Madrid 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, trimester, year, and summer programs. 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 tours and trips we have offered to our students in the past.

Ávila and Salamanca

"We enjoyed visiting two old Spanish towns this weekend. Encircled by 11th century stonewalls, Ávila is one of Spain's best-preserved medieval treasures and made for an interesting trip. In Salamanca, we strolled through the streets, home to many striking Baroque sandstone buildings and the oldest university in the Spanish speaking world."

Córdoba

"Córdoba was once the capital of Muslim Spain and is home to one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. I was awed by the beautiful architecture that has been so well preserved for centuries. We also strolled through the old Jewish quarter, with its shaded, narrow winding streets and beautiful courtyards."

Granada

"I was in awe this weekend when we visited Spain's most well-known landmark, the Alhambra. We spent several hours wandering through the lush gardens, beautiful rooms, and patios of this ancient palace. Afterwards, we strolled through the Albaicín, Granada's Arab quarter, and relaxed with a cup of tea at one of the many teterías. I think Granada is my new favorite Spanish city!"

San Sebastian and Bilbao

"San Sebastian was the most famous aristocratic beach resort last century, and I can understand why. It has beautiful buildings and excellent beaches, and still conserves its exclusive and cosmopolitan ambience. In Bilbao, we visited the Guggenheim Museum. The building itself is already a masterpiece, and under its complex appearance I was really surprised to find it so easy to navigate around."

Segovia

"Today we visited Segovia, a town outside of Madrid with a Roman aqueduct. I can't believe that something built in the 1st century BC was still in use up until just a few years ago! We also visited the Alcazar, an 11th century castle and military fortress said to have been the inspiration for Walt Disney's design of Sleeping Beauty's castle."

Toledo

"Toledo, called the City of Three Cultures, really impressed me! From the Alcazar, a 10th century Moorish fortress, to the 13th century cathedral and the synagogue, this city displays the peaceful coexistence of these three rich cultures. On top of all of that, the beautiful scenery surrounding the city was a great break from the busy streets of Madrid."