Day 1 – Depart USA
Depart from the USA on an overnight flight to Madrid.
Overnight: In flight.
Itinerary
Day 2 – Arrival in Madrid
- Arrive in Madrid and make your own way to the accommodation. Meet your TLAC group leader in the lobby of the hotel for check in.
- Free day to rest after arrival.
Overnight: Madrid
Day 3 – Real Jardín Botánico and Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales
- Visit at the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid (Real Jardín Botánico).
Extra Info
The Real Jardín Botánico was founded by Ferdinand VI in 1755 and its central location in the city make it one of the most distinctive botanical gardens in Europe. Since it was first established, one of its main functions has been to investigate, conserve and raise awareness of the world of plants.
- Lunch break.
- Visit at the National Museum of Natural Sciences (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales).
Extra Info
It’s one of the oldest Museum of Natural Sciences in the world and one of Europe's most important scientific research institutions in the field of natural sciences, primarily due to the great scientific, historical, taxonomic, and taxidermy value of the zoological and geological specimens in its collections.
- Welcome dinner at La Taberna de Peñalver.
Overnight: Madrid
Day 4 – Walking city tour and Complutense University of Madrid
- Walking city tour of Madrid.
- Lunch break.
- Visit at Complutense University of Madrid and lecture about geological sciences.
- Free time.
Overnight: Madrid
Day 5 – Day trip: Sierra de Guadarrama National Park
- Depart by private coach from Madrid to Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.
- Guided tour of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.
Extra Info
The park aims to protect the eleven different ecosystems present in the Guadarrama mountains. Altogether there are more than 1,280 different species in the zone declared a national park, of which 13 are in danger of extinction, more than 1,500 native plants and 30 different types of vegetation.
- Depart by private coach from Sierra de Guardarrama National Park to Madrid.
Overnight: Madrid
Day 6 – Madrid to Valencia
- Check out from the hotel.
- Depart by train from Madrid to Valencia.
- Lunch break.
- Check in at the new accommodations.
- Academic lecture and lab visit at the University of Valencia, Faculty of Biological Sciences, focusing on biotechnology or marine biodiversity.
Overnight: Valencia
Day 7 – Walking city tour and Oceanogràfic València
- Walking city tour of Valencia and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, exploring the contrast between architecture and urban habitats.
- Lunch break
- Visit at the Oceanogràfic València, the largest complex of its kind in Europe, for a backstage tour.
Extra Info
It is much more than an aquarium: it is a center dedicated to the marine world in Europe and a national and international benchmark in research, conservation and dissemination.
Overnight: Valencia
Day 8 – Day trip to Albufera National Park
- Depart by private coach from Valencia to Albufera National Park.
- Visit at Albufera Natural Park, a true urban oasis.
Extra Info
Students here can see its woodlands, natural dunes and the hundreds of birds that visit the area throughout the year. Herons, flamingos, cormorants, gulls, terns and different species of ducks inhabit its wetlands, recognised as a Ramsar site and an SPA (Special Protection Area for birds). The vast freshwater lake from which the park takes its name is surrounded by rice fields. It was here that, one day, local farmers came up with a unique recipe: paella.
- Paella cooking class with local chef.
- Depart by private coach from Albufera National Park to Valencia.
Overnight: Valencia
Day 9 – Valencia to Barcelona
- Check out from the accommodations.
- Depart by train from Valencia to Barcelona.
- Lunch break.
- Check in at the new accommodation.
- Visit at the Ciutadella Park to study urban biodiversity, invasive species, and micro-ecosystems within large urban spaces.
- Free time.
Overnight: Barcelona
Day 10 – Autonomous University of Barcelona and Institute of Marine Sciences
- Lecture at the Autonomous University of Barcelona regarding coastal management.
- Lunch break.
- Visit at the Institute of Marine Sciences for a lecture about the impacts of urbanization on marine life.
Overnight: Barcelona
Day 11 – Walking city tour and Antoni Gaudí
- Walking city tour of the city where students can see the most famous places.
- Lunch break.
- Visit some of the most important buildings of Antoni Gaudí.
Extra Info
He pioneered "biomimetic" architecture long before the term existed. Viewing nature as his ultimate teacher, he combined biology, physics, and mathematical geometry to create organic, living structures rather than relying on traditional rigid, right-angled geometry.
- Farewell dinner at Casa Lolea.
Overnight: Barcelona
Day 12 – Departure day
Students depart individually from Barcelona.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the principles of evolutionary biology and coastal management.
- Identify diverse ecosystems, native plant species, and protected wildlife.
- Network with international scientific researchers and laboratory experts.
- Understand global methods for marine conservation and urban biodiversity preservation.
Contact Information
We would be delighted to work with you to facilitate a rich experience for your group in Spain. If you would like to discuss any of the details in this proposal please do not hesitate to contact us.
