SPAIN
Reino de España: The Kingdom of Spain has been inhabited for thousands of years initially by Iberians and Celts. See artifacts from these tribes which can be found in the Altamira cave, in the form of paintings. The Carthaginians later invaded these settlements and started trading colonies. Spain is geographically and culturally diverse country with rich, colourful, and unique cultures and traditions. There are 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain (the third-highest number in the world).
Learning more about the history, culture, and people of Spain will leave you enchanted and wanting to come back over and over again.
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TARAS' TIPS:
"Did you know there are over 3,000 festivals, fiestas, and fêtes that are celebrated every year in Spain?! Festivals are a very important part of Spanish culture thus greatly influencing the social life of the locals. Enjoy the fun-loving side of Spain whilst exploring its fascinating history and famous delicious fresh cuisine!"
Córdoba in Andalusia should not be missed. the entire old town of the city has been declared a World Heritage Site. With many outstanding monuments such as the famous landmark is the Grand Mosque constructed in 784 A.D. when Spain was under Islamic rule, the majestic Roman Bridge, and the Alcazar of the Christian monarchs, a medieval fortress built-in 1328. It is a small city and easily accessible so you can enjoy all the historical and cultural highlights.
The Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba
SPAIN, Córdoba
Feature Trip for 2021
Walking and cycling in stunning Spain
April/May
Explore the magical and ancient Camino de Santiago, a UNESCO pilgrimage route, which is in fact made up of several networks.
Join us on the beautiful pilgrimage that leads you from Pamplona to the impressive Catedral de Santiago de Compostela and the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great. Marvel at the picturesque and historically and culturally significant villages and towns we will pass through.
The main pilgrimage route to Santiago follows an earlier Roman trade route and was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during the later Middle Ages. So much to see and do, you will immerse yourself in this fascinating route!
11 Nights From:
£2950
Includes 5 dinners, educational materials, guides, coordinator all transport, transfers, and accommodation
SCROLL THROUGH SOME OF OUR MUSES' SUGGESTIONS
ROMAN HISPANIA
We offer 2 unique Roman Tours which you can see in the Sample Itinerary section below on page 3 and 4.
Spain was known as Hispania from the time Scipio first arrived in Tarragona (the first Roman City outside of Italy) in 218 BC, until the invasion of the Goths, to the beginning of the fifth century A.D. An amzing for 6 centuries!
Hispania was one of the Roman Empire's richest provinces. The Romans gave Hispania culture, their building knowledge, how to be organised politically and administratively, and even their legal code.
There are many well-preserved Roman buildings in Spain such as villas, amphitheaters, and roads. The Roman villa of La Olmeda is definitely worth a visit.
SAMPLE ITINERARY INSPIRED BY CLIO, CALLIOPE AND THALIA
WALKING AND CYCLING IN SPAIN ALONG THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
Culture, History, and Wine!
11 Nights
Explore the magical and ancient Camino de Santiago, a UNESCO pilgrimage route, which is in fact made up of several networks. Join us on the beautiful pilgrimage that leads you from Pamplona to the impressive Catedral de Santiago de Compostela and the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great. Marvel at the picturesque and historically and culturally significant villages and towns we will pass through. The main pilgrimage route to Santiago follows an earlier Roman trade route and was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during the later Middle Ages. So much to see and do, you will immerse yourself in this fascinating route!
STOP ONE
Pamplona
Arrive in Pamplona and enjoy a wander around this beautiful city. Join your guide for dinner and to experience authentic culture with dance and music typical of the area.
STOP TWO
Albergue to Espinal
In the morning we will stroll around Pamplona Old Quarter with a guide. After lunch, we drive to Roncesvalles. Each traveller will receive an essential Pilgrim Passport to mark their route. The first walk on the trail is from Albergue to Espinal across the fertile plans of the valley. After, we will return to Pamplona.
Total walking distance: 5 miles (8.05 km)
STOP THREE
Laguardia
Transfer from Pamplona to Santa Maria de Eunate church for the first visit. After that enjoy a walk to Puente de la Reina along the Santiago Path for 4 miles – 2 hours. Here we will enjoy a picnic lunch.
Short transfer (10 mins) to Cirauqui, an authentic medieval town. This is also where we start our second part of the walk (3 miles) following the ruins of Roman walls. This region has been inhabited since the bronze age. Continue to Estella by coach, with visits to the Palace of the Kings of Navarra, and the famous wine fountain in Irache, where pilgrims will be able to drink wine from this magic fountain.
Total walking distance: 7 miles (11.26 km)
STOP FOUR
La Rioja - the famous wine region
An outstanding region and one not to be missed, especially for wine lovers! Best to be seen in a hot air balloon early in the morning. You will enjoy a magnificent view of this region from the heights whilst light breakfast is served on board and we will finish with a glass of cava.
Once our feet touch the ground, will be picked up by quad bikes to explore the tracks, mountains, rivers, and valleys surrounded by thousands of vineyards until we reach Baigorri Wine cellars. Enjoy an informative visit to Baigorri wine cellar and private lunch combined with wine tasting. Then we will return to Laguardia village and enjoy a guided tour including an exclusive visit to Casa Primicia's old cellars and enjoy a wine tasting on site.
STOP FIVE
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
In the morning we will transfer to Najera by coach and visit the spectacular Santa Maria de la Real monastery. We rejoin the Santiago path and walk until Cirueña.
After lunch we will go back in time when we explore the monasteries of San Millán de Suso and San Millán de Yuso, They have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, considered the place of birth of the Castilian language. Both are uniquely different, Suso is a fine Romanesque church, and the cenobium, the monastery's nucleus, is Visigoth, built in the year 550, making it one of the oldest in Spain! Yuso was built in the 16th century and houses one of the most important libraries in Spain. It houses the first verses written in the Castillian language.
Total walking distance: 9 miles
Total time: 4 hours
STOP SIX
Burgos
After breakfast enjoy a guided tour of Santo Domingo de la Calzada including the Cathedral and Pilgrim´s Hospital.
Then time for some walking from San Juan de Ortega. Be in awe of the beautiful views of Burgos valley, cross the famous Atapuerca ranges where archaeological remains from the Prehistory period were found.
Arrival at Burgos and enjoy a leisurely lunch at Meson del Cid restaurant
During the afternoon see the highlights of Burgos including the Gothic abbey and La Cartuja de Miraflores.
Total walking distance: 10 miles (16.1 km)
Total time: 4 hours & 30 minutes
CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE
Viva La España!
We can tailor-make your travel experiences for you and your desires. We provide experiences for individuals, groups, families, friends, academics, and history buffs (beginners or experts).
We proudly collaborate with historians, archaeologists, locals, experts, and academics to ensure that your needs are met.
“I cannot praise ArchaeoMuse enough. Lucy and Antonio worked tirelessly to tailor make our Y7 trip to the Bay of Naples; such a wonderful experience for pupils and staff.”
— Lois, Teacher —
