PAX On Location: Discovering Moorish Spain with G Adventures

Through its partnership with National Geographic Journeys, G Adventures is offering unique, high value-added tours around the globe.

Last week, PAX took part in the tour operator’s "Discovering Moorish Spain" itinerary, allowing us to explore the country’s rich Muslim past.

For three years now, G Adventures has offered National Geographic Journeys tours that stand out from the Canadian company's portfolio.

In Europe, G Adventures offers nine tours, including one in Spain. These itineraries stand out for different reasons:

• The best CEOs, or Chief Experience Officers, who are passionate and experienced.
• Unique and rewarding experiences.
• Free time to explore at your own pace.

During our eight-day tour, we discovered the most beautiful Spanish-Arabic cities of the country, from Madrid to Seville, via Toledo, Cordoba and Granada.

Lalo Garcia, one of G Adventures' Chief Experience Officers in Spain

An exciting CEO

Our CEO, Lalo Garcia, has been working for G Adventures for three years. In his late twenties, this native of Santiago de Compostela has travelled to all corners of the world, including a north-south crossing of Africa. Today, he continues leading tours of G Adventures in Europe. Exciting and passionate, he has undoubtedly given a special favor to this trip, being Spanish, very cultured and great storyteller. His role is mainly that of accompanist and facilitator, especially for the choice of restaurants or optional activities.

A private flamenco class was part of the experience

Cultivated guides and private flamenco class

Among the unique National Geographic-branded experiences that G Adventures offers are the guided tours of the old town of Toledo and the legendary Alhambra of Granada. Our guides, in their thirties, were residents - and sometimes natives - of the city, and knew at their fingertips the history, legends and culture of each location.

We also had the chance to participate in a private flamenco class, with a professional dancer, in a cellar in Granada. A rewarding experience, especially for those who will eventually attend a flamenco show.

Finally, at Real Alcazar in Seville, where scenes from Game of Thrones have been filmed (the kingdom of Dorne, for fans of the series), we were able to visit the private quarters of the Spanish royal family, for whom this magnificent palace serves as a residence when visiting Seville. Only a hundred people, divided into small groups, take part in this visit every day, subject to reservation.

In short

• Each tour features a small group of clients - 12 on average, 16 maximum.
• This type of circuit does not really require physical fitness and is suitable for everyone. Here, the adventure lies in long walks to visit the historic centers of Granada or Toledo, or climb, gradually, to the top of the Giralda, the tower of the Cathedral of Seville. In the end, walking is the best way to discover these beautiful European cities.
• The hotels, three or four stars, were all very well placed, within walking distance of an attraction.
• Taxi, bus, train: all transfers in town or from one city to another were included.

To learn more about G Adventures, visit www.gadventures.com.

This trip was made at the invitation of G Adventures