Windmills in Toledo, Spain

Ruined Chateau De Peyrepertuse

Iconic Lincoln Cathedral

Craigievar Castle

A Wee Dram in front of Ardbeg Distillery

Spring into 2017 with
Scholarly Sojourns

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. – Proverb

Yes, it is true. Another golden summer has come to an end, and autumn is in the midst of creating that dazzling display of brilliant orange, yellow, and red to make us marvel at nature’s wonders until the all too brief scene gives way to cooler temperatures and shorter days. But, as the proverb reminds us, spring will return, bringing radiant sunshine, replenishing rainfall, and a glorious panoply of vivid colors to reinvigorate the land. What better way to free yourself from the dark days of winter and recharge your body and mind than by planning to set out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure once spring returns!

Scholarly Sojourns is proud to offer a variety of spring tours that are certain to whet your appetite for new experiences, adventure, and, of course, learning. For starters, this month’s featured tour – Dreaming in La Mancha – sets you off on a fantastical adventure through the windswept landscapes, quaint villages, and majestic cities of central Spain in the very shadow of one of the most recognizable and enduring characters in the history of world literature—Don Quixote.

Just across the Pyrenees Mountains in France, we find the settings for two captivating historical sojourns. The Crusaders and Cathars in Medieval Languedoc tour explores both the fascinating history and tragic legacy of a Catholic sect that spread thoughout southwestern France, yet, ultimately, proved too unorthodox and independent for the established Church to tolerate. In the Footsteps of the Plantagenets explores the verdant Loire River Valley to trace the French origins of one of the most dynamic and intriguing dynasties in the history of the English monarchy, which included such renowned rulers as Henry II and Richard the Lionheart.

In slightly cooler climes to the north, we offer two tours set in the highly evocative and natural landscapes of Scotland. The Great Castles of Scotland explores the remarkable history of this distinct land and its proud people through the windows of some of its most stunning landmarks as we visit over twenty of these incredible fortresses to learn the tales they have to tell. In addition to having an incredible history, Scotland also bestows the world with one of its most treasured liquors—Scotch, which to the Scots is simply “the water of life.” On the Scotch Whisky in Depth tour, you visit the four main Scotch-producing regions on your way to sixteen of the country’s most celebrated distilleries. Behind-the-scenes access not granted to the general public and the opportunity to concoct your own unique blend of Scotch in a “Master Class” are just a two of the unique features that make this tour an annual favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? It is never too early to plan for that once-in-a-lifetime trip and the winter blues will be far easier to endure when you have an amazing vacation lined up just beyond ice and snow. So remember, no matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow . . . . and we at Scholarly Sojourns would be delighted to welcome you on one of our tours when vibrant spring comes roaring back next April!