At SAOA we know how important is to learn from the experience of traveling and learning from the culture of other well-known cities in Spain. This complementary trips will contribute to expand your knowledge of the Spanish culture and will give you a unique opportunity to visit other cities and towns of interest. All semester programs will include at least one overnight excursion and a daytrip from the following menu:
Barcelona
At Barcelona we want to show you a sophisticated cosmopolitan city known for its design, architecture, and culture. One weekend in Barcelona you will have the opportunity to stroll around Las Ramblas, the port or the old quarter, known as The Gothic Quarter. In addition, you will walk and visit the most Modernist side of the city by admiring the art of Antonio Gaudí, as The Sagrada Familia or Güell’s Park.
Valencia
Valencia has become one of the most fashionable cities in Spain. You will have the unique opportunity you will discover a city full of contrasts between the Old and the Modern art and architecture. We will visit the old quarter and see its most historic monuments such as the cathedral, the Silk Market or the Virgin’s Square, and on the next day, we will spend the day visiting The City of Arts and Sciences. You will love this 21st century art style as well as the Oceanografic, the biggest aquarium in Europe.
Granada
You will visit Granada, a fairytale city known for its rich history, blend of cultures, and The Alhambra, considered one of the seven wonders of the world.. During this excursion, you will be transported to the Medieval Times, when Spain was conquered by the Arabs. We will take you to the old quarter with its Arab market, the famous tea rooms, as well as the gipsy quarter, famous for flamenco and its narrow stoned streets.
Alicante
Alicante is the capital of the Costa Blanca, famous for its warm weather and sandy beaches. In Alicante you will visit the main landmarks of the place, such as Santa Barbara Castle, the Beach and Port.
Madrid
During this overnight excursion you will get to see Madrid, the capital of Spain. You will visit Madrid’s city center and its landmarks, such as Puerta del Sol Square, The Royal Palace or its gardens, parks and main avenues. In addion, in Madrid you will visit one of the most famous Art Museums of Spain, like El Prado Museum or Centro de Artes Reina Sofía. During this excurison you will learn about the history of it, and will enjoy the city center, famous for its tapas, shopping and entertainment.
Besides overnight excursions, at SAOA we also want to show you around the Valencian Region, visiting at least one of the following destinations:
Algar Fountains and Guadalest.
In less than an hour you will be transport to the Algar Fountains, known for its springs and clear waters. After enjoying a paella in the Algar, we will drive up through the Valley and visit Guadalest, a village of Arab origin. In addition, Guadalest is also known for its wide variety of local museums and crafts.
Denia and Cabo de San Antonio.
Denia is known by its fine Sandy beaches. We will hike up to the Castle, where you will get some of the best views of the bay. In addition, we will combine in this daytrip hiking and beach activities.
Altea
Altea is known as the doom of the Mediterranean. We will take you to this Mediterranean village on the Costa Blanca, where you will stroll around its narrow and pebbled streets and where most of the homes in the old center owns a museum. Nowadays, Altea has become the home of international stars.
SAOA offers you the opportunity to take advantage of various cultural and social activities while in Alcoy. These activities have been designed to help you immerse yourselve in the local culture as well as meet and interact with local people. A variety of established activities exists, and your onsite staff may be able to help you find additional opportnuties to meet your specific interests or needs. Below are examples of the possible activities in whic you can participate while in Alcoy:
Hiking activities in the nearest mountains and parks, such as La Font Roja Natural Park.
Horse Riding activities in the nearest mountains, suchh as Mariola Mountains.
Water Activities and Sports(kayak, windsurf, sailing, surf, bodyboard, paddlesuf.) that will be organized in beach towns, such as Alicante, Gandia or Denia.
Language Exchange Activities or Intercambios with local students, where SAOA students will get to know Spanish peers and practice Spanish with them.
Cooking workshops, where students will learn how to cook some Spanish dishes like Paella and Tortilla Española.