Pictures from Spain

Abraham’s Spanish Children

A Pilgrimage to Spain Interwoven Christian, Muslim and Jewish Stories

Led by:

The Rev. Les Hughs

September 27 – October 9, 2008

Trip map

In today's world it is hard to believe that there was a time and place where Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together in relative peace.  That is why this pilgrimage is called, “Abraham's Spanish Children:  Interwoven Christian, Muslim and Jewish Stories."  Spain is rich with architecture, art and traditions that reflect the three monotheistic faiths and how they influenced and informed each other on the Spanish Peninsula during the period between the 8th to 15th centuries.  Please join us for a memorable and enjoyable exploration of these unique but intertwined cultures and histories.

DAY 1, Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Depart from New York for the trans-Atlantic flight.  Dinner on board the aircraft. D

DAY 2: Sunday, September 28 2008 - Arrive in the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela.  After settling into our hotel we will have time to wander through the winding streets and acquaint ourselves with this medieval cathedral city.  Dinner and overnight in Santiago. BD

DAY 3: Monday, September 29, 2008 - Visit the Cathedral of St. James and attend the Pilgrim’s Mass.  The afternoon is free for exploring some of the many other sites of interest, as well as shopping, relaxation and rest.  In the evening, we’ll find our way to a local restaurant for a dinner of traditional Galician food.  Overnight in Santiago. B

DAY 4: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - Drive to Leon where we will visit the Cathedral, with its magnificent stained glass windows, and the Old City.  We will also stop in Sahagun to see outstanding examples of Mozarabic churches.  Continue on to Salamanca for dinner and overnight. BD

DAY 5: Wednesday, October 1, 2008 - Day to visit Salamanca, seeing the Old and New Cathedrals, the University, Plaza Mayor and other Old City sites.  Dinner and overnight Salamanca. BD

DAY 6: Thursday, October 2, 2008 - We drive to Avila with its medieval walls, stopping at Alba de Tormes, where the remains of St. Teresa of Avila are interred.  We continue on to Segovia, for visits to the Alcazar, Roman Aqueduct and the imposing Gothic Cathedral, and then on to Madrid for dinner and overnight. BD

DAY 7: Friday, October 3, 2008 - Full day in Madrid, beginning with a morning panoramic sightseeing tour of the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and the Opera; in the afternoon we will visit the Prado Museum.  The evening is free with overnight in Madrid. B

DAY 8: Saturday, October 4, 2008 - We leave for the beautiful city of Toledo where we will visit the Cathedral, one of the largest in Christendom, and the 14th century Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca.  We continue to Cordoba for dinner and overnight. BD

DAY 9: Sunday, October 5, 2008 - We will have a full day to visit Cordoba with its Cathedral within the walls of the magnificent Mezquite (Great Mosque) and the Alcazar of the Catholic Kings.  We will visit the ruins of the Medina Azahara palace and see the house of the Jewish philosopher Maimonides next to the Synagogue.  Dinner and overnight Cordoba. BD

DAY 10: Monday, October 6, 2008 - Travel to Seville, where our city tour and walk will include the Cathedral, the largest in Europe, the Real Alcazar and the Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz.  Dinner and overnight Seville. BD

Day 11: Tuesday, October 7, 2008 - We leave for the beautiful hilltop town of Ronda.  After lunch we will continue on to the port city of Malaga.  Dinner and overnight in Malaga. BD

DAY 12: Wednesday, October 8, 2008 - Our last full day in Spain will take us on an excursion into the countryside through the olive-topped mountains to Granada.  There we will visit the Alhambra Palace, the old Muslim Quarter, and the Cathedral.  We will return to Malaga for our farewell dinner and overnight. BD

DAY 13: Thursday, October 9, 2008 - After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our return flight home arriving back into New York this afternoon. B

Price: $4,299.00 for Land Only.  Price is based on double occupancy without airline taxes and fuel surcharges.  Roundtrip air available from New York at published rate at time of booking.  Air transportation available from other cities.  Single supplement costs $599.00

Final payment due July 15, 2008

Cancellation Penalties
◊ Before July 14 - $300 per person plus any unrecoverable fees.
◊ After July 15: NO REFUND

An application for travel insurance will be included with the receipt for your deposit.  We strongly recommend that you seriously consider this coverage.

Meals: B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner, S Snack

The itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions or at the discretion and direction of the leader or guide.