Knowledge That Goes a Long Way

Travelers over 50 who are interested in learning or furthering their Spanish-speaking skills can do so while visiting Andalusia, a province of Spain that is known for its many resorts. A series of two-week programs is offered by Solar Tours with 1997 classes available from January through May plus October and December. There are classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced students.

Classes are held daily from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Afterward, students participate in social activities and take excursions to medieval towns to see cathedrals, Roman ruins and Moorish palaces. Programs include a two-week course of instruction, lodging, excursions and other activities. Cost is from $825 per person, double occupancy, not including air fare to and from Spain. Prices also do not include meals, which are available at about $3 for breakfast and $6 to $8 for lunch and dinner. For an extra cost, lodging may be arranged in apartments with kitchens or with local families, which includes half-board (breakfast and dinner). Costs vary with the length of stay and the type of lodgings booked.

Activity programs include flamenco lessons, Spanish cooking classes, tai chi/massage classes, and outings to tapas bars, botanical gardens, museums and historical sites in such cities as Granada, Seville and Cordoba. City tours are included in the price. Golfing discounts are available at some nearby golf courses. Tour dates are available February through December. For a brochure and information on Solar Tours, call (800) 388-7652.

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TraveLearn offers a series of study tours in universities and colleges. Its 1997 programs include visits to more than 15 foreign countries, including Nova Scotia and Bermuda. There is also an Alaskan tour. Costs for the programs vary and are determined by season and choice of program. Prices are per person, land only, with most meals.

The average size of TraveLearn groups is 14, with a maximum of 20. Detailed itineraries are included in the TraveLearn catalog. Prices quoted are per person based on double occupancy. Some meals are included. Selected destinations with land-only prices include:

* Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Anatolia, Pamukkale, Izmir and Gallipoli. Dates: April 25 to May 10; July 5 to 19; Sept. 13 to 27. Price: $2,295.

* China: Beijing, Qufu, Shanghai, Xi’an, Suzhou, Guilin and Hong Kong. Dates: April 21 to May 10; June 30 to July 19; Sept. 15 to Oct. 4; Oct. 6 to 25; Oct. 20 to Nov. 8. Price: $2,445.

* South Africa: Pretoria, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Cape Town. Jan. 17 to Feb. 3; April 4 to 21; July 11 to 28; Sept. 12 to 29. Price: $4,795.

Other TraveLearn destinations include Kenya, Belize, Ireland, Costa Rica, Israel, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Greece, Egypt, Indonesia, Nova Scotia, Alaska and Bermuda. For a free TraveLearn catalog, call (800) 235-9114.