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Spain & Portugal - Roman Lusitania
From $3,260
Summary
The Iberian peninsula, known by Romans as Hispania was one of the wealthiest parts of the ancient Mediterranean. Evidence of that wealth, including its rich fisheries, silver mines and agriculture, are particularly evident in Lusitania, modern Portugal and Western Spain. Mérida, the capital of Roman Lusitania was founded in 25BC by the victorious army of Emperor Augustus. During its imperial glory days, a large number of grand Roman monuments were erected; many, including the Forum, triumphal arch and amphitheater, dominate the town to this day. The superb evidence of the impact of Rome here is the main focus of our program, but it is enhanced by some spectacular prehistoric and Medieval sites along the way. The countryside too was dotted with villas, dams and industrial sites, including the huge fish sauce production at Troia.
Our journey takes us from the coast at Lisbon through beautiful countryside; we see prehistoric tombs, Roman towns, and the sites of the 19th century Peninsular War.
Meet your Experts
Expert guides, whenever you travel
We are proud of our team of expert guide lecturers. Whenever you travel, your guide lecturer will be on hand to answer questions, tell stories and deliver insights to make your trip truly remarkable.
Dr Andy Souter
Guide Lecturer
Dr Andy Souter currently works for the University of Reading and is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He is particularly interested in the architecture of ancient Rome and completed his PhD thesis on the rural economy of Roman Portugal.
Rita Abreu
Tour Manager
Rita has a lot of experience working as a Tour Manager, having led tours focused on a variety of subjects throughout Europe.
Your itinerary
Day 1 - Lisbon
Arrive in Lisbon and transfer to our hotel.
| Hotel | Pousada Castelo Alcácer do Sal |
|---|---|
| Meals included | Dinner |
Day 2 - Alcácer do Sal - Évora
Our day begins at the Cripta Arqueologica do Castelo de Alcácer do Sal and after this visit, we drive on to TroÃa. The site here was formerly the largest garum production center in the Roman World, boasting some 52 factories. After lunch, we visit the largest prehistoric burial chamber in the Iberian peninsula, Anta Grande do Zambujeiro. The last stop of the day will be at the megalithic complex of Os Almendres. Dating from 5000 to 4000 BC, it is the largest collection of menhirs in the Iberian peninsula.
| Hotel | Évora Olive Hotel |
|---|---|
| Meals included | All meals included |
Day 3 - Évora
Today we travel to the Escoural Cave, famed for its Paleolithic art and its funerary remains. After lunch, we visit the museum at Vila de Frades. Before we head back to our hotel, we explore the Roman Villa at São Cucufate, a large Roman villa rustica or farm later reused as a monastery in the mediaeval period.
| Hotel | Évora Olive Hotel |
|---|---|
| Meals included | All meals included |
Day 4 - Évora - Mérida
We travel to the town of Badajoz, situated near the Portuguese border to visit the Provincial Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon, we drive to Mérida and admire the ruins of the Aqueduct de Los Milagros, constructed in the 1st century AD to supply the Roman colony of Emerita Augusta with water. The small section which survives consists of 38 vaults standing 25m high and it is truly spectacular. There will be an optional walk to the Roman bridge before returning to our hotel.
| Hotel | Parador de Mérida |
|---|---|
| Meals included | All meals included |
Day 5 - Mérida
We start our day on foot by walking to the 11th century Muslim fortification, the Alcazaba, the best preserved citadel of its kind. Next, we drive to Casa del Mitreo to view its mosaics and well-preserved frescoes. After lunch we make our way to the National Museum of Roman Art, home to artifacts that were excavated from the nearby theatre and amphitheater.
| Hotel | Parador de Mérida |
|---|---|
| Meals included | All meals included |
Day 6 - Mérida
This morning we start at the Cornalvo Dam, where we explore its Roman foundations, dating to the 1st or 2nd century AD. Afterwards, we drive to Medellin and explore both the church and Roman theatre, before visiting Medellin Castle. This afternoon we explore the Roman Circus in Mérida and the Basilica de Santa Eulalia.
| Hotel | Parador de Mérida |
|---|---|
| Meals included | All meals included |
Day 7 - Mérida
After breakfast, we visit the Basilica of Santa Lucia del Trampal, the only extant Visigothic church in the Iberian peninsula. We continue with a tour of the Cáceres Museum to pore over its artefacts before having a special tour of the town. After lunch, we have a guided tour of the town with our expert guide before returning to our hotel for a farewell dinner.
| Hotel | Parador de Mérida |
|---|---|
| Meals included | All meals included |
Day 8 - Mérida
On our final morning, we visit the Amoreira Aqueduct in Elvas before transferring to the airport for our individual return flights home.
| Meals included | Breakfast, Lunch |
|---|
Tour dates & prices
Included in your cost:
- Expert Guide Lecturer
- Professional Tour Manager
- Local travel aboard a private air-conditioned coach
- Accommodation
- Meals as per the itinerary, wine and tea or coffee with dinner
- Entries to all sites as per the itinerary
- All taxes & gratuities
- Field notes
| Tour Departure | Tour ID | Departure date | Return Date | Guided by | Price | Deposit | Single Supp. | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 20 2020 | ASPA200920 | September 20 2020 (Sunday) | September 27 2020 (Sunday) | Dr Andy Souter Rita Abreu | $3,260 (ex. flights) |
$750 | $745 | Book Now |
Tour Enquiries
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Our helpful team would be happy to help you arrange your perfect trip. Send us an enquiry below or call them on +18883313476 and they'll be happy to help.
