Map Salamanca, Spain
Excursion
Excursion
Travel Plans

Study Abroad in Salamanca: Cultural Travel

Fall semester excursions

Spring semester excursions

During both semesters, students visit the two Cathedrals of Salamanca, the Convent of San Esteban (where Christopher Columbus studied his plans before initiating his trip to discover the New World), the beautiful House of Shells, the old University (the oldest in Spain), Las Dueñas Convent (where you can sample the delicious tea biscuits baked by cloistered nuns). Other local activities include an AIFS welcome party, Spanish cooking class, intercambio get-together to meet Spanish students, "tapas tour," farewell party and Thanksgiving dinner in a nice restaurant (fall semester).

2-day visit to London (Included in fee)

Every semester begins with a 2-day visit to London en route to Spain. Students have the opportunity to visit London, recover from jet-lag and meet and travel with fellow AIFS students to campus.

Saturday, August 29 or Monday, January 4 Morning arrival in London where the flight will be met by an AIFS representative. Transfer by bus to a hotel. Rest of the day free for rest and relaxation. Overnight in London.

Sunday, August 30 or Tuesday, January 5 Morning sightseeing with a professional guide who will point out some of London's most famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. Afternoon and evening free. Overnight in London.

Monday, August 31 or Wednesday, January 6 Transfer to airport for flight to Madrid. Transfer to Salamanca.

Includes accommodations, breakfast, travel, entrance fees and sightseeing as indicated. Lunch and dinner are not included. Dates and itinerary are subject to change.

4-day visit to Andalucia (Included in fee)

After orientation, students depart for a 4-day visit to the south of Spain including Seville, Córdoba and Granada. An AIFS staff member accompanies students.

Thursday, September 17 or January 21 Early morning departure by private bus from Salamanca to the Moorish town of Córdoba. Afternoon visit to Mezquita, a renowned 8th century mosque famous for intricate Moorish, Christian and Jewish architecture. Continue to Seville, a beautiful city on the Guadalquivir River. Overnight in Seville.

Friday, September 18 or January 22 Morning sightseeing tour of Seville. Visit the famous La Giralda tower, the Alcazar, Maria Luisa Park and Barrio de Santa Cruz. Afternoon and evening free to explore. Overnight in Seville.

Saturday, September 19 or January 23 Morning departure to Granada, the Moorish capital in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Tour of the spectacular Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens. Afternoon free. Optional evening flamenco performance. Overnight in Granada.

Sunday, September 20 or January 24 Morning departure for Salamanca. Arrival in Salamanca late afternoon.

Includes accommodation and breakfast (but not lunch and dinner), transportation, entrances to museums and monuments and professional guides. The itinerary is subject to minor changes.

Weekend visit to Madrid (Included in fee)

Fall and spring semester students will take an AIFS escorted, two-day/one-night excursion to Madrid and Toledo.

Saturday, October 17 or February 20 Morning departure from Salamanca by private bus. Sightseeing tour of Madrid, the capital city of Spain - view classic boulevards and fountains in the center of the city. At the Prado, you will feast on world-acclaimed art by El Greco, Goya and Velázquez. See the Puerta del Sol, the famous Don Quixote statue, the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor. Evening free to explore Madrid. Overnight in Madrid.

Sunday, October 18 or February 21 Breakfast at your hotel before departing for Toledo, known as "the town of the three cultures: Moorish, Jewish and Christian", to visit the Synagogue, the 13th century Cathedral, considered the most important cathedral in Spain, adorned with paintings by El Greco, Tiziano, Rubens, etc. and the St. Tomé Church - home of the El Greco masterpiece "El Entierro del Conde Orgaz". Evening return to Salamanca by private bus.

Includes all transportation, hotel accommodations, breakfast (but not lunch and dinner), professional tour guides, and entrance fees to the sights described.

Visit to the Campo Charro Bull Ranch (Included in fee)

Sunday, October 25 or April 25 Visit a bull ranch in the Campo Charro (Salmantine countryside) - one of the most famous places in Spain for the raising of lidia (fighting) bulls for bullfighting. The estate's herdsmen will take you in four wheel drive vehicles around the 3,700 acres of rolling hills and oak trees to see the bulls grazing while learning about the breeding, rearing and care of these lidia bulls from ranch to ring.

Optional 3-day visit to Lisbon, Portugal ($495)

Fall and spring semester students may take an optional AIFS escorted, 3-day visit to Lisbon.

Friday, November 6 or May 7 Travel by private bus from Salamanca to Lisbon, capital city of Portugal. Evening free and overnight in Lisbon.

Saturday, November 7 or May 8 Sightseeing tour of Lisbon - visit Tower of Belem, Monument to the Discoverers, Monastery of Jerónimos, Plaza del Rocio and Sao Jorge Castle. Free time to explore on your own. Overnight in Lisbon.

Sunday, November 8 or May 9 Morning departure from Lisbon to the lovely coastal villages of Cascais and Estoril as well as the Boca do Inferno, a natural cavern on the coast, and Cabo da Roca, Europe's most westerly point. Return to Salamanca by late evening.

Includes all transportation, hotel accommodations, breakfast, guides, and entrance fees to the sights described.

Students should sign up and pay a contribution fee of $495 in the U.S. prior to departure. If a minimum enrollment of 15 is not met, the tour may be cancelled. Itinerary and dates are tentative and subject to change.

Optional 4-day visit to Marrakech, Morocco ($725)

Fall and spring semester students may take an optional AIFS escorted, 4-day visit to Marrakech, Morocco, which includes all transportation, hotel accommodations, breakfast, guides, and entrance fees to the sights described.

Thursday, November 19 or March 11 Travel by private bus from Salamanca to the Madrid airport to fly to Marrakech, Morocco. Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to the hotel by private bus. Free day. Overnight in Marrakech.

Friday, November 20 or March 12 Breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing tour of Marrakech, Morocco's most cultural city, with a professional guide, visiting the fantastic square Djemaa el Fna, the colorful zoccos (markets), the Koutoubia Tower, etc. Evening free time to explore on your own and shop. Overnight in Marrakech.

Saturday, November 21 or March 13 Breakfast at the hotel. Professionally guided sightseeing tour around Marrakech visiting sights not seen the day before. Possibility to take optional excursions such as a visit to the Sahara desert (not included in fee). Overnight in Marrakech.

Sunday, November 22 or March 14 Breakfast in the hotel and free time. Transfer to the airport and flight to Madrid. Bus from Madrid to Salamanca.

Students should sign up and pay a contribution fee of $725 in the U.S. prior to departure. If a minimum enrollment of 15 is not met, the tour may be cancelled. Once paid for in the U.S. all optional excursions are non-refundable.

NOTE: If you are NOT a U.S. citizen traveling on an American passport, you are responsible for informing yourself of any requirements necessary to visit Morocco and/or Portugal as well as acquiring a visa with ample time to participate in these excursions.

All itineraries and dates are tentative and subject to change.