Language Immersion in Spain

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Saturday March 6: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Sunday March 7: Seville

Bienvenidos a España! After arriving in Seville, the capital of the Andalucía region, you’ll meet your native-speaking ACIS Tour Manager and take an orientation tour of this captivating city, with all commentary spoken in Spanish. A walk through the city’s winding lanes and resplendent examples of Moorish-influenced architecture will provide lots of opportunities to chat with locals in their native tongue. (B,D)

Day 3, Monday March 8: Seville

On this morning's guided sightseeing tour, discover the immense Gothic Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and enjoy views from the grand Giralda Tower. Later, a free afternoon provides time to explore more of Seville at your own speed, perhaps by speaking Spanish with local shopkeepers as you roam the streets of the Santa Cruz quarter, the heart of the city, or strolling through the Parque de María Luisa, a green oasis that's also dotted with breathtaking examples of ornate architecture, such as the stunning Plaza de España, built for the 1929 Exposición Iberoamericana. In the evening, you'll learn one of Spain's most enduring traditions—flamenco dancing. An expert teaches you the moves to this traditional and passionate Spanish art form during your flamenco lesson before you watch your instructors perform at a flamenco show. (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday March 9: Seville

This morning, get in touch with your artistic side during a Spanish fan painting workshop with a local expert instructor from the Escuela de Bellas Artes. As you create your own piece, you’ll also learn about the fascinating history of these beautiful works of art. The afternoon is yours to explore more at your own pace. Perhaps stroll the remarkable Metropol Parasol, a giant sunshade/walkway designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer-Hermann and believed to be the world's largest wooden structure, or visit the historic Triana neighborhood to shop for its famed ceramic tiles and ask the artists about their colorful work. (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday March 10: Seville

Today journey to Doñana National Park to participate in a service project focused on addressing two growing problems in arid countries such as Spain: desertification, where fertile land degrades into desert, due to drought or unsustainable agricultural practices, and deforestation, or widespread tree removal. You’ll practice your Spanish-speaking skills as you meet with representatives from a local conservation organization and lend your hand to their efforts. Return to Seville for the evening. (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday March 11: Madrid

The day begins with a drive to enchanting Córdoba, which centuries ago served as the capital of Islamic-ruled Spain and the religion's cultural soul. Your sightseeing tour with a local expert includes discovering the unique striped arches of the Moorish Mezquita with an audio guide and wandering the narrow lanes lined with whitewashed buildings. Then prepare yourself for a visual feast: the famous patios de Córdoba. These home courtyards and alleys, lavishly adorned with eye-popping hanging, climbing and potted flowers, are a unique cultural experience that offer the chance to speak Spanish with the local owners and talk about their vivid floral displays. Then it's time to hop aboard the high-speed AVE train and travel to Madrid. Tonight we'll dine like the madrileños do during an authentic tapas evening. Classic tapas dishes include items such as tortilla española, patatas bravas, bacalao, cheeses, olives or jamón. Finish off the evening at one of Madrid's most famous chocolaterías with a sweet Spanish treat—churros y chocolate! (B,D)

Day 7, Friday March 12: Madrid

Madrid's rich heritage comes alive on a guided morning walking tour that showcases classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Teatro Real Opera House, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Neptune Fountain. You'll also go inside the magnificent Prado (skipping the lines with a timed reservation), one of the world's premier art museums. Here an expert will provide illuminating commentary about the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens and Bosch. Even the 18th-century neo-classical building that houses the collection is stunning. Then enjoy a free afternoon to comb through this culturally rich city on your own, perhaps speaking Spanish with locals in the bustling Retiro Park, or strolling down Calle Heurtas, a pedestrian street in the vibrant Barrio de Las Letras district, once home to Spanish literary luminaries such as Miguel de Cervantes. Be sure to look down as you walk through this neighborhood—passages from famous works are inscribed in the street. (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday March 13: Madrid

Today enjoy the immersive experience of a visit with local students at a Madrid school—speaking with them in Spanish as you chat about your educations and lifestyles. Depending on the time of year (only when Madrid schools are in session), the visit could include lunch in the cafeteria and an afternoon sporting or social activity. During your final evening in Madrid, perhaps stroll down to see the artists and street performers in Plaza Mayor. (B,D)

Day 9, Sunday March 14: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of cosmopolitan Spain with an extra night in Madrid, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager. (B)