Views of cities, cathedrals and palaces in Spain

Abrahamic Andalusia: Exploring the Confluence of Christian, Islamic and Jewish Cultures

October 30–November 6, 2026

Pricing: $6,795 per person; For a single room add $1,100

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For more information, please contact ATA at 855-395-6100 or CHQtravels@academic-travel.com.

Overview

Join Chautauqua Travels Expert Bishop Eugene Sutton on a transformative journey through Spain’s autonomous region of Andalusia. The Iberian Peninsula has been a bridge between Europe and Africa for centuries — ruled by Romans, Greeks, Byzantines and Phoenicians — though Judaism, Islam and Christianity have left most of the marks. As part of Chautauqua’s commitment to exploring the intersection of religion, culture and society, discover the historical influence these three religions have had on this prosperous and vibrant region and explore sites where all three of the Abrahamic religions lived and thrived together. Engage in thought provoking discussions on interfaith understanding and gain insights with Chautauqua’s Senior Pastor, Bishop Sutton on how these three great cultures achieved convivencia (coexistence) for hundreds of years, and how and why the area changed and what led to the region’s transformation.

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Trip Highlights

  • Explore the city of Toledo, known as “the City of Three Cultures,” and a Unesco World Heritage Site.
  • Enjoy a private Sefardi concert at Casa de Sefarad. 
  • Take a guided tour of the recently discovered Medieval Synagogue El Agua led by the director of the museum.
  • Wander the magnificent gardens and water features of Generalife Gardens, summer palace of the Granada emirate and UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Trip Expert: The Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton

The Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton is the senior pastor of the Chautauqua Institution. He was formerly the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and Canon Pastor of Washington National Cathedral, where he directed the Cathedral’s Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. Sutton has also served as a college chaplain, parish priest, and professor of homiletics and liturgy at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. Sutton is a frequent leader of retreats focused on spirituality, nonviolence, interfaith understanding, and social justice, including multiple missions to the Holy Land and South Africa. He co-founded Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington, an ecumenical network of churches and individuals committed to centering prayer and renewing the contemplative gospel for daily living. Among his several board memberships, Bishop Sutton has served as a trustee of the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies, and was named by the Center for American Progress as one of “Fourteen Faith Leaders to Watch” for his faith-led efforts to promote nonviolent solutions to conflicts.

Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 1

Welcome to Spain  

Upon arrival in Madrid, meet your fellow Chautauquans and embark on your Andalusian journey. En route to Toledo, stop at El Escorial, the impressive Monastery and historical residence of the King of Spain in San Lorenzo. Continue to Toledo, where you will gather for a warm welcome reception and dinner at the hotel, which boasts beautiful panoramic city views. 

Included Meals: Dinner 

Accommodations: Parador de Toledo  

Day 2

Toledo: The City of Three Cultures 

As you explore the captivating city of Toledo, known as “the City of Three Cultures,” a local expert will guide you through its rich history. Visit the stunning Toledo Cathedral, one of Europe’s greatest Gothic structures, and the Santo Tomé Church, home to El Greco’s masterpiece The Burial of Count Orgaz. Wander through the charming Jewish Quarter, stopping at the Synagogue of El Tránsito and the Santa María La Blanca Synagogue to learn about the city’s diverse heritage. In the afternoon, travel to Córdoba, where the group will once again gather for dinner to reflect on the day’s discoveries.  

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodations: Hotel H10 Palacio Colomera 

Day 3

Christianity, Islam and Sephardi in Córdoba 

Begin your day with a guided city tour of Córdoba, delving into its rich Jewish heritage with a visit to the synagogue and a view of the Maimonides sculpture. Continue your exploration with a tour of the awe-inspiring Mosque-Cathedral (La Mezquita) and the Alcázar, where you’ll uncover the fascinating blend of Muslim and Christian legacies that define the city. In the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time to explore Córdoba at your own pace. This evening, immerse yourself in the city’s cultural depth with a private Sefardi concert held in the picturesque courtyard of Casa de Sefarad. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodations: Hotel H10 Palacio Colomera 

Day 4

The Wonders of Seville 

This morning, travel to Seville, where you’ll begin with a guided walking tour of the charming Barrio Santa Cruz, visiting San Nicholás Church and the former synagogues of Santa María la Blanca and San Bartolomé to uncover the city’s rich Jewish history. Continue your exploration with a visit to the grand Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and the Giralda, a historic bell tower once serving as a minaret. Discover the stunning Real Alcázar and the vibrant Santa Cruz quarter, each offering a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past. This evening, dine in style at a private neo-Baroque palace before returning to Córdoba after dinner. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodations: Hotel H10 Palacio Colomera 

Day 5

Úbeda: A Recently Discovered Synagogue 

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and set off for Úbeda, where you’ll explore the charming old quarter and visit the recently discovered Sinagoga del Agua, a hidden gem revealing the city’s rich Jewish history. Next, participate in an exclusive, competition-style olive oil tasting, savoring the flavors of the region, followed by a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Granada, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, allowing you to relax and unwind after a day of discovery. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodations: Hotel Palacio Gran Vía

Day 6

Granada: La Alhambra 

Meet your guide this morning for a journey to the iconic Alhambra, where you’ll explore the breathtaking beauty of this Moorish palace. Wander through the magnificent Generalife Gardens, with their serene water features and lush landscapes, once the summer retreat of the Granada emirate and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. After immersing yourself in the grandeur of these historic gardens, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, allowing you to relax or explore more of Granada at your own pace. There will be time this evening for those who wish to attend a flamenco show (supplement). 

Included Meal: Breakfast 

Accommodations: Hotel Palacio Gran Vía

Day 7

Granada: The Old Quarter 

This morning, embark on a guided walking tour through Granada’s captivating Old Quarter. Visit the stunning cathedral, the Royal Chapel, and the historic Corral del Carbón, before wandering through the Albayzín district, where narrow, winding Moorish streets lead you through centuries of history. Afterward, enjoy the afternoon exploring Granada at your leisure, soaking in its unique charm. As the day comes to a close, gather with the group for a festive farewell dinner, celebrating the three cultures you have explored, and experiences shared throughout your journey. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodations: Hotel Palacio Gran Vía

Day 8

Hasta Pronto 

Depart the hotel independently for individual flights home.  

Included Meal: Breakfast 

What’s Included?

  • All accommodations and meals as listed for the duration of the tour
  • All sightseeing and visits as noted in the itinerary
  • Expertise of an expert, ATA-hired tour manager and local guides throughout the tour
  • All gratuities for on-tour guides, drivers, hotel, and restaurant staff as part of the group program
  • All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted, including one group airport transfer upon arrival 
  • Quietvox listening devices to facilitate audibility and social distancing on tour
  • The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
  • Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
  • Emergency evacuation insurance

Accommodations

Overlooking the river Tajo, the Parador de Toledo offers panoramic views of the city of Toledo. The comfortable furnishings combine with wooden elements to give the hotel a Mudejar feel. The rooms feature Satellite television and free Wi-Fi internet. (1 night) 

Hotel H10 Palacio Colomera in Córdoba combines historic charm with modern comfort. Housed in a beautifully restored palace, it offers stylish rooms, an inviting rooftop terrace with panoramic views, a restaurant, a bar, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere in the heart of the city. (3 nights) 

Hotel Palacio Gran Via in Granada offers a luxurious stay in a beautifully restored early 20th-century building. Featuring elegant rooms with modern amenities, the hotel boasts a rooftop terrace with stunning city views, a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience. (3 nights)