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 your guided sightseeing tour of classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas, and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Plaza de España with its statue of Don Quixote, the majestic Alcalá Gate, and the famous bullring Las Ventas. 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

A journey to Spain's old capital of Toledo includes a visit to El Greco's great painting in the Church of Santo Tomé, the treasures of the Gothic Cathedral and the Medieval Synagogue accompanied by a local guide. Then drive through Andalucía's sunflower fields and olive groves to Granada, the former seat of Spain's Moorish kingdom, in time for dinner. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday February 18: Granada

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. Later you'll learn one of Spain's most enduring traditions, flamenco dancing, at a unique venue where Andalusian culture comes alive—Granada's Plaza de Toros. 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 6, Wednesday February 19: Seville

Journey today to Andalucía's capital, Seville. 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. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday February 20: Seville

This morning, you'll learn about the historic Triana neighborhood's famed ceramic tiles, or azulejos, and decorate your own piece in a ceramic tile workshop. Later you may choose to take an optional journey to the Moorish city of Córdoba, where you can roam through narrow lanes lined with whitewashed buildings and see the unique striped arches of the Mezquita. Otherwise enjoy time to explore more of Seville as you please. Perhaps wander through Santa Cruz, the old section of Seville, or visit the beautiful Alcázar. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday February 21: 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 9, Saturday February 22: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Our local expert will point out all the major highlights of Barcelona, including the unique Gaudí-designed houses. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia's most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. After, you'll be able to study the intricate design inside and out of his still-unfinished Sagrada Familia and stroll whimsical Parc Güell. 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 10, Sunday February 23: Departure

Departure for the U.S. (B)