One of study abroad’s many benefits is the opportunity to explore beyond your host city. That’s why CEA CAPA offers excursions for all semester, year, and summer programs; typically, we offer between two to three excursions to semester students and between one to two excursions to summer students. You’ll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation. Here are a few day and weekend trips we’ve offered in the past:
Seville & Cádiz
Your time in Seville begins at La Maestranza, an infamous bullfighting ring, followed by a visit to Reales Alcazares, a 14th century Moorish fortress. Tour La Giralda—one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals and (allegedly) the final resting place of Christopher Columbus—before enjoying a fabulous lunch in a restaurant set in a former Arab bathhouse. Let yourself be amazed by the incredible buildings that line Seville’s narrow streets and small plazas. Spend free time relaxing at the popular Parque de Maria Luisa and Plaza de España, complete with fountains and rowboat-filled canals. You’ll also have time to take a pleasant stroll along the banks of the Gualdalquivir River.
In coastal Cádiz, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, you’ll relax at Playa Victoria, considered by many to be Spain’s best urban beach. Spend the day enjoying the sand and sun, watching the surfers, and exploring Cádiz’s picturesque historic center.
Toledo
For 200 years, Toledo was the capital of medieval Spain; today it’s the capital of Castilla la Mancha, the land of Don Quixote. Known as the "City of the Three Cultures," Christians, Jews, and Muslims lived together peacefully; their legacy is a city filled with diverse, impressive architecture. Enjoy a captivating train tour to Toledo’s most beautiful locations, narrated with tales from local legend and history. Art lovers will appreciate Toledo as the home of El Greco, the world-famous Renaissance artist whose most important pieces can be appreciated in the city, including his masterpiece, The Burial of Count of Orgaz, displayed in the small church of Santo Tomé. Toledo is particularly well known for its quality sword makers; many films, like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, feature swords made in Toledo. While students are welcome to handle and photograph the swords, you’ll need to start saving early if you want to purchase one of your own, as price tags range up to $600. As many people consider Toledo the most beautiful city in Spain, get ready to have a remarkable experience on this excursion.
Segovia
The first thing that’ll catch your eye in Segovia is the massive 1,900-year-old Roman aqueduct that delivered water to this charming town until just a few years ago. You’ll also tour the Alcázar, an 11th century castle that’s rumored to be Disney's inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. The local cuisine is an experience in and of itself, particularly the cochinillo (a.k.a. roasted suckling pig). You’ll also have the chance to visit La Granja, an incredible royal palace and grounds just 10 km from Segovia.
Valencia
Spain’s third largest city is a seaside destination with beautiful weather year-round and a rich, interesting history. While you’re here, you’ll have the chance to eat the famous dish paella in its birthplace and soak up the sun on one of Valencia’s lovely beaches. We’ll visit the City of Arts and Sciences, an entertainment complex featuring a planetarium, interactive science museum, outdoor art gallery, landscaped walkway, a performing arts center, and more. We’ll also make a stop at L’Oceanográfic, Europe’s largest aquarium that hosts 45,000 animals of over 500 species. As we roam through the city, you’ll see a wide range of architectural styles represented by Valencia’s many eye-catching buildings.
Madrid Inside Out
These morning trips allow you to explore other cities in the Community of Madrid, with visits to sites such as:
- Aranjuez
- Alcalá de Henares
- El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen
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