Paradores & Pousadas: Historic Lodgings of Spain and Portugal

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Angel Loureiro, Professor of Spanish and Portuguese, Emeritus

Angel Loureiro, Professor of Spanish and Portuguese, Emeritus will be the Study Leader on this journey.

A native of Galicia, Spain, Professor Loureiro taught at Princeton from 2001 until his retirement in 2018. While at Princeton, Loureiro was the founding chair of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, after the Department of Romance Languages was partitioned in 2001. In his seven years as chair of the department, Prof. Loureiro oversaw the reconstruction of Spanish and Portuguese studies at Princeton, hiring seven new faculty members and increasing the enrollments, especially in Portuguese, in a very significant way.

The author and editor of several books and scores of articles, Prof. Loureiro’s research has centered on modern Spanish literature and film, with special focus on the connections between history and culture. After his retirement, which he divides between Princeton and Madrid, he has taken a special reading interest in U.S. history, has published two novels in Spain, and has finished the manuscript of a third one.

Prof. Loureiro has lived in four different regions of Spain, has traveled to some twenty countries, and has reading knowledge of seven languages. A committed gardener, he loves opera and classical music, and is known to have an affinity for wine, especially Burgundy and Barolo, wine-production areas he has visited several times.

About the Journey

Join this distinctive small group journey through Spain and Portugal, staying in some of the Iberian Peninsula’s most unique paradores and pousadas – medieval monasteries, historic fortresses, and stately palaces, each reflecting the spirit of its region. Feel the spell of Iberia’s rich Roman and Moorish past – and the pull of its vibrant contemporary life.

Begin with an exploration of Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, including the iconic Belém Tower and the National Palace of Queluz. Next, visit the Alentejo region, staying in one of Portugal’s finest pousadas in charming Evora – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Crossing into Spain, see Mérida, with its outstanding Roman ruins. Enjoy visits to Seville, Córdoba, and Granada’s extraordinary Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. Explore Toledo, Spain’s medieval capital, before the journey ends in sophisticated Madrid.

Accommodation

Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
The five-star Corinthia Hotel Lisbon provides a romantic and luxurious atmosphere with a variety of features that include an on-site spa with an indoor pool and relaxation treatments, as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor restaurants, bars, and lounges.

Pousada dos Loios, Evora, Portugal
A former 15th-century convent converted into a hotel, Pousada dos Loios preserves features of its original architecture including courtyard cloisters, decorative arches, a marble staircase, and frescoed ceilings.

Parador de Carmona, Carmona, Spain
The Parador de Carmona occupies a 14th-century hilltop Moorish fortress. Its tiled courtyards, stone columns, archways, and exposed-brick interiors transport guests to the past, while its modern amenities offer the comfort and convenience of contemporary living.

Parador de Ronda, Ronda, Spain
The Parador de Ronda occupies a former 18th-century town hall and sits directly on the edge of the dramatic El Tajo Canyon. The parador offers stunning views of the canyon, Guadalevin River, and Ronda’s old city often referred to as the most extraordinary villages in Spain.

Parador de Ubeda, Ubeda, Spain
Located in the main square of the World Heritage City of Úbeda, this parador occupies a former 16th-century Renaissance palace.

Wellington Hotel, Madrid, Spain
Located in the heart of Madrid’s storied Salamanca neighborhood, the five-star Wellington Hotel & Spa is one of the most historic properties in the Spanish capital.

Reservations

Contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu or 609-258-8686.

Trip Details

Dates

October 12 - October 26, 2023
Activity Level

Moderate
Cost

from $6,374 double occupancy, including roundtrip economy airfare from Boston or New York (Note: air arrangements from other gateway cities and business class upgrades available for additional cost)
Deposit

$1,000 per person
Contact

journeys@princeton.edu
609-258-8686