Day 1: Depart from the USA
Flight
Depart from the USA on an overnight flight to Madrid.
Overnight
In flight.
Itinerary
Day 2: Madrid
Morning
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. Transit passes will be distributed.
Remainder of the day
Free day to rest after arrival.
Overnight
Madrid.
Day 3: Madrid: Real Jardín Botánico and Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales
Morning
Visit to the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid (Real Jardín Botánico). The Royal Botanical Garden 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.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Visit to the National Museum of Natural Sciences (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales). 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.
Evening
Welcome dinner at Taberna La Fragua de Vulcano.
Overnight
Madrid.
Day 4: Madrid: Royal Observatory of Madrid and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Morning
Visit to the Royal Observatory of Madrid. It is a historic observatory situated on a small hill. It was founded in 1790 and has been engaged in continuous scientific activity since then. In addition to its architectural value, the Observatory treasures an important collection of historical instruments, as well as bibliographic and documentary collections.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Visit to Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Here students will attend lecture hosted by the Faculty of Sciences regarding Spain's historic contributions to European scientific networks and modern sustainability initiatives.
Overnight
Madrid.
Day 5: Madrid to Valencia
Morning
Check out previous accommodation.
Depart by train from Madrid to Valencia.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Check in to new accommodation.
Walking tour of the historic city center, visiting La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange) to discuss medieval trade routes and the history of agricultural commerce.
Overnight
Valencia.
Day 6: Valencia: Príncipe Felipe Science Museum and Oceanogràfic
Morning
Guided visit to the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum. It is part of the City of Arts and Sciences. The purpose of the museum is to have interactive exhibitions and temporary collections related to science and technology without valuable items.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Visit to the Oceanogràfic València, the largest complex of its kind in Europe, for a backstage tour. 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 7: Day trip to Albufera National Park
Morning
Depart by private coach from Valencia to Albufera National Park.
Day trip
Visit to Albufera Natural Park, a true urban oasis. 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, recognized 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.
Afternoon
Depart by private coach from Albufera National Park to Valencia.
Overnight
Valencia.
Day 8: Valencia: University of Valencia
Morning
Visit to the historic University of Valencia (Universitat de València). Students will attend a seminar at the Palacio de Cerveró (home to the Institute for the History of Medicine and Science) examining rare historical surgical tools, ancient plague records, and medical manuscripts.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Free time.
Overnight
Valencia.
Day 9: Valencia to Granada
Morning
Check out previous accommodations.
Depart by private coach from Valencia to Granada.
Afternoon
Check in to the new accommodations.
Remainder of the day
Free time.
Overnight
Granada.
Day 10: Granada: The Alhambra Palace
Day visit
Guided visit to the Alahambra Palace and Generalife gardens. It is a palatine city and fortress complex. It is one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and the only well-preserved palace from the medieval Islamic world is Spain. Additionally, the palace contains notable examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture.
Free time after the end of the tour.
Overnight
Granada.
Day 11: Granada: University of Granada and Parque de las Ciencias.
Morning
Visit to the University of Granada where students will attend a lecture about The Islamic Golden Age.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Visit to Parque de las Ciencias. is an interactive science museum and planetarium spanning over 70,000 square meters. The complex features permanent exhibition pavilions dedicated to human biology, physics, mechanics, and environmental perception, alongside an outdoor botanical area with a dynamic butterfly house. It operates as a leading southern European center for scientific communication, showcasing how historical scientific discoveries directly inform modern technological and ecological advancements.
Evening
Farewell dinner at Los Manueles.
Overnight
Granada
Day 12: Granada: Free day
Students depart individually from Granada. Must checkout of accommodations by 10am.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- History of Scientific Thought Across Cultures
- Natural History & Ecological Conservation
- Historical Medicine & Scientific Manuscripts
- Islamic Golden Age Contributions to Science
- Marine Research & Conservation Practices
- Real-World Exposure to Scientific Institutions
- Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Discovery & Innovation
Support for Faculty
Support for Faculty
At The Learning Abroad Co., we collaborate with faculty to design custom programs that align with their academic vision. We provide comprehensive support in curriculum development, logistics and resources for promoting and recruiting students for these unique global learning experiences.
- Online faculty-led program website for consultation by faculty and students pre- and during the trip
- Expertise from the local team who developed the program proposal
- Collaborative planning for a unique and customized program
- Feedback forms for continuous evaluation
- Pre-departure webinar
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.
