 An
Archaeological Study Tour
Spain:
Megaliths, Moors & Conquistadors
15
Days September 14- 27, 2009
Led
by Prof. Ronald Messier
The
Iberian Peninsula forms a cultural bridge between Europe
and North Africa, whose influences left a distinctly African
ambience, particularly in the south of Spain. As the westernmost
outpost of the Old World, Spain is a treasury of ancient
remains, from cave paintings of prehistoric man and the
oldest megalithic monuments in Europe to the ancient cities
left by the Greeks and Romans. Conquerors and immigrants
(Iberians, Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Goths, Jews
and Arabs), attracted by its wealth of natural resources,
settled in Spain, contributing to the rich legacy of the
Spanish civilization. The Christian reconquest of Spain
from Islam during the Middle Ages led to the Age of Discovery,
the conquest of the New World and the establishment of the
largest and wealthiest empire the world had ever seen. This
wealth was used to build magnificent cities. We shall explore
choice examples of the most important archaeological and
historical monuments from these civilizations, study their
artifacts in museums, and ponder the development of art
and architectural styles from the earliest period to modern
times. In addition, we will stroll in the winding lanes
of medieval cities and the white-washed villages of Andalusia
and sample Spain’s unique cuisine.
Monday, September 14: Independent
departures
from various gateway cities. Archaeological Tours will be
happy to assist tour members in making their flight arrangements.
Tuesday, September 15: MADRID: We
will meet at the hotel. The tour begins in the afternoon
with a visit to the world-famous Prado Museum, where we
will examine its wonderful collection of Spanish and Flemish
Art. This evening we will meet with Professor Messier for
an orientation lecture and dinner at our hotel, the Best
Western Santo Domingo, situated in the historic quarter.
Meals: Dinner
Wednesday, September 16: MADRID: After
breakfast we will meet for a full morning at the Archaeological
Museum, which has among its treasures the magnificent “Dama
de Elche” and the fine 4th-century BC goddess figure
known as “Dama de Baza.” The Altamira frescoes
have been reproduced in a simulated cave in the courtyard.
We will complete the day with a walking tour through the
historical quarter of the city.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Thursday, September 17: TOLEDO: A
short drive south brings us to Toledo, where our full day
of touring will include the historical remains of the Romans,
Visigoths, Moors and Jews, all of whom left their mark on
this delightful city. We will visit the Cathedral, the two
famous Synagogues, now museums, as well as the El Greco
House (if it has reopened) and the lovely Church of San
Roman, now a small Visigoth museum. Our overnight is at
the Hotel San Juan de los Reyes in the Old City, where we
can enjoy the special atmosphere of the city after the day-trippers
have gone home.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Friday, September 18: MÉRIDA: Today’s
destination is Mérida, capital of the Roman province
of Lusitania, stopping in Cáceres for lunch at the
Parador and a walking tour of this charming medieval city.
The remainder of the day will be spent touring Mérida’s
Roman remains, including the amphitheater, which seated
15,000 spectators, and the theater. We will also see the
Alcazaba and the well-preserved aqueduct. We will overnight
in theHotel Velda Merida.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Saturday, September 19: CÓRDOBA: After
completing our touring in Mérida and visiting the
Archaeological Museum, we continue south to Córdoba,
stopping for lunch at the Parador de Zafra. Our hotel for
the next two nights, Hotel Eurostars, is in the heart of
the Old Quarter.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Sunday, September 20: CÓRDOBA: Celebrated
as the capital of Moorish Spain, Córdoba still retains
its mysterious character. We will study all of the fine
architectural monuments of this glorious period, including
the Mezquita Cathedral, the pre-Inquisition Synagogue, the
Archaeological Museum, the palace built by Abd al-Rahman
III, Medina Azahara, and the Alcázar de los Reyes
Cristianos. We will also find time to wander on our own
through Córdoba’s labyrinth of narrow streets
in the Old Quarter.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Monday, September 21: SEVILLE: After
completing our touring in Córdoba, we will depart
for Seville. Our touring begins with the Archaeological
Museum, which houses the finds from Italica as well as unique
Iberian sculpture. The next three nights will be spent at
the elegant Hotel Vincci La Rabida, which is well situated
in the heart of the old quarter, near many small restaurants
and shops.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Tuesday, September 22: SEVILLE: We
will continue our touring in Seville with visits to the
huge Gothic Cathedral, La Giralda, the 14th-century Alcázar,
still in use as a royal residence. Touring ends in the Plaza
de España, with tile murals depicting each of Spain’s
provinces. There will be time to explore the lovely Barrio
de Santa Cruz on our own in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Wednesday, September 23: SEVILLE: This
morning we will make an excursion to Italica, birthplace
of Hadrian and the poet Silius Italicus. This ancient city
is considered to be an excellent example of Imperial Roman
city planning. We will also visit the Roman necropolis at
Carmona to study the tombs, some of which are so magnificent
and well appointed that they rival patrician villas. After
lunch at the beautiful Carmona Parador, we return to Seville.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Thursday, September 24: GRANADA: Entering
the Sierra Nevada, we wind our way through spectacular scenery
to Granada, stopping en route for photos. The next three
nights will be at the Alhambra Palace Hotel, situated near
the entrance to the Alhambra.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Friday, September 25: GRANADA: A
short stroll from the hotel brings us to the gates of the
Alhambra. We will tour all of the romantic palaces and gardens
of the Alhambra, including the 14th-century Generalife and
its museums. After lunch we will also explore the monuments
of Granada itself, including the Cathedral and Royal Chapel,
as well as the famous Gypsy quarter known as the Albaicín.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Saturday, September 26: GRANADA: This
morning our touring will include the Carthusian monastery,
Cartuja, renowned for its lovely sacristy, an outstanding
example of Late Baroque. Our last stop of the morning will
be at the 11th-century Moorish Baths. The afternoon will
be at leisure to explore on our own. This evening we will
meet for our farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Sunday, September 27: We
will transfer to the airport for today's departure flights.
Meals: Breakfast
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