Sacred Heart Academy's Spain Educational Tour

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, Friday February 14: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday February 15: Madrid

¡Bienvenidos a España! Arrive in Madrid, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and settle in before exploring the wide avenues and open plazas of Spain's capital city. (D)

Day 3, Sunday February 16: 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. Then visit the magnificent Prado (skipping the lines with a timed reservation), one of the world's premier art museums. Here, an expert provides illuminating commentary on the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Even the 18th-century Neo-Classical building that houses the collection is stunning. Tonight, you may decide to sample churros y chocolate for dessert as you stroll down to see the artists and street performers in the Plaza Mayor. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday February 17: Granada

This morning drive through Andalucía's sunflower fields and olive groves to Granada, the former seat of Spain's Moorish kingdom. Later, an expert teaches you the moves during your flamenco lesson before you enjoy a special dinner, and then get swept up by the passion and skill of your professional instructors during a flamenco show. After, take a winding evening stroll with your tour manager through the old Medieval Moorish streets of the Albaicín neighborhood, and cap off your day with stunning views from Mirador de San Nicolás. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday February 18: Seville

A local guide provides commentary during your sightseeing tour as you visit the legendary Alhambra, the most magnificent of all the Moorish palaces in Spain, and wander through the aromatic Generalife Gardens. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's multicultural roots, perhaps by admiring the architecture and souvenirs in the Alcaicería, the former Muslim silk bazaar. Afterwards depart to Andalucía's capital, Seville. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday February 19: Seville

This morning, a sightseeing tour with a local expert includes its immense Gothic Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the grand Giralda Tower. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore more of Seville at your own pace. Perhaps practice your Spanish as you shop for souvenirs, visit the Torre de Oro or stroll in the Parque María Luisa. Later, you'll learn about the historic Triana neighborhood's famed ceramic tiles, or azulejos, and decorate your own piece in a ceramic tile workshop. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday February 20: Barcelona

Journey by high-speed AVE train to Barcelona. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it's known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture from Gothic to Modernist. Begin to explore the city, including the neighborhoods around Ciutadella Park and the Olympic Port, on a guided Barcelona by bike tour. Tonight's feast is a traditional Spanish paella dinner—a spicy tango of rice, seafood and vegetables considered by many as Spain's national dish. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday February 21: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Your local guide will point out the major highlights of Barcelona, from the Gothic Quarter to the unique Gaudí designs along the Passeig de Gràcia. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia's most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. Entrance to Gaudí's Sagrada Familia allows you study the incredible light and intricate architecture of this masterpiece inside and out. You'll also take a stroll through his whimsical Parc Güell and enjoy a sweeping view over the city all the way to the sea. Then spend the rest of the day discovering more of Barcelona, perhaps practicing your Spanish while mingling with locals in Plaça Reial, a popular city square, or engaging all your senses at the world famous La Boqueria food market. Whatever you decide, your memories of your Spanish sojourn will stay with you forever. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday February 22: Departure

Departure for the U.S. (B)