By Katie Miller – Are you interested in traveling abroad? Morningside is offering two unique trips in 2026 that will explore diverse cultures. Both trips will provide students with the opportunity to experience new places and people while engaging in hands-on learning.
One of the trips is Cuisine of Spain and Portugal , which will be taking a 10-day tour of both countries. It first starts in Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, which is known for its stunning coastline and famous port wine. “We’ll start in Porto, sightsee along the river, and take in the beautiful scenery,” said Dr. Leslie Werden, one of the faculty members leading the trip. Following that students will travel to Santiago de Compostela, visiting its Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture—styles that are not commonly found in the U.S. The next stop is Bilbao, Spain, where travelers will visit the Guggenheim Museum and even stop by a local cheese factory.
“Our country is, compared to other places, really young, so to stand in locations that have been lived in for thousands of years is kind of mind blowing,” Dr. Werden remarked. The trip showcases a different lifestyle, fresh food, and a whole different part of the world, and being able to engage with the locals.
If students are hesitant about taking a trip abroad, Dr. Werden assures them that safety procedures are in place. “They can feel confident that they are traveling with experienced travelers, including myself, Dr. Susie Lubbers, and Dr. Jen Peterson. We travel as a group with a local guide, so we have safety in numbers,” Dr. Werden explained.
The second trip lasts 11 days in Perfect Peru, offering an equally promising experience, but this one is particularly special. Morningside professors Dr. Eastman and Dr. McKinlay worked alongside the Krishna family, who are originally from Peru, to create this experience. The itinerary includes cooking classes in Lima, followed by adventures along the Pacific coast, the Amazon River, and the iconic Machu Picchu. “This trip is packed with unique and wonderful experiences,” says Dr. Eastman.
In addition to group excursions, students will have the opportunity to explore independently in an area known for its ancient ruins. “We have added a day to our itinerary for students to explore the Cusco area on their own,” said Dr. Eastman. The trip provides students with a chance to experience both ancient and modern cultures, as well as engage with diverse ecosystems.
These trips will offer more than just beautiful sights; they will provide an opportunity to learn about different cultures through firsthand experiences—such as trying new foods, exploring diverse lifestyles, and hearing various languages.
Are you interested in joining the Cuisine of Spain and Portugal trip? Sign up before April 25, 2025, and receive a $200 discount on the trip. Contact Leslie Werden (werden@morningside.edu) for more information.
For more information about Perfect Peru, please reach out to Marilyn Eastman at (eastmondm@morningside.edu) or Patrick McKinlay at (mckinlayp@morningside.edu).
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