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Spain with Maggie Jackson
September 22 – October 1, 2006
Join Maggie Jackson on this exciting knitting retreat with workshops that will have you combining traditional Irish
Linen with unusual co-ordinated yarn mixes in a signature style that is uniquely Maggiknits. The workshops will be
held in unusual and relaxing surroundings with a project unique to this trip. Of course there will be opportunities to
buy some yarn on the way!
Courtesy of XRX Books
Photography by Alexis Xenakis
Maggie Jackson and Andy Chafe will be your hosts throughout the tour, as you explore some of the most historic
sights in Andalucia and sample a little of the real Spain.
Your tour includes:
Round-trip air from JFK Airport in New York
All hotels
All breakfasts, dinners & two lunches
All workshops, fashion show & class materials
All group tours & activities
All ground transportation within Spain
Hosted by Maggie Jackson
Escorted by a Professional Tour Leader
Yarn shopping & much more!
September 22, 2006
Today we board our group flight for the overnight journey to Spain. Please call Northwood Travel at 800-780-0571
or email them at info@NorthwoodTravel.com if you need information for connecting flights to New York.
Parador Ronda
Sep 23
Once we arrive in Malaga, we will be met by Maggie Jackson and
board our motor coach for the drive to Ronda, one of the oldest
and most dramatic of Spain’s original white villages. Our hotel for
the next two nights is the Parador Ronda perched on the edge of
the El Tacho gorge next to the famous Puente Nuevo(New Bridge)
built in 1761 in the center of the Town. In addition to the unique
views of the El Tajo, a gorge some 120 metres deep and a
swimming pool, the restaurant offers excellent Andalusian style
dishes. Maggie will be giving you information regarding the knitting
project that will be featured in her workshops and an overview of
the itinerary for the tour. There will be time for introductions and a
chance to relax before the evening meal.
In addition to being one of Ireland’s leading designers,
Maggie travels and teaches extensively in the USA and has
published several books that include the highly successful
“Maggie’s Ireland”. Learn more about Maggie at
Sep 24
This morning you will have a guided walking tour of Ronda that will include the oldest bullring in Spain. The
afternoon is free to explore Ronda on your own. Whether you choose to wander through old town, with its
whitewashed houses, tiny grilled balconies, and winding lanes, or visit one of the monuments or museums, you will
certainly enjoy your day in this cliff-side town.
Sep 25
We depart Ronda this morning for Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra fortress that was the last strong-
hold of the Moorish kingdom in Spain and one of Europe’s top sights. Our home for the next two nights will be the
beautiful Hotel Alhambra Palace, just a short walking distance from the Alhambra Palace grounds. Once we check
into our hotel you will receive maps and suggestions for exploring and shopping. Be sure to save some time for an
afternoon siesta, because we have a big night ahead! Following dinner at the hotel, our evening guided tour will
begin at Mirador de San Nicolas, one of Europe’s most famous viewpoints. Sunset provides the finest show in
Granada, as the Alhambra Palace becomes illuminated across the valley. A trip to Spain would not be complete
without a flamenco show, and this one is located in caves that are set in the nearby mountains.
Alhambra Palace
Sep 27
We depart Granada this morning for Baza, an historical town dating back to the Iberians. Located in the nearby
countryside is our home for the next four nights, Cuevas Al Jatib (cuevas meaning caves) is an amazing hotel with
rooms and public areas carved out of the rock. This hotel was featured in the January issue of “Spain” magazine
as one of the top 10 Andulucian hotels that shouldn’t be missed! Our lunch today will be on the grounds of Al Jatib,
followed by an afternoon workshop. During our stay at Al Jatib we will be reserving the hotels traditional Arabic
Hammam. These are amazing baths in a Troglodyte cave. This experience consists of a hot bath, a warm room, a
cold bath, and a “chill out” room. The entire session takes two hours and massages are available, at an additional
cost. Dinner this evening will be at the hotel, and is prepared with only the freshest ingredients, many of which
come from the hotel’s own vegetable garden. www.aljatib.com
Cuevas Al Jatib
Sep 28
This morning we drive to the city of Baza for a visit to the Municipal Museum, exhibiting the four main periods of
cultural development: Prehistory, Iberian, Roman and Medieval and Modern. In addition to having time on your
own for lunch and exploring the city, we will be visiting the local yarn shop. Mid-Afternoon we will board our coach
for Maggie and Andy’s home. In addition to a workshop session, there will be a tour of this unusual cave home and
time to relax by the pool with a glass of Sangria. We then proceed to the lower terrace for Tapas and a BBQ
dinner, replete with a Flamenco guitarist!
Sep 26
This region of Spain was ruled for five centuries by the Moors and they put the
finishing touches to the Alhambra in 1240. Many rulers including the British
have made additions over the centuries and the history is endless. Our tour
this morning will include the Nasrid Palaces, Fortress, Charles V Palace, and
the Generalife Gardens and Palace. Alhambra is one of the wonders of the
world and once seen is never forgotten. Let the classes begin! In this
afternoon’s workshop, Maggie will begin instruction for the special Maggiknit
project that will be unique to the tour. The only supplies you will need to pack
are your knitting needles and scissors, with all other class materials being
supplied.
Lake Negratin
View from the restaurant
Sep 30
Our day begins with a drive to Guadix, the largest community of cave houses in Europe with 3000 people in some
2000 dwellings. After a visit to the Cave Museum, Cueva-Museo, you will have time for lunch and shopping.
Ceramics are always a desirable souvenir of Spain and this region is famous for its hand-crafted earthenware.
Maggie’s last workshop will be conducted this afternoon at our hotel. Then for the piece-de-resistance!....a gala
dinner of Spanish dishes followed by a spectacular fashion show featuring Maggie’s knitwear.
Oct 1
After fabulous workshops with Maggie, seeing the best of what Andalusia has to offer, and making new friends, its
time to make the transfer to Granada Airport for our flight back to New York.
Tour Price:
$ 4,939 per person, double occupancy
$ 382 single supplement
Includes:
Round-trip air from JFK Airport in New York
All hotels
All breakfasts, dinners & two lunches
All workshops, fashion show & class materials
All group tours & activities
All ground transportation within Spain
Hosted by Maggie Jackson
Escorted by a Professional Tour Leader
Yarn shopping & much more!
On September 29th
, a golf outing will be offered for non-knitters. This will be at an additional cost, so please
contact Traveling Together if you have an interest in joining Andy at one of the best golf courses in southern
Spain!
Sep 29
The Andalucian Lake District is not far from
our hotel and this morning we will have a
bus tour of Sierra de Baza Natural Park. Its
steep slopes are mainly pine-clad, up to
the more barren, rocky ground over
2,000m. The central part is made up of
remote, jagged limestone peaks, inhabited
by majestic birds of prey, like the golden
eagle and another nine species of raptors.
Following the tour we will make a visit to
Zujar for a dip in the thermal baths,
renowned for their healing qualities. The
water comes directly from Lake Negratin
and is a constant warm temperature. A
luncheon and afternoon workshop will be
on the restaurant terrace, while we enjoy
stunning views of Lake Negratin and the
surrounding mountains. We return to Al
Jatib for dinner.