Activity note: Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Orientation. 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a 3- course plated welcome dinner with wine, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 38 miles total, with stops for field trips; about 2 hours total drive time. Walking between 2 and 3 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing at the palace; steep inclines and cobblestones in Sintra.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

Morning: We will begin with a lecture given by a historian in the hotel meeting room, which will provide an introduction to the history of Portugal. Afterwards, we will head out via motorcoach along the coast of Lisbon to Sintra’s town center. Upon arrival, our Group Leader will show us around while providing commentary on the area before opening up the rest of the morning for you to enjoy exploring the old village and its narrow streets independently.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll go on an expert-led field trip that will reveal the architectural beauty and history of the Palace of Queluz. Situated just outside of Lisbon, the palace was official residence of the Portuguese royal family throughout the 18th century. The architectural design is an eclectic mix of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical, whilst the gardens are inspired by the French styles of that period.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine, coffee, tea water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Driving approximately 133 miles total; about 3 hours total drive time, with stops for field trips. Walking between 2 and 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestones, some steps, and slopes all around Lisbon; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll drive to Lisbon's Belém neighborhood from where the Portuguese navigators set sail on their expedition and "discovery" of India. While here, a local expert will expand upon Portugal’s seafaring history with mention of great Portuguese navigators. Later, we will enjoy an expert-led exploration of the centuries-old decorative art of ceramic tiles at the Portuguese National Tile Museum, housed at the former "Madre de Deus" Convent. We will continue with our local expert on a walking field trip through Lisbon's historic old quarters and downtown area.

Lunch: On your own to sample the local fare in downtown Lisbon.

Afternoon: Continuing our discovery of Lisbon with our local expert, we’ll set out for a walk around Chiado, the old neighborhood of the bourgeoisie of the 19th century. Afterwards, we will drive to Condeixa where we will stay for the next two nights.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Driving approximately 22 miles total; less than 1 hour roundtrip. Walking approximately 3 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing; hilly terrain with steep slopes, steps, cobblestones; uneven, rugged ground at Conímbriga ruins.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

Morning: Our first stop of the day will be at the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga, the most important Roman Site of Portugal, where a local expert will lead us through the local museum, the archaeological site and its mosaics, and the important "Casa das Fontes" with its gravitational Roman fountain still in working order. Afterward, we will continue our exploration of Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal and one of the countries oldest cities.

Lunch: On your own to explore the local cuisine.

Afternoon: In the afternoon, we will visit the oldest university in Portugal, the University of Coimbra, for an expert-led field trip. Afterward, we will continue our exploration of Coimbra with a performance of fado at a local fado house accompanied by an explanation of the history of this time-honored musical art form, recognized in 2011 by UNESCO on the Representative Lost of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. We’ll enjoy this expressive, often melancholic Portuguese folk music tradition, sometimes referred to as “Lisbon blues” because “fado” means “fate” and songs are often nostalgic or sad. Following the visit, we will return to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Driving approximately 200 miles total throughout the day; about 4 hours total, with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time; some uneven paving at the monastery; flat though slightly rugged terrain at the farmstead.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will drive to the "Monastery of Batalha," recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. One of the pinnacles of Gothic architecture in Portugal, it was built in celebration of the Battle of Aljubarrota which secured Portugal's independence. The highlight, and perhaps the most astonishing parts of the monastery are the "Unfinished" Chapels: seven chapels that radiate from an octagonal rotunda, divided from each other by deeply carved, incomplete pillars that create an effect of oriental exuberance. We will see a very different part of life in Portugal on a field trip to Companhia das Lezírias, the country’s largest farmstead for agriculture, cattle, and forests. As a local expert leads us through wooded groves where olive and cork trees grow, we will learn what’s involved in maintaining the delicate ecosystems of the area. We will also have an opportunity to see the farm's beautiful Lusitano horses. Originally bred for war and bullfighting, they are now highly regarded for their skills in the equestrian sport and art of dressage.

Lunch: At Companhia das Lezírias – a traditional Portuguese farmstead – we’ll have a buffet meal with wine and water included.

Afternoon: We will then explore the onsite winery, vineyard, and facilities led by winery staff before enjoying a wine tasting. Afterwards, we will depart for the scenic Alentejo region and check in at the hotel in Évora.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Driving approximately 28 miles roundtrip; about 1.5 hours total, with stops. Walking between 2 and 3 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing during field tips; cobblestones in Evora; uneven terrain in Cromeleque.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

Morning: Setting out from the hotel, we will transfer to the prehistoric site of Cromeleque dos Almendres for an expert-led field trip of Portugal's most important megalithic site. Set on a spectacular hillside location among olive and cork trees, multiple circles of ancient stones dating as far back as 6000 B.C.E. stand steadfast in celestial alignment with the moon, sun and stars. Returning to Evora, we’ll visit the historic Old Town with our local expert. One of Europe’s oldest settlements, dating back more than 5,000 years, Evora was conquered over the centuries by Celts, Romans, and Moors before its reconquering by Portugal in the 12th Century.

Lunch: On your own to explore the local cuisine.

Afternoon: After some time for independent exploration of the city, we’ll meet at a predetermined time and place before participating in an expert-led, hands-on cooking workshop featuring traditional Portuguese food.

Dinner: At the workshop, we’ll enjoy the food we helped to prepare with a glass of wine and water included.

Evening: We’ll then return to the hotel via motorcoach. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Driving approximately 210 miles total; about 5.5 hours total drive time, with stops for field trips. Walking approximately 2 miles total throughout the day; some cobblestones and uneven terrain. Spain’s time zone is one hour ahead of Portugal.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Once checked out, we’ll begin our journey following in the footsteps of the Moors as we head to Spain through the east of Portugal, stopping in the quaint riverside town of Monsaraz, a tiny fairytale walled village that maintains a delightful medieval atmosphere. It was originally fortified by the Knights Templar, and today its 150 permanent residents live in ancient white houses with outdoor staircases and wrought-iron balconies. While here, we’ll take some time to climb the castle's battlements with a local expert to enjoy the magical landscape of the surrounding countryside. Then we will cross the border into Spain via the town of Olivença that, between 1297 and 1801, was under Portuguese sovereignty until it was invaded by the Spanish. Spain has since administered the territory and the historic center keeps several monuments as reminders of the Portuguese presence. With our Group Leader, we’ll go on a delightful walk around and feel the local atmosphere, before enjoying some time for independent exploration.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Olivença.

Afternoon: We will continue driving to Andalusia while enjoying commentary given by our Study Leader about similarities, rivalries, and the shared history of Portugal and Spain. We will arrive in the late afternoon in Seville and check in to the hotel. After some time to unpack, our Group Leader will lead us on a short orientation of the downtown area of the city as we walk to dinner.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated 3-course meal with a choice of entrée, a glass of wine, and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Walking approximately 3 miles around Seville throughout the day; cobblestones and uneven surfaces; periods of standing up to 1.5 hours at a time at the Alcazar and Cathedral.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

Morning: To start out the morning, we’ll take a walk to a nearby cultural center where a local expert will give an introductory lecture on contemporary Spain. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy some time for independent exploration.

Lunch: On your own to explore local cuisine.

Afternoon: Upon rendezvousing with our local expert, we’ll stroll along the cobblestone streets of the oldest neighborhood of the city – the Barrio Santa Cruz (Jewish quarter) and visit the Cathedral. Built on the site of a mosque, it is the third largest church, and the largest Gothic building, in Europe. It also boasts the largest altarpiece in the world and the Tomb of Christopher Columbus. Our exploration will finish with a visit to the spectacular Moorish Alcazar Royal Palace and gardens.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated 3-course meal, a glass of wine, coffee, tea, and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Driving approximately 85 miles one way from Seville to Cordoba; about 4 hours roundtrip. Walking approximately 3 miles throughout the day around Cordoba; on cobblestones and uneven terrain; periods of standing up to 2 hours at a time during field trips.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Setting out via motorcoach, we will discover Cordoba, the former capital of the Muslim Caliphate of Al Andalus. Our field trip will include a visit to the cathedral, renowned as the Mosque or the "Mezquita," which stands over a Christian church built in the Visigoth period (5th century). After the Moorish conquest of Spain, it was used as a mosque. In 1236, following Cordoba's fall to Ferdinand and after over 500 years of use as a mosque, the site was re-consecrated Christian and a cathedral was erected in 1523. It is one of the most emblematic Islamic monuments in Spain and a unique example of the interplay of Christian and Muslim cultures in the country. Later, we will continue our study of Cordoba during an expert-led walk through the traditional Patios of the Alcazar Palace.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a tapas lunch featuring a glass of wine, and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free time before rendezvousing at a predetermined time and place for transfer back to Seville. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Driving approximately 105 miles total throughout the day; about 8 hours, with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time; steep slopes in villages, cobblestones, steps without railings.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: From Seville, we will journey via motorcoach through the Andalusian countryside of the UNESCO-listed Sierra de Grazalema and its splendid white villages. With a local expert for the day, we’ll learn about the traditional villages and their rural way of life, and make a stop at a local artisan cheesemaker where we’ll have the opportunity to view the premises with the owners and taste the renowned Payoyo cheese.

Lunch: At a traditional restaurant en route, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated, mountain-style lunch, with a glass of wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We will continue through the Sierra Mountains and white villages to Ronda. With whitewashed buildings, red rooftops, hilltop castles and local artisans, it seems that time has stood still here since the medieval ages. After completing our journey to Ronda, we will check in to our hotel and enjoy some time to relax before joining our Group Leader on an orientation walk of the town.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Walking approximately 3 miles throughout the day; very uneven terrain, cobblestones in Ronda.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

Morning: Renowned for its spectacular setting, Ronda has a rich cultural, historic and literary tradition. Famous for being the home of modern bullfighting, the town was also witness to the horrors inflicted on civilians during the Spanish Civil War, and is believed to be the setting for several of Ernest Hemingway's literary works. Today's field trip will take us on foot through the charming old town to the spectacular Puente Nuevo (the "New" Bridge dating from 1793 and spanning a 300 foot deep gorge) and to the bullring, now a museum to the controversial sport.

Lunch: On your own to explore local cuisine.

Afternoon: Free time to experience Ronda at your own pace.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have 3-course plated meals with a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: After a short walk to the guitar player’s school, we’ll enjoy a flamenco guitar performance given by a local musician. Performance is subject to availability and may be substituted or rescheduled. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Driving approximately 135 miles total one way from Ronda to Alfarnatejo and Granada; about 7 hours with stops for field trips. Walking approximately 2 miles, some uneven ground in the mountain towns.

Morning: Hotel buffet.

Lunch: Hosted by local families in their homes within town, we’ll enjoy a typical homemade plated lunch with a glass of wine and water.

Afternoon: Continuing our transfer, we will arrive in Granada in the late afternoon and check in at the hotel. After settling in, we’ll then head out with our Group Leader for an introductory walk around the area.

Dinner: In Granada, our Group Leader will provide us with vouchers for a meal from a choice of local tapas bars. One beverage will be included with others available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Driving approximately 2 miles one way through the city; less than 1 hour roundtrip. Walking up to 3 miles, approximately 3 hours with breaks; many cobblestones, steep slopes, uneven terrain, several flights of stairs without handrails at the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Alhambra tickets are subject to strict regional government quotas and visits may be rescheduled or substituted if necessary.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

Morning: Arriving via motorcoach, we will visit the Alhambra – a UNESCO Heritage site – led by a local expert. It is more than a just a palace; it is an entire walled city within the city of Granada. There are royal apartments, forts, gardens, pavilions, barracks and sumptuous gardens that offered protection from the summer heat. Our field trip to the Alhambra will end with an expert-led exploration of the Nasrid Palace – the most renowned Islamic building in Europe, which dates back to the 14th Century and is filled with Arabic inscriptions and geometric patterns, perfectly proportioned chambers, and peaceful courtyards.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated meal for our farewell lunch, with all beverages included.

Afternoon: Free time. You may wish to continue to explore Granada on your own, relax at the hotel, or begin to prepare for departures in the morning. We’ll then rendezvous back at the hotel for a program wrap-up. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. Airport transfers beginning at approximately 4:00 a.m. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet, flight times permitting. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!