In addition to its own attractions, Madrid's central location offers the possibility of convenient day trips to other towns where students will enjoy a generous sampling of the country's cultural wealth, ranging from the austere grandeur of Segovia's famous Roman aqueduct to the dazzling ornamentation of Toledo's cathedral, headquarters of the Catholic Church in Spain. The group will visit San Lorenzo de El Escorial, imposing monastery and residence of Felipe II, as well as the walled city of Avila, home of the mystic poet-saints Teresa de Jesus and San Juan de la Cruz. Cordoba will serve as our base of operations in southern Spain, with day trips scheduled to Granada and Seville where we will experience some of the high points of Islamic culture in Spain. Day trips and sightseeing tours will be led by English-speaking guides and are included in the cost of the program. Hotel breakfasts and dinners are included as well.
Students are on their own for lunches, shopping and free-time activities.
We strongly recommend that all participants take as much Spanish as possible before the trip, as they will definitely have opportunities to use it.