**Excursions may not be available for all programs and sessions. Some excursions may be optional and will cost an additional fee.**
Cultural Activities in Seville
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Seville. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Seville special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking classes, museum visits and tours of notable Seville sites (Las Setas, Real Alcázar de Seville, Seville's famous Gothic cathedral, etc.).
Córdoba
On this excursion you will tour the famous Mezquita, a 10th-century mosque that curiously houses a 16th-century cathedral. You will explore the historic Jewish quarter and visit one of three original synagogues remaining in Spain. Córdoba was once home to Romans, Muslims, Christians and Jews, each leaving imprints that you will be able to identify by the time you leave.
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located on the Iberian Peninsula with a main landmark called the Rock of Gibraltar. During this day trip, you will explore St. Michaels Cave, a Moorish Castle, Europa Point Lighthouse, while having the possibility of seeing semi-wild monkeys in close quarters.
Granada
Granada is a picturesque and mountainous university town. It has always been a multicultural city and was the last Moorish stronghold during the Catholic reconquest of Spain. You will explore Granada’s multicultural past through visits to historic neighborhoods like the Albaicín and Realejo. During an unforgettable evening flamenco show, you will have the chance to soak up Spanish music and culture. You will also visit important cultural sites including the Alhambra fortress, Spain’s most popular tourist attraction.
Lisbon, Portugal
During this weekend excursion exploring Portugal's capital, you will climb to the top of the medieval Castelo de São Jorge where you will find splendid views of this coastal city. You will also visit the 16th-century Tower of Belém that protects the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and overlooks the harbor from which the great Portuguese explorers set sail.
Madrid
Madrid, Spain’s capital, will be your first taste of Spanish culture during the Bridging Cultures Program on-site orientation. You'll visit the famous Prado museum and have a guided tour through Madrid's city center to expand your knowledge of Spanish history, culture and politics.
Morocco
This multi-day, optional excursion takes you across Morocco, one of the most colorful and diverse countries in the world. It encompasses direct cultural encounters with locals, guided tours through the medina, and opportunities to learn the ins and outs of haggling with Moroccan vendors. You will have unforgettable experiences in the Sahara desert riding camels and waking up to see the spectacular views of the sunrise.
Toledo
Your visit to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will begin with a panoramic bus tour of Toledo's unique hilltop then will continue on to the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, Santa María la Blanca synagogue, Santo Tomé Church, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria.
Cultural Activities in Valencia
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Valencia. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Valencia special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included cooking classes, a visit to the Ciudade de Artes & Ciencias museum campus,a bike rental for a relaxing jaunt around the city, and more!
Albufera
Albufera Natural Park is one of the most representative and valuable wetlands nature preserves of Valencia and, more generally, of the Mediterranean coastal region. You will get to explore the Albufera Natural Park by going to El Palmar Island and riding a boat across the lagoon while gaining a better understanding of the park’s ecosystem and admire the typical Albufera houses, or barracas.
After this you will learn in the northern orchards how to cook the traditional paella.
Peñíscola
Peñíscola is located on the coast of eastern Spain and is known as the City in the Sea. Walking through its small and old streets, you will feel the sensation of traveling within the ancient ages. During the trip, you will visit the old town of Peñíscola, explore Pope Luna’s Castle, and take in some breathtaking views of the sea.
Granada
Granada is a picturesque and mountainous university town. It has always been a multicultural city and was the last Moorish stronghold during the Catholic reconquest of Spain. You will explore Granada’s multicultural past through visits to historic neighborhoods like the Albaicín and Realejo. During an unforgettable evening flamenco show, you will have the chance to soak up Spanish music and culture. You will also visit important cultural sites including the Alhambra fortress, Spain’s most popular tourist attraction.