Excursions

Can Roda Winery Tour + Blanes

Visit to Can Roda. an ecological local winery, where we learn about the process of winemaking in Catalunya- and finish the tour with a tasting of different wines paired with local products. Afterwards, we head to the beach town of Blanes and see a typical Costa Brava beach town.

Montserrat

Montserrat is one of the most ‘spiritual’ experiences in Catalunya. Students get to visit one of the most beautiful monasteries in Spain. Afterwards, the students get to visit the crypt of Gaudí at Colonia Güell.

Tarragona + Sitges

During this excursion the students have the opportunity to visit Roman ruins in Tarragona and walk in the footsteps of gladiators and ancient merchants. Later, in Sitges the students have an opportunity to tour the city and swim at the beach to finish the day.

Costa Brava Tour + Boat Trip

This excursion is a combination of history, sea and fun as the students get to beach hop down the Costa Brava coast and visit the Ruïnes d'Empúries, an excavated ancient city. The students get to finish the day with a 4 hour boat trip on a private catamaran to a secret calas, where they can explore the flora and marine life. 

Girona + Dalí Museum

Students will embark on a full-day excursion to the medieval city of Girona, known for its charming Old Town, colorful riverside houses, and ancient Roman walls. They’ll explore landmarks like the Gothic Cathedral and the historic Jewish Quarter during a guided walking tour. After free time for lunch, the group will head to Figueres to visit the world-famous Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by Salvador Dalí himself. Inside, they’ll experience an unforgettable journey through the surrealist artist’s most iconic and imaginative works. This trip offers a unique blend of Catalan history, architecture, and avant-garde art.

Weekend Excursions 

Bilbao + San Sebastian

On this weekend trip, students head to Pais Vasco and stay two nights in Bilbao, with one full day excursion around the Basque Country, students explore Bilbao and San Sebastian. A highlight for students is trying typical Basque food.

Valencia

Valencia is home to one of the world’s largest aquariums and science museums in the world. The building itself is a work of art and incredible to visit. Students have the opportunity to explore Valencia's old town, and also head to the traditional rice paddies. It is also home of paella, so students have the opportunity to try a very traditional paella.

Granada

Granada has a very unique history, as it was one of the only cities to withstand the Catholic invasions and remained its own kingdom until 1492. Granada is home to the Alhambra, one of the crown jewels remaining from the Al-Andalus empire, and the second most visited monument in all of Spain. Students also go to the Albayzin, a UNESCO protected neighborhood.  Another highlight is watching a flamenco show in a traditional gypsy cave.

Sevilla

Sevilla, similar to Granada, offers students a different perspective of the history of Spain. Andalucia has a completely different history to Catalunya and therefore gives students an opportunity to learn about a new culture. Sevilla, the capital of Andalucia, is home to the most famous Plaza de España, where many movies have been filmed.

Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain and holds some of the country's most important works of art and architecture. During this trip students have an opportunity to explore the city and compare the cultural differences between Madrid and Barcelona, Spain’s two biggest cities.

Local Life Activities 

Designed to give students a deeper understanding of local culture, values, and history.  Learn more about how we approach culture through The Local Life here.  

CULTURE THROUGH FOOD

Cooking class 

Churros con chocolate

Students have the opportunity to try one of the most treasured Spanish sweet treats, ‘churros con chocolate’ at one of the oldest spots in town. This Xurreria is located in the Gòtico on the chocolate street. 

Tapas

This is a great activity so the students can try different traditional tapas, such as croquetas, patatas bravas, tortilla española, calamari etc. in a low key environment. 

SPORTS AS CULTURE

Tibidabo Hike

The views from the Tibidabo are amazing, and this outdoor activity gets students out to hike up to some of the best views of the city. Ideally, this should be done on a nice day so that way it can be an enjoyable experience. 

Camp Nou Tour/Museum/Talk

Home to one of the most celebrated football clubs in the world, students get to learn the history of the team at the museum and see the stadium without the crowds. After visiting the museum, students have the opportunity to meet with the head of the Penya's of FC Barcelona - one of the biggest supporter networks in the world. If you're lucky, you'll also get to see one of FC Barcelona's Champion League trophies!

HISTORY AS CULTURE

Gothic Neighborhood Tour

The neighborhood tours are a great way to learn about the history of the city. Especially starting the semester with a tour of the Gòtico, the students are introduced to the old town of the city and can get to know some of the legends and history of the important area.

CULTURE THROUGH ART

Sardana Dance 

Traditional Catalan dances have ties to Medieval times are still widely danced by Catalans throughout the region. During this dance class the students learn three different Catalan dances, Sardana, Xotis and Gitanes.