasts monumental staircases, fountains and a beautifully tiled alcove for each of Spain’s provinces.
We will visit the Alcazar, the Royal Palace built inside a Moorish fort. We will visit the landmark of Seville which is the cathedral minaret “La Giralda”, built in the 12th century. It was the former minaret of the Almohad mosque. The climb to the top of “La Giralda” is a must for its great views of the surrounding areas. After visiting the Golden Tower in Seville, we will go on the famous Seville Boat Cruise along the Guadalquivir River, where you will see the many sites of Seville such as the San Telmo Palace, Maria Luisa Park and sail beneath the six classic and modern bridges of the World Expo-92 – most emblematic of Spain.
Tarifa and Tangiers
We will visit Tarifa, the closest European point to Africa (only 19 km) and the geographical border between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. We will walk through the Gate of Jarez and visit the Caliphs Castle which is also known as the Castle of Guzman, built over an Alcazar constructed under the orders of the Caliph of Cordoba.
We will give you a brief taste of Africa by visiting the Moroccan city of Tangier, separated from Spain only by the 20 miles of the Strait of Gibraltar. The history of Tangier is very rich due to the historical presence of many civilizations and cultures starting from the 5th century BC.We will take a ferry from the Port of Tarifa to the city of Tangiers, the gate of Morocco and Africa. We will take a historic tour of the city of Tangiers, discovering the legacy of the Moors. We will go on a guided tour of the Kasbah, Souk, Modern town and shopping bazaars where you will see many types of carpets and unique hand crafted items. Lunch will be served in a traditional Moroccan restaurant to live Moorish music.
When We Ruled Spain Tour Reviews
Please find below feedback from the evaluation forms from delegates who attended the ‘When We Ruled Spain Tour’ in October 2011.
OVERALL MY EXPERIENCE WAS… EXCELLENT
“The preparation material was very comprehensive. It covered everything we needed and more.”
“The meeting on Sunday gave us a very good background to the history of the Moors and fully prepared us for the week ahead. It was interesting to hear Mustafa’s work experience/background.”
“The location of the apartments was excellent.”
“The tour guide was excellent. In-depth historical knowledge. It was also useful to get a idea of the other cultures experiences, i.e. the Jewish experience, Christians, Muslims.”
OVERALL MY EXPERIENCE WAS… EXCELLENT
“Considering this is BHS Tours first group tour. It was very well presented as a whole. I like that we were constantly reminded of our conduct, representation and that we were all ambassadors for BHS Tours and for the Nubian Family.”
OVERALL MY EXPERIENCE WAS… EXCELLENT
“This experience has really contributed to my learning more about my ancestors and the greatness they exhibited.”
“Reflections on what I’ve seen, heard and read, has helped me to keep planning, doing my life’s work.”
“I’ve had this experience with some wonderful people who have really been family in these last few days”
OVERALL MY EXPERIENCE WAS… EXCELLENT
“This trip has helped me in my personal development. I feel blessed to have so many fantastic memories that I shall cherish forever.”
“The discoveries I have made from within and without are amazing, I have learnt things about the history and culture of Spain I didn’t even know existed.”
OVERALL MY EXPERIENCE WAS… EXCELLENT
“This tour has provided me with an excellent insight into our history, which I wasn’t aware of until I came and experienced the wonderful places, architectures that the Moors made.”
“To be honest, I was amazed to know that our people actually built these places in Spain. The tour has given me new knowledge of the rich cultural heritage in Spain. I am very grateful for the work you do to give and provide our true history and culture to our people.”
OVERALL MY EXPERIENCE WAS… EXCELLENT
“I have rated this tour as excellent because it simply was. I was provided with all the information I needed before the tour well in advanced.”
“The tour organisers were very professional and catered to everyone’s needs.”
“Mustafa is very knowledgeable and very easy going, making him a good guide.”
“Even though I have rated the accommodation as average, I found it to be suitable for our needs, i.e. clean, right by the beach, next to the supermarket. Convenience is more important than decor.”
“The meals provided were very good and in restaurants that I would eat in.”
OVERALL MY EXPERIENCE WAS… EXCELLENT
“I’ve had an amazing experience. Words cannot adequately express my thoughts and feelings. Simply the best!”
OVERALL MY EXPERIENCE WAS… ABOVE AVERAGE
“The tour was packed with interesting sceneries, and we had so many places to see.”
“It was a wonderful experience.”
OVERALL MY EXPERIENCE WAS… ABOVE AVERAGE
“A wonderful tour and it was clear that a lot of work was put into the tour. The tour was well thought out.”
“Very good pre-briefing sessions, and the briefing pack was very good also.”
“Coach conditions excellent. In short, the tour was well planned.”
OVERALL MY EXPERIENCE WAS… ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!
“I had a great time. I’ve learnt a lot. It’s encouraged me to do more research. The sites were very moving. The weather was great and being with my people was very comforting. Thank you for organising this. I’m looking forward to much more.”
WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT THE TOUR?
“Being surrounded by other like-minded individuals, with different levels of knowledge, learning together and from each other, strengthening the bounds between my fellow brothers and sisters.”
WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT THE TOUR?
“It is very empowering to see the Moorish influence through the whole tour. It was difficult to pick the things I enjoyed the most, but it was very nice to see so many people committing to educate themselves and hopefully others.”
“I did enjoy the boat trip.”
FAVOURITE PLACE VISITED AND WHAT WAS THERE ABOUT IT THAT YOU LIKED
“The Alhambra palace and the Alcazar Royal Palace.”
“The beauty of the Moorish influence was so splendour and magnificent. The architecture, patterns and shapes were fabulous.”
FAVOURITE PLACE VISITED AND WHAT WAS THERE ABOUT IT THAT YOU LIKED
“I enjoyed Cordoba Cathedral. It was very interesting to see our history before us, such as the sophisticated and elegant architecture that the Moors made.”
FAVOURITE PLACE VISITED AND WHAT WAS THERE ABOUT IT THAT YOU LIKED
“For me, the highlight of the tour was Granada and the Alhambra Palace.”
“The architecture was breathtaking and the grounds were beautiful. I felt peaceful and would have liked to stay longer.”
“My equal favourite was Cordoba and the Great Mosque. Again, stunning architecture, which unfortunately is being destroyed and modernised as I write.”
“I am glad I was able to see the greatness of the Moors before it vanishes.”
FAVOURITE PLACE VISITED AND WHAT WAS THERE ABOUT IT THAT YOU LIKED
“There were so many places that I visited that was breathtaking, but the one that stuck with me more was Cordoba and the Palaces. I viewed it as the present, past and future all blended together as one.”
FAVOURITE PLACE VISITED AND WHAT WAS THERE ABOUT IT THAT YOU LIKED
“My favourite place has to be Tarifa and Gibraltar.”
“Being able to see Africa from Spain and Gibraltar.”
“Amazing experiences.”
ANY FURTHER COMMENTS
“I really appreciated the variety of excursions and activities, in addition to the free time in between for us to recharge our batteries.”
“Great tour guide in the form of Mustafa and great leadership and coordination from Mark, Sonia and Charmaine.”
“I look forward to China and Australia BHS trips! ; ) x”
FEEDBACK FROM GUESTBOOK
Natural Beauty:
I have just returned from the Black History Tour of Moorish Spain 2011. What an experience! Seeing our incredible history so close to home…amazing! Alhambra Palace and the Mosque at Cordoba were the highlights for me. Seeing is truly believing, photographs do not show the true majesty of the structures built centuries before. The techniques used by the Moors so mystified the ‘Christians’ that they have taken some structures apart to see how they (Moors) created them, but couldn’t put them back together, so they withdraw them from view saying they are being ‘renovated’ Shame.
The tour itself was well thought out, the planning was meticulous and every attention to detail covered hence there were no problems throughout the week. The cost of the tour may seem expensive until you realise that the fee covered the flight, accommodation, tour guide, luxury coach travel, lunches on tour days and entrance to the sites/museums and a boat trip! Each site visited was relevant to our studies and provided enough time to visit and appreciate our history. No one in the world has experienced this tour it was created FOR US BY US. It was the first and I am proud to have been part of this historical trip.
If the opportunity to visit Moorish Spain presents itself again I will go back just to reinforce all that I learnt as there was so much to take in and the programme for each tour day was crammed with so much you need to go back just to properly digest what has been seen/heard. The schedules were tight but achievable. One word of warning, when BHS said comfortable shoes they mean wear comfortable shoes. We walked and walked and walked so if you are considering the next trip make sure you are in good shape and leave the pretty shoes at home. Finally the destruction of our history was very apparent so please do not delay your trip to Moorish Spain because in another 10 years it may all be gone.Thank you BHS for giving me this opportunity plus I met some wonderful people. I will always remember 1-8 October 2011.
Charmaine Sargeant
Black History Studies has opened a new chapter in their quest to educate the community. On the 1st October 2011, my mum and I joined 31 like minded individuals on a weeks tour of Andalusia (southern Spain), led by Mark, Charmaine and Sonia.
When you think of Spain, forget rowdy people, egg & chips and beer. Think of the Moors from Africa ruling the land for over 700 years, from 711 to 1492. This is our history.
Mark, Charmaine and Sonia put together a package that was well worth every penny, nothing was left un-researched or left out. I have been on tours where Ive had to pay extra to enter a museum, not on this trip, the money you pay includes EVERYTHING from 3 course lunches on tour days, fights, accommodation, entrance to all sites/museums, comfortable coach travel all this helped with budgeting.
With the help of our guide Mustafa, we visited the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Great Mosque in Cordoba, boat tour in Seville, Gibraltar and Tarifa. Each day was professionally organised giving us a full insight into what the Moors brought to Spain. Each day left me feeling proud of the achievements of the Moors, spellbound and wanting to know more. My camera overheated from the amount of pictures I took.
Our guide Mustafa was very knowledgeable and didnt wash over the Moors achievements. Thanks to his patients and sense of humour each day was informative and fun.
Today there are hardly any traces for Moorish/Islamic rule. Great buildings like the Great Mosque in Cordoba are being transformed to show the Christian rule. History is being rewritten (not in our favour) as I write this review. Give it a few years and the beautiful architecture and artwork of the Great Mosque will be westernised and only the pictures I have will prove what it looked like before.
If their first tour is anything to go by, Black History Study Tours can only get bigger and better.
So make sure you book your place on the next tour to Spain. Don’t um and ahh and think there is no black history in Spain. There is, its your history, so go claim it!!
Thanks to Mark, Charmaine, Sonia and Mustafa for all their hard work
1st-8th October 2011