Thursday, March 9 : Toronto - Frankfurt - Barcelona
Depart Toronto on Lufthansa LH 4267 at 6:15pm, arriving to Frankfurt at 8:20am the next morning.
Depart Frankfurt on LH1126 at 10:05am, arriving to Barcelona at 12:05pm
Friday, March 10: Barcelona
Arrival to Barcelona at 12:10pm. Meet your local Barcelona Guide upon arrival, board coach and transfer to the Sagrat Cor de Jesus where the sword of Jesus is located. Explore the famous Las Ramblas, the lively boulevards filled with music and cafes, Mercado de la Boquearía and view the Columbus Monument. Time permitting, we will visit the Barrio Gótico; the Gothic Quarter so named for the prevalence of 13 - 15th century buildings that line the labyrinth of medieval streets and squares around the Great Cathedral, Plaza Real and the Royal Palace. Dinner and overnight will be at Residencia Salesiana Marti-Codolar. Once the group is settled, the group will gather for an evening prayer.
Saturday March 11: Barcelona
Today, start your day with a guided visit to the surrealistic Park Guell. Declared “Property of Mankind” by UNESCO in 1984, this park is an exceptional illustration of Gaudi’s vision of architecture, as integrated with natural surroundings. Not to be missed is the Paseo de Gracia (main shopping area) where Gaudi’s masterpiece Mila House, (popularly known as La Pedrera) is located (entrance not included). Many believe this house represents the zenith of Modernism and is one of the 20th century’s most singular buildings. Afterwards, the group will enjoy a guided tour of The Sagrada Familia (entrance included). Optional afternoon visit to the famous Barcelona Football Stadium Camp Nou, for a tour and access to the Museum! This evening students and teachers will enjoy a typical Barcelona menu, before returning for overnight at The Residencia Salesiana Marti-Codolar.
Sunday, March 12: Barcelona – Montserrat - Manresa
Today's excursion will lead us to Montserrat Monastery! This famous monastery is Catalonia's most important religious and spiritual retreat. At 1236 meters (4055 ft.) above the valley floor, Montserrat is the highest point of the Catalan lowlands, and stands central to the most populated part of Catalonia. Once the schedule is available, we will try to hear the Boy’s Choir. Visit the Black Madonna. After visiting the monastery, students may take the cable cars up to hike the various footpaths. On a clear day visitors can see almost all of Catalonia, even the island of Majorca is visible from this point! A visit to the audiovisual exhibition is also included while visiting the monastery. Enjoy dinner, mass in the Cave and overnight in Manresa, at the Cueva de San Ignacio.
Monday, March 13 : Manresa – Castillo de Javier - Santurce
Transfer to the autonomous region of the Basque country, in Northern Spain! While on route to Bilbao, we will visit to the famed Castillo de Javier, located high on a hill in the town of Javier. Built in the 10th century, this castle was the birthplace and childhood home of Saint Francis Xavier. Once schedules are available, we will attend a mass. Here we will stop for a typical Basque lunch followed by a guided visit to the Castle. Continue on to the fortress town of Pamplona, before an evening transfer to our Bilbao hotel. Tonight’s dinner will be at a local restaurant, and overnight in Bilbao.
Tuesday, March 14: Santurce – Santuario de Loyola – Getaria - San Sebastian
Today we will visit the Santuario de Loyola the birthplace of the founder of the Jesuit Society; St. Ignatius of Loyola! We will attend a mass here. Afterwards, enjoy Lunch on your own and free time exploration of the charming medieval Fishing Village of Getaria located on the Bay of Biscay.
Continue to San Sebastian Donostia; a picturesque coastal city framed by a beautiful Bayfront promenade, golden beaches and lush hillsides. Here we will explore the old quarter and hike Mount Urgull, located at the end of La Concha Bay and looking out over the Parte Vieja. Enjoy incomparable vistas of the Basque landscape before a traditional Pinxto (tapas) dinner in the gastronomic center. In the evening, return to Bilbao for overnight.
Wednesday, March 15: Gaztelugatxe - Bermeo – Bilbao –Santurce
Begin the day with a scenic route drive to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe! A 10th Century Chapel located on a tiny islet out at sea, and accessible by a man made bridge! Many will recognize San Juan de Gaztelugatxe from popular Game of Thrones; however, its real name can be translated as “castle rock” from Basque (“gaztelu” = castle + “aitz” = rock). The church on top of the island is dedicated to John the Baptist, and it has been said that he even set foot on the island! Here we will hike the 241 steps as they zigzag their way back and forth to the top - once at the top; ring the bell three times and make a wish!
Continue on and stop for lunch on your own in the quintessential Basque town of Bormeo, located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Once an important Whaling Port, it still remains a significant fishing harbour for the Basque economy today. Explore the marina, and the old port dappled by multicolored buildings. Here one can learn about the long historical whaling and fishing relationship between the Basque and Canada; so naming our very own Port-a-Basque in Newfoundland! In the afternoon, return to Bilbao for a visit to the internationally renowned Guggenheim Museum, one of the most admired works of contemporary architecture, designed by our very own Canadian-Born architect Frank Gehry! Dinner and overnight in Bilbao.
Thursday, March 16: Salamanca
Transfer to Salamanca. Visit Salamanca University, founded in 1218, it is the oldest university in Spain. Enjoy a guided University Tour, and be sure not to miss the awe inspiring Cielo de Salamanca! Spend the afternoon at leisure for reflection and journaling in the Old Town amid a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Dinner at a local restaurant - as the regional flavours of Spain continue to delight! Walk to St. Stevens Church for evening massSpend overnight in Salamanca.
Friday, March 17: Salamanca – Madrid
Transfer to Madrid via the fortified medieval town of Avila, sometimes called the Town of Stones and Saints. We will visit the St. Theresa Chapel in Avila. Upon arrival to Madrid, we will visit Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s monumental central neo-classical plaza. Built in the 17th century, Plaza Mayor has been used over the centuries for a multitude of events including markets, bullfights, football games, even public executions and the infamous “autos de fe” during the Spanish Inquisition. Ringed by shops and charming streets; the Plaza Mayor is a great area to explore in small groups. Tonight dine at a local restaurant and spend overnight in Madrid. Schedule permitting and at own expense, the group may attend a soccer game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
Saturday, March 18: Madrid
This morning, students will enjoy a guided tour of The Prado Museum in Madrid, one of the most visited museums in the world, boasting numerous collections, including works from various famed artists such as: Francisco Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, El Greco, Peter Paul Rubens, Titian, and Diego Velázquez. In the afternoon, students and teachers will enjoy leisure time and journaling, followed by a traditional Flamenco Dinner Show, and overnight in Madrid.
Sunday, March 19 : Toronto - Frankfurt - Barcelona
Depart Madrid on Lufthansa LH 1121 at 6:15am, arriving to Frankfurt at 8:55am.
Depart Frankfurt on LH4266 at 1:15pm, arriving to Barcelona at 5:20pm
