This immersive 10-day program in Spain offers students a unique opportunity to explore
the intersection of art, architecture and cultural heritage. From the iconic works of Gaudí
and Picasso in Barcelona to the modern wonders of Valencia, participants will deepen
their understanding of Spanish history and creativity through guided tours, academic
visits and hands-on workshops.

With a focus on cultural and artistic exploration, this program allows students to engage
with both historical and contemporary art, while gaining insight into Spain's dynamic
influence on the global art scene. The experience is enriched with expert-led tours and
local immersion, making it an unforgettable journey into the heart of Spanish culture.

10 Days

Art, History, Architecture

Itinerary

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Morning - Arrive in Barcelona airport

Late Morning - Check in to hotel in Barcelona

Afternoon - Orientation and walking tour of surrounding area

Evening - Traditional Spanish Welcome dinner

Depart USA for Spain

Morning - Gaudí’s Park Güell 

Park Guell is one of the most iconic sights in Barcelona and one of
Gaudi’s masterpieces.

Afternoon - Academic visit

Evening - La Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia (Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy
Family) is the most iconic symbol of Barcelona and the most visited
landmark in the whole of Spain .It is the largest unfinished Catholic
church in the world. Designed by architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926),
his work on Sagrada Família is part of a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.

Morning - Pablo Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museum is a must-visit for art lovers and admirers of the
great Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso. Located in Barcelona, the
museum houses a vast collection of the artist's work throughout his
life, including paintings, drawings, and engravings.

Afternoon - Visit to Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens is one of Gaudí’s first major works and a gem of
modernist architecture. Recently opened to the public, it offers a
unique perspective on Gaudí’s early style, influenced by orientalism
and natural motifs.

Morning – Visit at Fundació Joan Miró + Plastic Arts Workshop

Explore the life of the great Spanish artist, Joan Miró at the Fundació
Joan Miró in Barcelona. Marvel at the striking building by the
architect and friend of Miró, Josep Lluís Sert. Located in the green
oasis of the Parc de Montjuïc, the building was once described by
Miró as “an open, radiant architecture focused on the vision of art
and the contemplation of nature: a garden for everybody.” Get an
overview of the different stages of Miró’s oeuvre and the different
media he worked with in the course of his career.

Afternoon - Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona

For students interested in modern and contemporary art, MACBA is
essential. The museum focuses on art from the mid-20th century to
the present, with exhibitions from leading Catalan, Spanish, and
international artists. It offers an in-depth look into the evolution of
contemporary art movements.

Morning - City of Arts and Science Guided Tour

The City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural and architectural complex
in the city of Valencia, Spain. It is the most important modern tourist
destination in the city of Valencia and one of the 12 Treasures of
Spain. It is situated at the southeast end of the former riverbed of the
river Turia, which was drained and rerouted after a catastrophic
flood in 1957. The old riverbed was turned into a picturesque sunken
park. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, the project
began the first stages of construction in July 1996, and was
inaugurated on 16 April 1998 with the opening of L'Hemisfèric. The
last major component of the City of Arts and Sciences, Palau de les
Arts Reina Sofía, was inaugurated on 9 October 2005, Valencian
Community Day. The most recent building in the complex, L'Àgora,
was opened in 2009.

Originally budgeted at €300 million in 1991 for three structures, it has
expanded about three times the initial expected cost.

Afternoon - Centro del Carmen Cultura Contemporánea

Housed in a former convent, this cultural center offers a blend of
historic architecture and contemporary art. The exhibitions focus on
modern and experimental art, ranging from visual arts to
performance and digital media.

The mix of historic and contemporary elements makes this a
fascinating stop for understanding how art evolves while remaining
connected to its roots.

Morning - Visit to Manises Town of Ceramics to workshops in
Manises for a ceramics-making class where students can
learn hands-on techniques, including wheel-throwing, glazing,
and firing. Workshops in Manises often specialize in traditional
Valencian ceramic styles, such as blue-and-white patterns and
lusterware, which were once exported throughout Europe.

Manises, located just outside Valencia, is historically famous for its
ceramics production, dating back to the 14th century. The town
continues to produce high-quality ceramics, and many workshops
and factories are open to visitors. This could be a fantastic stop for
a day trip to learn about traditional and contemporary ceramic
production.

Late Afternoon - Visit to Museum of Fine Arts

The second largest art gallery in Spain, with works from the 15th to
the 19th centuries, including rooms dedicated to the magnificent
oeuvre of the famous Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla, as well
as a room dedicated to Francisco de Goya. The Gothic art rooms
are very impressive, and the rooms of the painters and sculptors
Pinazo and Benlliure are very representative of the Valencian
school. Furthermore, the museum excels in its collection of
Renaissance paintings, with Valencia being the entrance of the
artistic influences of this style in Spain. Neither must one miss the
Courtyard of Ambassador Vich and the previously unseen work of
Velázquez.

4.

Morning - Take a private guided tour of the Lladró Porcelain
Factory and Museum, which would include meeting with artisans
and designers to understand the business side of luxury porcelain
production.

Lladró is one of the most famous porcelain brands in the world,
known for its finely crafted figurines and sculptures. The Lladró
Factory and Museum, located in Tavernes Blanques, just outside
Valencia, offers tours that take visitors through the production
process, from initial design to final hand-painting. The tour also
includes a visit to their private museum, which houses exclusive
pieces and some of the company’s most valuable artworks.

Farewell dinner at a local Spanish restaurant

Early Morning - Leave for Barcelona airport on train

Afternoon - Arrive at airport and leave for USA

Morning - Check out from housing and to Valencia by train

Late Morning – Check in to housing in Valencia

Afternoon - Walking tour of the historical Valencia city centre