Bryn Mawr College

March 31 – April 11, 2008

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 art nouveau architectural sites of Antoni Gaudí, including the ornate La Sagrada Familia basilica. In Spain's enchanting Penedès wine country, see the town of Montserrat, 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 Sebastian on the Bay of Biscay. Tour the city of Bilbao, and explore its renowned Guggenheim Museum, designed by postmodern architect Frank Gehry. Finally, experience the sites of Pamplona, famous for the running of the bulls and featured in Ernest Hemingway's novel, The Sun Also Rises. On this wonderful journey, we will spend our time in two historic provinces in Spain with five nights in Gaudí's Barcelona and five nights in the seaside town of San Sebastián.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Barcelona, Spain aboard Lufthansa or similar carrier.

Day 2
Barcelona
Upon your arrival, transfer by motor coach to the Cristal Palace Hotel. (Transfer provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Local Flavor: This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3
Barcelona

Educational Focus: The History of Catalonia and Barcelona. Rimmed by the Pyrénées Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Catalonia was settled by the ancient Greeks and Carthaginians. Learn about its intricate history, intrinsic spirit of independence and flamboyantly Gothic and Art Nouveau capital city.

Excursion: Highlights of Barcelona. Feel the rhythmic pulse of the city along Las Ramblas. The mile-long boulevard is a montage of cafés, flower stalls and street theater. Wander the medieval lanes in the Barri Gòtic where Barcelona began. See the stately Town Hall, the spired La Seu Catedral and the Royal Palace set in beautiful gardens. Gaze at the city from the hilltop fortress of Montjuic.

Local Flavor: A tapas lunch is served at a local restaurant.

Day 4
Barcelona

Educational Focus: A Monumental Vision. Discuss how the eccentric Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), shaped the city of Barcelona with his abstract structures and vibrantly colored tiles.

Excursion: Gaudí's Barcelona. Gaudí fashioned his modernist architecture in Barcelona from Guell Park, with its signature mosaics, to the aquatic-looking Casa Batlló on the Passeig de Gràcia. See his most important works, including the breathtaking Cathedral of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia).

Local Flavor: A restaurant in Barcelona hosts you for lunch.

Day 5
Barcelona

Independent Exploration: Spend the day at leisure pursuing your own interests.

Day 6
Penedès & Montserrat

Excursion: Penedès Wine Region and Montserrat. 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 Cava producer. Continue to Montserrat where wild, sandstone peaks form a breathtaking backdrop for its mountainside Benedictine monastery, a spiritual center since 880 A.D. Visit the Basilica and attend a performance of the renowned Escolania boys choir.

Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch in Montserrat.

Day 7
Zaragoza
This morning, depart Barcelona on a scenic countryside drive to San Sebastián.

Excursion: Zaragoza. Set on the Rio Ebro, lovely Zaragoza is the capital of the autono-mous Aragón province. Explore the highlights of the old city with its vast Plaza del Pilar built atop Roman ruins and the 18th-century Baroque Basilica de Señora del Pilar.

Local Flavor: Lunch is served in Zaragoza at a typical regional restaurant. Upon arrival in San Sebastián, check into the Hotel Costa Vasca.

Day 8
San Sebastián

Educational Focus: A History of Northern Spain. Gain insight into the Basque Country with its own identity and unique language. Learn of the gems along the Bay of Biscay, including genteel San Sebastián, once the summer retreat of Queen Isabella II. Excursion: Highlights of San Sebastián. The seaside village of San Sebastián is the perfect blend of sandy beaches and lively tapas bars. Survey the crescent-shaped bay from the Palacio de Miramar, an English-style palace ringed by gardens, and explore the Old Quarter with its elegant Town Hall and neo-Gothic Cathedral de Buen Pastor.

Local Flavor: San Sebastián is home to Spain's most authentic tapas, as well as its own traditional cider. Savor the best of Basque cuisine during lunch at a local restaurant.

Independent Exploration: The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 9
Bilbao

Excursion: Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum. Architect Frank Gehry's waterfront titanium-and-glass masterpiece is a curvaceous sculpture in its own right set against the backdrop of bustling Bilbao. It exhibits important 20th-century artwork and showcases pieces by Spain's own Picasso, Miró and Dalí.

Local Flavor: Relax over a lunch at a charming restaurant in Bilbao.

Educational Focus: Meet the People. Learn about modern Spanish life in an open panel exchange with friendly local residents.

Day 10
Pamplona

Educational Focus: The Romance of Hemingway's Spain. Discuss Hemingway's interest in Pamplona's Fiesta de San Fermín described in the classic 1926 novel, The Sun Also Rises. Excursion: Pamplona. Stroll along the 16th-century streets of Pamplona, famous for the annual Running of the Bulls in July. See the splendid Gothic cathedral, the chapel of San Fermín and the Navarro Museum that features an eclectic mix of archeological finds and art, including the work of Goya.

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

Day 11
San Sebastián

Independent Exploration: Today, you are free to pursue your own interests. Tonight, attend a Graduation Ceremony followed by a Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Day 12
Transfer to the Bilbao airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

NOTE: Itinerary may operate in an order other than as shown above. Itinerary and flight schedule(s) may change due to local conditions. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking as some of the finest attractions are located in areas not closely accessible by motor coach.

Trip Price

(double occupancy)..............................................................$2,895
Single Supplement..............................................................$725

*Package rates are per person based on Double occupancy from Land Only. Prices include all service charges; port charges when applicable; US government taxes and fees. The minimum deposit is $500.00 per person

Travelers will receive an additional $100 per person discount off the above price if they book by October 2, 2007

Included Features:

Accommodations
Five nights in Barcelona at the first-class Cristal Palace Hotel.
Five nights in San Sebastián at the first-class Hotel Costa Vasca

Meals
Three full meals each day, including a breakfast buffet, a two-course lunch and a three-course dinner. Enjoy tea or coffee with all meals. Some meals are served at local restaurants and feature a culinary experience of authentic regional specialties.

Special Welcome Reception at the hotel.
A festive Graduation Ceremony followed by a special Farewell Dinner.

The Travel Program
Informative educational programs, presented by local experts, will enhance your insight into the region.

All excursions:
Admire Las Ramblas and the Old Town district in Barcelona.
A view of Gaudí''s Barcelona.
Tour the scenic Penedés Wine Region and Montserrat.
Discover Zaragoza in the Aragón.
A walking tour of San Sebastián.
See the treasures of Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum.
Explore the ambience of Pamplona.

Transfers and Porterage
Deluxe motorcoach transfers from Barcelona to San Sebastián, including baggage handling at the hotels.

Many Included Extras
Consultation services of a Passenger Service Representative prior to departure.

Services of a professional Campus Director and Expert English-speaking Local Guides throughout your stay.

Detailed travel and destination information to assist you in your planning.

Deluxe travel kit.

All U.S. and foreign governmental airport/departure taxes and fees, airport security surcharges, VAT, service charges and port charges, if applicable.*

Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance for all passengers ticketed by AHI International, subject to policy terms.*

Guest Lecturer - Professor Rosi Song