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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Participant Reviews
Based on 40 Reviews
SHOWING
Winter in Spain hits the high points with outstanding guides in Ronda, Cordoba and Gibraltar. Estepona offers lovely views and a picturesque old town to make a great home base.
— Review left April 7, 2025
The southern coast of Spain is beautiful and definitely worth a visit. Each day we toured a different town, such as Estepona, Ronda, Cordoba and Gibraltar. We experienced Spanish food, cheese making, and the Moorish influence in art and architecture. We even got a lesson in how to cook seafood Paella and then had it for lunch. This trip was a fun and engaging way to learn about Spain! Our tour leader, Fernando, was informative and personable, sharing stories of his family and upbringing to help us appreciate the Spanish culture even more. It was a wonderful winter getaway.
— Review left April 4, 2025
Spain’s costa de sol is just being discovered by the world, so lots of building going on. However, Andalusia’s history is very ancient and diverse thus making sightseeing is a real treat!
— Review left March 30, 2025
This was my first Road Scholar trip and staying in one place for the whole program was perfect
— Review left March 15, 2025
The trip was wonderful! A nice mix of touristy sites and small local excursions (the goat farm, the private flamenco guitar performance, the paella making and the fish market) that were all very interesting and fun. Our guide, Fernando, was exceptional. He quietly took care of everyone’s needs and took great care of all of us. When traveling on the bus, he gave us plenty of time to stretch our legs and use the facilities and let us know when they were going to be so we knew what to expect. He is a quiet, very sweet and very knowledgeable man who obviously loves his country. The love is infectious! Each of the local guides were very good too.
I liked staying in just one hotel and making our excursions from there. It was nice to only have pack and unpack once. The H10 hotel was beautiful with lots of good food to choose from for breakfast and dinner. The walkway between the hotel and the beach was beautiful and nice to walk on before dinner.
One thing I think should be looked at; the cave in Gibraltar was hard on many people. It was very cool to see but there were many stairs to maneuver (some in the dark) and I noticed some of my friends on the tour were having a hard time. Perhaps this cave should be left of a tour with an “easy” designation. Loved being in Gibraltar over all – such an interesting and beautiful place!
One other item to consider; when we went to the farm to see the bulls and the Andalucian horses we really only saw the bulls. Ot sure why our guide didn’t take us to see the horses (just a look at them from a distance) and I know some people were disappointed. Not a big thing but you should consider taking them off the itinerary.
Overall it was a great trip and I look forward to going on another Road Scholar trip soon!
— Review left March 13, 2025
This is a marvelous program for learning why the southern coast of Spain, Malaga and west, is so popular and receiving greater population. The program organizer, Fernando Derqui, was excellent in teaching and showing us Estepona, where we were based, and two classically historic cities north, Ronda and Cordoba. The cream on top was a day trip to Gibraltar!
— Review left March 10, 2025
From the sun-kissed streets and flamenco rhythms of Estepona to the cradle of modern bullfighting, and its Plaza de Toros in Ronda, a journey through Southern Spain is a feast for the senses and a walk through history.
This region offers something for every traveler:
Rich cultural heritage – From ancient Roman ruins to Moorish palaces.
Breathtaking landscapes – Clifftop towns, Mediterranean beaches, and lush gardens.
Incredible cuisine – A perfect fusion of Moorish, Spanish, and Mediterranean flavors.
A deep connection to the past – A chance to experience history in a truly immersive way.
For those seeking an educational and unforgettable adventure, Road Scholar’s Southern Spain tour is the perfect way to explore, learn, and be inspired. Check out my blog on what this trip will be like https://marcnobletrips.blog/explore/winter-in-southern-spain-a-cultural-historical-journey-with-road-scholar/
— Review left February 21, 2025
Gibraltar and the mosque at Cordoba were bucket items for me! We got much more than a 'bird's eye view' of Gibraltar. Our leader, Fernando, was the greatest! I was concerned about too much 'free time' but we had the perfect balance of activity and leisure, in my opinion. I would give this trip a '5'--a great deal of variety and a great winter getaway.
— Review left July 16, 2024
The Andalucian region of Spain is so fascinating with a wide range of interesting features. I'm happy for this opportunity to visit the area.
— Review left March 26, 2024
See my note below--a review of this trip and Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights.
Both trips were fabulous.
Our guide, Paula (Andalusian Highlights), 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
Great program given at a perfect time just before other mainly European tourists arrive. Absolutle lovely hotel with great food, very relaxing atmosphere
— Review left March 3, 2024
A great winter break! Visiting Moorish Spain was on my bucket list and this trip did not disappoint--lovely hotel, delicious food, and flowers added to the romantic atmosphere.
— Review left February 16, 2024
I could not be happier with my experience in Southern Spain. The instructor, events, trips and people were just excelente!
— Review left February 6, 2024
This program was packed with things to see and do. We had long days and were on our feet quite a bit, which is the way I like it. But if you are not willing to be on your feet, you might choose a different program. That said, the walking was easy without a lot of steps most of the time. Be ready to eat a lot of great food, especially the lunches. The amount of contact with local people was a real plus in understanding the region and added to the fun.
— Review left March 13, 2023
A wonderful educational experience.
— Review left March 9, 2023
I want to go on more trips
— Review left March 9, 2023
We have traveled extensively in the US but this was our first trip to Europe. Road Scholars made it seamless, stressless and educational. Before we signed up, I thought the programs were a bit pricy but we more than got our money's worth from the program. We are already pondering what our next trip should be!
— Review left March 5, 2023
The trip was very well done. Our guide, Fernando was great. I truely enjoyed it. I have been on two other tours with companies other than Road Scholar. I would take a future trip with Road Scholar.
— Review left February 28, 2023
Road Scholar is always a good bet, but my experience with this program was particularly positive because of the different types of activities. Not only did we visit some of the tried-and-true tourist attractions (e.g., Cordoba's Mezquita; Ronda), but we also participated in activities that we never would have thought would be so enjoyable (e.g., cheesemaking; making paella; performance of Flamencan guitarist and singer and a community center). All local guides were excellent -- pleasant, interesting, and knowledgeable. The group seemed just the right size, diverse, and easy-going. Tony, the group leader, was stellar -- so well-organized and informative, both in his instructions for the day and the lectures he presented.
— Review left February 6, 2023
This trip was our first with Road Scholar. It was everything as advertised plus. We have travel extensively by boat, train, bike and bus. This was a wonderful experience with a nice educational component. I would recommend Road Scholar trips for anyone interested in that.
— Review left March 30, 2022
Excellent program. The hotel was very nice- clean and the food was good. The leader (Fernando) was superb. He couldn't have been more compassionate and attentive to all of our needs. I particularly enjoyed Cordoba and the orchidarium in Estepona. It was lovely having a hotel next to the Mediterranean Sea.
— Review left March 26, 2022
The program was interesting and informative. It was a wonderful trip!!
— Review left March 24, 2022
Beautiful, historical, culturally significant. Great accommodations, food, wine. Knowledgeable, colorful and talented locals are enjoyable ambassadors. Spain is beautiful and cosmopolitan. Don’t hesitate!
— Review left March 20, 2022
Our time in Estepona was very interesting and educational. Tony was an excellent group leader, and added a lot to our experience. In addition, he was called on to handle a number of departures from the norm, and he performed admirably. If I have one suggestion, it would have to do with free time. We had plenty in Estepona itself, and I found that quite enjoyable. However, some additional time in both Ronda and Cordoba would have been greatly appreciated. It seemed that both of those destinations found us leaving to meet some return time that appeared quite arbitrary. Why did we have to get back to the hotel at 5? Much better to have had an extra half hour in each of those amazing towns!
— Review left March 19, 2022
This excellent trip will exceed your expectations -- combining Cordoba, Ronda and Gilbrater in one trip and I loved the town of Estepona where we stayed. Fabulously beautiful part of Spain on the Mediterranean.
— Review left March 10, 2022
This was my first experience with RS and I am extremely impressed. I combined two trips together in Southern Spain. It was all the fun of traveling without the logistical hassles of lodging, food and transportation. It was educational; my the tour guides were excellent. We were given tours by local educated experts. I met like minded others and plan to stay in touch even visit them. Some might find RS pricey but most costs are included. I didn't spend more than 150 Euros and 50 of that went to a covid test we got in our hotel. They are thorough especially if you book your travel arrangements with them. They pick you up in country and make arrangements to get to your returning flt and everything in between.
— Review left February 27, 2022
Try Road Scholar. Fun and educational!
— Review left January 30, 2022
Winter in Spain is a very well organized and interesting program set in gorgeous sunny location.
— Review left March 1, 2020
Beautiful weather in a gorgeous setting. Couldn't ask for a better time. Three excursions to Gibraltar, Cordoba and Ronda balanced off with day trips to Esponza for a walking tour of the city of flowers and a chance to cook our own paella.
— Review left March 1, 2020
Always wanted to see Gibraltar: the resident macaques, the WW II tunnels, the lit up limestone caves? here's your chance, with well organized negotiations of passport control, mini buses and cave tours.
— Review left February 28, 2020
Wonderful trip! In addition to perfect weather and lovely accommodations from which we could see the Rock of Gibraltar, we had wonderful visits/guides to Cordoba and Ronda, as well as great interaction with local people. Cordoba and Gibraltar were as outstanding as I had expected, but visiting the town of Estepona and the fish market were unexpected pleasures. The paella making demo and competition were great fun, and my team won!
— Review left February 28, 2020
This was an excellent week of activities based on an ideally located high-end resort in Estepona with an excellent buffet. Our guide Fernando was personable and hard-working and did his best to involve everyone and make sure they had a pleasant experience. Highlights for us were the visit to Ronda and the olive farm there and the visit to the Mezquita in Cordoba.
— Review left February 26, 2020
The trip was fabulous but I wish the buses had a bathroom.
On these trips we are old seniors and a bathroom on the bus is a necessity. The frequent stops is not enough.
— Review left February 25, 2020
This was a wonderful experience! - The hotel is a large resort situated smack right on the beach, with a long promenade for walking along the ocean. There is entertainment provided by the hotel at night and the buffet meals where the best I have ever had when traveling. I also found it safe to walk on my own during the day to a convenience store located nearby and to the marina downtown. The towns we visited were all clean and well selected for history and charm. I especially loved Cordoba and Ronda. I took advantage of an optional tour to the Estepona Orchid House which was a fantastic surprise paid for by RS. This trip inspired me to want to see more of Spain which I am registered to do in 2020. I only had time for one week of travel, but would highly recommend this trip!
— Review left May 1, 2019
Worthwhile for the visit to the Mezquita in Cordoba despite the long, but scenic, drive. The field trip to the fishing docks and fish auction was an unexpected highlight. The old town of Estepona was beautiful and the Spanish guitar concert memorable.
— Review left April 5, 2019
I've always been afraid that a group tour would be ridged, or personally constricting. Worse, that I would find myself struck with people I wish I wasn't. But the Road Scholar Program I participated in, could not have been done alone. It was expansive, informative, and best of all, socially gratifying. I'm glad that I fought my prejudices.
— Review left March 24, 2019
This is a wonderful trip, being able to experience a region of Spain away from the major cities and more traveled areas. I feel I have a better understanding into the daily life of folks living in southern Spain, it's a beautiful, slower paced and very unique area. The history and culture is fascinating. I strongly recommend this trip.
— Review left March 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this trip and would recommend it and its companion trip based in Nerja to anyone who wants to explore Andalucia and the Moorish culture of Spain. Our guide, Tony, gave very clear and detailed talks on everything from Spanish culture, history and politics to the cultivating and various uses of olives. Highly recommended.
— Review left March 2, 2019
High lights of this program were the trips to Cordoba and Gibraltar.
— Review left February 18, 2019
This was an excellent trip. We covered wonderful sites. The group leader Emma was excellent.
From wine tastings, to making paella to Cordoba with the wonderful Mosque/Cathedral. All and all wonderful
— Review left January 27, 2019
