Portugal, historic site, waterfront, Lisbon
The medieval Belem Tower in Lisbon

Spain and Portugal's Paradores and Pousadas

Stay in historic inns in Spain and Portugal and discover the spirit of Iberia's rich Roman and Moorish past
Starting at $5,657
Including airfare, airline taxes & departure fees
Call 855-330-1542
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Overview
  • An exciting history of explorers and invaders is etched across the gentle landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula. Hilltop citadels reign over ancient olive groves, village lanes lead to striking Roman sites, and elaborate cathedrals and palaces feature architectural styles that speak of seafarers and Moors. Spend eight nights in historic inns called paradores in Spain and pousadas in Portugal—including a medieval monastery, historic fortress, stately palace, and old town hall—as your Smithsonian expert illuminates the spectacular monuments of an illustrious past.

    In Portugal, you’ll tour Lisbon, visit the National Palace of Queluz, and enjoy a traditional musical performance in Evora, a World Heritage site. Highlights in Spain include such World Heritage sites as lovely Cordoba, Seville’s renowned cathedral and Alcazar, Granada’s Alhambra, Moorish Toledo, and the Roman ruins at Merida. Conclude in sophisticated Madrid with visits to the richly furnished Palacio Real and the world-famous Prado Museum.
    • Special Value
  • This tour is specially designed for a small group of 16 to 24 Smithsonian travelers and offers outstanding travel value. Prices include airfare, airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees.
    • Smithsonian Experts
  • Throughout this tour, travel in the company of an exceptional Smithsonian Study Leader. Gail Cornell is an architectural historian and independent scholar who has lectured on numerous educational tours to Portugal, Spain, Tuscany, and the Mediterranean over the last 12 years. Gail will lead the April 2013 departure. Jodi Campbell, professor of European history at Texas Christian University, has spent at least part of each year in Spain since studying there as a Fulbright scholar in 1996. Her specialty is the history and culture of Spain and Europe. Jodi will lead the May 2013 departure.
    • Special Highlights
  • Spend eight nights in distinguished parador and pousada lodgings, including a medieval monastery, historic fortress, stately palace, and old town hall.
  • Enjoy a traditional music performance that dates to the Middle Ages.
  • Explore charming Ronda from your parador, perched dramatically at the edge of the plunging gorge, and enjoy a visit to local olive farm nearby.
  • Take a guided tour of the World Heritage site of Evora.
    • World Heritage Sites
  • This tour features the following World Heritage sites:
    • The Jeronimos Monastery and Tower of Belém in Lisbon, Portugal
    • The Historic Center of Évora, Portugal
    • The Historic Center of Cordoba, Spain
    • The Archaeological Ensemble of Merida, Spain
    • The Historic City of Toledo, Spain
    • The Alhambra and Generalife in Granada, Spain
    • The Cathedral and Alcázar in Seville, Spain
    • See a complete list of all Smithsonian tours featuring World Heritage sites.