loading spinner
Spain

Spanish Art: From the Golden Age to Gaudi and Beyond

Program No. 3328RJ
Revel in traditions of art as you enjoy lectures on the Spanish Masters and Gaudi, visit iconic museums and set out on expert-led walks to the cathedrals and monuments of Spain today.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
airfare
Need airfare?
Our airfare tool can help. Check it out
climate
Plan ahead.
What kind of weather can you expect? Take a look!
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 3 - May 19, 2023
Starting at
4,999
Sep 6 - Sep 22, 2023
Starting at
4,999
Sep 20 - Oct 6, 2023
Starting at
4,999
Sep 27 - Oct 13, 2023
Starting at
4,999
Mar 6 - Mar 22, 2024
Starting at
4,999
Apr 10 - Apr 26, 2024
Starting at
4,999
May 8 - May 24, 2024
Starting at
4,999
Sep 18 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
4,999
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 3 - May 19, 2023
Starting at
6,029
Sep 6 - Sep 22, 2023
Starting at
6,029
Sep 20 - Oct 6, 2023
Starting at
6,029
Sep 27 - Oct 13, 2023
Starting at
6,029
Mar 6 - Mar 22, 2024
Starting at
6,049
Apr 10 - Apr 26, 2024
Starting at
6,049
May 8 - May 24, 2024
Starting at
6,049
Sep 18 - Oct 4, 2024
Starting at
6,049

At a Glance

From creative giants such as Velázquez, El Greco and Goya in the “Golden Age” to the 20th-century masters Picasso, Miró, Dalí and, more recently, Tàpies and Barcelo -- the vitality and diversity of Spanish artists have influenced artistic expression the world over. Journey from the Prado in Madrid to the Guggenheim in Bilbao to experience the full spectrum and rich heritage of Spain’s master artists.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Participants should be able to walk approximately two miles a day and stand for at least one hour at a time. Cobblestones, steep slopes and other uneven ground. Some stairs without railings.
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…

  • Connect the lives, works and schools of Velazquez, Goya and El Greco to modern masters Picasso, Miró and Dalí.
  • Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
  • Enjoy a private performance with members of a Catalonian medieval folklore group in Barcelona.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Ulises Diaz-Ropero
Ulises Diaz-Ropero is originally from Toledo and is fluent in Spanish, English, and an intermediate level of French. He is an avid traveler and has visited many countries on four different continents. Ulises completed a Master’s degree in ethnomusicology at the School of Oriental Studies in London before becoming a world music artist in the thriving music scene in London. For the last five years, Ulises has been pursuing a career in education, leading educational travels as well as teaching Spanish to adults.

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

Profile Image of Cecilia Ceriani
Cecilia Ceriani View biography
Cecilia Ceriani has been an art teacher and critic for nearly three decades. She holds degrees in art history and English philology from the Complutense University of Madrid. Cecilia spent four years in South America as an art critic and book reviewer for newspapers in Montevideo and Buenos Aires before returning to her native Spain in 1986. Since then she has been lecturing on Road Scholar programs and at the U.S. Cultural Center in Madrid and writing for respected Spanish publications.
Profile Image of Silvia Riera
Silvia Riera View biography
Silvia Riera was born and raised in Barcelona, where she developed her passion for arts and the Catalan culture. In addition to Spanish and her native tongue, Catalan, Silvia is fluent in French, Italian, English and Portuguese. Silvia has lectured about modernism and Gaudi since 1988. Beyond arts, Silvia is — like most Barcelonians — a big fan of FC Barcelona, the world-renowned soccer team.
Profile Image of Ulises Diaz-Ropero
Ulises Diaz-Ropero View biography
Ulises Diaz-Ropero is originally from Toledo and is fluent in Spanish, English, and an intermediate level of French. He is an avid traveler and has visited many countries on four different continents. Ulises completed a Master’s degree in ethnomusicology at the School of Oriental Studies in London before becoming a world music artist in the thriving music scene in London. For the last five years, Ulises has been pursuing a career in education, leading educational travels as well as teaching Spanish to adults.
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.
Homage to Catalonia
by George Orwell
Orwell's portrait of the Barcelona uprising and the spirit of a city at war is a classic, an observant and heartfelt report from the streets.
Antonio Gaudi, Master Architect
by Juan Bassegoda Nonell
This pocket-sized collection of Gaudi's work captures the evolution, imagination and exuberance of one of the most influential architects of the 20th century.
Barcelona
by Robert Hughes
This big, thoroughly enjoyable cultural history of the city touches on architecture, art, religion and literature from Roman outpost to today.
DK Eyewitness Top Ten Barcelona
by Eyewitness Guides
This superb guide to Barcelona features color photography, a pullout map and top attractions.
Adventures in Spain
by Catherine Petit
From Madrid north to Santiago and south to Granada, join Catherine Petit as she shares her journeys through the countryside, hills, mountains and quaint cities and towns of the breathtaking country of Spain. Catherine serves as your personal guide through cathedrals, museums, parks, gardens, and architectural delights as she treks her way through the enchanting landscape. The photographs will bring the experience of Spain right to your door. The friends she made, the people she met, and the cultural extravagance she witnessed will ensure you make Spain your next destination.
Goya
by Enriquetta Harris
A brief, illustrated introduction to the work of Francisco Goya that includes a lengthy essay as well as 48 full-page color plates and 30 black-and-white reproductions. Perfect for museum-goers.
Basque, Delicious Recipes from Spain's Stunning Northern Coast
by Jose Pizarro
Designed to demystify the cuisine of northern Spain, this mouth-watering cookbook features 80 recipes from the Basque region (which has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other area in the world). Dishes are accompanied by evocative full-color photos.
Dali
by Robert Radford
A nice overview of Dali's life and important works, this Phaidon art book explains how Dali infused his work with the surreal. Includes plenty of color photographs.
A Traveller's History of Spain
by Juan Lalaguna
This survey of Spanish history features a useful chronology, historical gazetteer and a long section on contemporary life. It covers early settlements through the Romans, Goths and Moors to the present.
Surrealism
by Fiona Bradley
The history of the Surrealist movement featuring Magritte, Ernst, Dali and others. Includes many color illustrations.
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.
Old Man Goya
by Julia Blackburn
Taking 1792--the year that Goya went deaf--as her starting point, Blackburn chronicles the painter's fruitful last 35 years in captivating, imaginative detail.
Eyewitness Guide Spain
by Eyewitness Guides
This superb, colorful guide covering all of Spain features bright photography, dozens of maps and a region-by-region synopsis of the country's attractions.
Spain & Portugal Adventure Map
by National Geographic
A double-sided full color map of Spain and Portugal at a scale of 1:1,000,000 with good shaded relief, topographic detail, roads and waterways.
Goya
by Robert Hughes
A biography of the great Spanish painter, by historian and art critic Robert Hughes (Barcelona).
The Basque History of the World
by Mark Kurlansky
Kurlansky's engaging portrait of the seven provinces of Basque lands takes in everything from language to culinary heritage, role in the Spanish Civil War and seafaring traditions.
Painting in Spain 1500-1700
by Jonathan Brown
Velazquez and El Greco are but a few of the Spanish artists discussed in this in-depth study of the art produced during Spain's golden age.
Culture Smart! Spain
by Marian Meaney
This concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette and culture provides a short overview of the land and people along with practical travel advice.
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 Spain.





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.