Conoceris' Columbus and the Discovery by Javier Navarro

conoceris

Columbus and the Discovery. In the footsteps of the Admiral of the Ocean Sea

The Collection of Insight Journeys

2010

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WELCOME TO CONOCERIS

Fascination for learning. It´s my pleasure to introduce and welcome you to the Conoceris 2010 Insight Journeys Collection, a new concept for insightful learning that goes beyond traveling. How many times have you been fascinated with a subject, a place or a great personality and wanted to be more informed but found yourself unable to dedicate the time and effort that it would take?. Conoceris’ Insight Journeys are an excellent starting point for those who are constantly curious and retain a life-long delight in learning as well as an excitement for traveling.

Alhambra of Granada

Our journeys provide a unique way of learning combining the most up-to-date information delivered by reputed local scholars and offer selected itineraries that are off the beaten path.

We create true educational experiences in places where a subject can be observed first hand, discussed and debated. Our aim is to help you to become more expert and more knowledgeable through your own understanding. When traveling with Conoceris you will appreciate both an exciting and a lasting vacation experience and at the same time an unexpected but practical way to learn. Let us bring back the excitement of learning as you join us on the next Conoceris adventure.

Francisco Javier Navarro Founder & Managing Director Conoceris

► Conoceris is a not-for-profit foundation committed to creating the best learning experiences through travel.

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Travel & Learning

Learning is a means by which we give purpose to our lives and which strengthens us with a better understanding of the world around us. It also allows us to enrich our personalities and enables us to jump over hurdles in life.

Insight Journeys are sensational travel and learning experiences that start well in advance of traveling and have no end.

To achieve a truly beneficial learning experience we need to incorporate more dynamic perspectives and to interact with our environment. It’s necessary to change the pace by bringing one’s own knowledge and contrasting it with the lessons of real life. Traveling then becomes a huge opportunity to learn. But all too often any attempt at learning while traveling gets diverted because the emphasis is not on what you want to learn, but what the tour operator or trip planners have pre-planned for you. Traveling then becomes a racecourse in which you have little power to navigate or time to truly experience. Conoceris’ Insight Journeys are experiences where the ideas and concepts that you learn are turned into places, reflections and debates that you can see, listen to and grasp. This is the reason why we talk about journeys of discovery instead of a flat-out race across a tour. When traveling with us your destination is not a place, a resort or a show, but an inner journey that allows you to link what you are physically seeing, hearing and feeling with your innermost understanding of the complex nature of the world.

► Conoceris means knowledge (from Spanish verb, conocer ) and paths (from Latin noun, itineris). Our mission is create knowledge paths for you.

The Road to Santiago

Our life-long travel participants find that an Insight Journey is what makes a journey interesting and valuable. Join us on one of the knowledge paths that Conoceris has created for you.

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Our Difference We have added to a top-notch travel experience the luxury of learning from the best scholars in the subjects.

Cutting-edge knowledge Insight Journeys are in-depth experiences that rely on the most up-to date knowledge coming from the research community. This scientific knowledge is then adapted and brought to you by our journey directors so that everyone may be able to participate.

Personalization Insight Journeys are flexible learning experiences that can be tailored to your individual requeriments or to group interests. We take personal responsibility for every stage of your journey, sparing no effort to deliver the most inspired travel experience.

Reputed Scholars Insight Journeys are created and guided by outstanding scholars in their subjects. They are active participants in the research community and recognized experts in their respective fields.

Experiences From practical workshops to access to private places, Insight Journeys add experiences that are unique vehicles for practical learrning, often out of reach for average travelers.

Off-the-Beaten Path Itineraries Even though Insight Journeys visit most “must-see” sites at each destination, they are also focused on off-track itineraries that are not so obvious to the average tourist and that add real value to your learning experience. Limited editions Insight Journeys are limited to only a few trips each year. This allows the necessary time for our scholars to continue in the advancement in their specialized fields so that they are able to deliver a quality learning experience to you.

Research Conoceris is a not-for-profit foundation that aims to support research projects in a variety of subjects. Your participation contributes to our ability to support scholars’ research and improve future Insight Journeys. Partners Insight Journeys are fully crafted by the team of Conoceris. Additionally, we work directly with the local management at our destinations as well as leading travel companies whose goal is to deliver excellent quality and service.

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..... OF JOURNEY DIRECTORS MEET OUR JOURNEY DIRECTOR Our journey directors are the scholars that create sensational learning experiences that will inspire your understanding of our complex world.

Jesus Varela is a well-known and prominent scholar of Columbus and the History of Discovery to which he has dedicated most of his academic career. Since 1994 he is the Secretary General of the Institute of IberoAmerican and Portuguese Studies at Valladolid University where he is in charge of research and is also the Director of Casa de Colon in Valladolid. Jesus is the author of 20 books, 28 contributions to books and over 40 articles. Professor Varela has been widely recognized for his work and he has received distinctions in Spain and Portugal. Jesus holds a Ph.D. in History of America with high distinction in 1983 from Valladolid University. > Meet Jesus in “Columbus and the Discovery: in the footsteps of Javier Perez isofa the Professor the Department of History and Modern Art the Admiral OceaninSea” at Madrid Complutense University since 2008 where he also received a Ph.D with high distinction in History of Art in 1997. He has been researcher at international institutions such as the National Gallery of Art (Washington DC), the Smithsonian Archives of American Art, the Carnegie Museum of Art, as well as in Berlin and Munich. Javier is also the author of several books on modern art, is an art curator and a juried member in modern art showings. > Meet Javier in “Discovering Picasso: life, works and legend” & “New visions on Spanish 20th century art”

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Language

insight

COLUMBUS AND THE DISCOVERY In the footsteps of the Admiral of the Ocean Sea 15 days/ 14 nights Departure dates 2010: 04/07, 06/09, 10/13

“... and I left (the port of Palos), very well provided with supplies and with many seamen on the third day of August (1492), on a Friday, half an hour before sunrise and I took the route (...) to Canary Islands (...) in order from here to take my course and sail so far that I would reach the Indies...” (extracted from The Diary of Columbus).

Columbus and Queen Elisabeth, Granada

The description of how Columbus himself started the enterprise of the Discovery marked a profound change in his life and forever changed the map of the world. His achievements were enormous. The Discovery of America opened up new horizons and an unimagined range of new opportunities to mankind. Both American and European lives were extraordinarily changed to the point where we are today.

No doubt Columbus’ discovery of America is for some the greatest and most important event of the history, though, for others the beginning of the destruction for centuries of fragile cultures and civilizations. But above all, Columbus provoked an intellectual transformation and as a result of his vision, the modern age was ushered in, and the world was never to be the same again. After five centuries, although Columbus and his deeds remain controversial and mysterious, they have at the same time inspired the imagination of generations who admire Columbus for his conviction of following his dream of opening new routes for mandkind.

WHY TRAVEL

BRIEF ITINERARY:

Christopher Columbus’ achievement was a breakthrough for the European minds of the 15th Century that challenged the way they perceived the world

Day 1: Arrival to Madrid

To fully understand the Discovery, we will delve into the complex personality of the Admiral, try to understand his thinking and the dynamic forces that motivated him in the old world. We will analyze the many radical changes in technology, cartography and navigation that made new ways of traveling possible, as well as the new political, economic, religious and dynastic forces that were at work throughout western Europe and changed the feudal mindset. We will follow his personal footsteps through the many cities and villages of Spain that witnessed Columbus’ pursuit of those who might support his risky enterprise.

Day 2: Madrid & Alcala Day 3: Segovia & Medina del Campo Day 4: Valladolid Day 5: Medina de Rioseco & Toro Day 6: Tordesillas & Salamanca Day 7: Salamanca surroundings Day 8: Plasencia & Guadalupe Day 9: Trujillo & Merida Day 10: Seville Day 11 Moguer & Palos

Along the way, we will also review the artistic imprints and writings of the people that most influenced his life and the age of Discovery.

Day 12: Cordoba

But last and foremost, we will explore his passionate personality to understand how difficult it was for him to find the balance between explorations and family. We will try to grasp how his emotions were reflected in his relationships not only with his men, the kings and nobles, but also with his sons and his loving partners.

Day 15: Return to Madrid

Days 13-14: Granada

WHAT YOU LEARN Our experts will lecture you on these themes along the journey: • The ships and the men of the Discovery. • The writings of Colombus. • The itineraries of Columbus. • Columbus as Admiral of the Ocean Sea. • The Treaty of Tordesillas. • Tordesillas and the court of the Trastamara.

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COLUMBUS AND THE DISCOVERY In the footsteps of the Admiral of the Ocean Sea • Life and Death of Colombus in Valladolid • The role of Queen Isabel of Castile and the Catholic Kings. • The Dominicans in America. Colombus and the Dominicans. • Extremadura and its Conquerors of America. • Colombus and religion.

Jesus Varela

Journey Director

• Colombus and the Indians. • Staging posts of 16th century travelers. • America and its archives. • Seville, Moguer, Palos and America. • Colombus in La Rabida. • Colombus’ love affairs. • Colombus and Granada. The capture of Granada. WHAT YOU EXPERIENCE The journey will take you across 19 cities and towns in Spain, the most relevant in the life of Columbus and with a significant role in the social and political motivations of the age of Discovery. You will experience the moment when Columbus and his men departed from the port of Palos for the Discovery, board a replica of the Admiral’s Santa Maria ship and learn about the monks of the Monastery of La Rabida who always supported the “crazy” ideas of Columbus. You will see and touch some of the most remarkable pieces from the Discovery kept in the Spanish museums and castles, including original documents. And don´t miss the practical workshop on cartography in Tordesillas. And to cap off that total learning experience, enjoy the sensation of tasting the very best of Spanish gastronomy along the journey.

“Columbus and the Discovery” is a unique experience for those interested in enjoying both a discriminating and a practical learning journey on the life of Columbus and his time in the old world. You will have the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit emblematic places in the life of Christopher Columbus and of those that most influenced the Discovery, like Valladolid, Segovia, Seville, or Cordoba. But also cities in which important treaties for the European and American History were signed, like Tordesillas, or where the last battles of the Reconquest freed the Castilians from the Moors and the Catholic Kings granted the conditions to travel to the Indies, like Granada. You will have the chance to hold in your hands original documentation of Columbus and to learn about the cartography and navigation routes followed by Christopher Columbus and his men. All of this included with a tasting experience of the delicious local specialities and of the customs of those places that saw the birth of a new world.

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COLUMBUS ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival to Madrid

Day 8 Plasencia & Guadalupe

Individual or group arrivals to Madrid. Check into the hotel and gather at the hall to meet your fellow travelers and your Journey director and tour leaders.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, ride to the walled market city of Plasencia in Extremadura, source of many of the most famous Spanish conquerors. ♦ Lecture at the Plaza Mayor. After lunch, ride to Guadalupe, then walking tour of the old town. ♦ Lecture in the Monastery. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Guadalupe.

Day 2 Madrid & Alcala

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a visit to the Spanish Naval Museum. Later on, walking tour of the Columbus Square and The National Library. ♦ Lectures at the Naval Museum and The National Library, In the afternoon, after a short ride to Alcala, walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage city. ♦ Lecture at Alcala University. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Madrid.

Day 3 Segovia & Medina del Campo Early breakfast at the hotel, then depart for a ride to Segovia, where you´ll enjoy the visit to the Alcazar and a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage city center. ♦ Lecture at the Plaza Mayor. After lunch, short ride to Medina del Campo, where you´ll explore the splendid Castillo de La Mota. ♦ Lecture at the Castle. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Valladolid.

Day 4 Valladolid After your breakfast at the hotel, your day starts in the footsteps of Columbus in Valladolid. In the morning you´ll visit Columbus’ House, where he died in 1506 and now a Museum. ♦ Lecture at the House. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the old town visiting the main Columbus places. ♦ Lecture at the Plaza Mayor. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Tordesillas.

Day 5 Medina de Rioseco & Toro Your day begins with a breakfast at the hotel, then depart to explore Medina, the “City of Admirals”,which became headquarters of the Admirals of Castile in 1424. ♦ Lecture at the Visitor’s Center. In the afternoon, short ride to Toro, from where Columbus always took wine on his voyages. ♦ Lecture at the Colegiata of St Maria la Mayor. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Tordesillas.

A post signalling the Road to Santiago

Day 6 Tordesillas & Salamanca After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a visit of the 1363 Convent of St Clara. ♦ Lecture at the Convent. Later on, visit the Houses of the Treaty, where the famous Treaty of Tordesillas was signed in 1494. ♦ Lecture at the Houses. After lunch, ride to Salamanca, and walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage city center. ♦ Lecture in St Esteban Convent. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Salamanca.

Day 7 Salamanca surroundings

Your day is dedicated to explore some of the symbols of Columbus in the surroundings of Salamanca. ♦ Lecture in Valcuevo. Castilian lunch and wine tasting at Hacienda Zorita. Rest of the day is at your leisure, Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Salamanca.

Day 9 Trujillo & Merida Your day begins with a short ride to Trujillo, home of some of the most famous Spanish conquerors, then walking tour of the city center, which has the UNESCO World Heritage declaration, ♦ Lecture in Trujillo. After lunch, en route to Seville, stop and explore the World Heritage city of Merida and its impressive remains from Romans times. ♦ Lecture at the Aqueduct. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Seville.

Day 10 Seville After breakfast your day is dedicated to discover the fascinating city of Seville. Start with a visit to the Indies Archives. ♦ Lecture at the Archives. Later on, walking tour of the city main historical sites, among them the Cathedral, where the Tomb of Columbus is, and the Gold Tower. ♦ Lecture at the Tower. In the afternoon, walking tour of the historical St Cruz Quarter and the Alcazar. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Seville.

Day 11 Moguer & Palos

Early breakfast at the hotel, then depart for a ride to Moguer and its surroundings, the Mecca of Columbus places. You´ll explore the Monastery of La Rabida, the Port of Palos and the town of Moguer, in the Tinto estuary. ♦ Lectures in Moguer, Carabelas’ Quay and the House of Pinzon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Seville.

Day 12 Cordoba Early breakfast at the hotel and depart to Cordoba, where the Catholic Kings gave Columbus his commission while they were residing in Cordoba. Walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage old town. ♦ Lecture at the Alcazar. The remainder time of the afternoon is at your leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Cordoba.

Days 13 & 14 Granada Two days strolling the streets of the splendid Granada. You´ll discover the footsteps of Columbus, visit the town of Santa Fe, where the Catholic kings signed the capitulations outlining the conditions of Columbus’ voyage to the Indies, the Alhambra and the Cathedral, where the kings are buried. ♦ Lectures in Santa Fe and the old town. Dinners and overnights in Granada.

Day 15 Trip back to Madrid

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Granada’s railway station for a high-speed trip back to Madrid. End of the journey.

* The places where lectures are held may vary depending on availability.

ITINERARY MAP

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Main Places You Will Explore Seville

Moguer & Palos

Seville has witnessed the passage of the most diverse civilisations. The height of Seville’s splendour came with the Discovery of America, having the monopoly on trade with the overseas colonies.

Moguer is a landmark on Columbus’ route through Huelva. The Port of Palos, over the Tinto River, is where the shipyards that built the three caravels that took part in the Discovery of America used sed to be located.

Cordoba, World Heritage

Tordesillas

Its historic centre has the UNESCO World Heritage designation. Here the Catholic Kings gave Columbus his commission while he had a romantic liaison with cordobese Beatriz Enriquez Arana.

This is where Portugal and Spain signed the famous Treaty of Tordesillas, dividing up the new lands being discovered in America and Africa. For many years, the streets of Tordesillas were frequented by royalty. Today, they retain something of their old medieval flavour.

Guadalupe, World Heritage

Granada, World Heritage

When Columbus returned to Spain, he made his way to the Monastery of Guadalupe to make a retreat of thanksgiving and to express his gratitude. He took with him to the Monastery the Native Americans who had traveled back to Spain under his care.

The last kingdom to be reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs has an incredible artistic and historic heritage. This event influenced greatly the life of Christopher Columbus and was the most important event in the 15th century.

Segovia, World Heritage

Alcala de Henares, World Heritage

The passage of history has left its mark on this beautiful city that has UNESCO World Heritage status. It was in the Alcazar that Queen Isabel promised Columbus the backing he needed to fund his venture that discovered America.

Since its founding, Alcala has attracted celebrated scholars and Spanish monarchs. Queen Isabella met Columbus here prior to his departure for the Americas. The town is the birth place of Cervantes, author of the immortal Don Quixote.

Medina del Campo

Salamanca, World Heritage

The Queen Isabel died in Medina, designated HistoricArtistic Site for the beauty of its town centre. Its magnificent La Mota Castle (14th C) is a designated Cultural Interest Site. The city’s central point is its large “Plaza Mayor” (Main Square).

University city par excellence, birthplace of the first Castilian grammar and with the World Heritage designation. The visit of Columbus to Salamanca and his protection by Dominican priests give him endorsements to the Queen Isabel, which in the end produced the Discovery.

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Hotels & Restaurants A selection that cultivate our philosophy of joining history, culture and modernity and the care for every detail.

Our hotels and restaurants provide an impeccable hospitality, elegant comfort and excellent levels of service. Among the hotels are extraordinary historical buildings which display original pieces that will support your own learning experience. Most of the hotels are located in the heart of the cities and within walking distance from the cultural sites and shopping areas. The rooms are designed to offer the most up-todate technological standards and business facilities for your communications. And for your relaxation and sport activities the hotels feature spa and fitness clubs.

In the restaurants our commitment is with the regional gastronomy as the essence of the culture and of the history of each location. You will enjoy the best of the yesterday and the today of the cuisine with dishes that are adjusted to each season. You will truly live a real experience for the senses. We always take care of your special health requirements, the vegetarian ones, the diabetics, and of those who want to enjoy the high gastronomy looking after of themself, but without having to resign anything.

QUESTIONS? Call Conoceris at + 34 91 678 26 07 or E-mail info@conoceris.com

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Groups & Tailored Programs A journey that may specially be tailored for your group to elevate your learning experience.

We work hand in hand with your alumni, society, academy, museum, not-for-profit, special interest group or employee rewards program. Conocerisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; travel management department creates unique learning experiences specially tailored for your group.

University departments and professors may participate in the tailoring of extension programs or curriculum course credits through our insightful and hands-on journeys. With us your students will meet your highest academic standards.

You may wish to extend a journey with new original themes or add an outstanding specialist to further enrich the learning experience. Our programs can be personalized for reduced or extended itineraries or to balance your group schedules.

Your journey begins with a phone call to one of our specialists, who will design and oversee your program from beginning to end. We can arrange for special access and opportunities for your group learning experience that no other organization can match.

The result is a carefully crafted distinctive insight journey perfectly tailored to your interests. Contact our Travel Specialist at + 34 91 678 26 07 for special groups requirements or E-mail info@conoceris.com

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Dates & Prices JOURNEY

Columbus and the Discovery: in the footsteps of the Admiral of the Ocean Sea

DAYS/ NIGHTS

PRICE FROM

STARTING DATES

15 / 14

Please ask

04/07, 06/09, 10/13

Note: Special dates and prices may apply to groups and tailored insight journeys. Please ask our travel specialist for specific conditions. * Prices may change to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

QUESTIONS? Call Conoceris at + 34 91 678 26 07 or E-mail info@conoceris.com

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Reservation Information Costs Include: All accommodations in hotels per jouney, museum and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, taxes, service charges, services of our guiding staff and journey directors and a complete pre-journey information,including suggestions on what to bring and recommended reading. Not Included: Air transportation, extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to hotel and restaurant staff at your discretion. Airfare: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost unless otherwise indicated. Sample airfares are subject to change. We will gladly assist in making your air arrangements. TERMS & CONDITIONS Guaranteed Departures: All departures are guaranteed being subject to a minimum number of passengers to operate, excepting only cases of force majeure and other circumstances beyond Conoceris control. Should the minimum number of passengers not be met, Conoceris will offer either modify the services of the original program to accommodate a smaller group or offer an alternative program. Should no alternative be suitable, Conoceris will offer a full refund of all monies received. Itineraries: Arranged itineraries are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond Conoceris control. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. Conoceris also reserves the right to withdraw a program or any part of it, to make such alterations to the itinerary or the program inclus2ions as it deems necessary or desirable. Reservations: To reserve your place, an advance payment for the program as outlined is required at the time of reservation and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or transfer. The per person amount due is noted within this brochure. Early Arrival: Conoceris recommends that you arrive a day or two before the start of your program to allow time to relax and to prepare for the start of your program. Conoceris has negotiated special overnight rates so ask for details at time of booking.

Active Elements: On specified programs Conoceris will require notice if any participant has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself or to other members of the selected program. Conoceris reserves the right to decline to accept anyone that it considers unsuitable due to fitness level. Should you have any questions or need any clarification about a specific program please ask for details at time of booking. Registration and Payment Schedule: For all programs in this brochure a deposit of $1,000 per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 45 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation. Cancellation Charges: For all programs cancellations received 45 days or more prior to departure will be subject to a $600 per person/per program cancellation fee; 45â&#x20AC;&#x201C;30 days, will be subject to 50% of program price and 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price. Travel Protection Plan: Travel protection and medical insurance are available at extra cost. Ask about our comprehensive guest travel protection plan for a worry-free expedition. Claims and Refunds: Refunds are not made for any missed services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program and be accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a statement from the local destination company verifying the claim. Limits on Responsibility: Conoceris its employees, shareholders and directors and assigns does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip. It purchases transportation, hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant and other services from various independent suppliers. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result Conoceris is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person. In addition and without limitation, Conoceris is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services. Travelers assumes all such risks associated with participating in this trip.

fascination for learning.

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