Alicante Excursions

One of the benefits of studying abroad is the ability to venture outside your host city and explore the surrounding area. Excursions are offered for all semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered two to three excursions and summer students are typically offered one to two excursions. You will receive a calendar of the specific CEA excursions offered for your program during orientation. To give you an idea of the possibilities, we have collected typical experiences from some of the day trips and weekend tours offered to our students in the past.

Algar Fountains and Guadalest

During this day trip, a private bus takes students to the interior part of the province. The first stop will be in the little town of Algar where an abundance of water and the mild climate have enabled Mediterranean products such as almonds and vines to be cultivated in traditional terraces. Students will visit the Algar Fountains and see the springs and waterfalls of the Algar River. Hiking up the river provides the perfect opportunity to take photos of the beautiful scenery. Next is an afternoon visit to the ancient village of Guadalest, one of the highest points in Alicante. One of the most emblematic tourist images of the Costa Blanca is undoubtedly the scene formed by the freestanding elegant bell tower and the tunnel that provides access to the old centre of El Castillo de Guadalest, both located within a granite mass of striking appearance. This town is also known for its local art crafts, where students can purchase pottery and crafts made by the locals.

Barcelona

CEA will depart from Alicante on Friday afternoon to make the trip to Barcelona. The ride will take students along the coast up to the north-east of Spain. The Modernist Tour takes place on Saturday morning, where students will learn about the Modernism trend in Barcelona and the modernist architect Antoni Gaudí. The visit will begin with a panoramic bus tour around Paseo de Gracia and La Casa Milá, followed by a visit to the Sagrada Familia and the Parc Güell designed by Gaudí. The second tour begins in the afternoon, during which students will visit the Picasso Musuem in Barcelona. Students will also have the opportunity spend some free time shopping in the area. Finally, on Sunday morning CEA will visit the Barrio Gótico and the old district of Barcelona. Students will learn about the Gothic Quarter that forms the nucleus of the city’s medieval buildings, including such highlights as the Cathedral and the Plaza del Rey. The Palau Major comprises important Gothic Buildings such as the Salon del Tinell and the chapel of Santa Agata.

Granada

Granada was once the capital of Al-Andalus, the Arab kingdom, which ruled over the city and much of Spain over the span of eight centuries. CEA’s Granada excursion will take students through the old district, including a visit to the Old Arab Market and the Royal Chapel of the Catholic Monarchs by the Cathedral. In the evening students will also tour the Albaicin, a painter’s paradise where a gorgeous view awaits them at every turn, including glimpses of the majestic Alhambra. The end of the day will provide free time during which students may see a Flamenco show and visit the Tea Shops Street in Granada, a perfect opportunity to relax in one of the popular tea rooms. The trip is concluded with a Sunday morning visit to the Alhambra, the most visited monument in Spain.

Tabarca

From the port of Alicante, a 45 minute ferry ride will carry students to Tabarca Island, the only inhabited island of the Autonomous Community of Valencia. It is a natural marine reserve that is considered a prime example of virtually undamaged Mediterranean marine life, given the excellent quality of its waters and the biodiversity of the area. During the tour students will learn about the history of the island and the origin of its name, taken from the people of Geneva who settled the village in the 1770. After touring the island, students will enjoy tasting delicious paella and spend some time relaxing on a tranquil beach. The village of Tabarca and the surrounding seas make for an excellent daytrip.

Toledo

Toledo is one of Spain’s many luxurious treasures. In its medieval past, Toledo was one of the cradles of Western culture through its Toledan School of Translators. This school is an example of the tolerance and coexistence between the Jewish, Muslim and Christian populations of the area. CEA will depart from Alicante on Saturday morning and will be in Toledo at lunch time. Upon arrival in Toledo, a local guide will meet students and showcase every corner of this medieval city, including the cathedral, Santo Tomé Church with the most famous Greco’s painting “El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz” (Note: The Alcazar cannot be visited until 2008 due to construction) and the synagogue. The next day will include a visit to the area of the convents and a tour of one of its churches, San Roman. After visiting Toledo, students will understand its reputation as the City of the Three Cultures.

Valencia

During this overnight excursion, a walking tour through the old district of Valencia and a visit to the Old Silk Market and the Cathedral will provide an introduction to the area. After learning about the history of Valencia, students will visit one of the most outstanding contemporary art museums of the city, The Museum of Marques de Dos Aguas. The next day will include a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences, where students will have time to visit the largest aquarium in Europe: El Oceanografic. The festival of Las Fallas in March is another key attraction, during which the residents build fantastic “ninot” floats from paper maché wood and wax to later burn them on San Joseph’s Day. Qué interesante!