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NAAMA's 23rd International Medical Convention
Andalucia/Morocco June 27 - July 6, 2009
Andalucía: June 27 - July 1, 2009
June 27
Arrive at Malaga International Airport. A short city tour of Malaga is available based on your time of arrival.
Convention Buses will depart at hourly intervals between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm where you will enjoy the beautiful scenery during the 2 hours ride heading to Granada
* If your travel plans are through Madrid, you will be responsible for your own transportation directly to Granada or to join the group at Malaga airport between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Once your arrive to Granada, you will be staying at the Alhambra Palace Hotel. Check in, rest a little, and join the NAAMA group in the evening for a welcome reception at the hotel.
June 28
After breakfast, join the morning tour to Alhambra, one of Spain’s best-known monuments and a splendid introduction to the Moorish influence that shaped the architecture of Andalucia. The great complex of the Alhambra is the best-preserved medieval Arab palace in the world and, with nearly two million visitors annually, it is also the most popular monument in Spain. Built on the largely inaccessible Sabika Hill overlooking the city of Granada, its most distinctive phase began in the 11th century as the qa’lat al-Hamra (Red Fort) of the Ziridian rulers. From the 13th to almost the end of the 15th century the kings of the succeeding Nasrid dynasty embellished the site in a most spectacular fashion.
While there, enjoy a stroll through the magnificent gardens of the Generalife. The word Generalife is generally considered to be from the Arab phrase Djinat al-Arif , which can be translated as “the Architect’s Garden” (referring to God) or simply “the Best Garden”. In an impressive engineering feat the Darro River was diverted 18 km (11 miles) to provide water for this lush sanctuary.
After Lunch, explore the rich history of Granada: from the ancient city center, the Alcaceria, enjoy the views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Navada and visit the mausoleum of Ferdinand and Isabel, patrons of Christopher Columbus.
June 29
Check out after Breakfast. The group will travel by bus on a 2-½ hour ride to Cordoba.
The highlight of the day will be a visit of the 8th century Mezquita (the Mosque), a beautiful and fascinating building which symbolizes the many religious changes Cordoba has witnessed through the years but owing much of its splendor to its Islamic architects. When completed, the Mezquita was the most magnificent of over 1000 mosques in the city. After lunch and some free time for independent exploration, the group will continue by bus to Seville, a 2 hour drive.
Upon arrival to Seville you will check into the Hotel Gran Melia Colon.
June 30
The morning tour will take you to the great Cathedral of Seville, built on the site of Almohad mosque. Seville’s best-known monument was built in 1401 and is of unprecedented proportions on its enormous rectangular base. In just over a century, the structure was complete, the renowned minaret (the Giralda) now serving as the bell tower. In sheer cubic vastness, Seville Cathedral is the largest Christian church in the world, and there’s a certificate from the Guinness Book of Records on display there to prove it.
South of the Cathedral is the Alcazar, another fine example of the Moorish influence on the architecture of this area. The visit concludes with a drive through the Parque de Maria Luisa and along the river.
After such an exciting trip, enjoy some leisure time for lunch or dinner and exploration of Seville on your own.
July 1
Say farewell to Andalucia as you board a charter flight from Seville to Fes, Morocco.
Morocco: July 1 – 6, 2009
July 1
Upon arrival to Fes, you will be checked into the Merinides Hotel, Fes for a good night’s rest. The hotels is a 5 star hotel located on a hill above Fes offering panoramic view the Medina which lies less that 2 km away. Rumered to be where the band U2 has recorded their recent two albums.
July 2
After breakfast. Registrants will attend the scientific sessions from 8:30am to 1:00pm.
This afternoon, your sightseeing of Fes starts with a tour of the “Old City” ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and said to be the largest pedestrian area in the world.
This tour will include a visit to the 9th century Karaouiyine Mosque, one of the oldest in the Muslim world, and the Bou Inania Medersa, a 14th century theological college. Dinner at M'Nebhi Palace, a nice restuarant in the old city with nice andalucian music.
July 3
After breakfast. Registrants will attend the scientific sessions from 8:30am to 1:00pm.
In the afternoon, your exploration of Fes continues with a tour of the “New City”, built by the Merenids in the 13th century. Visit the old Jewish quarter, the Royal Palace and see the impressive gates of the Dar-el-Makhzen and at the district of pottery.
That evening you will be transferd by bus to Le Palais Mokri, a privately owned palace for dinner.
July 4
After breakfast. Registrants will attend the scientific sessions from 8:30am to 1:00pm.
In the afternoon, an excursion tour to Meknes, a city that holds so many gems
like the Royal granaries or the monumental bab Mansour. Then proceed to visit Volubilis, established by the Romans s as early as 40 BC, this city grew to prominence in the 2nd and 3rd centuries due to the success of its oil trade. The was then ruled in 789 by Moulay Idris Ben Abdallah. Today the site stands as a unique outdoor museum documenting over 2000 years of Morocco’s history.
The night will be completed where we will gather for an elegant farewell Gala Convention dinner at the hotel.
July 5
After breakfast, check out and depart by bus for the 2 hour drive to Rabat and a tour of the city including the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Hassan Tower and Mosque. The Mausoleum of Mohamed V and the walls and ramparts of the Royal Palace.
After lunch at a seafood restaurant, continue to Casablanca. Visit the Hassan I Mosque and the old Medina before checking into the Sheraton Hotel, Casablanca.
July 6
After Breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for final departure based on your destination.
Optional Post convention tour
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