I have the amazing opportunity to travel to Spain this summer with an organization called Live N Learn. However, this is no ordinary tourist trip to Spain and will therefore be expensive. I will be traveling with some teachers and classmates for two weeks. The teachers and tour guides plan to make this experience as close to living like a Spaniard as it can get, rather than seeming like a high school group touring the country. During the first week, we will be doing some extensive touring of the following cities:  Barcelona, Córdoba, Sevilla, Jaén, and Madrid.  During the second week I will be staying with a host family in Madrid.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as this is an amazing opportunity to experience everyday life and culture in places other than the United States.

~Emily


ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly to Spain!

Day 2: Barcelona - ¡Bienvenidos a Barcelona! It’s time to explore one of the most exciting and beautiful cities in Spain. Spend the day walking about the narrow cobblestone streets of the Gothic Quarter and relax at Barceloneta Beach.

Gothic Quarter

Barceloneta Beach

Day 3: Barcelona - Journey up Montjuïc on an e-bike tour and enjoy spectacular views of the city. Then delve into the history of Barcelona’s esteemed football club while touring their impressive stadium Camp Nou.

Montjuïc

Camp Nou

Day 4: Barcelona - Visit Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, and watch the magic fountain light show at night.

Sagrada Família

Park Güell

Day 5: Córdoba - Take the high-speed train to Cordoba and discover a completely different Spain. Learn about the Roman, Moorish and Catholic history as you explore the Mezquita and stroll through the courtyards of the city.

Mezquita

Example of Córdoba courtyards

Day 6: Sevilla - Travel to nearby Sevilla and relive the history and culture of Spain’s fascinating past in the beautiful Old Town. Visit the immense gothic cathedral and other important monuments.

Old Town

Gothic Cathedral

Day 7: Jaén - Head to Jaén, the land of olive groves that makes Spain one of the biggest producers of olive oil in the world. Relax at a “casa rural” tucked away in nature and attend a cooking class by renowned chefs to learn how to make (and eat) some traditional tapas.

Olive Grove

Day 8: Jaén and Madrid - Visit a local olive oil producer to taste and learn about Spanish oil. After lunch, head north to Madrid where you’ll begin your homestay with a familia española. 

Day 9-14: Homestay in Madrid - Enjoy the authentic experience of living like a Spanish teenager as your family welcomes you into their home while showing you Madrid and the Spanish way of life.

Day 15: ¡Adios España! Fly back to the U.S.!