Spain

MADRID

Spain’s Capital and largest city is home to some splendid art galleries as well as important historic museums and buildings. Although Madrid is a contemporary European city it manages to maintain a traditional essence with preserved neighbourhoods, streets, squares and gardens around every corner.

• Palacio Real and Gallery: This is the official residence of the King of Spain although King Juan Carlos and family prefer to live in the smaller Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of the city. The palace is partially open to the public and guided tours of the grounds and rooms are available on request. Includes entry to the official rooms, the pharmacy, the Royal armoury and the paintings gallery.
• Tapas Tasting: Stop off at some of the most renowned Tapas restaurants in the heart of Madrid. Students have the opportunity to taste traditional Spanish food from traditional Spanish Tortilla to freshly prepared Patatas Bravas.
• Santiago Bernabeu: The Bernabeu Stadium is home to Real Madrid and has a capacity of over 100,000 people. The stadium is located in the business district and even has its own stop on the metro line. Guided tours can be booked in advance and include the trophy room, dressing rooms and the entrance to the royal box!
• Prado Art Gallery: The Prado Museum in Madrid is one of the greatest art museums in Europe and even the world. Centring on the massive art collections gathered by Spanish royalty over the centuries, the Prado displays important Spanish and Flemish paintings, Classical statues purchased from Italy, medieval religious treasures confiscated from monasteries, and even some Romanesque frescoes taken from a Madrid church.

VALENCIA

 Valencia attracts travellers looking for sun but the coastal city’s splendid setting – amid rugged mountains and glorious orange groves – and stunning ancient and modern architecture affords a myriad of sights beyond the beach. Discover the city with a friendly local guide, including:

• Valencia’s old town including Torres de Sorranos guarding the entrance to the city
• Browse the lively Mercado Central – your guide will happily help you converse with the local vendors.
• Museo de Bellas Artes ranks among Spain’s best
• View the stunning architecture of Valencia’s Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
• Cooking class: Guided by a local to discover the secrets to making delicious Paella.

CORDOBA

Cordoba is one of the most important historical cities in the world. Archaeological sites include Roman temples, Theatres and bridges whilst a guided tour of the Great mosque explains the influence of religion through the ages.

• Flamenco Class (1 hour): Take part in class which will teacher you some of the most popular Flamenco Dance moves. Learn everything from body posture to choreography. You will also learn how to dancers need to keep complex rhythms and off-beats which are so crucial to learning Flamenco Dance well.
• Flamenco Show: Watch the experts perform the traditional Spanish dance.
• Great Mosque of Cordoba: The mosque or “mezquita” contains columns that date back to the Roman and Visigothic periods, a fascinating Jewish quarter and a fine Roman town with archaeological remains.
• Cooking Class: Learn how to make more traditional Spanish dishes!

SEVILLE

• Guided tour of Seville: Seville is more than 2000 years old and a fabulous destination for students of art, history and languages. Sites of interest included the fine arts museum, the cathedral and the Moorish old quarter.
• Giralda and Cathedral Seville: The Giralda is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville. One of the largest churches in the world and an outstanding example of the Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. The tower’s first two thirds is a former Almohad minaret which was the tallest tower in the world at 97.5 m (320 ft) in height when it was build. It was one of the most important symbols in the medieval city.
• Torre del Oro: The Torre del Oro was built by the Almohad dynasty as watchtower and defensive barrier on the river. Today the tower is a naval museum containing: engravings, letters, models and instruments.
• Royal Palace Alcazar: The Royal Palace Alcazar is the oldest Spanish Kings residence. The great Arabian style palace was built during various epochs. It is the first royal palace in Spain influence Mudejar and plateresque.