Check out highlights from the Architecture & Cuisine of Andalusia, March 2025
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Check out highlights from the Architecture & Cuisine of Andalusia, March 2025 〰️
The Architecture & Cuisine of Andalusia
8 Days
Córdoba & Granada, Spain
Between the 8th and 15th centuries, much of the Iberian Peninsula was ruled by a succession of Muslim dynasties—beginning with the Moors and including the Umayyads, Zirids, Almoravids, and Nasrids. This period, known as al-Andalus, left a profound architectural and cultural imprint on the region. The course focuses on Córdoba and Granada, two cities that served as key political and intellectual centers during this era and offer especially rich material for close study.
Field Seminars include guided analysis of Córdoba’s Mezquita—a mosque turned cathedral—and the Alhambra’s palaces and courtyards, where form, geometry, and atmosphere convey a particular vision of space and power. Discussions also examine the cultural logic of public versus private space, as well as the structural differences between Arab and Western models of city-building—contrasts that continue to shape how these cities are experienced today.
The course also looks to the plate as a site of cultural meaning. In Granada, a curated tapas walk highlights the culinary legacy of al-Andalus, revealing how ingredients, techniques, and traditions reflect centuries of exchange and adaptation. Students engage with the city not just as visitors, but as learners—using its streets, architecture, and flavors as entry points into a deeper cultural and historical understanding.
Upcoming Sessions
March 22-29, 2026 | $5600
November 8-15, 2026 | $5800
The Elements of Elective
✔️ Field Seminars – Instructor-led sessions that bring the subject to life through on-site learning.
✔️ Self-Guided Study – Dedicated time to explore independently within the course framework.
✔️ Daily Discussions – Small cohorts (max 10 participants) reflect together on what they’re learning and experiencing.
✔️ Expert Instructors – Scholars and practitioners deeply engaged in their fields.
The Elective Approach
✔️ The Destination Is Your Textbook – Understand a place through its ideas, history, and culture.
✔️ Academics, Not Tourism – No lectures, no tests—just serious learning in a setting that connects to the subject.
✔️ Beyond Sightseeing – Travel with intention—leave with insight, not just photos.
✔️ Comfort & Service – A premium experience with thoughtful details and personalized support.
Course Schedule
Sunday - Córdoba
Arrivals
Check into hotel
Meet your cohort for drinks and introductions
Welcome Dinner
Monday - Córdoba
9:00 Daily Discussion
10:00 Field Seminar
Free / Self-Guided Study
Free time for dinner & evening
Tuesday - Córdoba
9:00 Daily Discussion
10:00 Field Seminar
Free / Self-Guided Study
Historical tapas tasting
Wednesday - Córdoba
9:00 Daily Discussion
9:30 Field Seminar
Free lunch
Private transport to Granada
Check into hotel
Free time for dinner & evening
Thursday - Granada
9:00 Daily Discussion
10:00 Field Seminar
Free / Self-Guided Study
Free time for dinner & evening
Friday - Granada
9:00 Daily Discussion
10:00 Field Seminar
Free / Self-Guided Study
Optional Extracurricular
Saturday - Granada
Free day and/or recommended activities for continued Self-Guided Study
Farewell dinner
Sunday - Granada
Depart at your leisure
Itinerary and course schedule are subject to change. A final, detailed program will be shared with participants two weeks before the course begins.
What’s Included
Course materials, including pre-course reading list and suggested continued readings for after the course
All Field Seminar activities, transport, and entrance fees, including La Mezquita, La Alhambra, tapas tasting
Single occupancy room in 4-star hotels - 3 nights in Córdoba, 4 nights in Granada
Breakfast every day
Welcome Drinks & Dinner
Transportation from Córdoba to Granada
Farewell Dinner
Options
DISCOUNT*: Share a Room - Participants who choose to share a room are eligible for a discount of either 10% off one participant’s enrollment or 5% off each. Please contact us before enrolling to confirm availability.
DISCOUNT*: Bring a Friend - Refer a friend who enrolls in the same Elective as you, and receive 5% off your own enrollment fee. You’ll receive 5% off for each friend you refer!
Travel Support - If you’d like to extend your time in Spain or need help planning travel to or from the Elective, we’re happy to provide personalized advice and logistical support.
*Discounts cannot be combined. Discounts are applied as a rebate after both students complete their payment.
Extracurriculars
Your Facilitator will organize two optional activities during your free afternoons or evenings. Details and costs for these Electives will be provided one month in advance, and if you choose to participate, we will handle the booking. For outings such as concerts, performances, or tastings, your Facilitator will accompany you to the event.
In addition to these optional advance bookings, your Facilitator and your Instructor will provide a wide variety of suggested activities and restaurants for during your Self-Guided Study and free time.
Extracurriculars for this course may include:
Flamenco Show:
Flamenco reflects Andalusia's multicultural history, blending influences from the Moors, Jews, Gypsies, and Christians. Its rhythms and melodies draw from Arab, Jewish, African, and Spanish traditions, embodying the region's diverse heritage.
Hammam:
The hammam, or traditional bathhouse, symbolizes the region's Islamic heritage, blending Arab, Roman, and Christian bathing traditions. These thermal baths, housed in historic buildings in Córdoba and Granada, offer a unique glimpse into this cultural legacy.
Equestrian Show:
The Andalusian horse, or purebred Spanish horse, is a refined breed with roots in the Iberian peninsula's prehistoric and oriental equestrian traditions. At the Royal Stables of Córdoba, purebred Spanish horses perform a majestic equestrian show synchronized with the rhythm of flamenco.
Sherry Tasting:
Wine is deeply rooted in Andalusian culture, with Phoenician and Roman influences shaping its traditions. Multiple varieties of sherry, one of the region’s most iconic contributions, is sampled alongside local specialties like jamón ibérico, offering a true taste of Andalusia.
Accommodation
H10 Palacio Colomera Córdoba
Hotel Vincci Albayzín Granada
Elective aims to provide accommodations in safe, central locations that adhere to our standards of comfort and service. Hotels may not be the ones shown here, but will be of equal or better quality, while also accounting for convenience. Please note that hotels will not all have the exact same amenities. If there are amenities that you require, please reach out to us as early as possible so that we can do our best to help you secure them. Note: if the rooms are not all of the same category, the earliest participants to book will be assigned the higher category.
What to Expect
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Arrivals
Málaga is the closest airport to Córdoba, where the course begins. From there, you can either take a train (50 minutes) or book a car transfer (1 hour 40 minutes) to the hotel.
Departures
The program finishes in Granada, which has flights to Madrid and Barcelona, from which you can connect to most major US airports (or stay on for a few days before heading home!). You can also get a train or car transfer to Málaga and fly from there.
We are happy to help arrange airport transfers.
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Córdoba and Granada are both small cities with a pedestrian center. Expect a good amount of walking, including on cobbled streets, during Field Seminars. Participants should be comfortable walking 4 to 5 miles. Contact us if you have questions.
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It’s generally cool and breezy but dry in southern Spain in early April. Lows are typically in the mid- to high 40’s Farenheit. Highs can get up to high 60’s in Granada and low 70’s in Córdoba. Rain is always possible in the spring.
In early November, temperatures in Andalusia remain mild. You can expect highs in the low to mid-70s and lows in the low 50s, especially in Granada, where the higher elevation can make mornings and evenings cooler. There is a moderate chance of rain.
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Spain uses the Euro. Euros can easily be obtained at ATMs at the airport upon arrival or at any bank in Granada or Córdoba. Visa and Mastercard are taken almost everywhere; AMEX is less widely accepted.
We recommend traveling with only a small amount of cash for tips or small purchases (a cup of coffee or a bottle of water). Check exchange fees with your credit card provider before traveling.
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There are multiple hospitals in both Córdoba and Granada.
Travel insurance is mandatory for participation. Please reach out if you have questions about this or would like recommendations of providers.
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You will need to have a passport that is valid until 6 months after your travel ends. We will ask you to provide your passport information along with health & dietary information, an emergency contact, travel insurance, and your arrival and departure information.
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Córdoba and Granada are both considered safe cities for travelers, with welcoming atmospheres and walkable historic centers. Petty theft can occur in crowded tourist areas, but serious crime is rare—staying aware of your belongings and surroundings is usually enough to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
As with all international travel, we recommend that participants enroll in the U.S. State Department’s STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive important updates and support while abroad.