Enquire now about this trip

Click to make an enquiry

Request further details or information.

Coexistence of Cultures and Faiths: Judaism, Christianity & Islam in Southern Sp

At a time when most of Europe was shrouded in the Dark Ages, a glorious civilization sprang up in northern Africa and in Spain’s Andalusia. It is conventional to refer to this civilization as “Moorish,” but in fact it was a hybrid of three powerful cultural forces: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The period when Moorish kings ruled Andalusia—or al-Andalus, as they called it—was a rare moment in history when members of the three great monotheistic faiths worked side by side to build a sophisticated society. This voyage, operating round-trip from Seville, will explore most of the historic cities of southern Spain and Morocco, the places that are central to our theme.

From Seville, Andalusia’s elegant and vibrant main city located some 55 miles up the Guadalquivir River, sail to Morocco. Here, witness a cacophony of oral storytellers, jugglers, snake charmers, and magicians in Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fna Square; visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca; tour the elegant capital of Rabat; and see Tangier’s Dar el Makhzen, former palace of the sultans. Back in Spain, discover Granada, home of the incomparable Alhambra Palace; and Gibraltar, one of the world’s great landmarks of the sea and the landing place of the Moors from across the strait in 711.

A team of study leaders will be onboard, including Peter Awn, professor of Islamic religion and comparative religion; Jodi Magness, professor of religion and classical archaeology; and Terah Walkup, an expert in cross-culturalism in this region. Their expertise, lectures, and discussions will enhance your travel experience and understanding of the cultural and religious forces that shaped this part of the world.

With 57 suites accommodating only 114 guests, the yacht Corinthian II is the ideal ship for this splendid itinerary. All accommodations aboard are suites, and all are exterior. Lovingly designed and exquisitely furnished, this small ship features a beautiful dining room, comfortable lounges and public areas, and broad decks for sunning or watching the passing scene.

Join us next spring aboard Corinthian II for a cruise to the historic cities of southern Spain and Morocco, where adherents of the world’s three major monotheistic religions lived and worked together to produce a legacy, architecture, and works of art that have endured through the centuries
Departures

Coexistence of Cultures and Faiths: Judaism, Christianity & Islam in Southern Sp itinerary:

Day 1 - Saturday: SEVILLE, Spain
Arrive in Seville and transfer to Corinthian II. Overnight aboard ship, docked in port.
Day 2 - Sunday: SEVILLE
Occupied by the Romans, conquered by the Moors, and ruled by a succession of Catholic monarchs, Seville is one of Europe’s most important and affluent maritime cites. Visit the Alcazar, with its charming Murillo Gardens, and the Gothic Cathedral.
Day 3 - Monday : AT SEA
AT SEA
Day 4 - Tuesday: SAFI, Morocco, MARRAKECH,SAFI
From Safi, drive to fabled Marrakech, one of Morocco’s Imperial Capitals, founded in the 11th century and set among gardens and palm groves. Our exploration includes the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret; the Bahia Palace; the Ben Youssef Medressa; the Jewish Quarter; and Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s central square at the heart of the medina. There will also be an opportunity to walk through Marrakech’s colorful souks.
Day 5 - Wednesday: CASABLANCA, RABAT, CASABLANCA
In Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque, then drive to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital. Tour the Chellah Citadel, which contains the royal tombs; and the Kasbah des Oudaias, the evocative quarter of the old Almohad, Merenid, and Andalusian towns.
Day 6 - Thursday: TANGIER
Founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century B.C., Tangier was subsequently held by the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and Visigoths, followed by the Arabs in 709, who used it as the base for their invasion of Spain. Explore the medina, a classic Moroccan town of narrow lanes and stepped passages, dominated by its old citadel or kasbah. Also visit the Dar el Makhzen, the former palace of the sultans, now a museum of antiquities and crafts; and the Old American Legation, a former palace given to the U.S. government in 1777 to house America’s first embassy. (Morocco was the first country to recognize the independent U.S.)
Day 7 - Friday: MOTRIL, GRANADA,MOTRIL
Granada exemplifies the best of Moorish art, architecture, and culture. Tour the Alhambra, a striking 13th-century palace begun by the caliphs of the Nasrid dynasty and an architectural marvel of lacy arches, filigreed ceilings, slender columns, and romantic courtyards adorned with lovely fountains. Also stroll through the splendid Generalife Gardens, adjacent to the Alhambra, once the retreat of the caliphs.
Day 8 - Saturday: GIBRALTAR or CASARES
Gibraltar is one of the world’s great sea landmarks that have guided mariners for centuries. Explore St. Michael’s Cave and the Apes’ Den, and take the cable car to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Alternatively, explore Casares, a typical Andalusian “White Town,” set on a hillside below a castle. Wander around the twisting lanes, enjoying views from the Alcazar, the ruins of a Moorish castle.
Day 9 - Sunday: SEVILLE, Spain
Disembark in Seville and transfer to the airport for return flights.
Map for Coexistence of Cultures and Faiths: Judaism, Christianity & Islam in Southern Sp

Corinthian II

The deluxe Corinthian II is an all-suite yacht accommodating up to 114 guests. Built in 1992 and refurbished and redecorated in 2005, it has 57 suites, each with:

• Sea view
• Queen-sized bed separable into two twin-sized beds
• Sitting area 
• Satellite TV, DVD/CD player
• Telephone
• Mini-refrigerator
• Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries
• 225 square feet or more
• Plush terry robes and slippers
• Fresh flowers and fruit basket
• 24-hour room service

The Penthouse Suites and Veranda Suites (400 and 300 square feet, respectively) feature private balconies accessed via sliding-glass doors, as well as white glove butler service.

FINE DINING
Corinthian II’s superb Continental cuisine is created by master chefs who select fresh local ingredients at many ports of call. Meals are served either in the stately restaurant or al fresco on the umbrella-studded sun deck. Fine regional wines are complimentary with lunch and dinner, and beginning in 2008 open bar service will be available throughout the day.

BESPOKE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES
Returning from excursions, guests enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea and all-day coffee in The Club, a gracious space for relaxation, surrounded by panoramic windows. Before or after dinner, cocktails are served to live music performed by the ship’s pianist.

Other Corinthian II features include:

• Library with Internet access
• Lounge with audiovisual facilities
• Dining room
• Wraparound sun deck with Jacuzzi
• Exercise Room
• Beauty salon
• Medical facilities with available doctor
• Elevator serving all passenger decks
• Swimming platform

Corinthian II complies with the latest international safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an ice-strengthened hull, and a fleet of Zodiacs. Corinthian II’s 75 officers and crew ensure gracious personalized service and a convivial atmosphere akin to a private club.
Cabin layout for Corinthian II