Explore the vast medieval palace of the Medina Azahara de Córdoba on a 3-hour guided tour, and travel back in time to the days of the Caliphate and Al-Andalus. Choose from a tour with or without roundtrip transportation to and from Córdoba in an airconditioned van.  Visit the most important parts of the complex, such as the large House of Ja’far built over the site of 3 earlier houses. Admire the remains of the Pórtico de Medina Azahara and visit the Salón Rico, where the caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III would receive guests.  Learn more about the first Umayyad caliph of Al-Andalus, Abderraman III.Benefit from the expertise of an official guide who specializes on archaeological history.

The Caliph of Umayyad Córdoba, Abd al- Rahman III, ordered the construction of palace-city of Madinat al-Zahra, meaning "brilliant city" in Arabic, in the early 10th century. Located about 5 miles (8 km) from the city of Córdoba, this amazing collection of ornate buildings and monuments was created as a symbol of the Caliphi's power against its enemies. They also served as official government buildings. On your visit to this breathtaking site, you can choose between two options: a guided tour with or without a tourist bus. Guided Tour (with bus): Hop aboard the site's tourist bus and make your way to the center of the palatial city. Once there, visit the impressive visitor center before heading north to explore the main sections of the city, one by one. Guided Tour (without bus): Start with a visit to the impressive visitor center, where you will explore Spain's fascinating Moorish history and enjoy a screening of a video that virtually recreates how this historic city was in the 10th century. Later, head north to explore the main sections of the city, one by one.

Córdoba has historically attracted travelers and civilizations because of its location on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, as well as for its sunny climate and its natural resources. Romans, Arabs, Jews, and Christians have all left their mark on the city of Córdoba with monumental buildings, works of art, and advanced infrastructure. During your time in Córdoba, see the main highlights of the city with a 24 hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus pass. Enjoy a complete trip lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes, or get off and back on at places that interest you the most. With this pass, you can marvel at the masterpieces of the Mezquita, the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, the Torre de la Calahorra, the Palacio de la Merced, and the Roman Temple. Visit the city of Medina Azahara, built by the caliph Abd al-Rahman III, in the image of his greatness. See museums and learn about cultural festivals, and experience the city to its fullest at any of the tours 17 stops. Stop 1 - Parada Panorámica del Río - Torre de la Calahorra Stop 2 - Parada Jardin Botánico - Zoológico Stop 3 - Parada Ciudad de los Niños Stop 4 - Parada San Basilio Stop 5 - Parada Puerta de Almodovar Stop 6 - Parada Mercado de la Victoria Stop 7 - Parada Gran Capitán Stop 8 - Parada Estación de Trenes/Autobuses Stop 9 - Parada Palacio de la Merced - Diputación Stop 10 - Parada Malmuerta - Sanata Marina Stop 11 - Parada Plaza Corazón de María Stop 12 - Parada San Lorenzo Stop 13 - Parada Realejo - San Andrés Stop 14 - Parada Ayuntamiento - Templo Romano Stop 15 - Parada Arco del Portillo Stop 16 - Parada Puente Romano (Ronda de Isasa) Stop 17 - Parada Baños Califales - Alcázar

Medina Azahara is the archeological site of a vast, fortified medieval Muslim palace-city built by Abd-ar-Rahman III al-Nasir, Umayyad Caliph of Córdoba. It is located on the western outskirts of Córdoba, Spain. When you arrive at Medina Azahara on this 3.5-hour excursion, you’ll enjoy a 90-minute guided tour of the archaeological site. The palace-city was the de facto capital of Al-Andalus, or Muslim Spain, as the heart of the administration and government was within its walls. Built from 936-940, the palace-city comprised ceremonial reception halls, mosques, administrative and government offices, gardens, a mint, workshops, barracks, residences and baths. Water was supplied through aqueducts. You can also visit the museum and the visitor center, where you can watch a video about the city in the days when it was the capital of Al-Andalus. At around 1:30 PM, the bus will take you back to Cordoba.

Step into the majestic remains of Medina Azahara, an old fortified city on the outskirts of Cordoba. Join a professional guide on a tour of the site to learn about its ancient history and appreciate every detail closely. Visit the local museum to find out more about this unique location. Enjoy a convenient transfer from Cordoba's city center or meet the group directly at the site entrance, depending on the option you choose. Head inside with your guide to explore every corner of the area. Looking at the ruins from up close will help you understand why it was called the Shining City. Finally, continue to the visitor center, where you can see the museum with more than 160 original pieces from Medina Azahara's golden days. Your guide will accompany you and show you the most important elements.

Enjoy a hotel pick-up from Seville. You will be picked-up in a private luxury vehicle with a chauffeur and head towards Cordoba. Once you reach the city, you will meet your guide and enjoy a 3-hour tour. Your guide is licensed and will give you a great view of Cordoba's old town. You will be able to enjoy Cordoba's great Mosque/Cathedral, Synagogue, and even the Alcazar if you wish to enter (tickets are included in the tour price). It will give you a great chance to visit and get to know Cordoba's most emblematic sights. Once your tour is finished, your private vehicle with driver will take you back to Seville. The total tour duration is 8 hours from pick-up to drop off.

Discover the ruins of Medina Azahara on this guided tour through the "Brilliant Town." Explore the remains of a vast Arab Muslim city built by Abd-ar-Rahman III al-Nasir in the 10th-century. Located on the western outskirts of Cordoba, Medina Azahara was a medieval town and the de facto capital of al-Andalus, or Muslim Spain. Walk around the ancient palace and learn about how it once served as the heart of administration and government. Even though only around a tenth of Medina Azahara's 112 hectares have been excavated and restored, you can walk around the central area which houses 2 caliphal residences and 2 aristocratic residences with service quarters. Afterwards, stop by the new museum that lies on the edge of the site for a quick look at the impressive and fitting architecture. To be sure, this tour round one of Spain's most impressive archeological sites is not to be missed!

Following pick-up from your Seville hotel, relax during the 1.5-hour scenic drive to the city of Cordoba as you pass beautiful cities. In Cordoba, admire the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba and its shimmering golden mosaics. Stroll past hundreds of striped sugar cane columns, and absorb the elegance of the Moorish mosque. Gaze at elegant domes as your guide offers captivating commentary of Cordoba's most alluring attractions. Next, go to Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, and learn about its terrible history as the seat of the Inquisition as you marvel at the beautiful gardens. Enter the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter and see whitewashed houses full of flowers. Discover the only synagogue in Andalusia, and stroll along Calle de las Flores to experience one of the most beautiful streets in Cordoba. Have some free time to walk around by yourself, do some shopping and enjoy a traditional lunch.

Explore the former capital of al-Andalus by night on a guided trip to the Medina Azahara archaeological site. Learn about the Moorish history of Spain as you explore the remains of this medieval palace-city, built by Abd-ar-Rahman III al-Nasir. Take a bus from Cordoba's city center to Medina Azahara, located on the outskirts of town. Stroll around the ruins of the city under a star-filled sky and feel yourself transported back to the Middle Ages. Take in the beauty of the area being bathed by the moonlight. Hear about all its historical details and get a better understanding of its importance in the 10th and 11th centuries. Appreciate the remains of the palaces, mosques and formal gardens while guided by a local expert.

Departing from your hotel at 8:00 AM, on route for Cordoba. Your tour guide will meet you in Cordoba and take you through the Jewish Quarter. Telling stories, histories and legends of the Sephardi Jews. Visit the Synagogue with Moorish decoration, and the craft market while in this corner of the city.  Next visit the Cathedral-Mosque, to be delighted by the different embellishments of the mosque that have happened over the years of upkeep. The Christian interventions, from the conquest of Cordoba by the king Ferdinand III from 1236. Learn about the unique materials used in construction, in the paintings and sculptures.  For the afternoon enjoy exploring the city on your own, enjoy having lunch at one of the cafe's or restaurants serving local produce. After lunch enjoy a look around the shopping district. Your tour concludes with a transfer back to your original hotel in Costa del Sol.