Program Tours
Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Seville, Granada and Cordoba are just some of the fascinating places that we visit. All of our programs begin with a tour of Madrid, Segovia and Toledo. These distinct historic sites are replete with samples of the rich cultural legacy of Spain. There, students will get to see up close original El Greco, Velazquez and Goya masterpieces, like the Burial of the Count of Orgaz, The Meninas and The Executions of May. We will consider the singular and complex personalities of Isabel and Ferdinand, and their multi-layered historic importance... while we sit in their palace of the Alcazar in Segovia.
Seville will be the focus of many of our visits, and will include the imposing Cathedral and Columbus' final resting ground, the Royal Alcazar and its mudejar treasures, the vast Plaza de España, and the beautiful Triana. As well, during the core portion of our program we will visit nearby cities like Cadiz, Tarifa and Huelva, where Columbus first set sail to a new world. Cordoba will be marvel all of its own, its labyrinthine streets converging on the 8th century mosque, so grand it still makes visitors gasp in awe.
In Granada the highlight of the visit -and for many the highlight of the trip- will be the magical Alhambra. A palace so large it contained a functioning city within, the last domain of the Nazirid dynasty stands still today as a wonder of art, architecture and beauty, from its intricate tiles and plaster scripts, to its sparkling array of fountains and gardens.
Seville will be the focus of many of our visits, and will include the imposing Cathedral and Columbus' final resting ground, the Royal Alcazar and its mudejar treasures, the vast Plaza de España, and the beautiful Triana. As well, during the core portion of our program we will visit nearby cities like Cadiz, Tarifa and Huelva, where Columbus first set sail to a new world. Cordoba will be marvel all of its own, its labyrinthine streets converging on the 8th century mosque, so grand it still makes visitors gasp in awe.
In Granada the highlight of the visit -and for many the highlight of the trip- will be the magical Alhambra. A palace so large it contained a functioning city within, the last domain of the Nazirid dynasty stands still today as a wonder of art, architecture and beauty, from its intricate tiles and plaster scripts, to its sparkling array of fountains and gardens.
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Special tours
In addition to our program tours, students can also sign up for our special tours of Barcelona, Bilbao and Asilah, Morocco
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Asilah, Morocco Just a short drive south of Seville we will take the ferry from Tarifa to Tangiers, Morocco, and from there to the beautiful town of Asilah, home of a historical Portuguese fortress, now turned into a typical Moroccan medina. Here students can experience the special vibrancy of this fascinating country, and its ancient culture, so closely linked to the Iberian peninsula, yet so very much part of Islamic north Africa. Near Asilah are some of the most pristine beaches of the world, where we will also sample Moroccan food cooked in traditional tagines. (June 29 & 39 - Tour of Asilah, Morocco $370) |
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Bilbao
Once a decaying industrial city in the north of Spain, it has undergone a revitalizing transformation, becoming a mecca for modernity, innovation and avant garde architecture. The pivot point for this change was Frank Gehry's spectacular Guggenheim Museum building, now playfully guarded by Jeff Koon's floral Puppy. Bilbao's old quarter is now the heart of the Basque culinary revolution, where we will taste the seemingly infinite variety of pintxos on our way along the picturesque riverfront. Our tour will include a short metro ride to the beach front town of Getxo, and stroll in front of its palaces by the sea. (July 20 & 21 - Tour of Bilbao $425) |
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Barcelona
A perennial favorite, this visit is centered around world renown sites like the Parc Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, and Sagrada Familia. These Antoni Gaudi masterpieces never fail to impress, amaze and fascinate visitors of all ages. Barcelona is also home to a wonderful Picasso Museum, a city front beach, the Ramblas and the world famous soccer team. Our students have invariably enjoyed the shopping, the tours, the strolls along a city founded by the Romans and home to some of the more significant art of the 20th century. (July 13 & 14 - Tour of Barcelona $490) |
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