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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8 days
7 nights
16 meals
6B 4L 6D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
4
Cordoba & The Moorish Influence
Estepona
7
Gibraltar, Farewell
Estepona
At a Glance
Surrounded by sea and mountains, the southern tip of Spain is an ideal getaway for anyone suffering from the “winter blues.” While the incredible landscapes may be the first thing that draws your eye, this region is also an ideal jumping-off point for exploring Spain’s rich heritage, from ancient Roman and Moorish influences to traditional Andalusian cuisine. With the North African coast in view on a clear day, the seaside communities and verdant vineyards offer a unique connection across cultures and time. Follow in the footsteps of ancient invaders, inspired poets and adventure-seekers both past and present — all along the beautiful Mediterranean coast.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one to two miles per day. Cobblestones, uneven paving, some rough trails, steps without handrails.
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…
- Discover breathtaking Sierra de Ronda with visits to Spain’s oldest bullring and ancient Moorish houses.
- Learn about the legacy of 800 years of Moorish rule during a visit to Cordoba's great mosque.
- Explore the Rock of Gibraltar and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the British-style streets of Gibraltar.
General Notes
Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with select dates of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) for even more learning in Southern Spain! We’ll even transfer you for free by bus or car between locations.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Tony Muldoon
After graduating with a master’s in Hispanic Studies in 1993 from the University of Glasgow, in his native Scotland, Tony Muldoon came to live and work in the mountains of Andalusia — first in the Sierra Nevada and now the Serrania de Ronda. He leads trekking and cultural programs all over Spain, Portugal and Morocco as well as cultivating olives and almonds on his smallholding. His passion for the history, culture and landscapes of his adopted home is heartfelt.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Tony Muldoon
View biography
After graduating with a master’s in Hispanic Studies in 1993 from the University of Glasgow, in his native Scotland, Tony Muldoon came to live and work in the mountains of Andalusia — first in the Sierra Nevada and now the Serrania de Ronda. He leads trekking and cultural programs all over Spain, Portugal and Morocco as well as cultivating olives and almonds on his smallholding. His passion for the history, culture and landscapes of his adopted home is heartfelt.
Fernando Derqui
View biography
Fernando was born and raised in Madrid. At the age of 17, he moved to England where he completed a bachelor’s degree in biological science and an MSA in marine biology. Returning to Madrid, he started leading educational groups abroad to the USA. Finally, he became a professional group leader and has worked full time for the past 26 years, covering most European countries and North Africa. Fernando has a special affinity for Andalucía, Islamic art and architecture as well as Arabic culture and language.
Suggested Reading List
(21 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.
Winter in Spain: Culture & History Along the Southern Coast
Program Number: 22116
Camarón: The Film
Netflix documentary looking back on the life of legendary flamenco singer Camarón, who went from humble roots to rock star status to a tragic early death. (Spanish with English subtitles)
Moorish Spain
An entertaining and enlightening account of a vital period in Spanish history which transformed the culture and society, not only of Spain, but of the rest of Europe
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.
Into the Arena: The World of the Spanish Bullfight
Fiske-Harrison offers a comprehensive and involving portrait of a controversial Spanish tradition
Spain Revealed: Cordoba's Mezquita
The definitive guide to the Great Mosque of Cordoba .
Food and Wines of Spain
A classic collection of 400 recipes, interwoven with cultural commentary and the culinary history of Spain
Cities of Light: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain
The Cities of Light documentary explores the causes that destroyed a civilization of pluralism and interfaith cooperation that for a few centuries lit the Dark Ages in Medieval Europe.
Death in the Afternoon
Ernest Hemingway's classic exploration of the history and pageantry of bullfighting, and the deeper themes of cowardice, bravery, sport and tragedy that it inspires.
The Truth about Franco - Spain's forgotten Dictatorship
This documentary delves into the past and attempts to examine the almost forty-year rule of Spain's Generalisimo - Francisco Franco.
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.
The History of Spain - Land on a Crossroad
Professor Emerita Joyce E. Salisbury of the University of Wisconsin unfurls a broad and fascinating panorama of Spanish history, spanning the centuries from the first Neolithic settlement of the peninsula to Spain’s 20th century Civil War in this documentary series.
As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning
Laurie Lee captures the atmosphere of a beautiful but violent Spain during the Spanish Civil War.
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.
Lorca: Living in the Theatre
Compelling biography of Andalusian playwright and author Federico Garcia Lorca – who was executed by Nationalist forces in 1936, allegedly at Franco’s behest- offers readers an in-depth analysis of the work of one of Spain’s most treasured artists.
The Arts in Spain: From Prehistory to Postmodernism
A representative anthology of examples of painting, architecture and sculpture providing a critical overview of Spain. From Iberian and Roman beginnings, the book traces the development of the arts in Spain, examining the magnificent Islamic and Christian foundations at Cordoba and the Escorial, the idiosyncratic masterworks of El Greco, the Golden Age of Zurbaran and Velazquez, the art of Goya, and the innovative works of Picasso, Dali and Miro, and revealing that many of the most characteristic Spanish artistic currents had their origins at the dawn of history.
Made in Spain
Spanish Chef and philanthropist Jose Andres introduces the cuisine of Spain, in this 13 episode series available on Prime.
The New Spaniards
John Hooper's fascinating study brings to life the new Spain of the 21st century
A Vision of Battlements
1965 novel by Anthony Burgess based on his experiences during World War II in Gibraltar, where he was serving with the British army.
Spain: The Root and the Flower
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.
Gibraltar: The Greatest Siege in British History
A page-turning account of the dramatic four-year siege of Britain’s Mediterranean garrison by Spain and France—and an often overlooked key to the British defeat in the American Revolution.
The Spanish Inquisition: A Historical Revision
A clear and objective account of a polemical period of Spanish history