Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in excursions at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term-to-term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.

Check dates in the student calendar to learn exactly what your session offers. Your Site Director will give you instructions on how you can RSVP for all of the events on site.

Day Excursions

Cava Tasting

Students love to start off their term touring Freixenet and learning about the history of cava making and one of the oldest wineries in Catalunya. After the tour, where the students see the historic cellars and original machinery, they enjoy sampling cava outside on the gorgeous front patio. Barcelona SP23 Cavas Group

Can Roda Winery Tour + Blanes

Visit to Can Roda. an ecological local winery, where we learn about the process of winemaking in Catalunya- and finish the tour with a tasting of different wines paired with local products. Afterwards, we head to the beach town of Blanes and see a typical Costa Brava beach town.

Montserrat

Montserrat is one of the most ‘spiritual’ experiences in Catalunya. Students get to visit one of the most beautiful monasteries in Spain. Afterwards, the students get to visit the crypt of Gaudí at Colonia Güell.

Tarragona + Sitges

During this excursion the students have the opportunity to visit Roman ruins in Tarragona and walk in the footsteps of gladiators and ancient merchants. Later, in Sitges the students have an opportunity to tour the city and swim at the beach to finish the day.

Costa Brava Tour + Boat Trip

This excursion is a combination of history, sea and fun as the students get to beach hop down the Costa Brava coast and visit the Ruïnes d'Empúries, an excavated ancient city. The students get to finish the day with a boat trip to a secret calas, where they can explore the flora and marine life.

Weekend Excursions

Pais Vasco

On this weekend trip, students head to Pais Vasco and stay two nights in Bilbao, with one full day excursion around the Basque Country. Students explore Bilbao and also visit the Guggenheim museum. A highlight for students is trying typical Basque food.

Valencia

Valencia is home to one of the world’s largest aquariums and science museums in the world. The building itself is a work of art and incredible to visit. It is also home of paella, so students have the opportunity to try a very traditional paella.

Granada

Granada has a very unique history, as it was one of the only cities to withstand the Catholic invasions and remained its own kingdom until 1492. Granada is home to the Alhambra, one of the crown jewels remaining from the Al-Andalus empire, and the second most visited monument in all of Spain. Students also go to the Albayzin, a UNESCO protected neighborhood. Another highlight is watching a flamenco show in a traditional gypsy cave.

Sevilla

Sevilla, similar to Granada, offers students a different perspective of the history of Spain. Andalucia has a completely different history to Catalunya and therefore gives students an opportunity to learn about a new culture. Sevilla, the capital of Andalucia, is home to the most famous Plaza de España, where many movies have been filmed.

Valencia

Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain and holds some of the country's most important works of art and architecture. During this trip students have an opportunity to explore the city and compare the cultural differences between Madrid and Barcelona, Spain’s two biggest cities.

Local Life Activities

Designed to give students a deeper understanding of local culture, values, and history. Learn more about how we approach culture through The Local Life here.

CULTURE THROUGH FOOD

Cooking class

We are going to take a cooking class and learn the Spanish classics! Tortilla de patatas, patatas bravas, Paella, crèma catalana and sangría! Take these skills back to the states and impress your friends and family.

Churros con chocolate

Students have the opportunity to try one of the most treasured Spanish sweet treats, ‘churros con chocolate’ at one of the oldest spots in town. This Xurreria is located in the Gòtico on the chocolate street.

Tapas

This is a great activity so the students can try different traditional tapas, such as croquetas, patatas bravas, tortilla española, calamari etc. in a low key environment.

Mercado Scavenger Hunt

The scavenger hunt is designed to take students out of their comfort zone of shopping traditionally at supermarkets. The scavenger hunt is in Spanish so that they can learn some new phrases and expand their vocabulary. Students head to the famous Mercat de la Boquería in the heart of Las Ramblas.

SPORTS AS CULTURE

Tibidabo Hike

The views from the Tibidabo are amazing, and this outdoor activity gets students out to hike up to some of the best views of the city. Ideally, this should be done on a nice day so that way it can be an enjoyable experience.

UCD Tibidabo Hike (1)

Camp Nou Tour/Museum

Home to one of the most celebrated football clubs in the world, students get to learn the history of the team at the museum and see the stadium without the crowds.

Barcelona - Camp Nou Museum Tour

HISTORY AS CULTURE

Gothic Neighborhood Tour

The neighborhood tours are a great way to learn about the history of the city. Especially starting the semester with a tour of the Gòtico, the students are introduced to the old town of the city and can get to know some of the legends and history of the important area.

CULTURE THROUGH ART

Sardana Dance

Traditional Catalan dances have ties to Medieval times are still widely danced by Catalans throughout the region. During this dance class the students learn three different Catalan dances, Sardana, Xotis and Gitanes.

CONNECTIONS WITH LOCALS

Cenas en Familia

A small group of students will have dinner at a local's house.