Washington and Lee University
While very much a part of the New Europe, Spain and Portugal have retained many of the cultural traditions that have made them unique among European nations. Indeed, the lands beyond the Pyrenees are a place apart, a peninsula more Iberian than European. Over the two weeks of our travels from Lisbon to Madrid, much of the colorful character of these nations will come to life, even as we enjoy the charming amenities of their historic accommodations, the pousadas and paradores of Portugal and Spain.
Beginning in Lisbon, we’ll tour the Jeronimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, and the famous Belem Tower before visiting the lovely National Palace of Queluz, the former residence of Portuguese royalty. After traveling through the picturesque hills of Alentejo, we’ll arrive in Evora, the site of our first pousada, considered Portugal’s finest, set in a former 15th-century convent. While here, we’ll discover the many architectural gems of Evora, a university town, prosperous regional capital, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After crossing into Spain, we’ll first visit the border town of Merida, where we’ll explore some exceptional Roman ruins, then Carmona for our first parador, a 14th-century Arab fortress. Our tour of romantic Seville includes a visit to the palace and the old Arab quarter. First the capital of Roman Spain, then of Moorish Spain, Cordoba features some of the country’s most important monuments, including the Old Quarter built around the magnificent Mezquita Mosque and the symbolic synagogue that survived the expulsion of Spain’s Jews in the 15th century. From here we continue to Ronda, one of Spain’s oldest and most aristocratic towns, set high in the mountains overlooking the El Tajo Gorge. Our relaxing stay at the parador in Ronda prepares us for a full day trip to Granada, the former stronghold of Moorish Spain. Granada’s undisputed centerpiece is the Alhambra, the extraordinary palace of Spain’s last Moorish rulers, and the palace’s acclaimed Generalife Gardens. Traveling north, we’ll visit Toledo, capital of medieval Spain and home to the artist El Greco. Our trip concludes with Madrid, where we’ll tour the majestic Palacio Royal and the Plaza Major, with enough time for independent exploration of the world-famous Prado Museum.
This exceptional tour is anticipated by a campus Alumni College, “Spain: From the New World to the New Europe,” in July of 2009.
Download the complete itinerary and reservation form (.pdf)
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