Spain and Portugal
Faculty: David Martinez and Tim Timmerman
Class meeting time: Tuesdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Trip Dates: May, 2025
Highlights
From the “Convivencia” of the 8th century (when Muslims, Jews, and Christians coexisted in relative peace) to the Muslim occupation of Spain and their subsequent expulsion in 1492, Spain and Portugal have had quite a storied history with numerous encounters. Moorish influence remains apparent and visible especially in southern cities in Spain (El Albayzín – markets in Granada – for instance). This trip aims at exposing students to the rich interplay between these three cultures as we travel through and navigate various cultural centers, paying close attention to the relationship between each country with ample opportunity for adventures in mountains and relaxed evenings on the beach as well.
We begin our adventure in the colorful Catalonia metropolis of Barcelona, where Antonio Gaudi’s architecture including the Sagrada Familia gives the landscape a surreal quality and the cafés overflow into the streets. We will enjoy a bike tour of the city and explore the Picasso Museum, Romanesque churches and sites of this cosmopolitan avant-garde city where Dali, Miro and Picasso called home. From there we will spend time in Madrid where we will visit a number of museums and parks, travel through Toledo before landing in Sintra, Portugal. From there we will travel south to the famous Algarve known for its beautiful and pristine beaches where will rent kayaks and wander in and out of rock formations and caves. Then we'll land in Sevilla where will stay with Spanish families while we tour the Cathedral, the famous Real Alcázar palace (where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed), we'll go to a soccer game, a bullfight (optional), and be present at a typical flamenco show. Sevilla has a special color (as the locals say) and we'll explore its vibrant culture, savor tapas and soak in the lively atmosphere of this iconic Andalusian city. We'll do day trips to the beautiful city of Córdoba and do the Caminito del Rey in Malaga (we'll walk along rugged cliffs and with breathtaking views as we traverse the narrow pathways suspended high above the Guadalhorce River, feeling the thrill of this iconic walkway once heralded as the most dangerous pathway in the world). A final stop in Granada - where the majestic Alhambra and the winding streets of the Albayzín await our discovery - will round out our Iberian adventure. We will lose ourselves in the mesmerizing beauty of the Generalife Gardens and the intricate details of Moorish architecture. We'll visit the Alcaicería market, which is the Grand Bazaar of Granada and the original Moorish silk market, partake in a traditional "Turkish bath", and have the opportunity to do some hiking in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range. We will then return to Madrid for one night as we prepare for our return to Portland, Or.
This trip has it all! It will be a full immersion experience into the culture of the Iberian peninsula with a variety of planned activities - both cultural and adventuresome - while also leaving ample time to observe and soak in the culture by drawing and reflecting on the amazing experiences we will have. We'll spend time in cities, but also quiant towns... from bustling streets to pristine beaches, there is something for everyone on this trip!
Tentative Itinerary
| Day 1-4 | Barcelona: We begin our adventure in the colorful Catalonia metropolis of Barcelona, where Antonio Gaudi’s architecture including the Sagrada Familia gives the landscape a surreal quality and the cafés overflow into the streets. We will enjoy a bike tour of the city and explore the Picasso Museum, Romanesque churches and sites of this cosmopolitan avant-garde city where Dali, Miro and Picasso called home. |
| Day 4-6 | Madrid: We continue to Madrid, the capital of Spain, where we will explore the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, the picturesque Parque Retiro, Egyptian temple Debod, Plaza España and so much more! |
| Day 6-8 | Toledo: We continue to the beautiful, quaint, walled city of Toledo. Experience the enchanting allure of this wonderful city, where ancient history meets modern charm. We will immerse ourselves in the city's rich cultural tapestry as we wander through its winding medieval cobblestone streets, marveling at its iconic landmarks such as the Alcázar and the Cathedral. We will, of course, indulge in exquisite cuisine, breathtaking views, and unparalleled hospitality. Optional activities include hiking and zip-lining. |
| Day 8-10 | Sintra: Next is a stop in Sintra (not far from Lisbon, Portugal), where majestic castles and lush forests await our exploration. We will lose ourrselves in the fairy-tale beauty of Pena Palace and the mystical allure of Quinta da Regaleira. A day trip into Lisbon will allow us to visit the famous and imposing Castelo St. Jorge (overlooking the city) and we'll ride in the famous Lisbon trams as we explore the city center. |
| Day 10-12 | Lagos: On our way to Lagos, Portugal (in the Algarve), we'll stop at Cabo San Vicente (the corner of the Iberian Peninsula) where we'll take in the incredible views of the ocean and sheer cliffs (reminiscent of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland). In Lagos pristine beaches and rugged cliffs await our exploration. We'll dive into the crystal-clear waters of Ponta da Piedade and unwind on the golden sands of Meia Praia. We will rent kayaks and take them out into the ocean to wander in and out of caves and rock formations. And, of course, we'll eat amazingly fresh seafood. |
| Day 12-16 |
Sevilla: In Sevilla, Spain, we'll have the opportunity to stay with Spanish families! You'll get to see first hand what typical Sevillan life is like. Additionally, we'll tour the Cathedral, the famous Real Alcázar palace (where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed), we'll go to a soccer game, a bullfight (optional), and be present at a typical flamenco show. Sevilla has a special color (as the locals say) and we'll explore its vibrant culture, savor tapas and soak in the lively atmosphere of this iconic Andalusian city. We'll do day trips to the beautiful Córdoba and do the Caminito del Rey in Malaga (we'll walk along rugged cliffs and with breathtaking views as we traverse the narrow pathways suspended high above the Guadalhorce River, feeling the thrill of this iconic walkway once heralded as the most dangerous pathway in the world). |
| Day 16-19 | Granada: Next is Granada, Spain, where the majestic Alhambra and the winding streets of the Albayzín await our discovery. We will lose ourselves in the mesmerizing beauty of the Generalife Gardens and the intricate details of Moorish architecture. We'll visit the Alcaicería market, which is the Grand Bazaar of Granada and the original Moorish silk market, partake in a traditional "Turkish bath", and have the opportunity to do some hiking in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain range. |
| Day 19-20 | Madrid: We'll stop for one night in Madrid as we prepare for our return to Portland, OR. |
| Day 21 | Return to PDX |
