DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 :
In Transit from North America
Air Program travelers will depart their gateway city for Málaga, Spain. The AHI Travel Group Air Program offers advanced seat assignments on most airlines; an air price guarantee that includes all fuel surcharges and airport and airline taxes; arrival and departure transfers, including baggage handling; and many other benefits.
Meals—Appropriate In-Flight Meal Service
Day 2 :
Marbella
Arrive at Málaga Airport. After passing through immigration and customs, Group Air Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel representative in the arrivals hall. Independent Air Program passengers who are able to join the group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer should proceed to the group flight arrivals hall to meet the AHI representative.
Transfer to Marbella and the first-class Hotel Fuerte Miramar. After checking in, your luggage will be delivered directly to your room. Your AHI Campus Director will be with you throughout your journey to handle all program logistics and will be available daily to assist with sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions and any other assistance you may require.
Join your fellow travelers for a festive Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel this evening.
Accommodations—Hotel Fuerte Miramar
Meals—Appropriate in-flight meal service and dinner
Day 3 :
Marabella
Excursion: Highlights of Marbella
Marbella's Andalucían-Moorish history will charm you as you meander the cobbled alleyways of Old Town with flower blossoms from balconies overhead perfuming the air. Explore the immense 16th century Town Hall and ancient ruins of Plaza de los Naranjos. From Old Town, wander through the glitzy boutiques near Puerto Banús, one of Europe's most luxurious marinas.
Local Flavor
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a prominent seafood restaurant in Marbella.
Independent Exploration
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore this jewel of the Costa del Sol on your own.
Accommodations—Hotel Fuerte Miramar
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 :
Málaga
Excursion: Málaga and Picasso Museum
Journey to the center of this culturally rich city and witness the evocative architecture of La Manquita, the incomplete 16th century cathedral, and the Moorish ruins of Gibralfaro Castle which afford exhilarating vistas from its ramparts overlooking the area. Renowned as Picasso's birthplace, Málaga's Picasso Museum showcases myriad phases of the artist's work.
Local Flavor
Savor lunch at a delightful Málaga restaurant.
Educational Focus: Meet the People
This evening, you'll participate in a lively discussion with a panel of local Marbella residents. This is a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, and learn the inherent customs, practices and traditions of the contemporary Spanish lifestyle.
Cultural Event: Flamenco
The primal Spanish dance form of flamenco first blossomed amongst Andalucía's gypsy population. As you watch this exciting performance, you’ll learn the history of this surprisingly young art form and the three components flamenco utilizes to evoke the crescendos of raw passion for which it is so well known.
Accommodations—Hotel Fuerte Miramar
Meals—Breakfast and lunch
Day 5 :
Morocco
Excursion: Tour of Tétouan
Journey south along the Costa del Sol, across the sparkling Straits of Gibraltar to the whitewashed Moroccan city of Tétouan. Wend your way through alleys and beneath graceful arches of the ancient medina to view stunning architecture and bustling souks selling their wares. Stroll the Jewish Quarter and climb the Kasbah fortress for breathtaking panoramas of the city below.
Local Flavor
Enjoy an Arabian belly dancing performance and delight in traditional Moroccan fare as you dine in a lavish former palace for lunch.
Independent Exploration
After lunch, you're free to shop in the open-air markets spanning the intimate squares of the medina.
Accommodations—Hotel Fuerte Miramar
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 :
Marabella
Educational Focus: The Moors in Spain
Hear the fascinating history of the Moorish occupation of Spain, the cultural effects of which are still observed today. From its early eighth century beginnings, through the tumultuous centuries of civil war, hedonism and religious unrest, to the country's unification under the 15th century Catholic monarchy of Fernando and Isabel, a most enthralling tale.
Independent Exploration
The afternoon is at leisure providing the perfect opportunity to wander the area's luxurious gardens, parks and shops, discovering for yourself why Marbella is considered the most elegant resort area of the Costa del Sol.
Accommodations—Hotel Fuerte Miramar
Meals—Breakfast and dinner
Day 7 :
Granada
Excursion: Granada and the Alhambra
Venture to the city of Granada, final stronghold of the Moorish empire. Against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada, you'll discover the Alhambra, which floats above the city like a dream. A dazzling achievement in Moorish art and architecture, this restored medieval fortress surrounds you with the sensuous splendor of its Royal Palace complex, elaborate gardens and ornate patios.
Local Flavor
Lunch is served at the Parador on the grounds of the Alhambra.
Independent Exploration
After lunch, you're free to investigate the city on your own. Visit Granada's impressive cathedral; the Renaissance structure contains a notable collection of sculptures and Spanish Baroque artwork.
Accommodations—Hotel Fuerte Miramar
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8 :
Málaga & Ronda
Educational Focus: Andalucía and Bullfighting Traditions
Gain insight into Andalucía's turbulent past and learn how its millennia of occupation left behind a rich, vibrant culture and bounty of historical treasures. Discover Ronda's background as the cradle of la corrida (bullfighting), and the development of this quintessentially Spanish ritual as it is known today.
Excursion: Highlights of Ronda
Its spectacular beauty extolled in literature, you'll travel to the city of Ronda where it sits astride a colossal limestone outcrop. Tour Spain's oldest bullring, and museum; visit Santa Maria La Mayor Church which retains the minaret and prayer niche from its Moorish roots. Explore the modern palace, Casa Don Bosco, with its exceptional gardens and sweeping view.
Local Flavor
Tour the magnificent Los Frutales vineyard of the Joaquin Fernandez Winery and observe their process for producing organic wines; follow up with a savory lunch and wine tasting.
Tonight you'll celebrate your Andalucían experience with a Farewell Reception and Graduation Ceremony, followed by a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.
Accommodations—Hotel Fuerte Miramar
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9 :
Marbella
Educational Focus: Contemporary Spain
With the end of Spain's civil war in 1939, supreme commander of the fascist party Francisco Franco ruled the country for nearly four decades. Learn about La Transición, Spain's remarkably peaceful 30-year journey from fascism to democracy following Franco's death; its successful establishment of political parties, parliamentary system and the current autonomous regions of the country.
Independent Exploration
The remainder of the morning is at leisure to pursue your own interests.
Air Program participants, transfer by motor coach from the hotel to the airport in Málaga for the flight to Germany, where you'll overnight at a deluxe hotel.
Accommodations—Deluxe Airport Hotel
Meals—Breakfast
Day 10 :
In Transit to North America
Following breakfast, depart for your return flights home.
Meals—Breakfast and appropriate in-flight meal service
Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking.
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