Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.

The past and present meet in Salamanca. Like many great medieval cities, Salamanca has a multitude of towering cathedrals and convents. Yet, the city’s university students give it a hip, international vibe. One of the leading institutions of Europe, the university has attracted countless Spanish intellectuals, including Antonia de Nebrija and Miguel de Unamuno.

Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.

This guided sightseeing tour introduces Salamanca, a historic city shaped by scholarship, religion, and pilgrimage. Visit the Casa de las Conchas, now a public library, known for its façade decorated with more than 300 scallop shells, the symbol of the Camino de Santiago. Explore the Catedral Nueva (New Cathedral), noted for its unexpected modern carvings added during a 1992 restoration, and the adjoining Catedral Vieja de Santa María (Old Cathedral), dating to the 14th century. The tour also includes the University of Salamanca, founded in 1134, where Christopher Columbus once presented his plans for a new route to the West Indies.

Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.

Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.

Play one of Spain's favorite sports, soccer!

Travel approximately four hours north of Salamanca to Santander, located along the shores of the Bay of Biscay.

Take a walking tour through Santander, beginning at the Palacio de la Magdalena, once the royal summer residence, set on the rocky La Magdalena Peninsula at the mouth of the bay. Continue into the city center to see the Catedral de Santander, known for its octagonal cupola and Gothic cloister. Nearby, stroll along the Paseo de Pereda, which borders the Jardines de Pereda.

Spend free time at one of Santander’s beautiful beaches.

Learn the basics of surfing during a beginner-friendly lesson.

Explore the beautifully preserved rooms and gardens of the palace. Learn about the cultural and historical significance of this iconic landmark while enjoying breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay.

Santillana del Mar is a charming town which has been declared a national monument by the government of Spain. Many of its homes were built after the 18th century, but you can also find some that date back to the 9th century. Santillana is an aristocratic city that reflects the noble origin of the families who used to live there.

Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.

Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.

Today, we will participate in a cooking class, where we will be able to learn more about traditional Spanish cuisine.

Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.

Learn how to dance Flamenco from local dancers in a lesson.

Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.

Participate in language classes focused on language skills and cultural understanding.

Explore the Catedral Vieja and the Catedral Nueva. Unusually, the two cathedrals are built side-by-side and offer a contrast in styles, ranging from Baroque to Romanesque to Renaissance. In the Old Cathedral, a 53-panel altarpiece painted by Nicolas Florentino frames the statue of Salamanca’s patron saint, the 12th century Virgen de la Vega. After departing the cathedrals, our walk continues through Salamanca’s old quarter to the 1st century Puente Romano, the Convento de las Duenas, the Iglesia-Convento de San Esteban, and the magnificent Torre del Clavero.

Travel into the mountains northwest of Madrid to visit El Escorial, the vast monastery and palace commissioned by King Philip II. Its grandeur and simplicity reflect the king’s devotion and restraint. Continue to medieval Segovia to see the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct and the fairytale-like Alcázar castle rising above the city.