t a time when most of Europe was shrouded in the Dark Ages, a glorious civilization built by Christians, Jews, and Muslims flourished in the province of Andalusia in southern Spain and also in North Africa. While it is often referred to as Moorish, the civilization was in fact a hybrid of these three great monotheistic faiths working together. In this thrilling and innovative trip, you will experience the culture and history of these areas—then known as al-Andalus and Maghreb.
     The Spanish portion of your journey focuses on two of the greatest cities of al-Andalus: Granada , with its celebrated Alhambra Palace , a masterpiece of Moorish design, lush gardens, and serene courtyards; and Seville , where the closeness in which Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived is apparent by its neighboring Jewish Quarter, Cathedral, and Alcazar, the palace of the Moorish kings. You will also explore the walled town of Tarifa and Vejer de la Frontera, a classic Andalusian hilltown.
     In Morocco, marvel at some of Maghreb’s most magnificent sites, including Tetouan, a walled city filled with sublime architecture; Meknes, Morocco’s fourth Imperial capital; the picturesque town of Essaouira; and Marrakech, home of the exquisite minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. You’ll also enjoy an overnight excursion to Fez, with accommodations at the famous Palais Jamai Hotel, to see one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities.
     Throughout your trip, enjoy the luxurious comfort of the yacht Callisto, which accommodates a maximum of thirty-four guests in seventeen exterior cabins.

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12 days

Moderately active

$8,895

Accommodations, meals as specified, group transfers, excursions, port dues, embarkation taxes, most gratuities

Airfare to Malaga returning from Marrakech; airport taxes; travel insurance; gratuities to ship’s crew

John Davis, the Alice Pratt Brown Professor of Art, was introduced to the cultures of Spain and Morocco as an under-graduate at the Ecole du Louvre. At Columbia, where he received his Ph.D., he minored in the study of Islamic art and architecture. Currently, he teaches an introductory art history course that compares the early visual cultures of Greece, India, Iran, and Mexico.