Accepting Winter Break & Spring Semester applications until November 1
Excursions are a fundamental part of the Arcos Learning Abroad experience and are included as part of your program. We seek different locations in the program region or country that are of natural beauty or cultural or historical significance. These are day trips or overnight outings, which typically occur on weekends. Excursions support us in accomplishing our goal of connecting students to the experience and creating moments of learning and understanding while abroad. This can only occur by going out into the field and encountering these new places firsthand. The most memorable moments in our lives are from impactful experiences that are unique to our daily existence. Below is a list of our available excursions:
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. The deep blue Mediterranean Sea stretches out below the winding coastal highway. Nerja is a charming coastal town with plenty of intimate beaches, 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.
The Alpujarras, nestled high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, was the last Moorish stronghold in Spain. This area was first colonized in the 1200s by Berber refugees from Seville. Originally from North Africa, the Berbers introduced the unique architecture that still defines the high villages of the Alpujarras today. This region is an earthly paradise, a world apart from the rest of Andalusia. The perpetual snows of the Sierras keep its valleys and villages lush and well-watered year-round; even in summer, the countryside remains green and vibrant with flowers. Visiting these villages is like stepping into another world. Small, whitewashed farmhouses cling to the terraced edges of forest-lined gorges, with rivers rushing by below. Beyond exploring these unique settlements, the area offers abundant opportunities for hiking. The trek from Capileira to Bubion and on to Pampaneira constantly rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the impressive surrounding mountains.
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. The deep blue Mediterranean Sea stretches out below the winding coastal highway. Nerja is a charming coastal town with plenty of intimate beaches, 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.
Explore Frigiliana, often hailed as one of Spain's most beautiful white villages, nestled in the hills of the Costa del Sol. Wander through its labyrinthine, narrow cobblestone streets, admire whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant flowers, and discover its rich Moorish past. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding natural park.
Seville (Sevilla in Spanish) is a city steeped in over 2,000 years of history, reflecting the profound influence of countless cultures in its enchanting architecture. Its historic buildings and neighborhoods bear the indelible mark of the vibrant Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities that once thrived here. Highlights include the magnificent minaret of La Giralda, a stunning testament to the city's rich Moorish heritage, and the colossal Cathedral of Seville, the largest Catholic cathedral in the world and the resting place of Christopher Columbus. As the artistic and cultural heart of southern Spain, Seville offers a lively and joyful experience, making it an unmissable destination for any traveler to Spain.
Spend a day in Cordoba, a city rich in history and culture, known for its magnificent Mosque-Cathedral, a stunning blend of Islamic and Christian architecture. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Jewish Quarter, admire the vibrant flower-filled patios, and cross the ancient Roman Bridge. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers a captivating glimpse into Spain's diverse past and vibrant ambiance.
On this excursion we will start the route at the town of Monachil. You will spend the day hiking through the gorges and mountain trails of Los Cahorros Natural Park. The scenery is stunning! There is a beautiful river with narrow slot canyons and three very long hanging bridges. It is likely that you will see rock climbers on some of the steep canyon walls. When hiking here in the summer take a refreshing dip in one of the numerous swimming holes!
Cortijo Experience (Cooking Class, Durcal Village, Niguelas Village)
Learn about the culinary traditions of Southern Spain. We will taste the wide variety of olives and olive oils that come from the region. Spain produces and consumes more olive oil than anywhere else in the world. In Andalucía there are 262 varieties of olives! No venture to any exotic locale is complete without enjoying and learning about the culinary delights it has to offer.
This festival is one of the most important cultural events in Spain. Performers come from all over the world and the city itself turns into a theater. We will watch a performance either in one of the indoor or outdoor venues of Granada.
Visit to the Montefaro Viewpoint (Mugardos). Interpretation of the Ría de Ferrol with a view of the Castle of La Palma and San Felipe. Visit Redes (fishing village on the estuary). Pontedeume/Cabanas (beach and lunch!). Depart for A Coruña. Visit Mount of San Pedro/ Tower of Hercules/ Parrote/ Casco Viejo/ María Pita.
Travel to O Grove and embark on a catamaran to visit the marine culture parks for oysters, scallops and mussels, with a tasting of mussels on board. Guided tour of Cambados and free time for lunch in Cambados. Visit Illa de Arousa (Island of Arousa). Free time to go to the beach (Playa do Bao).
Travel to Lugo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk along the ancient city wall. Visit the interpretation center. Free time for lunch in Melide, a town on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. If the weather allows visit the river beach in Furelos. Visit to the Terra de Melide Museum. Start hiking the Camino de Santiago from Melida to Ribadiso (14 km). End on the river beach of the Iso River. Time for swimming and relaxing before heading back to Santiago de Compostela.
Madrid, a city full of life and culture, truly embodies the essence of Spain with its grand plazas and world-class museums. Explore the impressive Plaza Mayor, featuring charming outdoor cafés and historic architecture. Just a stone's throw away lies the lively Puerta del Sol, considered the very heart of both the country and Madrid. A must-see is the renowned Prado Museum, one of Europe's premier art institutions, housing masterpieces by Goya, El Greco, Velázquez, and many other notable artists, including the Flemish masters.
Madrid, a city full of life and culture, truly embodies the essence of Spain with its grand plazas and world-class museums. Explore the impressive Plaza Mayor, featuring charming outdoor cafés and historic architecture. Just a stone's throw away lies the lively Puerta del Sol, considered the very heart of both the country and Madrid. A must-see is the renowned Prado Museum, one of Europe's premier art institutions, housing masterpieces by Goya, El Greco, Velázquez, and many other notable artists, including the Flemish masters.
Málaga, an ancient and vibrant city, lies at the heart of Spain's Costa del Sol. Founded by the Phoenicians and subsequently settled by Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Christians, this coastal city is steeped in history yet boasts a modern charm. It features wide, shaded boulevards and a quaint, historic center. Málaga is also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and you'll have the opportunity to visit his namesake museum, which houses over 150 of his works. The city flourished during the 11th-century rule of the Moors, who constructed its most impressive monuments. High on a hill overlooking Málaga, with the deep blue Mediterranean as an endless backdrop, stand the formidable palace-fortresses of the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro. Explore their many passageways and ancient watchtowers. Numerous beaches along the city shores offer a relaxing afternoon in the Mediterranean's cool waters.
Spend a day in Ronda, a spectacular clifftop city famous for its dramatic El Tajo gorge and the Puente Nuevo bridge that spans it. Explore its historic bullring, one of the oldest in Spain, wander through the charming Old Town with its Moorish influences, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Serranía de Ronda mountains.
Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, is one of Spain's most famous historical destinations, located just 30 minutes from Madrid. Its most renowned attraction is the Roman aqueduct, constructed around 1 A.D., which boasts 166 arches and 120 columns across two levels and remained in use until relatively recently. This excursion also includes a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, the centuries-old summer residence of Spanish kings, celebrated for its spectacular grounds and incredible Baroque architecture. If time permits, the tour will also stop at Segovia's famous cathedral in the historic center, a prime example of Renaissance Gothic style and home to the first book printed in Spain (1472).
Discover Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage city often called the "City of Three Cultures," for a day trip rich in history and architectural marvels. Explore its well-preserved medieval streets, visit the stunning Mosque-Cathedral, and wander through the historic Jewish Quarter. Enjoy breathtaking views from its hilltop location, surrounded by the Tagus River, and delve into a past where Christian, Jewish, and Muslim legacies intertwine.