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Would you like to earn college credit for traveling abroad? Then check out the Southwestern Illinois College Travel Study Trip, Spain’s Classics. From June 13 to 22, 2010, SPAN 299 Language and Culture is your ticket to exploring the amazing cultural arts and history that Spain has to offer. No foreign language experience is required to participate. The adventure takes you from St. Louis to Spain for 10 days of fun and experiences that will last a lifetime.
A Collette Vacations representative will give an informational travel presentation at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 31 at the SWIC Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave. The presentation will be held in the Marsh Conference Room, room 1290, located on the first floor of the Main Complex.
While on the trip, you will visit the towns of Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia and Barcelona.
The first stop on the trip will be the capital and largest city in Spain, Madrid. Here you will see the historic center of Madrid, which contains the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Also, take a guided tour of the Prado Museum, which opened 1819. Get ready for a fun-filled afternoon as you travel to Toledo, where you will discover its Jewish heritage and see a masterpiece painting by El Greco.
On the fourth day of your journey, travel to the city of Cordoba. Here you will take a walking tour of the second largest mosque in the world, Mezquita, where you can enjoy the Moorish architecture and hundreds of keyhole arches. Then, travel to what is known as Spain’s “cultural capital,” Seville.
You will spend the next full day in the city of Seville, where many sites will be explored including Columbus’ tomb, Giralda Bell Tower and the ornate cathedral. Next, you will embark on a walking tour of the Santa Cruz Quarter, Plaza de Espana and Maria Luisa Park. Enjoy reserved seats to an authentic flamenco show which features Seville’s top performers.
Your travels will then bring you to the beautiful city of Granada. Here you will tour the world-famous Alhambra and the Generalife, “garden of the architect.” Valencia’s stunning Roman and Arabic architecture sets the tone for a tour of the historic district. While on the tour you will see the ornate 14th century Serranos Tower, 15th century Quart Tower, Gothic Cathedral, the Lonja, or old Silk Exchange, and the central market, one of the largest in Europe.
The final stop of the trip will be Barcelona. There will be a guided tour that showcases Las Ramblas Boulevard, Casa Mila Building, the Columbus Monument and much more. Then feel free to wander and explore this vibrant city filled with Antonio Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces before gathering for a farewell dinner.
The cost of the trip is $3,399 per person for a double occupancy, plus the cost of three credit hours of tuition for SPAN 299. The tour package includes: round-trip transportation from St. Louis, guided tours, lodging, taxes and fees, 14 meals and the leadership of a bilingual tour director. A $250 deposit is due to reserve your place.
For more information, contact Catherine Kreher at 618-233-7569.