Background

The Moors crossed the Strait of Gibraltar in 711 to settle in Spain, where emirs, caliphs, and sultans built magnificent mosques and breathtaking palaces. Over the next several centuries, Jews, Christians, and Moslems lived harmoniously and enriched each other’s cultures in the land called Al Andalus.

Focus

Frequent slide presentations will feature the architecture, decorative arts, and scientific and other innovations created in this energetic period. The best local guides will lead the city tours. You will visit the studios and galleries of local artists. After two weeks you will have a much deeper understanding of the Islamic legacy of this beautiful part of Europe.

Itinerary

Your adventure begins in Madrid and Toledo, then moves by high-speed train to Cordoba. From Cordoba you will crisscross Andalusia, seat of the great Islamic empire for eight centuries, stopping in Jaen, Granada, Ronda, and Sevilla. The route from Sevilla, Spain to Lisbon, Portugal, will take you through Mertola and Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the Portuguese capital of the Renaissance. Once settled in Lisbon, you will enjoy a full day trip to the lovely mountain town of Sintra.

Accommodations

Four-star hotels throughout maintain the ambiance of a high-end tour. The experience will be capped at the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, and the Pousada dos Loios, originally a 15th-century convent, in Evora, Portugal.

Faculty

Dale Haworth, professor emeritus of art history, taught at Carleton from 1960 to 1996. He was awarded Fulbright fellowships to Europe and Taiwan, as well as research grants for Europe and Japan. Haworth directed off-campus study programs in Greece and Japan, and has led Alumni Adventure programs in Japan, Italy, and the Netherlands. At Carleton, he taught courses focused on medieval Europe. He has traveled extensively throughout the world, including extended exploration of the Iberian Peninsula. Haworth’s wife, Karen Beall, has written and published articles about Portuguese art and other topics. They currently make their home in Santa Fe.

Refund Policy

• Cancellations made between January 14-March 14th will be refunded 50% of the trip cost.
• Cancellations made March 15th and after will forfeit the entire cost of the trip.
• Adding passengers to the trip March 15th or after (space permitting) will result in a $150 late charge in addition to full payment.
• Substituting a new passenger for a canceled passenger March 15th or after will result in a $150 fee to the passenger plus full payment.
• No refund or adjustment can be made for any portion of the services not used such as voluntary non-usages of hotel accommodations, scheduled meals or any planned activity described in your itinerary.