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Spain

Winter in Spain: Culture & History Along the Southern Coast

Program No. 22116RJ
Immerse yourself in the cultural bounty of southern Spain, where you’ll discover Moorish architecture, explore the Rock of Gibraltar and learn the vibrant story of this ancient land.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 27 - Feb 3, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Jan. 21, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Feb 3 - Feb 10, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Jan. 28, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Feb 10 - Feb 17, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Feb. 04, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Feb 17 - Feb 24, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Feb. 11, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Feb 24 - Mar 2, 2024
Starting at
2,249
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Feb. 18, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Mar 9 - Mar 16, 2024
Starting at
2,299
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding March 03, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Mar 16 - Mar 23, 2024
Starting at
2,299
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding March 10, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Jan 25 - Feb 1, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Jan. 19, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Feb 1 - Feb 8, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Jan. 26, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Feb 8 - Feb 15, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Feb. 02, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Feb 15 - Feb 22, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Feb. 09, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Mar 1 - Mar 8, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Feb. 23, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Mar 8 - Mar 15, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding March 02, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Mar 15 - Mar 22, 2025
Starting at
2,399
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding March 09, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Jan 27 - Feb 3, 2024
Starting at
2,519
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Jan. 21, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Feb 3 - Feb 10, 2024
Starting at
2,519
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Jan. 28, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Feb 10 - Feb 17, 2024
Starting at
2,519
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Feb. 04, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Feb 17 - Feb 24, 2024
Starting at
2,519
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Feb. 11, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Feb 24 - Mar 2, 2024
Starting at
2,519
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Feb. 18, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Mar 9 - Mar 16, 2024
Starting at
2,569
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding March 03, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Mar 16 - Mar 23, 2024
Starting at
2,569
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding March 10, 2024 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Jan 25 - Feb 1, 2025
Starting at
2,689
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Jan. 19, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Feb 1 - Feb 8, 2025
Starting at
2,689
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Jan. 26, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Feb 8 - Feb 15, 2025
Starting at
2,689
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Feb. 02, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Feb 15 - Feb 22, 2025
Starting at
2,689
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Feb. 09, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Mar 1 - Mar 8, 2025
Starting at
2,689
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding Feb. 23, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Mar 8 - Mar 15, 2025
Starting at
2,689
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding March 02, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

Filling Fast!
Mar 15 - Mar 22, 2025
Starting at
2,689
Special Offer

Enroll in this date preceded by the corresponding March 09, 2025 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!

At a Glance

Surrounded by sea and mountains, the southern tip of Spain is an ideal getaway for anyone suffering from the “winter blues.” While the incredible landscapes may be the first thing that draws your eye, this region is also an ideal jumping-off point for exploring Spain’s rich heritage, from ancient Roman and Moorish influences to traditional Andalusian cuisine. With the North African coast in view on a clear day, the seaside communities and verdant vineyards offer a unique connection across cultures and time. Follow in the footsteps of ancient invaders, inspired poets and adventure-seekers both past and present — all along the beautiful Mediterranean coast.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one to two miles per day. Cobblestones, uneven paving, some rough trails, steps without handrails.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Discover breathtaking Sierra de Ronda with visits to Spain’s oldest bullring and ancient Moorish houses.
  • Learn about the legacy of 800 years of Moorish rule during a visit to Cordoba's great mosque .
  • Explore the Rock of Gibraltar and enjoy a bird's eye view of the British-style streets of Gibraltar.

General Notes

Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with select dates of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) for even more learning in Southern Spain! We’ll even transfer you for free between locations.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Tony Muldoon
After graduating with a master’s in Hispanic Studies in 1993 from the University of Glasgow, in his native Scotland, Tony Muldoon came to live and work in the mountains of Andalusia — first in the Sierra Nevada and now the Serrania de Ronda. He leads trekking and cultural programs all over Spain, Portugal and Morocco as well as cultivating olives and almonds on his smallholding. His passion for the history, culture and landscapes of his adopted home is heartfelt.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Tony Muldoon
Tony Muldoon View biography
After graduating with a master’s in Hispanic Studies in 1993 from the University of Glasgow, in his native Scotland, Tony Muldoon came to live and work in the mountains of Andalusia — first in the Sierra Nevada and now the Serrania de Ronda. He leads trekking and cultural programs all over Spain, Portugal and Morocco as well as cultivating olives and almonds on his smallholding. His passion for the history, culture and landscapes of his adopted home is heartfelt.
Profile Image of Fernando Derqui
Fernando Derqui View biography
Fernando was born and raised in Madrid. At the age of 17, he moved to England where he completed a bachelor’s degree in biological science and an MSA in marine biology. Returning to Madrid, he started leading educational groups abroad to the USA. Finally, he became a professional group leader and has worked full time for the past 26 years, covering most European countries and North Africa. Fernando has a special affinity for Andalucía, Islamic art and architecture as well as Arabic culture and language.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Spain: The Root and the Flower
by John A. Crow
Take this book with you to Spain; it's an absorbing, well-written account of Spanish cultural history from prehistory to the Romans, Jews, Moors, Golden Age, and on to Franco and his legacy in modern Spain.
Spain Revealed: Cordoba's Mezquita
by Raezer & Raezer
The definitive guide to the Great Mosque of Cordoba .
España - A Brief History of Spain
by Giles Tremlett
Bestselling author and journalist, Giles Tremlett delves into the rich and varied history of Spain, from prehistoric times to today, in a brief, accessible and enjoyable account.
The Spanish Inquisition: A Historical Revision
by Henry Kamen
A clear and objective account of a polemical period of Spanish history
South from Granada; a Sojourn in Southern Spain
by Gerald Brenan
An amusing and insightful account of Spanish village life in the early 20th century from a brilliant interpreter of Spain and Spanish culture.
The Arts in Spain: From Prehistory to Postmodernism
by John F. Moffit
A representative anthology of examples of painting, architecture and sculpture providing a critical overview of Spain. From Iberian and Roman beginnings, the book traces the development of the arts in Spain, examining the magnificent Islamic and Christian foundations at Cordoba and the Escorial, the idiosyncratic masterworks of El Greco, the Golden Age of Zurbaran and Velazquez, the art of Goya, and the innovative works of Picasso, Dali and Miro, and revealing that many of the most characteristic Spanish artistic currents had their origins at the dawn of history.
Food and Wines of Spain
by Penelope Casas
A classic collection of 400 recipes, interwoven with cultural commentary and the culinary history of Spain
A Vision of Battlements
by Anthony Burgess
1965 novel by Anthony Burgess based on his experiences during World War II in Gibraltar, where he was serving with the British army.
Gibraltar: The Greatest Siege in British History
by Lesley Adkins
A page-turning account of the dramatic four-year siege of Britain’s Mediterranean garrison by Spain and France—and an often overlooked key to the British defeat in the American Revolution.
The New Spaniards
by John Hooper
John Hooper's fascinating study brings to life the new Spain of the 21st century
As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning
by Laurie Lee
Laurie Lee captures the atmosphere of a beautiful but violent Spain during the Spanish Civil War.
Ghosts of Spain
by Giles Tremlett
Tremlett captures the Spanish character, history and modern politics in this masterful portrait, interweaving the story of his love for the country (where he has lived for 20 years) with interviews, anecdotes and observation.
Moorish Spain
by Richard Fletcher
An entertaining and enlightening account of a vital period in Spanish history which transformed the culture and society, not only of Spain, but of the rest of Europe
Death in the Afternoon
by Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway's classic exploration of the history and pageantry of bullfighting, and the deeper themes of cowardice, bravery, sport and tragedy that it inspires.
Driving over Lemons, An Optimist in Andalucia
by Chris Stewart
Stewart's memoir about moving with his wife to a farm in Alpujarras is charming and insightful. Unlike many expatriates, Stewart manages to ground himself far enough into the community to make lasting friends -- as well as a home for his young daughter.
Into the Arena: The World of the Spanish Bullfight
by Alexander Fiske-Harrison
Fiske-Harrison offers a comprehensive and involving portrait of a controversial Spanish tradition





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.