June 25: Departure Day, Newark to Madrid
In support of program and student safety, all details regarding specific travel and accommodations are available in the parent/guardian digital locker under Essential Information.
June 26 – 30: Llanes
Begin the program with five days on Spain’s northern coast in the Asturias region, with an orientation to Spanish language and culture. Get to know your group and participate in daily language lessons. Enjoy a picnic on the beach, play soccer with Spanish friends, and learn how to surf with the help of Spanish instructors. Take a daytrip to Covadonga, the site of the Battle of Covadonga of 722, and learn about Christian troops’ first victory during the Muslim occupation of Spain and the 700-year Reconquista that followed.
July 1 – 4: Fuente Dé
Travel south to the Picos de Europa mountain range. Take the teleférico, or gondola, up to the snow-capped peaks. Hike on spectacular trails past cows, sheep, horses, and goats, and meet the shepherds who spend their summers in the mountains with their herds. Spend an afternoon canyoning in a mountain river, rappelling down waterfalls and jumping in natural pools. Continue your language immersion, and sample regional Spanish cuisine.
July 5 – 9: Madrid
Explore the lively streets of Madrid. Visit world-class art museums including the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen Bornemisza. Learn about the history of the Spanish monarchy through a tour of the Royal Palace. Sample a small plates at a tapas market, visit Real Madrid’s stadium Santiago Bernabéu, and paddle a rowboat in Madrid’s gorgeous Retiro park. Take a day trip to Segovia to see its Roman aqueduct or to Toledo to visit the Alcázar and ancient synagogue.
July 10 – 15: Daystay in Cuenca
Immerse yourself in local culture by pairing with a Spanish teenager. This is an opportunity to experience Spanish life as a local. Practice your language skills as you join in their daily activities, meet the family, and form lasting friendships. During this week, you will be with your Spanish brother or sister during the day, and come back together as a group in the evening. Activities may include a kayaking excursion, an outdoor Spanish film, a visit to a local museum, and an afternoon at the town pool. You will also spend two full days exclusively with your host family so that you can experience a typical summer day among family and friends in Spain.
July 16 – 20: Granada
Head south to Andalucía for four days in the city of Granada. Explore the palaces, fountains, and fortresses that make up La Alhambra and its spectacular Generalife gardens. Compare the compound’s Islamic and Renaissance architecture while learning about Spain’s Moorish and Christian history. Wander the narrow streets of Granada’s ancient Muslim quarter, soak in a traditional Arabic bath, and taste mint tea and Arabic pastries. Learn to dance flamenco at a taberna de flamenco and study a poem by Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca over a picnic in the park outside of his home.
July 21 & 22: Capileira
Spend two days at a family-run inn in a whitewashed village in the mountainous Alpujarras region. Hike to the top of Mulhacén, the highest peak on the Iberian Peninsula. Past groups have also enjoyed day trips to the jamón factories of Trevélez, where the region’s dry mountain air is used to cure serrano ham, as well as the natural springs of Lanjarón, famous for its bottled water company.
July 23 – 26: Nerja
Continue south and spend your final four days in a small town on the Costa del Sol. Enjoy an afternoon on the beach, playing volleyball or swimming in the Mediterrean’s turquoise waters. Sea kayak to a natural beach and spend the morning snorkeling. Take a day trip to the charming town of Frigiliana, and walk past white-washed homes decorated with painted ceramic pots and bright-red geraniums. Descend into Nerja’s 3-mile cave network Las Cuevas de Nerja, and observe enormous stalactites and stalagmites. On your final evening in Spain, enjoy a special group dinner and reflect on all of the memories you have shared.
July 27: Return Day, Madrid to Newark
In support of program and student safety, all details regarding specific travel and accommodations are available in the parent/guardian digital locker under Essential Information.
July 27: Airport Hotel
One of your leaders will stay overnight with the group. If you have reserved and paid for a hotel room, we will send you an email one week prior to departure with details about the hotel reservation.