We will introduce you to our Motherland!
From art and architecture to dance and music, from vinos and tapas to culture and fun... We will make you experience it all!
Learners of Spanish, Family & Friends
Non-learners of Spanish will thoroughly enjoy the experience too!
NEXT DATES TBA
17 days of immersion in the Spanish culture
Learning about the history, architecture and art of Spain while enjoying its lifestyle, its food, its music and dance
Discovering the capital city, the region of Andalusia and Barcelona
Living the spectacular celebration of La Mercé (Catalonia's major popular festival since the 1600s) with its parades of mythical characters and Gegants (giants) accompanied by traditional drumming; and being awed by the Correfoc (fire run)
Having an unforgettable time watching the Castellers as they erect the human towers
And speaking Spanish all day long (or as much as you want!) with the expert guidance of your favorite Spanish teachers!
These are some of the planned and optional activities.
Explore some of the most amazing cities in Spain
Discover the stunning architecture styles: Roman, Medieval, Moorish, Modernist, Modern
Walk through charming historic barrios with ancient narrow streets, typical small cafes and quaint shops
Visit world renowned sites and museums
Enjoy the amazing Spanish nightlife, the flamenco dancing and the music of its guitars
Savor authentic Spanish vino and tapas and chocolate con churros
Admire the Mediterranean Sea and some of the most important landmarks:
MADRID
The Prado, one of the best and most popular art museums in the world; the Plaza Mayor; the Retiro Park; the Royal Palace; the Gran Via and Puerta del Sol; the Real Madrid stadium; the gorgeous
art nouveau Mercado San Miguel.
TOLEDO
A UNESCO Heritage site with a historic Alcázar (fortress), lookout, and wall from medieval times; exhibits of suits of armor and swords.
CÓRDOBA
The city's iconic Mezquita (Mosque),
the Patio de los Naranjos, the Historic
Centre and the famous Jewish Quarter,
the Roman Bridge and the delightful
Patios de Córdoba.
(UNESCO Heritage Sites)
GRANADA
The Arabic palace and fortress complex of Alhambra and the Arab Quarter of the Albaycin.
(UNESCO Heritage Site)
SEVILLA
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site with its famous Moorish Alcázar Palace, the Giralda, the renowned Plaza de España, and amazing flamenco shows.
BARCELONA
Wander Las Ramblas, gasp at Gaudi's architectural jewels including the church of La Sagrada Familia, Picasso's museum, Barca's stadium, the Gothic quartier and the beaches all intertwined amongst spacious boulevards and small streets, and the pilgrimage destination market of La Boqueria; witness the exceptional celebration of La Mercé, Catalonia's major festival since the XVII century.
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Where is Spain?
Located in the continent of Europe, Spain covers 498,980 square kilometers of land and has almost 6000 Km of coast making it the 52nd largest nation in the world with a total area of 505,370 square kilometers. Peninsular Spain has borders with Andorra, France and Portugal. Then there is Gibraltar, a British colonial enclave in dispute with Spain and in the African continent, there are the famous Islas Canarias and two autonomous cities in Morocco (Ceuta y Melilla).
The population of Spain is 46,659,302 (2018) and the nation has a density of 92.33 people per square kilometer.
Where are the cities we will be visiting?
MADRID is the capital city of Spain and is located almost in the center of the country at 40.42 latitude and 665 meters above sea level. It has a population of only 3.25 million people (6.5 with the suburbs), making it the biggest city in the country in spite of being quite small for a capital city. Madrid is one of the most important financial centers in Europe, as well as where the Spanish government works, and where the Spanish royal family lives.
TOLEDO is barely 70 Km from Madrid. Its historic quarter, declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, is so impressive because it still has exactly the same layout it had in the Middle Ages.
CÓRDOBA is the capital of the province of Córdoba. The city was founded by the Romans and due to its strategic importance as the highest navigable point of the Guadalquivir river, it became a port city of great importance. It was the capital of the Baetica Roman Province and capital of the Caliphate in the Muslim times. Towards the end of the first millennium Córdoba would have been the largest, most educated and affluent city in the whole world. It is 395 Km from Madrid and 965 Km from Barcelona.
GRANADA is the capital of the province of Granada. It is located at the foot of Sierra Nevada. It is about 420 Km from Madrid, 850 Km from Barcelona, 250 Km from Seville and 200 Km from Cordoba.
SEVILLA lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir river. It is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Andalusia and the province of Seville. It is about 535 Km from Madrid and almost 1000 Km from Barcelona. The city was a very important port during the Spanish Empire. Ships coming from America entered the silver and gold they brought through this port (Ruta de la Plata).
BARCELONA is the capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia and the second largest city in the country, with a population of 1.6 million people and 4.5 million with the suburbs. It is located at 41.39 latitude and at an average of 47 meters above sea level. The city has 4.2 Km of beaches and two marinas.
Do I need to book my own travel?
Yes, you do! Your experience with Spanishmania starts in Madrid and ends in Barcelona. You need to plan to arrive in Madrid any time AFTER NOON on Tuesday, September 10th, 2019. Our last group activity will be on Wednesday evening, so you will be free to return home or continue your travel on your own on Thursday, September 26th, 2019. Plan to check out/leave our lodging in Barcelona by 11 am.
Is there transportation from/to the airport?
When arriving in Madrid you can take the metro to go downtown. It is direct and comfortable. If you prefer to take a taxi it will cost you around €35/40. From downtown Barcelona to the airport is very easy and there are many options, even with public transit.
Are there individual rooms?
No. The rooms have two individual beds that can be set up separate if you are sharing a room or made up as a king size bed for couples. All rooms have a private bathroom.
Is it safe to travel to and around Spain?
You should always be cautious and use common sense with regards to security precautions. There is almost no violence but there are pickpockets, as in most touristy areas.
Are there medical advisories I should be aware of?
Please refer to the Health section on the government of Canada website at https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain for ALL details on medical-related questions.
YOU MUST HAVE ADEQUATE TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation, if required. Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
If you take prescription medication, bring along an adequate supply and a copy of the prescription. Ensure that both the generic and trade names of the drug are stated.
Be sure that your vaccines are up-to-date.
What vaccines do I need?
For details on recommended vaccination for travel to Spain, check the Health section on the government of Canada website at https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
Will I have free time?
Yes, you will! And you will not run out of things to do! We will provide you with tons of suggestions on optional activities and places to explore on your own.
How can I get around?
The main cities have great metro systems, as well as a safe and reliable bus system. We will provide you with a transit card to move around in Madrid and Barcelona.
Keep in mind that we will be walking a lot, both in the big cities and in the small ones. In some we will be walking up and down so we strongly advise to bring comfortable shoes.
What should I pack?
September in Madrid, Andalusia and Barcelona will still be hot and sunny but early mornings and nights can be chilly. Make sure you bring light comfortable walking shoes with good grip since we will be walking quite a bit and there are many hilly areas.
Pack light and simple. Add a few pieces to layer on at night. Spain has a relaxed atmosphere. We will spend much of the time outdoors so do not forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and sun glasses.
Please note that we will not be visiting any beach town (Barcelona is a city with beach) so you do not want to find yourself underdressed. Casual clothes are just fine.
How big will the group be?
The group will have a maximum of 10 people plus one representative from Spanishmania.
Do all the people in the group have the same level of knowledge of Spanish?
No, because knowing Spanish is not a requisite to partake in this trip.
Do people need to have taken classes with Spanishmania to participate on this trip?
No, because knowing Spanish is not a requisite to partake in this trip.
Do people need to know Spanish to participate in this trip?
No, because knowing Spanish is not a requisite to partake in this trip. But if you do, you will have plenty of opportunities to practice and you will get to know distinct accents and idiosyncrasies in the different regions.
Can I stay longer before or after the trip?
Of course you can! Our trip starts on September 10th, 2019 in Madrid and ends on September 26th, 2019 in Barcelona. Before and after those dates, you can make your own plans!
Will we have Spanish class?
No. We will not have Spanish class. We will have some time every day after breakfast to prepare for the activities planned for the day, and review/learn specific vocabulary. Then at the end of the day, we will always try to find some time to debrief. We suggest that you keep a "diario" with the highlights of your day.
Is there a welcome dinner?
No, because participants will be arriving on their own at different times so there will not be a dinner nor an organized event. However, we will be gathering at the house to welcome those arriving later with a glass of Spanish wine!
What are the store hours?
The most usual business hours are from Monday-Saturday, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, and 4:30 to 8 pm. Major shopping centers and department stores are open all day from 10 am to 9 or 10 pm and may open on Sundays.
In a number of cities opening hours are unregulated, and shoppers thus have a wider range of opening hours.
Is water in Spain safe to drink?
Yes, it is! You can safely drink the tap water in Spain unless the local water company states otherwise.
What is the number for Emergencies?
If you are in an Emergency in Spain the number to call to the get the fastest response is 112.
