Espana Clasica

In charming Santander we discover the beautiful old city and meet our host families with whom we spend six nights. Morning Spanish language sessions are held at a school qualified by the University of Alcala in Madrid, with small classes to accommodate students of all abilities. Afternoons are active: learning to surf at the beach, perusing the markets and cafes, and visiting the Guggenheim in nearby Bilbao.

We hit the stunning coast of Barcelona along the Mediterranean Sea for culture, art, and beach time in this spectacularly vibrant and historical city.

The pace changes as we head to the cool of the Pyrenees Mountains to experience rafting, canyoneering, and a unique river walking experience. We backpack to a cozy mountain cabin and visit a national park with one of the highest concentrations of lakes throughout Europe.

We travel from the mountains to the lively city of Salamanca, Spain's most renowned university town. In Madrid, we visit the breathtaking 17th century Plaza Mayor, the Prado, and Royal Palace and then celebrate our achievements with a traditional dinner in the city before we say, "Hasta Luego."

» Days 1-2:
You will be met upon arrival at the Madrid Barajas Airport by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the diverse, demanding and remote regions we explore, we load up our custom vehicles and head off! During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained, and the process of growing together as a group begins. After orientation we drive toward Santander to the sandy beaches of Cantabria along the Atlantic coast.

» Days3-8:
Our first day is spent discovering the beautiful city of Santander, learning the public transportation system, taking a language placement test and meeting our host families with whom we stay for seven nights. Morning sessions are held at a school qualified by the University of Alcala in Madrid with classes to accommodate each level of Spanish. Afternoons are active, whether at the beach learning to surf on the Atlantic, or enjoying the city and the sites of the area. We have breakfast, lunch and dinner with our families, except on days when we head out of town for regional excursions, such as the Guggenheim in Bilbao.

» Days 9-10:
We travel across Spain to one of the country's most magnificent cities, Barcelona. Our beautiful hostel lies close to the city center where we visit some of Gaudi's most amazing sites and wander around Barcelona's streets and markets.

» Days11-16:
The Parc National d'Aigues Tortes I de Sant Maurici in the Pyrenees Mountains is one of Spain's oldest and most spectacular reserves, with one of the highest concentrations of lakes in Europe. A two-day backpack takes us from lake to lake in this magnificent setting. Here we are self-supported and spend each night in cozy mountain cabins. Our Spanish guide teaches us about the environment and animal life of the region, and urges us to speak Spanish as we hike. Next, white water rafting and canyoning will be challenging activities full of fun and adrenaline!

» Days 17-18:
On our way to Madrid we spend a day in the lively city of Salamanca, Spain's most renowned university town. Here we have time to relax, shop and visit the city and university.

» Days 19-21:
The Prado, the 17th century Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace: all of Madrid's breathtaking monuments will be visited. We enjoy a traditional dinner out on the town to celebrate our achievements, receive our diplomas issued by the University of Alcala, Madrid, and say "hasta luego" to unforgettable Spain.