b'THE LOST CITIES OF Scan here LUSITANIA for the full itineraryTHE ROMANS IN PORTUGAL & EXTREMADURA29 March5 April 2026 Historical BackgroundExpert Historian: The conquest of Lusitania, the most westerly of Romes possessions, Dr Andy Fear began in the 180s BC after raids by the Lusitani tribe into Romes province 8 days of Further Spain. Lusitani were a fierce tribe, the Roman writer Pliny derives their name from the wild rites (lusus) of the wine god Pan. Long wars of Activity Level: 2 expansion followed with the Lusitani at times giving as good as they got. One chieftain, Viriathus, remains a Portuguese national hero to this day. The Set amidst the backdrop of Holy Weekarea was eventually tamed by Caesar in the 60s BC. It was made a separate during which we will enjoy a rich heritageprovince in around 25 BC by the Emperor Augustus and given a new, of sumptuous, dramatic religious streetpurpose-built capital at Merida whose Roman name means The Emperors processions, this tour visits a range ofCity for veterans. Two famous governors who would have known Merida magnificent monuments left for us towere the short-lived emperor Otho and the brother of the the Emperor admire across the province. Their varietySeverus, Geta. The province was a peaceful one, but never quite forgot allows us to see not just the richnessits military roots. Units of Lusitanians are found in the Roman army and of city life, but also the source of thelegionary veterans from Merida are even found buried at Chester. As well riches and the infrastructure whichas these Celtiberian tribesmen, the area also contained pure Celts as town allowed that life to flourish. This novelnames like Mirobriga and Conimbriga show, and some Phoenician traders archaeological tour takes us through thehad also ventured here. In prehistory the region was an important outpost Portuguese regions of Estremadura, Beirasof the Tartessic culture.and Alentejo and the Spanish region of Extremadura. Whilst we will visit many important Roman sites such as Conimbriga and Emerita Augusta, we will also learn how they generally settled in this western extremity of their empire at remote villas, infrastructure sites and even extant factories. We explore some of the regions great cities such as Coimbra, Caceres, Evora and, of course, Lisbon. Day 1Fly London to Lisbon (or join tour at hotel) Tour historic quarter,Roman theatre Pre-dinner drinks and introductory talk Hotel inLisbon1 night (B)Day 2 Drive to Conimbrigaview Roman town Continue to Coimbra hotel 1 night (B,D)Day 3 Coimbra, incl Macheda Museum and Roman cryptoporticus, Alcantara Roman Bridge Continue to Cacereshotel 1 night (B,D)Day 4 Caceres Museum of Roman Art Merida, incl theatre, amphitheatre,circus, bridges and water management systems, temple, Museum ofRoman Art Merida - hotel for 2 nights (B)Day 5 Medellin castle, Quintana de la Serana watchtower Return to Merida -continue visiting Roman sites (B,D)Day 6Proserpina Dam, Badajoz and Troia, Alcacer do Sal - Roman cult siteESSENTIALS Alcacer do Salhotel 1 night (B,D)4-star hotels, meals as indicated,Day 7Santiago do Cacem, Mirobriga (baths and forum) and Sao Cucufatedrinks with dinner, all entrance fees,(Roman Villa) Evora hotel1 night (B)tour manager and expert historianDay 8Evoratour Roman sites Drive to Lisbon Airport for return flight tothroughout, all internal travel, London (or perhaps extend your stay in Portugal) (B)optional travel from UK.12'