New Mexico
New Mexico’s Conversos and Crypto-Jews in Santa Fe
Program No. 22854RJ
Learn the history and experience the unique culture of conversos and Crypto-Jews — Spain’s Jewish citizens who were forced to leave their country for not converting to Christianity.
Participant Reviews
Based on 33 Reviews
SHOWING
I recently went on my first Road Scholar program and found it quite worthwhile. We travelled to Santa Fe, New Mexico to study and learn about Crypto Jews. It is a fascinating topic and one that is difficult to fully present. That being said, Road Scholar did a a very good job in bringing the issue into the open and providing the necessary context for fully engaging with the issues moving forward. The ability of people to hold onto traditions for generations is a challenging one-and the fact that remnants of Jewish identity remain evident 500 years after the expulsion is powerful. Road Scholar tackles an important issue by presenting this opportunity for engagement.
— Review left September 21, 2025
This was a small group from Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. Our tour Manager from Road Scholar was Ellen B. She was friendly, helpful when needed and did participated with us during meals which I have never experienced with other tours/companies.
Some recommendations:
* 1st day was all day lecture. This was too long and should have been spread throughout the week.
* In the literature from Road Scholar it stated in the description: This is a "Keep the Pace" -"Walking up to 4 miles over uneven paved and unpaved terrain". We were lucky to have walked 7,000 steps (2 miles) maybe over two days. This was disappointing not to have gotten out more into the Santa Fe area. Ellen admitted due to some of out attendees not being very physically able to walk she changed the itinerary. We should have been warned earlier in the trip.
* The meals in the hotel were just ok. Would have preferred more meals on our own to be able to taste the local cuisine.
* Looking forward to my next trip with Road Scholar.
— Review left June 11, 2025
I knew about the Inquisition, Conversos and Crypto-Jews before I read about the program but when I saw the RS program I decided to do it. The recommended reading was good and I read everything. When I arrived at check-in, our guide Terri greeted us and provided more reading material.
I reviewed all the info and looked forward to all of the sessions. Every one of the sessions was great. Terri had to step in for one of the presenters and she did an excellent job. I made some good friends during this time.
Highlights: the play Parting Waters” and the Q and A; Isabel Sandoval talking about her history and her book; Pranzi restaurant; Georgia O’Keeffe Museum; Museum Hill.
One problem, which could not have been easy for Terri to deal with. One traveler used a walker and was not able to keep up with us. She said she was called 2 times about her disability but apparently was not truthful with the person she talked to. She should never have been allowed on this trip. She made an otherwise perfect trip not so perfect. But Terri did manage to control her so that she did not hamper us too much.
— Review left May 25, 2025
Excellent program! Very educational and added to my knowledge. Very cohesive group and reasonable size.
— Review left September 20, 2024
A memorable experience combining scholarship and first-hand experience with a subject mostly unknown.
— Review left June 15, 2024
What a wonderful trip! Group leader was amazing and the content and whole program was well worth it. I will definitely attend more of your programs!
— Review left June 9, 2024
Incredible learning adventure thanks to our amazing guide Vannetta and the warm and caring nature of all the Road Scholar participants!
— Review left June 8, 2024
This program was fascinating for anyone interested in their family heritage and who enjoys exploring an area like Santa Fe, known for its native heritage, expansive horizons and beautify pure blue skies.
— Review left May 27, 2024
My experiences with the program focused on Sante Fe and Crypto Jews and Conversos opened my eyes to better understanding of history and my knowledge of Jews in the US and those with Jewish ancestry following the Spanish Inquisition A wonderful vacation to learn about Santa Fe and Taos and explore how Spanish history still influences American culture and Judaism.
— Review left April 13, 2024
The course on the Conversos and Crypto Jews of New Mexico was outstanding. We learned so much, with a great group of people, and it helped us put dates, timelines and actions together across centuries.. We've already started looking for other Road Scholar courses. Many thanks.
— Review left November 15, 2023
A fascinating trip and blending of diverse cultures and history. One does not have to be Jewish to appreciate and discover commonalities of story and migration. Our knowledgeable friendly group leader and our presenters were very helpful. Each piece of this trip experience was wonderful and unique. Definitely do it!
— Review left November 6, 2023
Excellent
— Review left June 19, 2023
We had a wonderful trip! The topic was very interesting. We learned not only about Crypto Jews but about Spain and Portugal , native Indians , New Mexico history. I continue researching the topics from the trip and feel very grateful to visiting instructors and our tour guide Sheryl Russell.
— Review left May 8, 2023
I found the trip to Santa Fe to learn about Converso Jews was enlightening and had much to offer. Santa Fe is a beautiful place with interesting museums, great art and naturaly beauty. Most enlightening was learning how differently people react to learning that they have Judaism in their background.
— Review left October 31, 2022
A most enjoyable way to vacation, explore new places and continue learning. Just Great!
— Review left October 21, 2022
Learned a great deal about crypto and converso Jews. Hotel was wonderful, hotel staff went above and beyond, hotel location was perfect. Tour leader was funny and very enjoyable to be around. Santa Fe is beautiful and facinating.
— Review left September 29, 2022
Our tour leader was exceptional - the best I've seen with any travel company. Scott was extremely knowledgable, flexible, entertaining, and always willing to go the extra step in making our program more enjoyable and valuable to each of us.
— Review left September 22, 2022
Program was very informative and enjoyable. It thoroughly covered the subject matter as advertised with engaging speakers, relevant field trips and a play, walking tours, and selected venues (e.g., Pueblo reservation, Taos visit) that added to knowledge and appreciation of New Mexico history
— Review left September 19, 2022
This was a very interesting and well organized tour. Through excellent lectures and discussions it covered the Converso and crypto-Jewish experiences in considerable detail. And these were broken up by good field trips, one north to both a Catholic shrine and the Los Alamos "atomic city" and another to the delightful Folk Art museum south of Santa Fe. There was plenty of time to just enjoy the city too, and our hotel was excellent. This was our first Roads Scholar trip and it definitely made us interested in taking more of them. (Hint: If you are flying into Albuquerque look into taking the commuter train to Santa Fe. It's fast, cheap and fun.)
— Review left July 4, 2022
This Road Scholar program is interesting, thought-provoking, and well-organized. The group leader and instructors all were knowledgable and entertaining speakers.
— Review left June 19, 2022
I'd take another trip with Road Scholar in a heartbeat--thoughtfully programmed, beautifully organized, knowledgeable and personable group leadership, like-minded fellow travelers with enough differences to make the trip even more interesting, and excellent value for the money.
— Review left May 25, 2022
A fabulous trip !!
Mark, the group leader was so familiar with topic, geography of region, local customs, etc. He was very approachable, interesting, and very funny. He did a great job engaging all members of the group. The group, itself, was a combination of couples and singles and it was a very congenial and compatible group of people. The "classroom" lecturers were excellent. Each knew and in many cases, lived their topics.
I would have loved more of an opportunity to ask questions of the speakers, privately.
All field trips were educational and fun, as well. Bus driver was great.
Too bad we were unable to go to any pueblos because of Covid restrictions. The various New Mexico museums we visited were fascinating.
Only criticism was food at Drury Plaza. The dinners, until the very last one, were awful. Perhaps cost of trip could be reduced and all dinners on own or choice of group dinners at better restaurants, with each participant paying for own food.
— Review left April 27, 2022
My traveling companion and I spent much of our "off" time talking about what we were hearing and learning. This is a program which presented information not known to most people and presented it in a personal and fascinating manner.
— Review left April 19, 2022
My trip to Santa Fe to learn about the Crypto and Converso Jews was so enlightening! Our group leader did a wonderful job making sure that we had an enriching experience. Visiting local museums and shops, as well as,traveling to several historic areas was interesting. It was easy to make friends with our fellow travelers as we enjoyed the various aspects of this intriguing topic. What a well presented and deeply enlightening trip!
— Review left April 18, 2022
This was a fabulous program. Whether you're Jewish or not, whether you're Latino or not, you will find this learning experience fascinating.
— Review left April 17, 2022
This program gives a deep understanding of the experiences and history of the Jews of Spain and Portugal who came to the Americas. The information cleared up many misunderstandings I had prior to this trip.
— Review left November 6, 2021
I learned so much about the crypto jews in NM and the Santa Fe history.
Its a life time experience.
— Review left October 30, 2021
Loved this program! Mark is a great group leader, and Dr. Ron Hart was interesting and informative, as were the other speakers.The hotel is in a perfect location and it is very well run and my room was large, clean, and the staff was seen everywhere, working very hard. They offer an evening bar and "snacks" included in the price, and it was ample and enough for dinner if you want. The trip to Taos was on a very comfortable bus and the museums were fabulous. The food and service was good and the free time was great for roaming around--everything is basically walkable. I hope to come back to Santa Fe, it is a beautiful place.
— Review left October 30, 2021
Excellent program - outstanding group leader; learned so much about Converso and Crypto Jews and early American history, specifically in New Mexico; great accommodations; fun area to explore for art, history, food, and environment.
— Review left June 10, 2019
It was fine. You should allow us to review and possibly edit our answers at the end.
— Review left June 9, 2019
I find the website easy to use and provides a good amount of information.
— Review left June 8, 2019
An extremely enlightening and educational experience...introduced me to a part of my Jewish heritage I knew very little about...fascinating to learn the blending of cultures, including the American Indian history and lifestyle.
— Review left June 8, 2019
This was an intellectually stimulating and rewarding experience that I would recommend without reservation not just for those who are interested in the Jewish experience and the American Southwest but for those who want to learn more about the world in which they live.
— Review left May 20, 2019