Alumni Campus Abroad: Spain

Download the ACA Spain Brochure

From $2895.00, per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

Discover the fashionable and modern city of Barcelona, heart of Spain’s culturally distinct Catalonia region, rich in artistic heritage. Walk Las Ramblas before touring the prominent Modernist architectural sites of Antoni Gaudí, including the ornate La Sagrada Familia basilica.

In Spain’s enchanting Penedès wine country and enjoy Cava, the Catalan sparkling wine, on a visit to a local vineyard. Then, travel to the Basque Country, with its unique language and culture, as you drive along the scenic route from Montserrat to seaside San Sebastián on the Bay of Biscay. Experience the sights of Pamplona, famous for the running of the bulls. Tour the city of Bilbao, and explore its renowned Guggenheim Museum, designed by postmodern architect Frank Gehry.

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Barcelona, Spain. (Flight provided for Air Package participants only.)

Day 2
Upon arrival, transfer to the Cristal Palace Hotel. (Transfer provided for Air Package participants only.)

This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 3
Educational Focus: The History of Catalonia and Barcelona.

Excursion: Highlights of Barcelona. Explore Las Ramblas and the medieval Barri Gòtic. See the Town Hall, La Seu Catedral, the Royal Palace and the Montjuic fortress.

Local Flavor: A typical Catalan restaurant hosts you for a tapas lunch.

Day 4
Educational Focus: The Architecture of Gaudí.

Excursion: Gaudí’s Barcelona—A Monumental Vision. See Antoni Gaudí’s impressive Modernist architecture, including Parc Güell, Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Família.

Local Flavor: This evening, visit one of Barcelona’s restaurants to sample local cuisine.

Day 5
Excursion: Penedès Wine Region. Catalonia’s premier wine region produces high quality still reds and whites along with Cava, Penedès’ world-famous sparkling wine. Visit Codorníu, the first and largest producer of Cava. The complex—with its stained glass, ceramic tiles, and ironwork—is a national historic and artistic landmark Tour the cave, a vast cellar, and a enjoy a wine tasting.

Day 6
Independent Exploration: The day is yours in Barcelona for sightseeing and shopping.

Day 7
Depart Barcelona for San Sebastián.

Excursion: Zaragoza. See the old city, including the Plaza del Pilar, built atop Roman ruins, and the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar.

Local Flavor: Lunch is in a typical regional restaurant.

Upon arrival in San Sebastián, check into the Hotel Costa Vasca.

Day 8
Educational Focus: A History of Northern Spain.
Excursion: Highlights of San Sebastián. Survey the bay from the Palacio de Miramar and explore the Old Quarter with its elegant Town Hall and neo-Gothic Cathedral de Buen Pastor.

Independent Exploration: The afternoon is at your leisure.
Educational Focus: Meet the People.

Day 9
Excursion: Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum. A true highlight of your trip is a visit to this renowned museum. Architect Frank Gehry’s titanium-and-glass masterpiece showcases 20th-century artwork. Afterwards, a panoramic motorcoach tour showcases Bilbao and a brief walking tour passes
the plaza, Cathedral and Opera House.

Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch in Bilbao.

Day 10
Educational Focus: The Romance of Hemingway’s Spain.

Excursion: Pamplona. See the Gothic cathedral; the Church of San Lorenzo; and the bullring, Plaza de Toros in this city famous for the Running of the Bulls.

Local Flavor: Lunch is served at a restaurant in Pamplona.

Tonight, attend a Graduation Ceremony, Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Day 11
Transfer to the Bilbao airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer and flight provided for Air Package participants only.)

Your Northwestern Host

Abby Jansen (G08), associate director of alumni travel, joined the Northwestern Alumni Association in 2003. She previously worked for CDW, Inc., as a sales account manager. Abby received her BA from Miami University and her MA in liberal studies from Northwestern.

Updated June 9, 2009.