Spain, Portugal, and Morocco
Faculty: Jill Jamison and Melanie Springer Mock
Class Meeting Time: Tuesdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Trip Dates: May, 2026
Cost: $2,400
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Highlights
From the palaces and cathedrals in Madrid and Sevilla to the markets in Marrakech, this trip will appeal to travelers interested in seeing the cultures and history of three different countries, with plenty of time spent near the sea. We will tour historical sites, but also watch flamenco dancing; go to art museums, but also to soccer games and bull fights. There will definitely be good food and, of course, plentiful beach days. Come for the history and culture, stay for the fun: or, at least, stay for the fun we can pack into three weeks.
On Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation: Although the three countries we will visit have different histories and cultures, our trip focus will carry a theme that feels prescient, given the state of the United States right now, and the rise of Christian nationalism in our country. In Spain, we will consider the Spanish Civil War, and how the rise of nationalism accelerated that historical event—as well as how reconciliation efforts have reshaped that country’s identity. Both Spain and Portugal’s history of colonization in the name of Christ will also be a focus on the trip, as well as what the countries have done in terms of reparations for its colonization. Finally, in Morocco, we will study whether religious minorities feel free to practice their faith in a country that is 99 percent Muslim, and also, again, the impact of colonization of Spain and Portugal Christians. More holistically, we will consider the interplay of religion between Christians, Muslims, and Jews in these three countries, and whether they are models for what it means for different religions to co-exist harmoniously.
Tentative Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive in Madrid |
Day 2 | Tour around Madrid (Reina Sofía, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, etc.) |
Day 3 | 2nd day in Madrid – Parque retiro, Prado, etc. – afternoon arrive in Toledo |
Day 4 | Toledo |
Day 5 | Toledo to Lisbon |
Day 6 | Lisbon |
Day 7 | Lisbon to Lagos (via Cabo san Vincente) |
Day 8 | Lagos |
Day 9 | Lagos to Sevilla |
Day 10 | Sevilla (home-stay with Sevillan families) |
Day 11 | Sevilla (Cathedral, El Real Alcázar, soccer game) |
Day 12 | Sevilla day trip to Córdoba |
Day 13 | Sevilla (bull fight, flamenco show) |
Day 14 | Sevilla (leave for Tarifa) |
Day 15 | Tarifa to Morocco (Tangiers) |
Day 16 | Chefchaouen (Blue City) |
Day 17 | Fez |
Day 18 | Mergouza (sleeping in tents in the desert) |
Day 19 | Ourzarate |
Day 20 | Marrakech |
Day 21 | Casablanca |
Day 22 | Arrive in Portland |