Culture in Spain

Day 3: Flamenco Dancing

Morning

Pull on your dancing shoes for a flamenco class. Learn all about the history of this famous dancing style and pick up some steps from a professional.

Afternoon

Visit a bullring to learn about Spain’s long-standing bullfighting tradition – but don’t worry, you won’t be watching a bullfight!

Evening

You’ve worked up an appetite – tuck into some traditional Spanish tapas.

Day 4: El Escorial

Morning/Afternoon

Take a day trip to El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an incredibly rich history. It was the residence of the King of Spain and was both a monastery and a palace.

Marvel at the impressive architecture and interior design, before taking a tour of the nearby Valle de los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen), where Franco was buried. Learn about the controversy surrounding Franco, the dictator that ruled Spain from 1939 to 1975.

Evening

One to tick off the bucket list, after dinner stand in awe of Picasso’s Guernica at the Reina Sofía. It was a big political statement, named after the town that the Nazis bombed during the Spanish Civil War.

Day 5: Hit Barcelona

Morning

Time to hit Barcelona! Take a minute to admire the indoor forest in Madrid’s Atocha station before heading on and checking into your new accommodation.

Afternoon

Shake hands with the city with a walking tour. Marvel at the modernist architecture. Admire Gaudí’s iconic chameleon in Park Güell as well as the huge Sagrada Familia, an unfinished Roman Catholic church, a unique vision masterminded by Antoni Gaudí. Originally, another architect was in charge, but when Gaudí took over, he changed the project and would even modify things after construction to completely match his vision.

Evening

Debate over which of Gaudí’s works are most impressive as you visit Pedrera. Take an evening to appreciate the modernist structure whilst watching a night light show.

Day 6: Costa Brava Boat Trip

Morning

Put your feet up on a scenic boat trip along the Costa Brava in a glass-bottomed catamaran, admiring the coast and its mountainous backdrop.

Afternoon

Hear from a journalist or CUP member on the Catalan separatist movement. The movement fights for the independence of Catalonia from Spain – so listen up and ask questions. It’s their chance to get a real feel for the political climate.

Day 7: Adiós España

It might be home time, but it’s not over. Spain’s rich and varied culture, art and nature will follow you back to the classroom…and beyond!