$3,250
With Sr. Otero and Don Jose, you will have the unique opportunity to immerse in Spain’s landscape, culture, art, history, and cuisine with two teachers who are dedicated to passing on their love and knowledge of Spain to students and their families. The trip has been designed to introduce families to the most important sites in Spain — from the Alhambra of Granada, to the Mezquita of Córdoba, the ancient Roman aqueduct in Segovia, the world class museums of Madrid, and Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Família in Barcelona – while also offering a personal “insider’s” view of some of Sr. Otero’s and Don Jose’s favorite small villages.
In your journey from the South to the North of Spain, you will swim in beautiful waters, wander down medieval cobblestone streets, and eat delicious tapas, all while learning first-hand the rich culture of the region. Our guiding theme throughout the trip will be the contrast and impact of the three major religious in Spain today — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – which can be seen through their architecture, art, music, cuisine, and traditions.
The trip is uniquely organized to consider the needs of families, offering an enjoyable pace and set of activities that engage children and adults alike, and a good balance between planned events and free exploration.
Embark on a truly exciting, enjoyable, and educational immersion for the whole family!
Fly from US to Malaga, Spain.
Upon arrival in Malaga, you will be transferred to the nearby fishing and beach town of Nerja on the famed Costa del Sol in the South of Spain. Nerja is a favorite of D. Jose, a place where he used to enjoy helping the local fishermen pull the catch of the day to the beach during his teens. Nerja is the perfect place to start our trip with a bit of relaxation. Our hotel will be right on the beach, where kids can swim and play, and where we can become accustomed to our new surroundings. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening at one of the many nearby resturants in walking distance to our hotel. Sleep in Nerja.
Today we will venture out on an excursion to Las Cuevas de Nerja, where we will get to experience the magic of wandering inside huge natural caverns. Next we will head off to Frigiliana, one of Sr. Otero’s favorite “pueblos blancos” (whitewashed towns) off the Costa del Sol. In Frigiliana, we’ll explore the labyrinth of cobble-stoned streets, and take in the wonderful atmosphere of this historic town that has a distinctive Moorish heritage. Sleep in Nerja.
Today we will journey to Granada, situated between the snow-peaked Sierra Nevada mountains and the Mediterranean coast. Here we will experience a fabulous city of architectural jewels, rich cultural history, and a thriving university. In Granada we will visit the enchanting Alhambra, the last Moorish palace in Spain, with our private bilingual guide. The Alhambra includes a fortress, palaces, gardens, and beautifully detailed mosaics and ornaments. We will enjoy the best views of Alhambra and Granada from the neighborhood of El Albaicin, where we are very likely to run into impromptu performances of authentic flamenco in the “plazas”! For those interested, we will also have the option of attending a flamenco performance in the Sacramonte caves. Sleep in Granada.
Today we will travel to Córdoba, a medieval city where Muslim, Christian, and Jewish cultures meet. The main attraction, the magnificent Mezquita, is the perfect place to explore the intermingling of religions. It is both a Mosque and Cathedral, built in the Jewish Quarter of town. In Córdoba we will board AVE - the bullet train that will take us to the middle of Spain, where we will make our home base in the picturesque medieval town of Segovia. Sleep in Segovia.
Awaken to explore Segovia, a family friendly pedestrian town, packed with monuments, an ancient Roman aqueduct, a gorgeous Gothic cathedral, and the castle that served as inspiration for Walt Disney's El Alcazar. Climbing up its Torre del Homenaje is a favorite activity for children, as it offers massive views of the region. Finish your day in Segovia by tasting the best wood fired roasts in town! Sleep in Segovia.
Today we will travel to Madrid, where we will visit together one of the most important and comprehensive museums in the world, El Prado. You will also have the time to visit The Reina Sofia contemporary art museum on your own - where you will be able to enjoy Picasso's masterpiece: El Guernica. If you prefer to decompress and relax - and would like to stay back in Segovia, you are welcome to do so and enjoy wandering Segovia with your family, sinking in to Spanish culture. Sleep in Segovia.
Today we will travel back to Madrid and will take a guided tour of other important sites in Madrid, such as the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. Finally, get ready to relax and admire your photos as you board AVE - the bullet train to Barcelona. Sleep in Barcelona.
Today you’ll have the opportunity to experience the work of Spain’s most famous architect, Antoni Gaudí, as we visit Park Güell, a garden city right out of a fairy tale, and the Sagrada Família. The Sagrada Família is the most famous attraction in Barcelona, and remains a work in progress. You can wander around its base, gazing at the enormous statues of saints, or climb one of the towers for a magnificent view of the city. You will also have time to explore the amazing gothic quarter, or Barrio Gòtico, with its little alleyways, many monuments, and impressive cathedral. Additional sites to visit include La Boqueria market and the Picasso Museum. Sleep in Barcelona.
Today Barcelona is yours. Enjoy it as you explore on your own and savor your final day in Spain. Sleep in Barcelona.
You will be transferred to the airport in Barcelona in time for your return flight to the US.
2 nights in Nerja
1 night in Granada
3 nights in Segovia
3 nights in Barcelona
Total: 9 nights, 10 days