Portugal/Spain
Tales of Portugal and Spain: A Historic Journey Through Iberia
Program No. 21925RJ
Enjoy the opulence and history of grand hotels as you discover UNESCO Heritage Sites, Gothic cathedrals, Moorish palaces and picturesque villages in this unique educational adventure.
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At a Glance
Embark on a unique educational adventure in Portugal and Spain as you go off the beaten path to experience local life and stay in some of the region’s most unique hotels. With experts, explore the countryside as you enjoy field trips to a winery and olive grove, and enjoy lunch with a local Andalusian family. Take in a private fado performance and Spanish guitar concert, and delight in a Portuguese cookery demonstration. Along the way, you’ll stay in hotels that have their own stories to tell — a 15th-century converted convent near Évora, a hotel once the home of poet Rainer Maria Rilke and two former palaces are just a few of the accommodations that will delight and inspire you on this special journey through Iberia.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Extensive walking, up to 3 miles per day, on winding, hilly roads and cobblestone streets. Stairs without railings. Comfortable footwear is essential.
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…
- Delve into the musical heritage of Portugal and Spain during a fado performance and Spanish guitar concert.
- Experience Andalusia and learn about Moorish rule at the Alhambra and the Mosque of Córdoba.
- Stay at hotels in grand historic buildings including a palace and a convent.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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.
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.
Luisa Azevedo
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For the past 15 years, Luisa Azevedo has led learning adventures throughout Portugal and Spain. Her vast travel experience and wealth of knowledge about the history and cultures of Iberia contribute tremendously to the content of the programs she leads and provides an excellent perspective on the region. Fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish, Luisa also lived for a few years in Brazil. She holds a degree in international relations from Minho University.
Mary-Anne de Freitas
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Mary Anne de Freitas is an experienced group leader and international courier with over 18 years in the travel industry, leading groups in Portugal and overseas. In addition to her master's in tourism management and planning as well as other education in tourism, she regularly participates in conferences to update her knowledge on the latest trends in the travel industry. She has worked for both local and international travel companies. Mary Anne is fluent in Portuguese, English, Dutch and French.
Suggested Reading List
(24 books)
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.
Tales of Portugal and Spain: A Historic Journey Through Iberia
Program Number: 21925
Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree
The Story of the Moors in Spain
A wonderfully readable, sweeping tale of splendor and tragedy, first published in 1866.
Spain & Portugal Adventure Map
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.
The Alhambra
Irwin's brief, indispensable guide introduces the stunning Moorish palace and fortress complex, revealing its mysteries, myths and significance with wit and insight.
The First Global Village: How Portugal Changed the World
Small Memories
In this contemplative memoir, the Portuguese Nobel laureate recalls a childhood both dark and magical, split between the growing city of Lisbon and the tiny village of Azinhaga.
The Painter of Birds
The New Spaniards
John Hooper's fascinating study brings to life the new Spain of the 21st century
Duende
Driving over Lemons, An Optimist in Andalucia
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.
A God Strolling in the Cool of the Evening
Originally published in Portuguese in 1994, this historical novel follows its protagonist, Lucius Valerius Quintius, as he navigates civil unrest at the end of the Roman Empire, and the beginning of the Christian era.
The Ornament of the World, How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain
A lively, illuminating portrait of the Andalucian Kingdom, its cultural achievements and religious tolerance from the eighth century to 1492
Tales of the Alhambra
Tales of the Alhambra is a collection of essays, verbal sketches, and stories by Washington Irving, chronicling his journey to Granada in the 1800s.
Ghosts of Spain
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.
España - A Brief History of Spain
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.
Eyewitness Guide Seville and Andalusia
This wonderfully organized and visually rich guide features excellent maps and essays on the culture, history and geography of the region. With a pullout city map of Seville.
Journey to Portugal, In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture
Jose Saramago's richly detailed account of his journey across Portugal in 1979. He combines his vivid impressions of the Portuguese landscape and people with a dose of history, fiction and meditations.
Food and Wines of Spain
A classic collection of 400 recipes, interwoven with cultural commentary and the culinary history of Spain
South from Granada; a Sojourn in Southern Spain
An amusing and insightful account of Spanish village life in the early 20th century from a brilliant interpreter of Spain and Spanish culture.
A Traveller's History of Portugal
A lively, admirably concise survey from prehistory to the present, great for travelers to Portugal who would like an overview of the country's history and culture.
Platero and I
In this autobiographical tale, the Nobel Prize-winner chronicles the wanderings of a donkey and his meditative master through Andalusia, capturing the rhythms and traditions of village life.
Spain: The Root and the Flower
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, A Traveler's Literary Companion
Spain Revealed: Cordoba's Mezquita
The definitive guide to the Great Mosque of Cordoba .