9 Excursions and Important Dates
The program arranges trips to Granada, Cabo de Gata, and Madrid as well as afternoon visits to attractions nearby. These excursions and activities form part of the instructional program and are integrated into the courses. Participation is therefore important and counts as class attendance. Please be aware that you will have to cover the cost of some of your meals during the overnight excursion (to Madrid) out of pocket.
Granada (Saturday, June 15)
We will spend one day exploring Granada, a city in Spain known for its beautiful buildings and rich history. One of its most famous landmarks is the Alhambra, an ancient palace with gardens and intricate designs. We hope to explore the old Arab quarter, called the Albaicín, with its narrow streets and pretty views, perfect for taking photos. In Granada, there’s a famous cathedral to visit, as well as lively plazas and neighborhoods like Sacromonte, known for flamenco dancing. There’s also tasty tapas to try, small dishes of food, which are popular in Granada!
Cabo de Gata (Saturday, June 29)
Cabo de Gata, located in Almeria, Spain, is a stunning coastal region famous for its natural beauty. It boasts rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also home to the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna, including unique bird species and rare plant life. There’s also ancient watchtowers and lighthouses scattered along the coastline, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Madrid (Saturday, July 6 – Tuesday, July 9)
We will spend our final days in Madrid, enjoying historic art at the Museo del Prado and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and touring other acclaimed locations, such as the Plaza Mayor, the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza de España, and shopping on the Gran Vía.
San Juan, No Classes (Monday, June 24th)
Fiestas de San Juan y San Pedro:
The holiday known as the Fiestas de San Juan y San Pedro or the Festival of San Juan and San Pedro in English is celebrated on June 23rd, a magical night that welcomes the summer season. The celebration takes place during the shortest night of the year, the summer solstice.
Legends, tradition, and magical rituals are connected by common elements: fire and water.
Every region celebrates it differently, but the common themes of fire and water occur in almost all celebrations. In some regions, they build bonfires on the beach. In Almería, you are treated to a spectacular fireworks show (and the water element sometimes comes in on years that it rains!). Additionally, for weeks following the city has all kinds of events, ranging from free outdoor concerts, to theater shows, to people dancing and in costume in the streets of Almería. It is a very exciting time for the city!