Excursions & Cultural Activities

Mediterranean Beach Trip to Nerja, Costa del Sol

• • Nerja is one of the most striking beaches on the Andalusian coast. Commonly known as the Costa del Sol (Sun Coast), this is a popular beach escape for people from all over Europe. The drive from Granada to the Mediterranean is impressive. You will pass through deep canyons and then along a spectacular coastal highway. The deep blue Mediterranean Sea stretches out below the winding roadway. Nerja is a small coastal town with plenty of beaches to pass the day. Many of the Costa del Sol beaches are intimate, tucked amongst cliffs and rocks jutting from the sea. Along the beaches are restaurants set out in the sand where you can enjoy fresh fish and traditional paella while basking in the tranquility of the Mediterranean Sea.

Alhambra Palace Tour

• • The Alhambra is one of the most impressive monuments in the world. It was the ancient palace of the Sultans beginning in the 9th century, and remained in their power until 1492. The marvelously decorated walls of the palaces are like something out of a dream. Plaster inscriptions in Arabic repeat throughout the palaces, continuously drawing you into the unique history of the fortress. The use of water throughout the Alhambra bestows upon you a sense of calm while exploring the ornate passages and stunning gardens. It is nothing short of stepping into another world. Equally as inspiring as the restored palaces of the Alhambra are the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada and of Granada below. No trip to Spain is complete without experiencing this colossal palace.

Sierra Nevada Mountain Villages

• • The Alpujarras, located high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, was the Moor’s last stronghold in Spain. This area was first colonized in the 1200s by Berber refugees from Seville. The Berbers, originally from North Africa, introduced the unique architecture that is still used in the high villages of the Alpujarras today. The region is an earthly paradise above the rest of Andalusia. The snows of the Sierras keep the valleys and villages of the Alpujarras well-watered year round. Even in the summer, the countryside is green and full of flowers. Visiting these villages is like stepping into another world. Small whitewashed farmhouses cling to the terraced edges of forest-lined gorges while rivers rush by below. Besides exploring these unique villages, there are many opportunities for hiking in the area. While trekking from Capileira, one of the most picturesque of the Alpujarras villages, one is constantly rewarded with views of the tallest peaks of the Spanish Peninsula.

Sevilla & Cordoba

• Seville (Sevilla in Spanish) is one of the most historic cities in Europe. Over 2,000 years old, it has been influenced by countless cultures all of which is seen today in its enchanting architecture. The many historic buildings and neighborhoods hold the imprint of the vibrant Muslim, Jewish, and Christian cultures that called this city home. We will visit the most impressive sites such as the famous minaret of La Giralda, a beautiful example of the city’s strong Moorish past. The Cathedral of Sevilla houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus and is the largest Catholic Cathedral building in the world. Sevilla is the artistic and cultural capital of southern Spain. Walking around Sevilla, you will experience a lively and fun-loving city. If you travel to Spain, you cannot miss Sevilla!

Welcome Activity & Program Orientation

• Your first full day in Granada we will introduce you to the main streets and central neighborhoods of the city. This is a perfect way to get acquainted with the layout of your new city and how to travel from your homestay to school on the first day of classes.

Granada Orientation City Tour

• With Granada’s deep history and mix of so many cultures the city tour is a walk through time. We will visit hidden plazas and wind our way up cobblestone streets to inspiring lookouts, or miradores. There are many Islamic buildings in the central part of the city such as La Madraza, the remains of the old Muslim University. Also on the tour is the Corral del Carbón, a 14th century market place built by the moors. Plaza Nueva is arguably the center of the city. Here amongst tapas bars and cafés is the Iglesia de Santa Ana, whose bell tower was a former mosque’s minaret. We will also walk Paseo de los Tristes which curves along the Darro River and into the Albaicín. Finally making our way up to the San Nicolás mirador we’ll see striking views of the Alhambra and surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountain range.

Arabic Tile-Making Workshop

• • Design your own plaster tile and learn the art of traditional design and paint used by the Moors in the time of Arabic Spain.

Arabic Tea House

• • Granada’s historic quarter known as the Albaicín is full of exotic Arabic tea houses or "teterías". These intimate locales are cool and dimly lit with low lying tables and plush Arabic cushions. The aromas of exotic teas, brewed in the Arabic tradition, fill the rooms. This is a bohemian experience and with Granada’s large student population the teterías are always frequented with young people, both Spanish and foreign. You will definitely want to savor the famous Moroccan tea made with mint leaves and sweetened with honey, as well as snack on exquisite Arab cakes.

City Tour (Albaicín Neighborhood)

• • The Albaicín is the best-preserved Moorish quarter in all of Europe. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore the history and architecture of this unique neighborhood. We will see the "carmenes" or large mansions with intimate gardens typical of this part of the city.

City Tour (Cathedral & Royal Chapel)

• Visit the historic Cathedral and Royal Chapel of Granada. The Royal Chapel is the burial place of the Catholic Kings, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Also buried here is their daughter, Juana la Loca, and her husband Felipe el Hermoso. The Chapel is built in Gothic style. Next to the Royal Chapel is the Cathedral of Granada. It was built on top of the former Great Mosque. Construction began in the 16th century and took 181 years to finish. It is a representative of Spanish Renaissance architecture. The Cathedral contains works of art by El Greco, Jusepe de Ribera, and Alonso Cano.

City Tour (Sacromonte Neighborhood & Gypsy Cave Houses)

• • Explore the historic Gypsy neighborhood of Sacromonte during the Albaicín City Tour and later complete the experience during our Flamenco Performance Night when you will see a live flamenco performance in a Gypsy cave.

City Tour (The Realejo Neighborhood)

• • The Realejo is the former Jewish district and here you will find many hidden plazas and tapas restaurants. Some of the best graffiti art in the city is found here. And, of course, it is home to many legends!

Flamenco Dance Class

• Flamenco is a must while in Granada. Everyone will have the opportunity to take a Flamenco dance class. Those who are interested can continue to learn about the different parts of this passionate art form, Cante, the song, and Baile, the dance. Granada is a very artistic community and visitors can typically find any type of dance instruction, from salsa and merengue to hip hop. Dance classes are a great way to improve your dance skills and get involved with local activities.

Flamenco Performance (Gypsy Cave)

• • In the evenings the lively music of the gypsies, flamenco, resonates from the hillside caves of Sacromonte. This neighborhood has traditionally been home to the gypsies and the unique art form that has its origins in Southern Spain. We will enjoy an evening performance demonstrating the three forms of flamenco, Cante, the song, Baile, the dance, and Guitarra, guitar playing. The white-washed and dimly lit caves of Sacromonte provide the ideal venue for this passionate art form.