Discover the delights of Southern Spain!
EXPLORE ANDALUCIA SPAIN
WITH MARK WALTERS
October 5-17, 2012

Andalucia: the very word conjures up layers of civilization,wondrous Moorish architecture, a mystique with a whiff of the exotic. This 13-day expedition will take us through the highlights of Andalucia, a region with arich, varied history and some of Europe’s best wildlife sites.

The Romans, the Moors, and various Spanish dynasties have all left their mark on the region. We will visit one of the first colonies founded by the Romans in Spain at Italicaat the beginning of their 600-year occupation in 206 BC and see an example of their civil engineering at Cordoba, the Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir. We will also focus on the Moorish period from 711 AD to the end of the 15th century when Granada fell to the Royal couple, Fernando II of Aragon and Isabel of Castilla. The lasting legacy and profound influence of the Moorish occupation on Andalucia cannot be overstated.

We will explore the full gamut of historical sites, often set against remarkably scenic backdrops. Three days will be given over to exploring sites in the major cities of Seville, Cordobaand Granada. While Seville and Cordoba were originally Roman towns, Granada was originally founded by a Berber tribe known as the Zirids in the 11th century. We will also visit the Cueva de la Pilata, which has cave art dating as far back as the Upper Paleolithic 25,000 years ago. During the tour we will also be staying in smaller centers to better appreciate village life and the wilder side of Andalucia.

Our itinerary will include the Donana National Park, home to the elusive Iberian Lynx and the Spanish Imperial Eagle. Further east we spend time exploring the villages and landscapes of the Sierra deGrazalema. Several of the archaeological sites we visit are set in rolling countryside amidst cork oak woods and olive groves, and are excellent places for attracting birds, especially raptors.

In the cities we have carefully chosen centrally-located hotels to ensure easy access for personal exploration. In rural sites we prefer smallish hotels that provide easy access to the surrounding countryside and have minimal visual and ecological impact on the environment.

Leading this tour will be Mark Walters. A classicist and naturalist, Mark leads expeditions for us in several mediterranean countries.

Join us for a spectacular introduction to the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Southern Spain.

$3,695 per person twin share plus air.

Brochure (Requires an Adobe pdf reader to view)