Salamanca 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.

Ávila

At 3,720 feet above sea level, Ávila is the highest province capital in Spain. It is still surrounded by a 40 ft. tall city wall built in the 11th century. Ávila is one of Spain's best-preserved medieval treasures and makes for an interesting trip. Just outside the city walls is "Cuatro Postes" which offers the best view of the city.

Cáceres and Trujillo

Cáceres is characterized by its Roman, Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture and monuments. A guided tour through the historic part of town guides students through this labyrinth of medieval streets and plazas still surrounded by its ancient walls. The tour is accompanied by a series of old stories and legends about the city that will help students take a more in-depth look at Cáceres and its roots. A visit to Trujillo, home of the famous conqueror Francisco Pizarro, is a must. This small village is a walk back in time. A climb up the many stairs to the top of the remains of the Castle gives students a chance to look out onto much of the province of Cáceres. Listening to the story of Trujillo’s Plaza Mayor, a bustling area with several cafes, restaurants and shops as well, gives students a good understanding of much of this town’s history. Students will stay overnight in one of the many quaint and charming ‘casas rurales’, typical of the area, making this a perfect trip to learn about Extremadura and all it has to offer. Whether students would prefer to take a hike, explore a ranch, or photograph some of the incredible views of the countryside, they are certain to adore this historical and breathtaking visit.

El Escorial and Valle de los Caídos

Students will be surprised by the size of this palace-monastery. El Escorial is the largest Spanish building of the Renaissance. It holds an impressive collection of art and the remains of all of the kings of Spain. The most curious tomb is shaped like a birthday cake which was intended for very young princes and princesses. The “Valley of the Fallen” is a very impressive 20th century monument. This memorial site is well known for its enormous cross at the top of this rocky mountain. This visit also exposes students to some history about the Spanish Civil War.

Santiago de Compostela

Students will venture into Galicia to visit a true cultural gem. Santiago, named a Holy Town by Pope Alexander III, is one of the most important pilgrimages of the Middle Ages and visitors have been flocking here for centuries from all over the world. Students will love wandering through the old quarter with its narrow streets and will be mesmerized by the beauty of its Baroque architecture and quaint plazas.

Segovia

The massive 1,900 year old aqueduct, which until a few years ago still brought water to the town, is amazing. Students also tour the Alcázar, a castle dating back to the 11th century which is rumored to be Disney's inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle. Trying the cuisine of this area is quite an experience; particularly noteworthy is the ‘cochinillo’ in Segovia. Students also have the chance to visit La Granja, just 10 kilometers from Segovia, where they can explore an incredible royal palace and its property, including its remarkable fountains.

Toledo

Toledo was the capital of medieval Spain and the architecture reflects it! Visiting this city is like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Toledo was also renowned for its steel and sword-making. Kings from all parts of the world have had swords and sabers forged in Toledo. Even Japanese Samurai valued Toledo's steel in the 16th century! To get to know this UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to El Greco, students get to visit the amazing Alcázar, the Synagogue and the Cathedral, among many other monuments of the city. Students can wonder along its narrow streets and, through some of Toledo’s many legends, discover the city’s magic and mystery.

Porto, Portugal

Porto is not only Portugal’s second largest city after Lisbon, but also has a fascinating history. This gracious city has a special charm and cosmopolitan atmosphere, with its striking bridges and romantic boat rides in traditional ‘rabelos’ through the Douro River. Students will visit its famous Port wine lodges in Vila de Gaia, where they can spend the day visiting the various cellars, learning about the wine-making process, and tasting the amazing variety of port wine. This European Culture Capital of 2001 is also known for one of its most traditional dishes, Tripas a Moda do Porto, which comes from an old anecdote about its sailors. Our guided tour by bus covers the whole city of Porto and allows students to learn about the history of the city and Portugal as well as its people and language. During good weather, students also get a chance to visit the beaches in this area.