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Spain

Delve into ancient culture and explore it through a contemporary lens with a historical and artistic tour of great Spanish cities

In today’s world, we are often consumed by screens and detached from what matters most – our environment and our people. Centered around Spain’s rich diversity and culture, this program takes students through the magnificent cities of Toledo, Granada, Córdoba, Sevilla and Madrid to absorb art, nature, architecture and culture. Students will analyze what it means to be culturally proficient and deepen their concept of purpose on our precious planet.

Spain
Intro
Program Highlights
Sample Itineraries
Learning Objectives
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Program Highlights

Granada
- Visit the Alhambra Palace
- Tour the historic Moorish quarter, the Albaycin
- Watch a flamenco show
- Visit Granada Cathedral
- Visit a Moroccan tea house
Program Highlights

Sevilla
- Guided walking tour of Sevilla (Triana neighborhood, the old historic center, María Luisa Park, and the beautiful Plaza de España)
- Visit the Real Alcazar palace
- Visit the Seville Cathedral
- Climb to the top of the Giralda Tower
- Watch a Seville FC game (schedule pending 2022 season)
Program Highlights

Madrid
- Explore ‘Madrid de los Austrias’, the most historic neighbourhood
- Enjoy lunch in the San Miguel Market
- Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid
- Take in the views from the Egyptian Templo de Debod
- Visit the extensive Prado Museum
- Walk through the Retiro Park and wander down the iconic Paseo del Prado
- Enjoy a tapas dinner in the Literary Quarter
Program Highlights

Barcelona
- Guided walking tour of the city, highlights include La Sagrada Familia; Montjuïc Hill; Barrio Gótico
- Visit Park Guell
- Guided tour of the Picasso Museum
- Visit La Boqueria
- Discover Las Ramblas and the Mirador de Colón

Sample Itineraries

Madrid & the South of Spain

Day 1: Depart to Madrid Spain

Travel to Madrid, Spain via a connecting overnight flight.

Day 2: Bienvenidos a Madrid!

Arrive in Madrid! Meet your Evolve Tour Director and embark on a guided walking tour of the ‘Madrid de los Austrias’. Highlights will include the famous Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral and much more! Stop for lunch at San Miguel Market and taste traditional Spanish food. You will be able to choose from more than 30 different stands! Walk down Gran Vía, the most popular street in Madrid with plenty of options for shopping lovers! Then, head to Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple that dates back to the 2nd Century DC. Here, students will participate in an interactive activity in Spanish while enjoying the sunset over the temple. Enjoy dinner as a group before heading back to our accommodations for the evening.

Day 3: Explore Madrid

Today, visit to Madrid’s most important museum and one of the world’s premier art galleries, Museo del Prado. Enjoy lunch in the Atocha area. This could be a good opportunity to try the famous ‘bocadillo de calamares madrileño’, a delicious calamari sandwich and a culinary specialty in Madrid! We will visit Retiro Park. First, we will participate in a Gymkana (Treasure Hunt) through the park’s beautiful trails, where students will be able to practice their Spanish. Next, admire the Puerta de Alcalá gate, one of Madrid’s most well-known monuments, and walk down to Paseo del Prado to see Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains, as well as the City Council building. This evening we will enjoy a tapas dinner in ‘Barrio de las Letras’, or Literary Quarter, where some of Spain’s greatest literati have lived and written over the years.

Day 4: Madrid > Toledo > Cordoba

Our first stop of the day will be to Toledo, a World Heritage site about 70 kilometers outside of Madrid that was formerly the capital of Spain. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city through the maze of cobblestone alleyways. Highlights include a visit to the Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue, Europe’s oldest synagogue. As well, we’ll enter the Cathedral of Toledo, which is considered by some to be the best example of Spanish Gothic architecture. Then, visit Mirador del Valle. Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Toledo and Tagus River. Continue on south to Córdoba. Check into our new accommodation, enjoy dinner and our first night in Córdoba.

Day 5: Explore Córdoba

Enjoy an interactive morning Spanish lesson. Head out for a day of touring and exploring Cordoba. Highlights will include the Historic Centre of Cordoba, featuring monuments preserving large traces of Roman, Arabic, and Christian times; and the Jewish Quarter, exploring the Jewish history of Southern Spain. Then, we will visit the famous Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba, regarded as one of the most accomplished monuments of Moorish architecture. In the afternoon, we will take a stroll around the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos beautiful gardens. Enjoy a group dinner tonight and then relax after a long day of sightseeing at an Arab Bathouse, a Hamman. The Arabic tradition of taking long baths and relaxing in water was inherited from the Byzantines and the Romans.

Day 6: Travel to Sevilla

This morning, we will be travelling to Sevilla. After lunch, we will embark on a bike tour of the city. Together we will discover the most quintessential monuments, neighborhoods and most representative parts of the city as well as the lifestyle of Sevillians. Our Spanish-speaking guide will take us to famous spots of the city such as Triana neighborhood, the old historic center, María Luisa Park, and the beautiful Plaza de España. Enjoy our second tapas dinner tonight. Then, head to the hotel to rest after a fun first day in Sevilla!

Day 7: Explore Sevilla

Head to Reales Alcázares de Sevilla, one of the oldest places still in use in the world. We will wander around its beautiful patios and gardens. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Seville Cathedral, which is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage. We will also have a chance to climb to the top of Giralda Tower to enjoy an amazing view of the city. Following dinner tonight, we will embark on a cruise along Guadalquivir river. We will be able to see famous monuments, including Triana Bridge and Torre del Oro.

Day 8: Travel to Granada

Say goodbye to Sevilla and make our way to Granada. In the afternoon, visit the Alhambra Palace with a local Spanish-speaking guide, including the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife. The complex was built during the Moorish reign in the 15th century and still stands proud and majestic on the hills of Granada. Then, we will have time to discover Albaycin neighborhood, the historic Moorish quarter. Enjoy dinner in Albaycin, followed by a flamenco show tonight!

Day 9: Granada > Madrid

After breakfast, we will visit Granada Cathedral, where we will be able to see Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand’s tomb, two of the most important Spanish monarchs. Then, we will take a walk along the river. From Plaza Nueva we will walk up the Carrera del Darro alongside the river Darro. Walk until the end of the street where we will come to Paseo de los tristes and have a great view of the Alhambra palace. Enjoy our final moments in Spain before heading back to Madrid. We will have dinner en route in Valdepeñas, a small town well-know for its wine. Continue on to Madrid for the night.

Day 10: Travel Home

Transfer to the airport and board our flight(s) back home, after an amazing trip to Spain together!

East of Spain Experience

Day 1: Depart to Barcelona

Travel to Barcelona, Spain via a connecting overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive in Barcelona

Arrive in Barcelona. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your Evolve Tour Director, excited to spend the upcoming trip together! Board your private coach and transfer to our centrally located hotel, check in and drop off our bags. Head to La Boquería, the most famous market in Barcelona. Choose from a wide range of local food and fresh produce of the highest quality. Meet our local guide who will take us on a walking tour to get acquainted with the city. Highlights will include Las Ramblas, Plaça de Catalunya, Picasso Murals, Barcelona’s Cathedral, the Gothic and Jewish Quarters, and much more. Enjoy our first evening dinner before heading back to the hotel to rest after a successful first day in Spain!

Day 3: Discover Gaudi

Barcelona is famous for Antonio Gaudi’s buildings, one of history’s best architects. First, we will visit Park Guëll, a World Heritage Site designed by Gaudi and decorated with Modernist mosaics. We will visit the Room of a Hundred Columns, a covered market with 84 pillars, and will see the Casa – Museu where Gaudi lived from 1906-1926. After lunch, head inside the Sagrada Familia designed by Gaudi as well, which was only now almost being finished after 200 years! Enjoy a guided tour inside the basilica. Next up, head to Casa Milà, popularly known as La Pedrera, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the architect’s last civic architectural project. Enjoy a self-guided visit of the building and its iconic Roof-terrace that features spectacular stairwells and chimneys. Then, participate in an interactive workshop: “La Pedrera: a school for architects”. Architects for a day! Enjoy dinner as a group.

Day 4: Explore Barcelona

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Picasso Museum. Picasso was one of Spain’s most important artists in the 20th century. This morning, we will learn more about him and the progression of his work and style over his career. In the afternoon, board a golondrina boat and enjoy a cruise along Barcelona’s port, coastline and beaches. Then, have a traditional group dinner in La Barceloneta area, a former fishermen’s village known for its emblematic beaches. Take a scenic ride from La Barceloneta to Montjüic on a cable car and enjoy a breathtaking view of Barcelona. Then, visit Montjüic Castle, an old military fortress that dates back to 1640. Enjoy the sunset from the castle’s grounds. If we’re lucky, on our way down we might be able to see the Magic Fountain display of water, music and light!

Day 5: Port Aventura!

Say goodbye to Barcelona and make our way to Port Aventura, one of the biggest theme parks in Spain. Spend a day full of excitement with more than 40 different rides. Then, continue south towards Valencia and enjoy dinner en route. Upon arrival, check into our new accommodations and rest after an exhausting but fun day!

Day 6: Explore Valencia

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then get ready to explore Valencia! Today we will discover this Mediterranean city by bike. Enjoy a guided bike tour that will take you through Valencia’s most iconic landmarks, including Plaza de la Reina, the Cathedral, Llotja de la Seda, the City Hall and much more. In the afternoon, we will board our private bus and head to Albufera Natural Park. The park is home to the largest lake in Spain and a place of great ecological interest with rare species of wading birds and a rich variety of wildlife. Its waters have been traditionally worked by fishermen and rice growers, supplying ingredients and inspiration for many of the region’s most succulent dishes. We will enjoy a hike along the trails and then we will go on a boat trip on the lake! For dinner tonight we will go to Malvarrosa area, Valencia’s most famous beach.

Day 7: City of Arts and Sciences

No trip to Valencia would be complete without visiting City of Arts and Sciences, an ultra-modern scientific and cultural complex designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. We will spend the whole day there! First, we will visit the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe. We will have the chance to see jellyfishes, giant tortoises, clown fishes, sharks and many other marine creatures. After lunch, head to the Science Museum, which features hundreds of interactive exhibitions and scientific activities. Learn about life, science and technology in a didactic, interactive and entertaining way! This evening, we will participate in a paella cooking lesson. Paella is, without a doubt, the most popular dish in Valencia and tonight we will embark on a culinary adventure and learn how to cook an authentic paella.

Day 8: Travel to Mallorca

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands. Upon arrival, we will get settled into our new accommodations. In the afternoon, participate in a guided walking tour of the Old Town, including the Cathedral, Bellver Castle, Almudaina Palace and much more! Enjoy dinner as a group in Palma tonight.

Day 9: Explore Mallorca

This morning we will drive east to the town of Porto Cristo and visit Cuevas del Drach. These caves are the most remarkable caves on the island, with an extension of 1,200 meters and a maximum depth of 25 m. They also contain a large underground lake, Lake Martel. Embark on a boat trip across Lake Martel and then enjoy a classical music concert inside the caves at the end of the tour. An unforgettable experience! Then, we will take part in a glass-bottom boat tour departing from Porto Cristo. Relax at the sunbathing deck or take a look at the underwater world through the glass windows of the catamaran while we sail along the most beautiful bays of the east coast. After the tour, we will have some free time at the beach to swim and sunbathe. Transfer back to Palma and enjoy dinner as a group.

Day 10: Mallorca > Barcelona

We will spend our final morning in Mallorca at Es Trenc Beach. It is considered one of the best beaches in the island, with 2km of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, often compared to Caribbean beaches. The beach and dunes are part of an Area of Natural Interest and one of the last unspoiled spots on the island, a wonder of nature undeveloped. Enjoy some free time to swim, sunbathe and relax. Games and activities led by your Evolve Tours guide. Then, say goodbye to Mallorca and head to the airport to board your flight back to Barcelona. Enjoy our final dinner in Barcelona tonight.

Day 11: Travel Home

Transfer to the airport and board our flight(s) back home, after an amazing trip to Spain together.

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Learning Objectives

Observe and interact

Students will visit museums, synagogues, an Arab bathhouse (Hammam), eat tapas and go on a biking tour. While they travel, students will also process what it means to live a meaningful life. They will interact with locals, listen to stories, and – through observation – learn best practices for deep engagement with self and community.

Obtain a yield

The rewards are many on this program. Students will encounter the confluence of modern-day amenities with the ancient history of Spain. They will deeply engage with themselves and the communities they visit, making sure to align their own values with the work they are doing.

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