University of Granada, Spain: Cultural Activities
Granada is a vibrant, active city, with lots to do as a group and on your own! The following included activities were created specifically to expand your appreciation of Spain and its place in European history. View the natural wonders of the nearby mountains visit the historical sites that give Spain the greatest pride, and have fun with your fellow students.
3-day stopover in London
Depart from the United States and arrive in London, one of the world’s most exciting capitals. Meet your Summer Advantage representative and transfer to your accommodation. At the welcome dinner you will get the chance to meet your fellow students. The next morning, a local guide will show you the splendors of London on a guided tour. See Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. On day three, say farewell to London and depart for Granada.
Accommodations, airport transfers, breakfasts, dinners, the sightseeing tour and entrance fees are all included in your program fee.
Welcome Reception in Granada
Get to know your fellow students and staff and plan for the summer ahead at a welcome reception hosted by AIFS. Enjoy refreshments and experience your first authentic tapas!
Morning tour of the Alhambra palace and Generalife gardens
Take a guided tour through the world’s only medieval Islamic castle to see the magnificent art and architecture from Muslim Spain of the 8th-13th centuries. See the Patio de los Leones, Salón de Embajadores, the Alcazaba fortress and the lush Generalife gardens.
Morning tour of the Albaicin district
Take a guided tour through Granada’s Moorish neighborhood. Learn the legends and tales from the days of the Islamic rule in Spain, walk through the winding and narrow streets, see the spectacular views of this most interesting neighborhood.
Weekend visit to Seville and Córdoba
In Seville, enjoy guided tours the typical Barrio de Santa Cruz, the Cathedral, the Giralda tower and the Alcazar palace. Stroll through the Parque de Maria Luisa to the Plaza de Espana. After spending the night in Seville, continue on to the historical city of Córdoba, the capital of the Arabic world in the 10th Century. Visit the “Mezquita” (old mosque, today’s Cathedral), the Jewish district, and the medieval synagogue. After the tour of Córdoba, return to Granada.
Day at the Costa del Sol beach
Only an hour away from the city of Granada, the fabulous beach of Almuñécar was settled by the Phoenicians and then the Romans. Besides lying on the beach, you can visit the Castillo de San Miguel or the botanical garden “Parque del Majuelo” with Roman ruins.
Day visit to Gibraltar At the southernmost tip of Iberia lies the legendary Rock of Gibraltar - one of the towers built by Hercules on his 10th journey. Students will visit the city and port including the Europa point and lighthouse, the Barbary Ape den, St. Michael’s Cave and the Great Siege Tunnel. In the afternoon students can enjoy some free time to shop in this duty free shop.
Flamenco Dinner Party
We will have tapas and be treated to the best flamenco singing and dancing in Granada in a typical gypsy cave.
3-day stopover in Madrid
Depart Granada and arrive in Madrid, the Spanish capital and transfer to your hotel. The next morning, watch Madrid’s rich heritage come alive on a guided city tour. View classic boulevards and fountains, then feast on world acclaimed art by El Greco, Goya and Velasquez at the Prado. See the Puerta del Sol, the famous Don Quixote statue, the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor. Free time in the afternoon. On day three, transfer to the airport for return flight to the U.S.
Accommodations, airport transfers, breakfasts, dinners, the sightseeing tour and entrance fees are all included in your program fee.
Sports and Cultural Activities
Depending on the interests of the students on campus, a variety of cultural activities are arranged throughout the course of your stay. Visit art exhibitions, attend jazz concerts in the open air, play basketball with Spanish high school students, and maybe even go horseback riding or hiking!
