Spain at a Slower Pace: The Best of Barcelona and Madrid
Thu, Oct 23 2025, 12pm
An Exclusive Learning Adventure for AROHE Members
Thursday, October 23, 2025 to Saturday, November 11, 2025
UMRA is a member of the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE). AROHE formed a Travel Institute and this year partnered with Road Scholar to offer an opportunity to travel together on educational tours. This is a wonderful opportunity for members to meet other retirees with similar interests and a great way to make new friends.
First visit Madrid, the great capital of Baroque culture and art - bask in the power and excitement of this historic city, then enjoy the city of Barcelona, with its modernist architecture and considered the gateway to Europe and the Mediterranean. Today, both cities boast magnificent architecture, prolific legacies of culture and cuisine, considered some of the best in the world. Come join experts to explore these two treasures of Spain as you learn their individual and connected stories.
Program Highlights:
- Learn about and see the Modernist architectural masterworks of Barcelona.
- Take part in a hands-on cookery class and enjoy the meal you prepare.
- Attend an authentic Spanish “Tablao” to witness a traditional Flamenco performance.
Program Prices:
- Double Occupancy: $3,849
- Single Occupancy: $4,549
Activity Level: On Your Feet—Climbing on and off the motor coach for city visits. Many cobblestones, steps and uneven ground. 1.5 to 2 miles of walking each day, unavoidable pedestrian areas. Additional standing at sites and museums.
See the PDF for more details.
To reserve a spot, please contact Cheri Hamilton at [email protected].
Space is limited to 18 to 24 participants
Deadline to express an interest is March 7, 2025.
Upcoming Events
Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
August 31 is the due date for annual reports and updates. Annual Reports, Toolkits, web page updates, operating document updates and archives collections are all due each year on this date.
Autumn is a wonderful season in Minnesota so plan to join UMRA at the Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kristen Mastel, head librarian and curator, will reveal its treasure trove of publications and artifacts relating to plant history, horticulture, and natural history. After the tour, those who are interested may stay to eat lunch together, sitting outside if the weather is nice. Later, you are invited to a one-hour tram tour of the entire Arboretum that includes natural areas of flowering shrubs, bogs, and forests, family garden and landscaping showpieces, and the red barn farm
After a summer break the UMRA Photo Club will next meet September 10, 2024 in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library. For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 am. For September the THEME will be Curves
We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.
Topics relevant to managing investments in retirement. By David Foster, CFP©, CRPC©, CRPS©
This trip begins in Madrid and ends in Barcelona with stops 3 cities in between. International round trip airfare from NYC is included in the quoted price. See the attached a copy of the e-brochure with highlights and complete itinerary. Register by May 1.