On this one-day excursion to Cordoba (the third largest city in Andalusia that sits along the Guadalquivir river) students will tour the Mezquita, an impressive 10th-century mosque, famous for its red and white candy cane style arches, that curiously houses a 16th-century Renaissance cathedral. They will explore the historic Jewish quarter, which has been preserved for centuries, and visit one of three original synagogues remaining in Spain. As Cordoba was once home to populations of Romans, Muslims, Christians and Jews, often in overlapping combinations. Each of these groups left visible imprints upon the city, and students will be able to identify their respective influences by the end of the excursion.

 

Located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory famous for the Rock of Gibraltar. The sovereignty of Gibraltar is a major point of contention in Anglo-Spanish relations as Spain asserts a claim to the territory. The Rock of Gibraltar is is the major landmark of the region. ISA students may have the opportunity (depending on your program) to tour the peninsula by mini-bus called the "Rock Tour", possibly see semi-wild monkeys at close quarters, St. Michaels Cave, a Moorish Castle, and Europa Point Lighthouse.

 

During this multi-day excursion, we explore Granada, last bastion of the Spanish Muslims and crown jewel of the Catholic Reconquista.

Students will visit the Albaicín neighborhood, a uniquely multiethnic community. They will also be given a guided tour of the Alhambra, the Nasrid complex of palaces which remains Spain's most visited monument, and will be offered glimpses of the natural wonder that frames it: the Sierra Nevada mountains, covered in snow for much of the year, as their name would suggest. Students will also visit the Royal Chapel, which holds the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs and was once envisioned as the future burial place for all Spanish royalty. Students will also experience an authentic flamenco tablao, performed by ethnic gypsies in a cave in the emblematic Sacromonte neighborhood.

 

The city of Jerez is world-famous for its sherry wine, made from grapes grown in the area's chalky soil. Students will visit one of its "bodegas" or wineries to see the sherry wine production process and to taste different types of sherry wines. This city is also considered to be the birthplace of flamenco – a traditional form of music and dance long associated with Spain's gypsy culture and popularly imagines as the proverbial soul of Andalusia. Another big attraction in this city is the equine culture and the Dancing Horses of Jerez that are very popular among people from all over the world. 
Possibly the oldest city in Europe, Cádiz was founded in 1100 BC by the Phoenicians. Christopher Columbus later sailed from Cádiz to the Americas. Its maritime promenades and quaint Old Town, with its vaguely Cuban and Caribbean feel, are among the highlights of the trip. Not only will students get to see the Cathedral in Cadiz but also have the opportunity to stop in front of the 1812 Spanish Constitution. Today, visitors to Cádiz enjoy its colorful houses, relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful beaches.

 

Students will explore this capital city with a history of more than 20 centuries. After climbing to the top of the medieval Castelo de São Jorge (St. George's Castle), students will witness a breathtaking view of the coastal city, while also enjoying the bird's-eye view from atop the Santa Justa Lift. Students 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. On the way back to Spain, students will stop at Évora, a museum-city that is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

During this multi-day program welcome and orientation trip to Madrid, Spain's capital and main commercial hub, students will be introduced to key information about health and safety and equipped with basics of Spanish culture and history through the Bridging Cultures Program. Because Madrid is the geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula and is home to an enviable share of Spain's cultural, artistic and architectural wonders, it provides an ideal introductory stop for ISA Spain students.

During the stay in Madrid, students will expand their knowledge about Spanish history, culture and politics. Students will visit Madrid de los Austrias, which includes the Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de la Villa, Plaza Mayor, and some of the city's oldest streets. Then students will visit one of Madrid's most prominent art museums, either the Prado or the Reina Sofia.

 

Student will visit Málaga, which sits on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and is considered to be the gateway to the Costa del Sol, a popular holiday destination. They will tour the Picasso Museum and then walk the city's narrow streets that are packed with shops, bars, and cafés, providing a perfect setting to spend an afternoon.

 

Optional for some or all sessions

During this multi-day optional excursion, students will be introduced to another continent (Africa) via a multi-stop five night itinerary across Morocco, one of the world's most colorful, diverse, and -- for reasons we ll have occasion to explore -- pro-American countries. Our trip encompasses direct cultural encounters with locals, guided tours through medinas and monuments, opportunities to shop and to learn the ins and outs of haggling with Moroccan vendors, and some unforgettable desert experiences that include rides on camelback and spectacular views of the sunrise. We also visit the Imperial City of Meknes, site of our first ISA program on the Africa continent

 

During this single day visit, students become familiar with a city whose role in Spanish history has been decisive since the Roman period, thanks in part to its unique situation as a natural fortress—surrounded on three sides by the River Tagus (Tajo in Spanish). Toledo is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its wonderfully preserved architecture, showing the influence of various waves of Visigoths, Spanish Muslims and Catholic Christians as well as Sephardic Jews known to have translated some key works of classical antiquity right here.