12-Nights Wings Over Spain & Morocco - Wings Over the World

Cordoba

Today's Cordoba is as impressive and surprising as its past. In the 11th century it was one of the most important capitals in Europe. People of the most different cultures and religions - Jews, Muslims and Christians - have lived peacefully together, and important philosophers, scientists and artists emerged from here. Cordoba has interesting aspects, including its great monuments - the world-famous Mezquita, the Moorish mosque - and museums. Cordoba is as a lively town in the best Andalusian tradition, a town of Flamenco and bullfighting, and one of the most attractive destinations in southern Spain. The Great Mosque, which took up Roman architectural traditions, made use of columns from older buildings around, and added the Muslim sentiment of the abstract and the limitless room. The double arches are representative for the architecture dominating North Africa. Another splendid example of Muslim inheritance in Spain is the old Ummawiyy castle, Alcázar. The main attraction here are the gardens, lavish, extensive, and with water in a central role.

Sahara Desert, Morocco

Enjoy dramatic landscapes of sand dunes and memorable sunsets while visiting Morocco's Sahara Desert.

Seville

Seville is one place most beloved by visitors to Spain. Although today Moorish influence is architectonically most evident - Andalusia was occupied by Moors for about 800 years - it has been a cultural center long before. Seville was home of famous and infamous figures of history, the legendary "Don Juan" started from here to conquer the hearts of women across all Europe, while Columbus started from a port close to Seville to discover a new world. Prosper Merimée's "Carmen", who couldn't make her decision between the officer Don José and the bullfighter Escamillo, can still be watched today in opera houses. Seville is the very heart of Andalusian culture and the center of bullfighting and Flamenco music. Take it easy and interrupt sightseeing from time to time to have a few "tapas", those typical "small spanish dishes", and a glass of Sherry wine in one of the many bars in this city.

Marrakech

Marrakech, known as the "Pearl of the South," is an oasis in southwestern Morocco at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, with rose-colored ramparts and a thousand year old palm grove. Sumptuous and exuberant, it radiates splendor and mysticism and casts a magic spell on all who visit. Marrakesh has the largest berber market (souk) in Morocco and also hosts the busiest square in Africa. Founded in 1062 as the capital of the Almoravid dynasty, it continued in the 12th century as capital of the Almohads. Marrakech remained a political, economic and cultural center for a long period. Its influence was felt throughout the western Muslim world, from North Africa to Andalusia. Marrakech also became known as a magnet for some of the greatest saints of Islam, many of whom are buried within the city. Marrakech, like Fez, is a genuinely Islamic city in both its genesis and traditions. Marrakech has impressive monuments dating from that period: the Koutoubiya Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental doors and gardens. Other architectural jewels include the Bandia Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs and Place Jamaa El Fna, an open-air theater. The modern city was constructed in 1913 during the French occupation of the country and reflects the European influence. But the essence of the city remains the same.

Fes (Fez)

Fes (Fez) has been the capital of Morocco for more than 400 years and is home to the oldest university in the country and the leading cultural and religious center. Fes is also the home of the oldest and largest medieval city in the world, a city that has remained almost unchanged through the modern ages and still very alive. Today Fes has its own culture, pride, art and cuisine. Bustling with artisans and merchants, its captivating sounds, fragrances and colors mesmerize the visitor with a constant swirl of activity.

Granada

Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Andalusia, Spain. Granada has been inhabited by many empires for 2,500 years from the Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and the Moors. Remainder of each reigning era is prominent in Granada’s cultural and architectural influences. Imprints of the past can be found in Albaicin, an old Arabic quarter paved with cobble stoned streets, ogee arches, voussoirs, and decorative tile work. When the sun sets, Alhambra is at its most beautiful and radiant complimenting Byzantine courtyards and muqarna details. Homes also reflect the Mediterranean and Renaissance elegance long past. Present-day Granada attracts visitors by recapturing the past and evoking the co-existence of different cultures.