The kingdom of Spain has had one of the greatest impacts on world history and civilization. Five hundred years ago, the Conquistadors had just conquered the Aztec Empire of Mexico and were about to start their conquest of the Maya kingdoms. Within a decade they would conquer the Inca of Peru and the wealth in gold and silver that they seized would help make 16th century Spain the richest kingdom and most powerful empire on earth.
But the Spanish were not always conquistadors; eight hundred years before they created their New World, it was they who were the conquered. In 711, Arab and Berber Muslim forces crossed the Strait of Gibraltar to quickly defeat and take over almost the entire kingdom of the Visigoths, a Germanic group that had themselves conquered the Iberian peninsula from the Romans, Byzantines, and other invading Germanic groups. The culture and mindset of the Spanish conquistadors was born over the long period of the Reconquista, during which Spain was contested between the Islamic Moors of fabled al-Andalus and the Christians of the north, whose kingdoms of Asturias, Leon, Castile, and Aragon would eventually merge to become the powerful Spanish kingdom and empire of the 16th century.
Join Far Horizons on a truly unique 15-day exploration of the cities and landscapes that shaped the world of the Spanish Conquistadors. Our journey will take us to the heartland of the fabled al-Andalus, including its stunning capitals of Córdoba and Granada, to the famed lands of Castile and its many castle-topped hills. We will also visit Extremadura, the parched land of western Castile where Cortes and Pizzaro and so many of the other fearsome conquistadors came from. Our trip will conclude with visits to the wonderfully preserved medieval cities of Salamanca and Avila and a special tour of the castle of Zorita de los Canes, which perfectly exemplifies the diverse ethnic history of medieval Spain.
Any questions? Please get in touch.
Price is based on double occupancy and includes:
Trip prices are based on a minimum number of participants. If this minimum number is not met, trip prices are subject to change. Should the prices need to change, Far Horizons will reach out to registered guests to discuss directly.
Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.
As a tour company that benefits from the cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to the scientific and cultural sites and projects which we visit. This has created a bond between Far Horizons and the academic and local communities that has helped us establish an extensive list of lecturers and contacts in each of our destinations. We ask that each participant donate to the noteworthy project we designate. The donation amount is $150.00 per person. Note that the donation is required as part of your registration for the trip and that it is non-refundable.
Prices are based on currency exchange rates keeping below a projected level. While it is unlikely, if the exchange rates should change substantially, Far Horizons reserves the right to charge an additional amount to the trip cost.
A deposit of $1000 per person is required along with your registration & health forms, which will be linked in the email confirmation you receive once you pay your deposit on our booking platform. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. Prior to departure, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information.
We will let you know if you need a visa and provide details and instructions on where to obtain your visa. You are responsible for securing your own visa. If you would like to look into specific visa requirements based on where you live and where you would like to travel, we suggest visiting Sherpa to find out more about the latest visa and travel requirements.
Cancellations received in writing at least 120 days before departure will receive a refund less a $500 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 120 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Upon registering for the tour, the purchase of travel protection with both trip cancellation and emergency evacuation is strongly advised. Links to recommended insurance policies will be included in the email you receive confirming receipt of your deposit.
International round trip flights are not included in the cost of the trip. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased. Please send your complete air schedule as soon as you have it. NOTE: Please contact Far Horizons if you would like for us to handle your air ticketing.
The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be on site when our groups arrive due to other commitments.
Far Horizons expects all participants to be physically active and able to walk and climb independently throughout the full touring days. This includes walking over uneven terrain (uphill and downhill) for 2 miles or more at each site. You should expect to be on your feet for much of each day, averaging as much as 5 miles of walking per day. As such, each participant should be able to walk unaided at a pace of 3 miles per hour for at least an hour at a time, and to stand unsupported for at least 60 minutes. Bearing this in mind, we suggest that, if you have not already done so, you begin walking several miles every day, ideally including stairs and hills. If you have questions about your ability to keep up with the group or the strenuous nature of this trip, please contact the Far Horizons staff.
This tour is designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active, have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. We have designed this trip to be as comfortable as possible, while also aiming to visit some remote or unique sites that other companies do not attempt to include in their itineraries. There may be days where we have very long drives and the conditions of the roads may vary. Hotels and transportation in some remote areas may not be up to western standards. There may be times when no bellhops are available; please pack with the understanding that you need to be able to handle your own luggage at times. Sometimes we may be walking over uneven trails for a mile or more; hiking boots are strongly recommended. Not every meal will be haute cuisine and several lunches may be picnics or box lunches. By maintaining a flexible attitude we will soon be captivated by the beauty of the natural scenery, the hospitality of the local people, and the fascinating sites we will see. Your flexibility and patience will be appreciated.
Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. While we are committed to keeping as close to the published details as possible, sometimes it is simply not possible. Weather events, government affairs, or other factors out of our control sometimes come into play. A good book to read as well as patience, flexible attitude, and a sense of humor are essential.
Depart on a flight bound for Madrid, Spain.
Arrive to Madrid, Spain and transfer to our centrally-located hotel for two nights. Enjoy our welcome dinner at an elegant local restaurant. (D)
Today we explore two impressive museums. The Museo de América (Museum of the Americas) is the only museum in the world dedicated to the preservation, research and dissemination of the heritage of the American continent and the peoples that have historically inhabited it. Its collections include pre-Hispanic archaeological objects, works of art from the colonial period, and a large ethnographic sample of American cultures from the 19th and 20th centuries. After lunch on our own, continue to the Museo Arqueologico Nacional (National Archaeological Museum), founded in 1867 by a Royal Decree of Isabella II with the aim to be a depository for archaeological, ethnographical and decorative art collections compiled by the Spanish Monarchs. Here we will see evidence of Spain’s long history of conquest and reconquest through the various artifacts from the Celtiberians, Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and finally the Catholic Castilians. (B//D)
This morning we drive to Toledo, a beautiful medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we explore a historical crossroads of cultures by way of the Visigothic, Moorish, Jewish, and Spanish architecture and museums, demonstrating Spain’s tumultuous and multicultural history leading up to the era of the conquistadors heading to the Americas. Having been conquered multiple times in history – by the Moors in 711 and the Christian Spaniards in 1085 – Toledo perfectly exemplifies the pattern for the conquests of great capital cities in the Americas. Our walking tour of the city includes many important stops: Museo de los Concilios y la Cultura Visigoda, a museum exhibiting the history of the Visigoths, inside a beautiful and decorated 13th century mudejar church; Sinagoga del Transito, a 14th century mudejar synagogue and the adjacent Sefardi Museum, exhibiting the history of Jews in Spain; Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, a beautiful 12th century mudejar synagogue; and Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz, a small mosque built in 999. Overnight at the Hacienda del Cardenal, a restored palace with stunning gardens and vistas. (B/L/D)
Córdoba will forever bear the imprint left by Roman, Islamic and Christian rulers. It rose to become the most sophisticated city in Europe and, along with Constantinople and Baghdad, was one of the three cultural centers of the medieval world. The original Roman walls were maintained by the Muslim and later Christian rulers, and extensive portions of these fortifications still stand today. Upon arrival to Córdoba we will enjoy a walking tour of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, revealing its layers of history. A maze of narrow streets leads to the oldest district, the Judería or Jewish quarter; which stands on the area formerly occupied by the Moorish medina and contains the most characteristic monuments in the city. Spend two nights in the Casas de la Juderia within the old city walls. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)
We continue our explorations of Córdoba today, beginning at Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a Moorish palace taken over after the Christian re-conquest. It was the summer home of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella and the site of their meeting with Christopher Columbus before his famous voyage. La Mezquita, or the Great Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Monument, was begun in 786 on the site of a Roman temple and Visigoth church and is the third largest mosque ever built. Water was brought into palaces and mansions and taken to the fields for irrigation by a complex system of channels created by the Moors whose agricultural architecture was unparalleled. After lunch on our own we visit the Albolafia Noria, or waterwheel, the last vestige of an array of mills and dams built on the Guadalquivir River in Córdoba between the 8th and 10th centuries. (B/ /D)
This morning we will take in breathtaking scenery as we journey by train to Granada. In the 13th century, the last Muslim dynasty of Spain, the Nasrids, made Granada its capital. Upon arrival to the city center we will enjoy lunch followed by a walking tour of several medieval sites, beginning with the old Islamic quarter, the Albaycín, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, narrow winding streets and ancient walls are reminders of its medieval past. We will enter the Church of San Salvador, encircling the courtyard of the original Great Mosque of the city, and see the Church of San Juan de los Reyes, with its still standing minaret. We will visit the Madrasa that once housed an Islamic school and currently is used by the University of Granada. Nearby, the Cathedral of Granada, built over a former mosque, imprinted Christianity in the former Islamic capital. Not far is the Capilla Real, which was constructed to house the remains of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon, who unified Spain and conquered Granada, the last Muslim enclave in the peninsula. Then it is on to the Iglesia del Sagrario, a church partially built over a mosque, and the 15th century Silk Merchant’s Exchange. The Corral del Carbon is the oldest remaining Muslim structure in the city and the only surviving Islamic corn exchange on the Iberian Peninsula. Our day will end at the Church of San Nicolas for the view over the Alhambra at sunset. Dinner is on our own to discover one of Granada’s excellent restaurants, or enjoy an optional Flamenco show at in Sacromonte. Overnight for one night at a centrally-located hotel. (B/L)
This morning’s highlight is Granada’s stunning Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning works of architecture of the medieval world. Built on a hill with commanding views of the city and the plain beyond, it became the Nasrid dynasty’s royal city in the 14th century and the residence of the kings and their court. In is the renowned for its display of intricate tilework and its captivating blend of Moorish and Spanish artistic influences. The Generalife Gardens are an enchanting extension of the Alhambra, showcasing lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and intricate water features. The Koran continually repeats the idea that heaven is a garden with running water and Generalife Gardens was a remarkable endeavor to create paradise on earth. In the afternoon, we travel again by train to Seville. In the late afternoon, we will admire the iconic landmarks and charm of this Andalusian city aboard cruise on the Guadalquivir River. Overnight for two nights at a boutique hotel located within the city walls. (B/L/D)
Seville was once the most strongly fortified city in Europe. Our all-day tour takes us first pass the 12-sided Tower of Gold, once part of the defense walls constructed by the Almohads, and three of the remaining city gates. Then we visit two outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beginning at El Real Alcázar, a royal palace considered the most beautiful on the Iberian Peninsula. Constructed on top of an Almohad fortress, it is an outstanding example of Mudéjar architecture, a style and decoration heavily influenced by Islamic workmanship. This bastion remains an outstanding testimony to the civilization of the Almohads as well as that of Christian Andalusia. Built in the 15th century on the site of a former Almohad mosque, Seville’s cathedral was meant to demonstrate the city’s power and wealth after the Reconquista. It is the largest Gothic building in Europe and houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Attached is La Giralda, a former minaret that is a masterpiece of Almohad architecture. Now functioning as the bell tower of the church, this elegant tower is considered the finest of the three great Almohad minarets (the other two are in Rabat and Marrakech). There will be time to climb to the top for a view over the city. Dinner is on our own this evening. (B/L)
Andalusia is a region full of rich culinary traditions, resulting in mouth-watering dishes like gazpacho, paella and traditional tapas. This morning we will tour the local markets to select fresh ingredients, representing this vibrant food culture, for a hands-on cooking class followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we depart for Trujillo with a stop in Medellín en route. Hernán Cortés was born here and would later lead the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire, bringing large portions of what is now mainland Mexico under the rule of the king of Castile in the early 16th century. We will view the statute of him in the city center before continuing on to Trujillo, where we overnight for one night. (B/L/D)
The hometown of Francisco Pizarro and his brothers, the conquerors of the Inca Empire, Trujillo is a well-preserved medieval town with magnificent views over the Extremaduran countryside. We begin our explorations at the large equestrian statue of Francisco Pizarro in the beautiful plaza mayor and continue on to Museo de la Coria, dedicated to interactions between the conquistadors of the region and the Americas. Nearby, the Casa Museo de Pizarro and the Casa Palacio Marqués de la Conquista are grand houses of the Pizarro family. The Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor is the main church of the town built between the 14th and early 16th centuries and thus quite new when Pizarro and his brothers would have prayed here before setting out on their journey to the far side of the world to bring down an empire many times larger than all of Spain. While Trujillo is most famous for the Pizarro family, it was also home to another famous explorer, Francisco de Orellana, who was the first westerner to sail down the Amazon River. A battle he fought on that trip against a local tribe whose women fought alongside the men against the Spanish prompted Orellana to name the river the Amazon after the warrior women of Herodotus’ history. In the afternoon we transfer to Salamanca with a quick stop at Plasencia, the birthplace Inés Suárez, the only female conquistadora who played a significant role in the conquest of Chile in the 16th century. Upon arrival to Salamanca, dinner is on our own. Spend two nights at a centrally located boutique hotel. (B/L)
Salamanca is famous for its university, the third oldest in all of Europe and the oldest in Spain, where many of the conquistadors studied, including Cortes. The conquistador of the American Southwest, Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, was born in Salamanca, as was the conquistador of Yucatan, Francisco de Montejo. It is here where Christopher Columbus argued his case for a western voyage to the Indies in front of a court of Dominicans in 1486/7. Our tour of the university includes some original rooms, the wooden benches well-carved by students from the era of the conquistadors and an amazing Plateresque façade reflecting a similar architecture throughout Mexico and Peru. After lunch on our own, continue on to the Plaza Mayor, one of the most famous and beautiful in Spain and two remarkable cathedrals – the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral. The Old Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, features Romanesque and Gothic architecture, while the New Cathedral, constructed in the 16th century, showcases stunning Plateresque and Gothic styles, making them both architectural gems of this historic city. (B/ /D)
Depart Salamanca this morning to Ávila, renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site, that encircle the entire historic city center. Its impressive Gothic cathedral and numerous Romanesque and Renaissance churches represent Spain’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, all but perfectly preserved from the era of the Reconquista. After our visits and lunch, we drive on to Zorita de los Canes, a small town west of Madrid and home to medieval Castillo de Zorita that overlooks the Tajo River. We overnight at the charming Posada de Zorita de los Canes, known as the little paradise of Alcarria for its stunning vistas. Tonight’s farewell dinner will be a treat for the senses. (B/L/D).
With its defensive hilltop position, Castillo de Zorita de los Canes played a crucial role during the Reconquista and now stands as a cultural a monument to the complex history of the region. If available, Dr. Guenter – who spent much time working at this site – will arrange a private tour for our group with archaeologists to learn about the preservation of the castle and artifacts. In the late afternoon, return to Madrid and overnight at an airport hotel. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)
Independent transfers to the airport for departing flights. (B)