Spain
Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights
Program No. 22107RJ
Savor the wine, culture and traditions as you explore Spain’s sun coast — a unique blend of Muslim, Christian and Jewish influences — alongside locals and experts.
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Participant Reviews
Based on 74 Reviews
SHOWING
Outstanding educational experience lead by personable guide. Life-changing opportunity to learn and broaden your horizons!
— Review left March 31, 2025
The southern coast of Spain is the perfect place to spend late winter. Lovely "White Villages," like Competa, dot the mountains that rise up from the Costa del Sol and sparkle in the sunshine. We also visited the city of Malaga, the home of a wonderful Picasso Museum and many other interesting sites. Having lunch in the home of a local family gave us a sense of what "real life" is like in these scenic areas. If you enjoy variety in your days and learning about a history and culture that dates back centuries, this is the trip for you. Paula, our tour leader, was excellent in her knowledge and ability to communicate it in a fun and interesting way. She was also skilled in dealing with a variety situations and handling our individual needs.
— Review left March 31, 2025
I was impressed by Paula's leadership. The choice of guides was excellent as well.
A note: people with hearing aids find it challenging to understand those speaking with accents.
I appreciated having options for those who did not want to walk a distance as I sometimes did.
Paula gets a plus, and I definitely recommend Road Scholar in general.
— Review left March 28, 2025
The Winter in Spain programs are fantastic and a great learning adventure in the middle of the winter months. We had a fantastic trip with Fernando our guide and our wonderful travel mates. I highly recommend these Winter in Spain trips and I am already planning my next year trip.
— Review left March 23, 2025
I highly recommend this trip! Paula was an amazing director, I learned so much from her lectures. The tour has wonderful destinations. My favorites were the Alhambra Palace, the flamenco dancers, and the dinner at the private home. The hotel is perfectly located on the ocean and the food on this tour is the best I've ever had. All that with the awesome company of my fellow travelers made this a trip of a lifetime! :)
— Review left March 23, 2025
This trip was a perfect introduction to the Costa del Sol. Our guide, Paola, was knowledgeable, friendly and super helpful. I would take this trip again.
— Review left March 12, 2025
I highly recommend this program! The Andalusian region of Spain provided us with so many surprises... gastronomical, historical, and cultural as we explored the cities and spectacular mountainous scenery. Our guides and group leader were top notch as they shared their knowledge and experience with us.
— Review left March 10, 2025
This trip was a dream come true. The small group was wonderful and congenial. Our guide was on top of every detail. The highlight was of course the Alhambra which was magical. But the trips to the winery and olive grove were also informative and fun. Spain in Feb was quite nice and the hotel right on the beach was exceptionally nice. I highly recommend this program. Short but oh so sweet!
— Review left March 8, 2025
Wonderful venue, exquisite meals, superbly-planned field trips.
— Review left February 17, 2025
Winter in Andalusia is a gem! I wouldn't change a thing about this program. We had such a rewarding experience and a truly great adventure.
— Review left February 14, 2025
This trip was great. Mariola Alonso provided professional and knowledgeable commentary, successfully and graciously coordinated daily tours, and the Nerja Caves were a special treat.
Roads and Mariola were able to retrieve tour members from thorny transportation issues such as very late and early arrivals/departures and serious weather delays. I would highly recommend this tour and area of Spain to any future travelers. The trips to Malaga and the Picasso Museum, Alhambra and Grenada, and smaller villages with wineries and olive oil factories, and Flamingo Demonstration all provided endearing memories of the beauty of the Andalusian area. Thanks to all at Road Scholars and Mariola.
— Review left February 13, 2025
Our first Road Scholar trip far exceeded our expectations. We learned so much, made new friends and had the most amazing guide. We’re planning our second trip!
— Review left January 27, 2025
Fabulous!
Fernando was an exceptional “Mother Hen” to us all.
This, my sixth Road Scholar trip, went well beyond my expectations! My goal was to visit the Alhambra. We got there!
Guides and presenters were wonderful. Food was delish and exquisitely presented. Excursion to Gypsy Market was a treat as was a meal in a home. The pacing of the week was good.
Ole’!
FYI: Hotel did not supply washcloths so bring your own. I used a sock.
There is a coffee maker in the room but you must supply your own coffee which would be better than hotel coffee. I did get a cup to go after dinner then warmed it in microwave to enjoy in the morning on the balcony over looking the Mediterranean.
I used about 80 euro and then credit cards the rest of the time.
My one complaint was the return trip scheduled by Road Scholar. It was arduous. Lesson learned.
Happy travels!
— Review left December 18, 2024
This was the best "taste" of Southern Spain. This trip had it all culture, history, cuisine, and of course fun. I came home having learned a lot and wanting more.
— Review left December 16, 2024
What a fabulous trip!Paula was wonderful. I was worried about the weather conditions in Malaga, and Paula promptly emailed me back and eased my mind. We had so much fun and learned a lot. My husband and I went with my mother and father-in-law. They are in their early 80's. We had such a nice group of travelers. Each time we sat down for a meal, we got to know more of these interesting folks from all walks of life. The flamenco show was so beautiful. Spain is a magical place. The Spanish people,the historical sights,and the experiences we had made us want to move to Spain. Paula and Road Scholar picked such knowledgeable and personable (and hilarious!) tour guides in each of the places we went. Bus rides were great. The food was out of this world. Paula...thank you!!! This isn't the last of us! Hope to tour again with you!!!
— Review left November 20, 2024
Our Group Leader Paula was amazing. The weather was great. The winding roads up the Malaga Mountains were breathtaking! The shopping and dinners sites were awesome as well!
— Review left November 12, 2024
THIS PROGRAM WAS INTEWRESTING AND INFORMATION AND THE GROUP LEADER MADE IT THAT MUCH MORE INTERESTING WITH HIS PERSONAL INSIGHTS.
— Review left March 25, 2024
This was an excellent program (our third with Road Scholar). While brief, it was a very good introduction to a part of Spain we did not know. The day trips to Granada and Malaga, and to the countryside to visit a winery and an olive farm, were just the right combination. The hotel was comfortable, the group leader was superb, and the food was of gourmet quality.
— Review left March 21, 2024
What a fabulous trip. Our guide, Paula, was superb. 8 of us from this trip continued on to Winter In Spain: Culture & History Along the Southern Coast. Fernando, our guide for this program, was equally excellent.
These two trips were back to back. All eight of us were glad to have taken both trips. They did not duplicate one another and the areas and activities were different and equally interesting. If you have time, sign up for both. The hotel in Estepona was nicer that the hotel in Nerja, but both were on the beach and well located. Food was excellent. You could walk to town (30 min or longer) from both hotels. If you have time, go to the Nerja Cave--it's fantastic and beautiful.
— Review left March 19, 2024
We signed up for this tour specifically to see the Alhambra with a knowledgeable guide but we gained so much more. Paula, our guide, gave very interesting talks and has a wonderful personality. The daily field trips were great, including the visit to a wonderful winery and gourmet lunch, the olive oil collective, and Malaga. The flamenco performance was fantastic. The other travelers were a fun and interesting group. On a few of the days we walked a few miles, but other days, not so much. It was cool in late February, early March, especially at night, so bring layers.
— Review left March 18, 2024
Excellent Group Leader and lunches were delicious. A great variety of experiences. Highly recommended.
— Review left March 6, 2024
This trip, especially the warmth and knowledge of the Group Leader Paula Fernandes, was wonderful and exceeded all my expectations. I highly recommend this tour of Andalusia!
— Review left February 26, 2024
I would encourage any solo traveler who is hesitant about the experience to go ahead and do it. I had a marvelous time!
— Review left February 23, 2024
We loved our trip to Andalusia Spain! Our tour guide was so personable and knowledgeable. We traveled everyday learning a wide variety of information about the different aspects of this fascinating area.
— Review left February 19, 2024
This program was a very good value. It was well organized and the travel arrangements were excellent and we ate our way across Andalusia. We appreciate the Spanish life style and we had the pleasure of touring the Alhambra in Granada
— Review left February 13, 2024
I could not recommend this program more. Paula was wonderful — knowledgable and so helpful, even with details I wouldn't expect. Food was out of this world. Experiences were diverse and interesting. Intentional community building brought the group together which made it much more fun.
— Review left January 30, 2024
This program exceeded all expectations. I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interested in experiencing this area of Spain.
— Review left January 30, 2024
Excellent trip. Far exceeded my expectations. The visit to the Alhambra and the Picasso Museum in Málaga were highlights for me. Fernando Derqui is a wonderful, informed guide, and Remo provided an erudite tour of Málaga, especially of the Picasso museum. A must do trip! Go, now!
— Review left December 4, 2023
What a fabulous way to escape winter! Our tour leader’s lecture on the history of the Muslims, Christian, Jewish and Romani cultures that influenced the region made for a greater appreciation and understanding. Our day trips provided evidence of the way each culture shaped food, architecture, life, music and agriculture.
Our visit to The Alhambra was absolutely incredible being able to see the craftsmanship close up. Our visit to the Picasso Museum demonstrated to us the way his style evolved over time.
Highly recommend this trip for anyone who wants to escape for a few days winter and enjoy the ambiance of the Mediterranean.
— Review left December 2, 2023
I can't say enough positive about this trip. The overall guide was truly outstanding as was the guide at the Alhambra in the town of Granada. I learned so much and all of it was interesting. The Flamenco performance and presentation about history and styles, you wouldn't get anywhere else. Eating in the home of a resident of a mall mountain village was also and experience that you wouldn't gt traveling on your own. I highly recommend this tour.
— Review left November 30, 2023
This was a marvelous opportunity to learn about Costa del Sol. Our group was composed of friendly, interesting people. Our leader was amazing. The trips were very informative and fun, allowing for contact with locals. One of the best trips of my life!
— Review left March 28, 2023
A week in Andalusia was a perfect winter vacation with a great guide and fun and educational experiences.
— Review left March 27, 2023
We have just returned from eight delightful days in Andalucia. We went looking forward to visiting the stunning Alhambra and enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean, and they did not disappoint. But we equally enjoyed the two visits to small mountain villages where we had an amazing gourmet meal at a winery and a lovely meal in a generous villager's home. We had a great group of travelers to share the experience with, and our guide, Paula Afonso Fernandes, was truly exceptional - warm, generous, knowledgeable, and happy to share her love of Spain with us. This was our first trip with Road Scholar, but it will not be our last!
— Review left March 20, 2023
I contracted Covid and was unable to participate in any of the activities the last few days of the trip.
— Review left February 26, 2023
An interesting, educational, and fun tour of southern Spain!
— Review left February 21, 2023
Learned about the unique characteristics of southern Spain, historically and geographically. Great fun!
— Review left February 20, 2023
Wow, wow, wow! I chose this trip based mostly on dates and the single-hotel stay. (First time traveling solo abroad.) Frankly, the location was a bigger appeal than the program--warm weather, rather than 'south of Spain on my bucket list.' But the variety of experiences and the wealth of information from our host, Paula...well, I fell in love with Spain. Now, it's on my bucket list!
— Review left January 24, 2023
The program Winter in Spain:Andalusian Highlights" was a life affirming journey for me and a dream come true! Learning about the complicated history of Spain has inspired me to learn more about the world and to be more brave and open to new adventures. I'm so happy I stepped outside my comfort zone. Thanks to Road Scholar I now have the confidence I needed!
— Review left December 20, 2022
A fantastic trip! The small group size - 13 allowed everyone opportunity to share who they were and what brought them to RS. I have long wanted to travel to the south of Spain. This trip didn’t disappoint. Walking through the Alhambra you could see and feel echos of the past. To visit sites previously only read about brought history to life. Wine purchased at the Winery, shared on the hotel balcony with fellow travelers, talking about the amazing meal kept the day alive. Though it rained when we visited Granada the beauty inside the cathedral shone bright. Maria cooked an amazing meal in her home! “Papas a la pobre” come to life! I can’t thank her enough for her hospitality. I received an education in olive oil and will forever be a snob about “pure” olive oil and looking for the first harvest.
I have left many memories out but trust, they were all memorable. But no review would be complete without Fernando..our guide, educator and new found friend! A walking, breathing encyclopedia of Spain. One can feel his love of country and couldn’t help but absorb the feelings as we became Travelers! Thank you RS! Can’t wait til the next adventure.
Stacey Mullins
— Review left April 4, 2022
This Winter in Spain was an energizing and fast paced adventure- our group was really congenial and happy to be in Malaga. Highlights were our own special Flamenco performance where we all joined in for the finale( delightful fun), lunch in tiny mountain village with locals preparing meal. and visit to nearby vineyard with lots more surprises. Our leader Tony made it all happen smoothly with humor and wit.
Just GO!
— Review left April 1, 2022
This trip was constantly interesting and informative. Certainly, our visits to the well-known sites such as Alhambra in Granada and the Picasso Museum in Malaga fulfilled long-held interests and were highlighted by our excellent local tour guides. But also the more informal and local visits--a family-run winery, the white village of Competa, the presentation on Flamenco,and a visit to see the olive production of the region--were very satisfying and offered insights into Adalusia. Meals were satisfying and the hotel buffet was excellent.
What held all of these visits and events together and made the whole trip very enjoyable was our trip leader, Fernando Derqui. Fernando's lectures were informative, interesting and funny. Even more important was his constant attention to trip participants and his unfailing good humor and attention to details that made the trip a continuous flow. He was one of the very best trip leaders we have encountered--a real gem.
All-in-all, a wonderful trip with lasting memories.
Richard and Vicky Myers
— Review left March 29, 2022
My husband and I had such a good time on our Road Scholar trip to Andalucia , Spain. The trip far exceeded my expectations, It was fun, informative and moderate exercise walking, but also accommodation was made for those who desired to walk a bit less. We loved it! Thank you for a wonderful trip!
— Review left March 26, 2022
This trip was unique and interesting. Every day was different, educational and fun. Our leader, Paula, was full of energy, enthusiasm and everyone loved her. It was nice coming back to the same hotel every night. The food in the hotel was good and the rooms were clean and lovely. It was a small group, so we became close to the other travelers. The guides were entertaining. The live flamenco dancers were amazing. Southern Spain was everything we expected and more.
— Review left March 24, 2022
This was a most wonderful trip. Our group was quite small, and got along very well. And Fernando was exemplary as a group leader! In addition to his knowledge of the area, he demonstrated Spanish warmth in a personal way. He was full of stories, and managed to take us on little detours to experience Andalusian life in ways not always on the agenda. Our time in the mountain villages was wonderful. Our lunch in the house of a local family was priceless. Our local guides were absolutely the best; both the Al Hambra and the Picasso were revelations because of them! I would recommend this program very highly.
— Review left March 19, 2022
We had a small group of 8 and a wonderful leader. Spain is even more beautiful than I imagined with so many mountains as well as the sea and interesting new food to try.
— Review left March 17, 2022
I recommend this trip heartily to anyone who wants to visit this beautiful area of Spain, including the Alhambra, Granada, Malaga -- it is a beautiful and culturally enriching trip with exceptional guides
— Review left March 9, 2022
A wonderful time to visit Costa del Sol without the long lines. Weather was delightful. Looking forward to combining with other winter in Spain trip.
— Review left March 8, 2020
If you are open-minded, generally cheerful, like meeting new people, not put-off by language gaps, enjoy luxury bus transportation, hungry to learn new cultures and peoples from experts, enjoy wonderful food, like to see new and different places, this program is for you. And if not . . . go anyway. You may be carried away to a wonderful place you've never been before!
— Review left March 4, 2020
This was a fabulous trip to a magical part of Spain. Myrna Laracuente
— Review left March 3, 2020
Our trip to Spain was awesome. Our Group Leader Tony Muldoon was extremely knowledgeable and very professional. All the participants were all very friendly and very nice to be around.
Spain was beautiful and everything we saw was unique and very interesting. I thoroughly enjoy the trip to the vineyard and our wonderful meal and was prepared by the owner of the vineyard, It was awesome. I loved going to the Olive Oil Processing place and the meal we had with Anna, our hostess was fabulous. The hotel we stayed at was beautiful.
I will have wonderful memories of my trip to Spain.
— Review left March 3, 2020
This is an excellent program for anyone interested in history, culture and warm sunny days! I learned so much while enjoying the sea, the food and the native Andalucians who are warm and welcoming to visitors...happy to show their beautiful part of the world, and their everyday life. Highly recommended.
— Review left March 2, 2020
This was a wonderful introduction to a beautiful part of the world. Tony provided us with the perfect mix of visits to the expected sites such as the Alhambra and the unexpected small villages and wonderful local people. Many thanks.
— Review left February 28, 2020
The winter weather was mild. The restaurant food was spectacular. Tony Muldoon is a great resource.
— Review left February 24, 2020
This trip was excellent. I can't think of any change I would make. Excellent Tour Leader and local guides; very nice accommodations; we learned a lot.
— Review left February 10, 2020
Great diversity of activities and learning experiences! Good pace and interesting sites to see.
— Review left February 6, 2020
Winter in Andalusia was a great introduction to a fascinating and historical area of southern Spain. We felt that the program - while brief - was sufficiently in-depth to give a basic overview of the area, and its important place in history, and cultural contributions.
— Review left February 6, 2020
This was an eye-opening trip through the history and current life of the Costa del Sol.
— Review left February 5, 2020
If you have never traveled with Road Scholar you should. We met people on this trip who had been on up to 40 different trips with Road Scholar. They will always get you into places that would be very difficult, time consuming or even unknown to you if you were doing this by yourself in such a small timeframe.
— Review left February 4, 2020
A great introduction to southern Spain. Good combination of monuments and everyday experiences. Group leader is always a key, and Fernando was terrific.
— Review left January 24, 2020
The south of Spain is a special place and I recommend this trip to all who enjoy the sky, sea and fascinating history.
— Review left December 6, 2019
This is a terrific program - well organized, in a lovely location, with Paula who is an experienced and excellent leader. I learned so much about the history, geography and agriculture of the area. Several wonderful meals at carefully chosen restaurants, especially at the vineyard. I had expected the Alhambra to be the highlight but the visits to the olive oil press, the home meal, and seeing Picasso through Remi's eyes were also highlights. We were lucky with perfect weather and delightful fellow travelers. Returning each day to a beach, the water and the palm trees wasn't bad either.
— Review left April 3, 2019
Road Scholar has the best guides on the planet and one comes away from the programs with new knowledge and insights about the places we visit, historical and current. I’ve been on many programs and I find this level of excellence consistent. I’ve gained a lot from my travels with Road Scholar and have continued friendships and studies.
— Review left March 31, 2019
The program was outstanding in every way and far exceeded our expectations. A true delight and learning experience, plus met some amazingly nice people, both fellow travellers and local people along the way.
— Review left March 28, 2019
This is a fascinating, doable gem of a trip with a great leader!
— Review left March 28, 2019
I cannot say enough great things about our recent participation in 'Winter in Andalusia' with Road Scholar. It was a wonderful experience on so many levels - the program, the leadership, the accommodations, the food, our fellow travelers - we look forward to traveling with RS again.
— Review left March 21, 2019
A very interesting sampling of the culture, history and landscapes of the south coast of Spain. Our guide Paula, was very knowledgeable of the area and a highly experienced group leader. I would recommend this trip and its companion based in Estepona to anyone who wants to explore Andalucia.
— Review left March 2, 2019
Outstanding program! I chose this program primarily to visit the Alhambra (and escape cold Midwest weather), but I’m coming home with so many wonderful memories. The visit to the Alhambra exceeded my expectations, and there were great surprises like the Balcony of Europe (one mile walk down the beach from hotel) and a visit to an olive oil processing co-op and lunch with local families. Paula, our group leader, was simply the best!
— Review left February 25, 2019
This program was very interesting. Highlights include: Wine tasting and lunch at a delightful Bodega, Visit to Alhambra and Royal Chapel, Picasso museum, and visit to an olive oil coop.
— Review left February 18, 2019
Varied, excellent program led by great staff.
— Review left February 10, 2019
The website works fine.
— Review left January 29, 2019
This program is WONDERFUL. I was expecting it to be enjoyable, but it was over the top. The food, the history, the mountain views - all amazing!
— Review left January 29, 2019
The highlight of the trip was the Alhambra. Also wine tastings, olive oil pressing and much more. The group leader Paula was wonderful, too.
— Review left January 27, 2019
In two words, this tour was both surprising and wonderful. I did not realize the vast differences between Andalusia and the rest of Spain. The tour provides the attendee with a lot of history, culture and information about the people of the area. Our group leader (Paula) was highly knowledgeable and approachable and the local guides provided a wealth of information. The Alhambra is not to be missed.
— Review left January 24, 2019
This was my 13th RS trip. The trip followed the itinerary, as described. The accommodations were spacious and very comfortable; the food was abundant, and generally very good; and the group leader and guides were excellent, as we have usually found. A lot was covered in just a few days, but I did not feel overwhelmed.
— Review left January 13, 2019
