Art and History of Spain Student Tour

Day 1

Fly to Barcelona

Flight to Barcelona: You depart from home today for the overnight flight to Barcelona.

Day 2

Arrival in Barcelona. Visit Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral and explore La Rambla

Arrive in Barcelona: You will be greeted by your Tour Manager and transferred to the center of Barcelona and your hotel.

Sagrada Familia: After checking into your accommodation, enjoy a welcome tapas lunch at a traditional restaurant. Then, visit the world-famous Sagrada Familia, the iconic cathedral designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, which began construction in the 1930s. The visit includes a ride to the top of one of the cathedral’s towers for a spectacular view of the city.

La Rambla: In the evening, explore La Rambla, the elegant pedestrian street. Here, you can wander through the central Boqueria Market, with its lively food stalls and cozy cafés.

Day 3

Visit Gaudi's Park Güell. In the afternoon travel by train to Madrid

Parc Güell: This morning, visit Parc Güell, another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, built between 1900 and 1914. The park features an eclectic blend of housing and art. Located atop a hill, it offers stunning panoramic views of the city.

Train to Madrid: In the afternoon, board the high-speed train to Madrid.

Day 4

The Prado Museum, Walking Tour of Madrid and the Gran Via

The Prado: In the morning, visit the Prado, one of the largest and most renowned art museums in the world. As Spain’s largest art repository, it houses collections spanning from the 12th to the 20th century, with notable works from Spanish, Italian, and Dutch artists.

Walking Tour: In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the city, starting at Puerta del Sol, the bustling public square at the heart of Madrid since the 17th century. Continue to the colonnaded Plaza Mayor, home to an equestrian statue of Philip III dating back to 1616. The tour also includes a visit to the Catedral de la Almudena, Madrid’s main cathedral, and the Palacio Real, Europe’s largest palace.

Gran Via: In the evening, take a stroll along Gran Via, one of the world’s most impressive shopping streets. Explore its shops, theaters, restaurants, and cafés, while marveling at the stunning architecture. Finish your walk at Plaza Cibeles, another beautiful spot to admire Madrid’s grand buildings.

Day 5

Reina Sofia Museum, Picasso's 'Guernica' and afternoon at El Escorial

Reina Sofia Museum: In the morning, visit the Reina Sofia, Spain’s national museum of 20th-century art, home to Picasso’s famous Guernica. This massive cubist mural, completed in 1937, powerfully depicts the horrors of the Spanish Civil War and is one of Picasso’s most renowned works. The museum also showcases other works by Picasso, as well as pieces by other influential Spanish artists like Dalí, Joan Miró, and Antoni Tàpies. The museum hosts periodic temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection and is open until 9 PM on several days of the week, giving you a relaxed afternoon to explore before dinner.

El Escorial: In the afternoon, visit the spectacular El Escorial, a 16th-century royal palace and monastery. Built by King Philip II, it has served as the final resting place for many of Spain’s monarchs.

Day 6

Full Day in Toledo

Toledo: Today, we will explore historic Toledo, known as the “City of Three Cultures” for its rich blend of Christian, Moorish, and Jewish heritage. Our visit begins at the Iglesia de Santo Tomé, where you’ll see El Greco’s masterpiece The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. The bell tower here was once the minaret of a former mosque. Next, we’ll embark on a walking tour through the historic Plaza Zocodover and visit the Alcázar, the fortified palace of Charles V. In the afternoon, we’ll tour the Toledo Cathedral, the spiritual heart of the Spanish Church and the seat of the Primate of all Spain. The Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudéjar architecture, and its sacristy houses a remarkable art gallery. We’ll also have time to visit a Toledan gold shop, as the city is famous for its metalworking tradition, particularly the production of bladed weapons!

Day 7

Train to Seville. Walking tour and the Reales Alcazares

Train to Seville: This morning, we take the high-speed train to Seville.

Seville Walking Tour: After lunch, we begin a walking tour starting in the Barrio Santa Cruz, with its traditional whitewashed houses. We then visit Seville Cathedral, where we’ll see the tomb of Christopher Columbus. We’ll also admire La Giralda, the stunning 16th-century bell tower.

Reales Alcázares: Next, we explore the former Moorish palace, a beautiful historical site. Our afternoon concludes with a visit to the Parque de María Luisa and the beautifully tiled Plaza de España.

Day 8

Cordoba and the Juderia

Cordoba and the Jewish Quarter: This morning, we travel to the beautiful and historic city of Cordoba. An ancient Roman bridge spans the river at the entrance to the old city, with the highlight being the famous Mezquita, originally a mosque that was later converted into a cathedral after the Moors were defeated. Despite the conversion, the stunning Moorish design and influence are still evident. Upon arrival, you’ll have time for lunch and the afternoon to explore the historic Jewish Quarter, the Judería.

Roman Bridge: In the evening, after dinner, the Roman Bridge is the perfect spot for a stroll. Enjoy the music and performances of local street entertainers who gather here.

Day 9

Cordoba's Mezquita and Alcazar. Travel to Granada and walking tour of the Albaicin

Mezquita: This morning, visit the incredible Mezquita, originally built as a mosque by the Moorish rulers of Andalusia. After the Moors were expelled from Spain, a cathedral was constructed on the site, but the magnificent Moorish architecture remains preserved. If you’d like to climb the adjacent Bell Tower for a spectacular view of the city, tickets must be purchased on-site, as there is no advance reservation system.

Alcazar: Next, visit the beautiful gardens of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, laid out in the traditional Moorish style.

Travel to Granada: After lunch, travel to Granada, renowned for its Moorish history and the magnificent Alhambra fortress.

Albaicin Walking Tour: In the evening, before dinner, enjoy a walking tour of the Albaicín, Granada’s historic Moorish quarter. This charming neighborhood features narrow streets and hidden squares, with its medieval layout still intact. As you wander among picturesque white houses adorned with flowers, you’ll catch glimpses of the magnificent Alhambra fortress.

Day 10

The Alhambra, Nerja Beach and Malaga

The Alhambra: This morning, visit the Alhambra, Granada’s most famous site. The Alhambra is a beautifully preserved example of Moorish architecture, featuring exquisitely maintained gardens. Originally built for military purposes, it served as a fortress, palace, and medina all in one. The name comes from the Arabic, meaning “Red Castle.” The Alhambra has numerous rooms to explore, along with several courtyards that include pools and running water. One of the most stunning is the Hall of Lions, built in the 14th century, which showcases both Moorish and Christian influences. The highlights of the visit are the Nasrid Palaces, which were the residences of the rulers of Granada for centuries.

Nerja Beach: In the afternoon, enjoy time at the beautiful beach in Nerja on the Costa del Sol.

Malaga: Your final evening is spent in Malaga, where you can admire the super yachts in the marina and explore the old quarter with its Belle Époque mansions.

Day 11

Flight Home

Flight Home:  This morning you transfer to the airport for your flight back home.