Granada

Granada is surrounded by mountains and in fact has a ski area that has hosted World Cup ski events. We climb high into the hills and exit the bus with no sign of the famous Alhambra. Even after entering the property it is quite a long walk into the Generalife (Paradise) Gardens before our first view of the Alhambra. The gardens and summer palace are extensive and beautiful.

The walled city containing the Alhambra also contains the most expensive (exclusive) Parador in Spain, church, and a small number of shops.

 



The Alhambra was a Moorish palace that eventually after the re-conquest became home to the Spanish king and queen in 1492; Ferdinand II and Isabella I . We visited the room where Columbus was received and granted money for his exploration of the New World.

 

There are good views of the gardens, summer palace, a reservoir that feeds the fountains of the Alhambra complex during our return to the bus. 



 

Following dinner on the train, the bus deposits us at a Flamingo dance show at 11 pm. We return to the train at 0030.