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Portugal/Spain

Tales of Portugal and Spain: A Historic Journey Through Iberia

Program No. 21925RJ
Enjoy the opulence and history of grand hotels as you discover UNESCO Heritage Sites, Gothic cathedrals, Moorish palaces and picturesque villages in this unique educational adventure.
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Start
Small GroupMost Popular
Length
15 days
Rating (4.99)
Activity Level
Starts at
4,499
Flights start at
900
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
27 meals ( 12B, 5L, 10D )
4 expert-led lectures
22 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
13 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Remember to bring your nametag.
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. 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. Educational content will be provided by our knowledgeable Group Leader and, depending on the program, local experts. Travel and transfers will be via private bus. Meals will feature local cuisine. 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.
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 a motorcoach; driving about 38 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours riding time plus stops. Walking between 2 to 3 miles throughout the day, periods of standing; steep inclines, cobblestones.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will gather in the hotel meeting room for a lecture by a local historian who will give us an introduction to the history of Portugal. We will then board a motorcoach and ride along the coast to Sintra’s town center. There, we will set out on a walking field trip through the area with our Group Leader. We will also have some time for independent exploration in the old village and its narrow streets.
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, while the gardens are inspired by the French styles of that period.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 133 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time plus stops. Walking between 2 and 3 miles throughout the day, standing up to 1 hour at a time; cobblestones, some steps, slopes all around Lisbon. IMPORTANT NOTE:The National Tile Museum is subject to ongoing refurbishment and if closed may be substituted for another museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel, board a motorcoach, and ride to Lisbon’s Belém neighborhood. Centuries ago, Portuguese navigators set sail from here on their expedition and “discovery” of India. A local expert will expand on Portugal’s seafaring history with mention of great Portuguese navigators. We will continue the field trip with our expert and walk through Lisbon’s historic old quarters and the downtown area.
Lunch:
On your own to sample the local fare in downtown Lisbon. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Next, we will ride to the Portuguese National Tile Museum, housed at the former “Madre de Deus” Convent. During an expert-led exploration, we will learn about the centuries-old decorative art of ceramic tiles. We’ll then reboard the motorcoach, ride to Condeixa, and check in to the hotel where we will stay for the next two nights.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 22 miles, less than 1 hour riding time. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day, periods of standing; hilly terrain with steep slopes, steps, cobblestones; uneven, rugged ground at Conímbriga ruins.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our first field trip of the day will be to the Roman ruins of Conímbriga, the most important Roman site of Portugal, where a local expert will lead us through the museum, the archaeological site and its mosaics, and the significant Casa das Fontes with its gravitational Roman fountain still in working order. We’ll then ride to continue our exploration of Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal and one of the country’s oldest cities.
Lunch:
On your own to explore the local cuisine in Coimbra. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Next, we will ride to the oldest university in Portugal, the University of Coimbra, for an expert-led field trip. We will explore the university library, chapel, and palace with a local expert. Continuing our exploration of Coimbra, we’ll walk to a local fado house for a performance of this deeply characteristic music. We’ll also hear an explanation of the history of this time-honored art form, recognized 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. We will return to the hotel after the performance.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 200 miles throughout the day, approximately 4 hours riding time plus stops. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time; some uneven paving at monastery; generally flat, slightly rugged terrain at farmstead.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will drive to the Monastery of Batalha, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “The Monastery of the Dominicans of Batalha was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. It was to be the Portuguese monarchy's main building project for the next two centuries. Here a highly original, national Gothic style evolved, profoundly influenced by Manueline art, as demonstrated by its masterpiece, the Royal Cloister.” We will continue our journey and ride to Companhia das Lezírias.
Lunch:
At Companhia das Lezírias, a traditional Portuguese farmstead.
Afternoon:
Companhia das Lezírias is 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. We will explore the onsite winery, vineyard, and facilities led by staff. We will then ride through the scenic Alentejo region and check in to the hotel in Évora where we will go on a guided discover of this former monastery.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 28 miles roundtrip, approximately 1.5 hours riding time plus stops. Walking between 2 and 3 miles throughout the day, periods of standing; cobblestones in Evora.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Setting out from the hotel aboard our motorcoach, we’ll visit the historic Old Town of Evora with a 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 enjoy the local cuisine of your choice.
Afternoon:
After some time for independent exploration, we’ll rendezvous at an announced time and place and ride to a private home featuring traditional Portuguese food for an expert-led, hands-on cooking workshop.
Dinner:
At the workshop, we’ll enjoy the food we helped to prepare.
Evening:
Riding back to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 210 miles throughout the day, approximately 5.5 hours riding time plus stops. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; some cobblestones, uneven terrain. Note: Motorcoach cannot reach the hotel in Seville’s old town. We will walk the short distance and luggage will be taken to hotel by van. Spain’s time zone is one hour ahead of Portugal.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel, board our motorcoach, and begin the transfer through the east of Portugal to Spain, following in the footsteps of the Moors. We will stop for a field trip 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. Afterwards we will have some free time for lunch.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Monsaraz.
Afternoon:
Later we will cross the border into Spain. As we continue our transfer, the Group Leader will provide commentary about similarities, rivalries, and the shared history of Portugal and Spain. We expect to arrive in Seville in the late afternoon and check in to our hotel. After some time to freshen up, we’ll walk with our Group Leader in the downtown area on our way to dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 3 miles throughout the day, standing up to 1.5 hours at a time; cobblestones, uneven surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll be joined in our hotel meeting room by a local expert who will give us an introductory presentation on contemporary Spain. We’ll then have some “down time” to explore independently, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy the local cuisine of your choice.
Afternoon:
We will rendezvous with our expert at an announced time and place to stroll along the cobblestone streets of the oldest neighborhood of the city — the Barrio Santa Cruz that was the old Jewish quarter — and explore 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 conclude with a visit to the spectacular Moorish Alcazar Royal Palace and gardens. We will learn about the influence of the Moors on Al-Andalus during their 600-year rule, and the subsequent reconquest by the “Catholic Monarchs.”
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 180 miles throughout the day, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day, standing up to 2 hours at a time; cobblestones, uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out via motorcoach on a field trip to explore 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,” that stands over a Christian church built in the 5th century Visigoth period. After the Moorish conquest of Spain, it was used as a mosque. In 1236, following Cordoba’s fall to Isabel and Ferdinand and after more than 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. We will have a glimpse of the renowned Cordoban patios where the inner courtyards are usually filled with flowers and plants, often with a fountain or well as a center point. The patios are a legacy from the Muslim era when houses were constructed with inward facing façades to offer shade from the harsh Cordoban sun, and provide a communal area for family life.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant..
Afternoon:
We will have some time for independent exploration to see and do what interests each of us most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We’ll then rendezvous at an announced time and place for the ride back to Seville where, with our Group Leader, we will visit one of the city’s main “plazas” before heading back to the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 140 miles throughout the day, approximately 3.5 hours riding time plus stops. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, standing up to 1 hour at a time; very steep slopes in villages, cobblestones, uneven terrain, steps without railings.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
From Seville, we will journey via motorcoach through the Andalusian countryside of the Sierra de Grazalema — a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve — and its famed white villages. With a local expert, we’ll explore two of these traditional villages and learn about their rural way of life. We’ll also visit a local artisan cheesemaker where we’ll view the premises with the owners and have an opportunity to taste their renowned Payoyo cheese.
Lunch:
At a traditional restaurant en route.
Afternoon:
We will continue riding 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. Arriving in Ronda, we will check in to our hotel with some time to freshen up and relax. We’ll then join our Group Leader on an orientation walk.
Dinner:
On your own to sample the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; very uneven terrain, cobblestones.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Renowned for its spectacular setting, Ronda has a rich cultural, historic, and literary tradition. Notable as 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. We will walk with a local expert through the charming old town to the impressive Puente Nuevo — the “new” bridge that dates from 1793 and spans a 300-foot deep gorge — and to the bullring, now a museum of the controversial sport.
Lunch:
On your own to explore local cuisine.
Afternoon:
Afternoon We will have some time for independent exploration. Returning to the hotel later in the afternoon, we’ll attend a flamenco guitar performance by a local musician. Note: The performance is subject to availability and may be substituted or rescheduled.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 135 miles, approximately 3 hours riding plus stops. Walking about 2 miles, uneven ground in the mountain towns.
Morning:
At the hotel.
Lunch:
In the homes of local families.
Afternoon:
Back aboard the motorcoach, we’ll ride on to Granada with expected arrival in the late afternoon and check in to the hotel. After some time to freshen up, we’ll head out with our Group Leader for an introductory walk around the area.
Dinner:
In Granada, we will have vouchers provided for a choice of local tapas bars.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 2 miles, less than 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 3 miles, approximately 3 hours with breaks; cobblestones, steep slopes, uneven terrain, flights of stairs without handrails at Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Note: Alhambra entry tickets are subject to strict regional government quotas and visits may be rescheduled or substituted on short notice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board the motorcoach and ride to the Alhambra where a local expert will lead our exploration of this UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. It is more than a just a palace; it is an entire walled city within the city of Granada. There are royal apartments, forts, pavilions, barracks, and sumptuous gardens that offered protection from the summer heat. Our field trip will include the Nasrid Palace: the most renowned Islamic building in Europe, dating back to the 14th Century. It is filled with Arabic inscriptions and geometric patterns, perfectly proportioned chambers, and peaceful courtyards.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell repast.
Afternoon:
Free time. Continue to explore Granada independently, spend time with new Road Scholar friends, begin to prepare for departure in the morning, or just relax. Returning to the hotel, we’ll have a wrap-up session.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m. Airport transfers beginning at approximately 4:00 a.m. See your program’s GETTING THERE information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, 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!
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