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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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
16 meals (
6B, 4L, 6D
)
4 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Activity Note
Though southern Spain is known for its pleasant winter weather, evenings and inland areas can be chilly. Temperatures generally range from 40 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit; be sure to pack layers so you are prepared for any weather during our program, as well as rain gear in case of showers. Remember to bring your Road Scholar nametag (sent previously).
Day
2
Arrive Málaga, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Estepona
Meals:
D
Stay:
H10 Estepona Palace
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we'll get to know each other over a plated welcome dinner including complimentary wine and mineral water.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Spain Today, Estepona's Old Town, Payoyo Cheese
Location:
Estepona
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
H10 Estepona Palace
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving to and from downtown Estepona, no more than 5 miles (8 km) in total. Walking up to 1.5 miles (2.4 km); cobblestones and uneven ground in Estepona, rugged terrain at the cheese maker. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, we’ll choose from the buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts; beverage choices of coffee, tea, juice, water.
Morning:
We'll gather in a hotel meeting room for an introduction to Spain's mighty past from our Group Leader. We'll then head out by motorcoach to downtown Estepona. Led by a local expert, we will visit the charming pedestrian old town with its Andalusian whitewashed buildings, discover the municipal market and clock tower, and learn about the ancient Phoenician and Moorish invaders.
Lunch:
In the Old Town of Estepona, we will enjoy a selection of simple tapas; mineral water and wine included.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we will head by motor coach to a local cheese producer, where we will learn about the speciality Payoyo cheese, produced from goat's milk from the Cadiz region of Spain.
Dinner:
We will return to the hotel for a buffet dinner
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Cordoba & The Moorish Influence
Location:
Estepona
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
H10 Estepona Palace
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles (244 km) *one way* to Cordoba. Be prepared for a long driving day. Walking 1.5 miles on city streets with some cobblestones. Temperatures inland can be cooler; warmer clothing may be necessary. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will drive inland by motorcoach to Cordoba, former capital of the Muslim Caliphate of Al Andalus. Our expert-led visit of the old town will include the cathedral, popularly known as the "Mezquita," which stands over a Christian church built in the Visigothic period (5th century). After the Moorish conquest of Spain, it was used as a mosque. In 1236, following Cordoba's fall to Ferdinand and after over 500 years of use as a mosque, the site was reconsecrated as Christian and in 1523, a cathedral was erected. The Mezquita of Cordoba is one of the most emblematic monuments in Europe, and a unique example of the interplay of Christian and Muslim cultures in Spain.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Cordoba.
Afternoon:
Free time. We'll then return to the hotel by motorcoach.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Introduction to Spanish Cookery, Fish Workshop
Location:
Estepona
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
H10 Estepona Palace
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Standing at the workshop and cookery class. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Spain is one of the largest consumers of fish in the world. We will meet our local expert at Estepona's fishing port for an on-site presentation of local fishing traditions and an introduction to the fresh local produce that is key to the local economy, and an important component of the renowned Mediterranean diet. Later on, we will transfer by motorcoach to a local venue, where we will join a participative seafood paella making workshop.
Lunch:
We'll enjoy the results of our cooking course with a complimentary glass of wine. We'll then return to the hotel.
Afternoon:
Free time. Group Leader will provide suggestions.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At a local cultural center, we'll enjoy a performance of classic Spanish guitar by a local musician (performance subject to availability and may be substituted).
Day
6
Ronda, Culture of Bulls, Spain Today
Location:
Estepona
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
H10 Estepona Palace
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles (80.5 km), approximately 1.5 hours one way. Walking up to 2 miles on very uneven terrain, with many cobblestones, inclines and steps without railings. Unpaved trails at the bull ranch. Temperatures inland can be much cooler; warm clothing may be necessary.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will drive north through the beautiful scenery of the Sierra de Ronda. Ronda is an ancient Spanish town, famous for its breathtaking views of the El Tajo gorge that plunges down hundreds of meters and dramatically divides the town into two. Uniting both these sections is a spectacular 18th-century arched bridge. In Ronda, our local expert will show us the oldest bullring in Spain and the ancient Moorish houses.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Ronda we will enjoy a light lunch. Water and one glass of wine included
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will head to a nearby bull ranch, where we will join staff for a visit on foot and by motor coach through the Andalusian reserve. Here, we will have the chance to see the Toro Bravo or Toro de Lidia (Spanish Fighting Bull) and thoroughbred Andalusian horses. We will learn about the breed and discuss the arguments and controversy surrounding this Spanish tradition. Later in the afternoon, we will return to the hotel by motorcoach. . After a short rest, we'll join our Group Leader for an examination of Spain today. We will hear about the radical evolution of Spain and Andalusia since Franco's death, the advent of democracy in 1975, as well as the current challenges and opportunities faced by the Spanish population.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Gibraltar, Farewell
Location:
Estepona
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
H10 Estepona Palace
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach and minibus in Gibraltar; driving about 30 miles (47.9 km), approximately 45 minutes to Rock of Gibraltar. Walking about 1.5 miles during the included activities. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll depart by motorcoach on a field trip to the Rock of Gibraltar, a small peninsula on the Spanish coast under British jurisdiction, and a major area of dispute over the centuries. During the drive along the Costa del Sol, your Group Leader will explain the reasons and arguments behind the sovereignty of this 7.5-mile stretch of land. Once across the border, we will join our local expert and board a minibus to the Punta de Europa (European Point) from where you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the British-style streets of Gibraltar and, in clear weather, the Moroccan coastline. Later, we will visit the underground World War II tunnels from where Operation Torch – the Allied invasion of North Africa – was planned, see the famous Barbary "apes" (macaca sylvanus) who roam freely around the peninsula, and the pillars of Hercules – the legendary promontories that flank the entrance to the Straits of Gibraltar.
Lunch:
Enjoy local cuisine on your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. We'll then return to the hotel and hold a program wrap-up meeting prior to dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and prepare for departure in the morning.
Day
8
Program Concludes, Departure from Malaga
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by Noon. Airport transfers beginning at approximately 4:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet, flight times permitting. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don't forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026
Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026
Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026
Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026
Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
Mar 21 - Mar 28, 2026 Itinerary Differences:
Enroll in this date preceded by the March 15, 2026 departure of "Winter in Spain: Andalusian Highlights" (#22107) and receive a free bus transfer from one program to the next!
