ASA Excursions from Madrid

To understand a country in greater depth, including its history and its culture, it’s important to head out of the big cities. We plan some excursions to help you do just that (and you’re welcome, of course, to venture off on your own during your breaks and weekends).

If you’re spending a semester abroad in Madrid, you’ll have at least one overnight excursion and two day trips included in your program:  

Excursions planned for each program vary, but past terms have included trips to:

SEVILLA

(Overnight excursion) 

Sevilla, another ASA host city, is one that will captivate all of your senses. You’ll listen to the flutter of Flamanco guitar coming from late night tablaos; smell the heady fragrance of orange trees and tapas being delivered to an outdoor table; marvel at the colorful Spanish tiles that grace buildings, plazas, and street signs; and appreciate the vibrancy of the city, the locals’ zest for life, and the ancient multicultural history reflected in the aesthetic every time you turn your head.

TOLEDO

(Day trip) 

You’ll explore this hilltop city, about an hour from Madrid, with its world-famous collection of El Greco paintings and a gorgeous cathedral. It’s often referred to as an open-air museum for its well-preserved medieval layout. The city itself is designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has one of the most important cultural heritages in Spain, as well as a fascinating history of co-existence of Muslims, Jews, and Christians from the 8th to the 15th century, giving it the nickname the “City of Three Cultures.” Don’t miss the architecture influenced by the convergence of these cultures. 

SEGOVIA

(Day trip)

In Segovia, with the Guadarrama Mountains in the background, you’ll have some breath-taking views and photo ops. You’ll spot some of the most unforgettable sites in Spain, like the Roman Aqueduct—one of the best preserved in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It was built, without mortar, in 81 AD and still carried water into the city until the mid-19th century. Don’t miss the stunning Alcázar of Segovia (a castle and fortress) which overlooks the city from a hilltop. This was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. In fact, the city has inspired countless artists, writers, and filmmakers over the years.

Which adventure sounds like the most exciting to you?