The Expedition
Great civilizations like the Romans and Moors once ruled Andalusia, and their influence lives on today, from elaborate palaces to hilltop fortresses, cathedrals, and mosques. As much as cities like Madrid, Granada, and Sevilla are graced with grand monuments and historic buildings, they also pulse with youthful energy and spirit. Experience the passion of Andalusia in lively flamenco halls and bustling neighborhoods, and explore Spain's rich culture through an On Assignment project of your choice — Photography, Writing, or Spanish Language.
MADRID
4 days. With its spacious parks, grand architecture, and vibrant street life, Madrid is one of Europe's great cities. During a comprehensive orientation, we'll get acquainted as a group and begin to work together in exploration teams. Set out to discover some of Madrid's lively neighborhoods, from the hip and elegant Lavapiés to the open-air cafés of the Plaza Mayor and the jazz clubs of Plaza de Santa Ana. Examine the works of the masters at museums such as the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, Reina Sofía, and Casa Sorolla. Stroll through the ornate halls of the Palacio Real, still used by King Juan Carlos I for ceremonial events. Meet for a picnic in the Parque del Buen Retiro, and a take a rowboat out on the lake past grand monuments and beautiful rolling parklands.
GRANADA
9 days. Travel by rail to Granada. The city was the seat of Islamic Spain until the Moors were expelled by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1492. Traces of their long presence can be found in the meandering alleyways of the Albaicín neighborhood, the lacy arcades of the Alhambra's courtyards, and the city's Arab baths and tea nooks. With its hidden Gypsy, or gitano; flamenco caves; and free tapas establishments, Granada is one of the liveliest of the Andalusian cities.
Spend nine days exploring Granada and the surrounding countryside in our teams — writing, shooting photos, or practicing Spanish with locals. In the ornate Renaissance cathedral, see the tombs of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Take the back road up to the Alhambra, and visit the gravity-powered fountains of the Generalife gardens. Catch a train to Córdoba, and venture into a maze of striped archways at the Mezquita — a mosque so vast that an entire Christian cathedral is nestled within it. Visit the lesser known town of úbeda, whose miraculously preserved Renaissance mansions have earned it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ascend into the snow-capped Sierra Nevada, Spain's highest mountain range, and hike to the whitewashed hamlets of las Alpujarras. Tucked into orchard-covered hillsides, these villages remain largely unchanged since they were established by Moors fleeing the Spanish Reconquest in the late 15th century.
SEVILLA
8 days. Andalusia's capital has seen the influence of successive waves of civilizations, from Romans and Visigoths to Muslims and Sephardic Jews. An important military center in Roman times, Sevilla served as the entrepôt for much of the silver and gold pillaged from the Americas at the height of the Spanish Empire.
Wander the lively streets of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter, and discover hidden plazas. Get to know historical sites such as the cathedral, the Giralda tower, and Alcázar — impressive monuments to God and royalty that were funded by the spoils from the New World. Visit the vast Parque de María Luisa and the ancient Roman city of Itálica. Hike among striking rock formations in Grazalema National Park and travel to remote hilltop towns such as Ronda and Arcos de la Frontera. Discover the vibrant seaside city of Cádiz, and relax on the beaches of Costa de la Luz. Cap off our Spanish adventure with presentations of each On Assignment project.
Travel by train back to Madrid for your flight home.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Experience Spain's dramatic architecture and vibrant cultures through a camera's lens. Shoot the fountains in the Generalife gardens or a soccer game in a leafy Sevillian park. Capture the hillsides overlooking the Mediterranean or take portraits of gitanos in a honeycomb of caves.
WRITING: Set out on field workshops to improve your writing skills. Trace ancient aqueducts to a deserted Renaissance monastery to scout a setting for your story. Interview a bullfighter, or create a piece of historical fiction on the Spanish Empire in the Americas.
SPANISH LANGUAGE: Immerse yourself in modern castellano. Sharpen your Spanish skills as you meet locals and make new friends. Use your growing vocabulary to purchase picnic supplies in a busy local market. Practice your negotiating skills by setting up a fixed-price menu for your group at one of Andalusia's many delicious restaurants.
