Alicante Tour & Castle

Included in Program. Students will be introduced to Alicante, from taking in the sights of the bustling port to strolling down the promenade. They will walk through the old city neighborhoods, navigating the narrow streets, discover popular dining and shopping areas, and local entertainment spots. The tour will visit the Castle, the impressive towering citadel…

Granada

Included in Program. The highlight of a visit to Granada is to explore the grand Alhambra, a towering fortress and a notable monument to Islamic architecture. Upon entering the complex, discover the fascinating history behind the dazzling palaces, manicured gardens, and reflection pools. Beyond the fortress, Granada is a bustling city to explore and experience…

Madrid

Optional/Independent. Students can visit Madrid (2 hrs by high-speed train from Alicante) to explore the famous sights of the capital city, or may sign up for a group excursion. Group itinerary sights may include: the Paseo de la Castellana, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Las Ventas Bullring, Gran Vía, Cibeles, Plaza de España, Puerta del Sol, Plaza…

Civil War Shelters

Optional/Independent. The Spanish Civil War of the 1930’s left a shockwave in Alicante and throughout Spain when more than 300 civilians died in a single bombing raid. In the aftermath of the attack, authorities built underground shelters in proportion to the population of Alicante. Today, a guided tour will take you into some of the…

Playa del Carmen

The Maya Mexico Winter program concludes with a two day visit to beautiful Playa del Carmen. There, students observe and analyze the island’s renowned street-scene, discuss the complicated relationship between tourism and environmental sustainability, and share their final project/oral presentation. Students will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful beach, as well.

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Explore more than 500 buildings of a royal palace in Seoul. Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace in Korea built in 1395 and used through 1592. Inside the walls, visit the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum while on the premises.

Nagoya Castle

We visit Nagoya Castle, which dates back over 400 years. During World War II, it was destroyed during bombing and has since undergone reconstruction and repair. Designated as a National Treasure, it features a pair of golden shachihoko (imaginary sea creatures with tiger-like heads) that sit atop of the tower.

Venice (Independent)

Students may take an independent day trip to Venice, the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region. Once the capital of the maritime empire, the city is built on islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Here the canals lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces offer an unparalleled experience whether walking alongside the canals or…

Uxmal & Hacienda Yaxcopoil

Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and provides a striking contrast to Chichen Itzá.  For some, the intricate and ornate pyramids, temples and other ceremonial structures at Uxmal represent the pinnacle of Maya art, design and architecture.  En route to Uxmal, we visit Hacienda Yaxcopoil— a former landed-estate, which speaks to the complex history…

Chichen Itzá & Cenote Ik Kil

At Chichen Itzá, students encounter the impressive convergence of Maya architecture, mathematics, agriculture, astronomy, commerce, and religion.  The Pyramid of Kukulcan, Temple of the Warriors, Observatory, and Ball Court help students appreciate pre-Columbian advances and restraints. Our excursion culminates with an optional swim in a beautiful cenote (natural pool).