June 21 – July 2, 2007

Rich in culture and history, this trip to two of Spain’s most distinct regions is sure to be memorable.  Beginning in the modern and cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, you will stay at the elegant Cristal Palace Hotel for five nights.  Conveniently located the hotel is set in the perfect location to enjoy the wonders of Barcelona, including Las Ramblas, the Paseo de Gracia, in addition to Barcelona’s renowned Gothic and modern architecture.  You will be awed by the architecture of Antoni Gaudí as you tour the famed Cathedral of the Holy Family and you will enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of Spain during free time.  A day trip to the Pendes Wine Region, home of Catalonia’s sparkling wine, Cava, includes a visit to the world’s largest winery.  Your journey in this region will continue when you travel to the mountain monastery of Montserrat, founded in A.D. 880, where the mountain setting and a performance of the Escolania (the first boys’ choir in Europe), will surely be a highlight of your trip.

After five days in Barcelona, your journey will take you through the picturesque countryside of Spain and to the town of San Sebastian on the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain.  In San Sebastian, you will reside in the elegant Hotel Costa Vasca located only a few minutes walk from beautiful sandy beaches and many historic sites.  Through the perfect combination of guided tours and ample free time you will learn about the history of this region and enjoy strolling through its streets experiencing the local culture and cuisine.   Day excursions from this area will include a trip to Bilboa and the world renown Guggenheim Museum as well as a trip to Pamplona,  famous for the running of the bulls and as the setting for Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises.  Your travels will end all too quickly when you depart from Bilboa on the twelfth day and you’ll be glad you did not miss this unique and beautiful trip to Spain!

Faculty host: Dr. Alberto Hernández-Chiroldes, Professor and Chair of Spanish

Cost:  $2595 per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy

For more information, contact Nikki Sawyer, '03, Assistant Alumni Director, 704-894-2399.  Tour Operator: Alumni Holidays International.