Spain
Go Learn


October 08-18, 2026
Double Occupancy: $5975 per person
Single Occupancy: $6945 per person
Airfare is not included.

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Spain


Experience a trip where history comes alive as you explore ancient streets shaped by empires, artistic revolutions, and centuries of cultural exchange. Join Go Learn’s Spain 2026 journey, as we explore Barcelona and Granada through the living remnants of Roman civilization, Al‑Andalus, the Medieval and Renaissance eras, Modernism, and the Spanish Civil War. From Gaudí’s majestic architecture and the coastal splendor of Sitges to the breathtaking Alhambra and the narrow lanes of Albaicín, each day reveals another chapter of Spain’s remarkable story. With flamenco nights, local tapas, and guided visits to iconic sites, this trip offers an unforgettable immersion into Spain’s enduring art, history, and culture.

A coastal view of a church

Sitges Beach

Tour Highlights Include:

  • Discover Barcelona’s most iconic neighborhoods, including the Gothic District, La Ribera, Passeig de Gràcia, and the Eixample, on expertly guided walking tours. Visit top cultural sites such as the Picasso Museum and the stunning Santa Maria del Mar Basilica.
  • Experience Gaudí’s masterpieces, including La Pedrera / Casa Milà, and the world famous Sagrada Familia, essential stops for anyone interested in Barcelona architecture and Modernism.
  • Enjoy a day trip to Sitges, a beautiful Mediterranean seaside town, featuring a visit to the Cau Ferrat Museum, the historic home of artist Santiago Rusiñol.
  • Explore Barcelona’s complex history with a compelling Spanish Civil War walking tour that brings the city’s past to life.
  • Travel by scenic train to Granada, then spend three nights immersed in Andalusia’s rich culture. Wander the medieval Albaicín neighborhood, and enjoy an evening tapas crawl that highlights local cuisine.
  • Tour Granada’s most famous landmarks, including the breathtaking Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral, the Royal Chapel, and the Monastery of San Jerónimo, showcasing the city’s blend of Islamic, medieval, and Renaissance history.
  • Relax with seamless travel, including centrally located historic hotels, all entrance fees, meals as listed, tickets, and transportation included in your Spain travel itinerary.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Benvinguts a Barcelona! - Thursday, October 8, 2026

Welcome to Barcelona! After arriving and getting settled in, we’ll meet for a relaxed welcome lunch, before we gather for a short introduction to the city and Catalan culture.

Today you will have time to enjoy some free time to explore Barcelona at your own pace. Wander through the Gothic Quarter, stroll the Passeig de Gràci, or simply unwind at a nearby café and take in the atmosphere.

Hotel: Yurbban Ramblas opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate
Meals: L

Güell
Park Güell

Day 2: Roman and Medieval Barcelona - Friday, October 9, 2026

We’ll begin our day with breakfast at the hotel and a brief lecture on Barcelona’s Roman and medieval history. From there, we’ll start with a guided walking tour through the Gothic Quarter and La Ribera, continuing the discussion as we move through these historic neighborhoods.

Next, we’ll head to the Born neighborhood to see the Santa María del Mar basilica, one of the best examples of Catalan Gothic architecture, for a half hour to an hour self‑guided visit. We'll finish the morning with a visit the Picasso Museum where we’ll spend some time exploring. You’ll have time to grab lunch on your own today. Later, we'll have a group dinner at a classic Catalan restaurant.

Hotel:

Hotel: Yurbban Ramblas opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Meals: B, D

Segovia Cathedral
Segovia Cathedral

Day 3: Modernist Barcelona - Saturday, October 10, 2026

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll begin the day with a brief lecture on Modernisme to introduce the history and style of Barcelona’s Modernist architecture. Then we’ll head out for a walking tour along along the Passeig de Gràcia and through the Eixample neighborhood, continuing the discussion as we explore the area.

We’ll visit Gaudí’s La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, for an hour to an hour and a half visit before we stop for a group lunch at a local restaurant.. After lunch, we’ll take the Metro to the Sagrada Familia for a guided tour.

In the late afternoon, there is an optional stop for a coffee or drink at Els 4 Gats, a historic Modernist café. Feel free to get dinner on your own this evening somewhere that strikes your fancy.

Hotel: Yurbban Ramblas opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate to Strenuous (lots of stairs)
Meals: B, L

La Sagrada
Basílica de la Sagrada Familia

Day 4: Visit to Sitges - Sunday, October 11, 2026

We’ll enjoy breakfast at the hotel with a fascinating discussion on migration and the Indianos, the Catalans who emigrated to the Spanish colonies in the 18th and 19th centuries and later returned as successful entrepreneurs.

Next, we’ll take a 40-minute train ride to Sitges, a beautiful seaside town located about 20 miles south of Barcelona.

Once in Sitges, we’ll start a walking tour of the city center. We’ll explore the historic mansions built by returning Indianos and learn more about their influence on the region.

We’ll also visit the Cau Ferrat Museum, the former home of Santiago Rusiñol, a key figure in Catalan Modernism. This visit typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and may take place after lunch.

We’ll enjoy a group lunch in Sitges, likely at a restaurant near the beach.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll return to Barcelona by train, and you can unwind with dinner on your own this evening.

Hotel: Yurbban Ramblas opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Meals: B, L

Sitges
Sitges

Day 5: Barcelona and the Spanish Civil War - Monday, October 12, 2026

Our day will begin with breakfast at the hotel and a brief introduction to the Spanish Civil War to provide background for the sites we’ll visit.

You’ll want to wear some good walking shoes today, as we’ll be journeying through the city center to learn about Barcelona’s experience during the Civil War. Key stops include Plaça Catalunya, La Rambla, and Plaça Sant Felip Neri.

Next, we’ll take the Metro to either the Poble Sec or Gràcia neighborhood to visit one of the remaining civilian air raid shelters in the city for a guided tour.

After the shelter visit, we’ll enjoy a group lunch at one of the amazing places nearby.

The afternoon is free for you to to explore local museums, enjoy the beach or take in some shopping and dinner on your own in Barcelona.

Hotel: Yurbban Ramblas opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Meals: B, L

 Plaça Sant Felip Neri
Plaça Sant Felip Neri

Day 6: ¡Bienvenidos a Granada! - Tuesday, October 13, 2026

After breakfast at the hotel, we’re saying Adieu! to Barcelona and we’ll journey to Granada for the next part of our adventure. The train ride will take us through the landscapes of Aragon, Castille, and Andalusia as we travel toward one of Spain’s most beautiful and historic cities.

Once we arrive in Granada, we’ll check in and you’ll have free some time to settle in, relax, or start exploring the neighborhood around our hotel.

Later we'll gather for a brief introduction the city of Granada, its layered history, and the cultural traditions that make it so distinctive.

In the evening, you can ease into the rhythm of Andalusian life on your own, with tapas in the city center, or you may join an optional walking tour of the Albaicín, the atmospheric hillside quarter filled with narrow streets and views of the Alhambra.

Hotel: Aurea Catedral opens a new window
Acivity Level: Easy to Moderate
Meals: B, D

The ALbacin
The Albacin

Day 7: Muslim Granada - Wednesday, October 14, 2026

We’ll enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a short discussion on Al-Andalus to provide context for today’s visit to the Alhambra. Today will be another walking day, so make sure to wear comfy shoes.

Today we’ll take transportation from Plaza Nueva to the magnificent Alhambra where we’ll enjoy a guided tour of this remarkable palace and fortress complex, one of the most iconic masterpieces of Islamic architecture.

That afternoon you’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch on your own and to explore Granada at your own pace before we travel to Albaicín for a walking tour that evening.

The Albaicín is Granada’s oldest district, with roots dating back to the medieval period, and offers some of the most memorable views in the city. We’ll end the day with a fabulous group dinner in the Albaicín.

Hotel: Aurea Catedral opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Meals: B, D

Alhambra Palace, Granada
Alhambra Palace, Granada

Day 8: Renaissance Granada - Thursday, October 15

We’ll begin our day with a brief talk on Renaissance‑era Spain after breakfast, setting the stage for the architecture and history we’ll encounter. This conversation will continue as we walk through Granada’s historic center.

Our first stop is the Granada Cathedral, where we'll spend some time exploring one of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance design. We’ll then make a short visit to the Capilla Real, the burial place of the Catholic Monarchs, before continuing on to the richly decorated Real San Jerónimo Monastery.

We’ll gather for a group lunch in the city center and enjoy some local fare.

The afternoon and evening are yours to continue exploring Granada at your own pace, whether you choose to relax, take in a flamenco show, or enjoy some time at one of the incredible bathhouses (Baños árabes).

Hotel: Aurea Catedral opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Meals: B, L

 Royal Chapel of Granada
Royal Chapel of Granada

Day 9: Lorca’s Granada- Friday, October 16, 2026

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll begin the day with a discussion about Federico García Lorca, Spain’s most influential twentieth‑century writer. His life, work, and tragic death at the start of the Spanish Civil War continue to shape Granada’s cultural identity.

We'll then visit the Huerta de San Vicente, Lorca’s family home and summer residence. Here we'll take a guided tour of the house and gardens, gaining insight into the author's daily life and creative world.

Lunch is on your own today, followed by a free afternoon to explore Granada at your own pace.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a one last group dinner in the city center to say farewell and share memories of our adventure together.

Hotel: Aurea Catedral opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Meal: B, D

Huerta de San Vicente by Alimanja
Huerta de San Vicente by Alimanja

Day 10: Return to Barcelona - Saturday, October 17, 2026

This morning, we'll depart Granada and travel by comfortable train ride back to Barcelona.

Upon arrival, we'll return to the Yurbban Ramblas hotel and settle in for our final night in the city.

The evening is free for you to enjoy Barcelona one last time. You may choose to wander the Ramblas, seek out your favorite neighborhood, or enjoy tapas at a nearby restaurant.

Hotel: Yurbban Ramblas opens a new window
Acivity Level: Moderate
Meal: B

Plaza de la Virgen (Square of Saint Mary's)
Plaza de la Virgen (Square of Saint Mary's)

Departure - Saturday, October 18, 2026

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for your flight home. Safe travels, and gracias for being part of this journey through Spain.

Hotel: Masai Mara Sopa Lodge opens a new window
Meals: B

Elizabeth Warren

Elizabeth Warren

Elizabeth Warren is an Assistant Professor (Lecturer) of Spanish at the University of Utah. She first traveled to Spain in 2009, when she spent two years teaching elementary school English and taking Spanish language classes in Granada. She fell in love with the country and proceeded to pursue a doctorate in Hispanic Languages and Literatures at UCLA. At the University of Utah, she teaches a wide variety of courses on Spanish language, literature, film, and history. Having traveled extensively throughout Spain—and having worked with study abroad programs in Granada and Barcelona, Elizabeth cannot wait to share her two favorite Spanish cities with the Go Learn travelers.

Details and What to Expect



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Details and What to Expect


Pre-Departure

Like all Go Learn journeys, the adventure begins at home. We'll make sure you have all the information you need before you arrive in Spain—we'll answer questions about what to pack, how to get around, and our daily itinerary. We want you to arrive in Spain ready to learn!

A trip reunion about a month after returning will be the perfect conclusion to our journey. We’ll exchange pictures and stories while remembering the highlights of our tour. Go Learn expeditions are designed to be small, boutique experiences where one returns with a group who become friends for life. Good food, drink, and company await us at this reunion.

Weather

October is one of the best times to visit Spain for perfect weather. Autumn in this region is marked by sunlit days and pleasant weather perfect for strolling and outdoor dining in terrazas, with temperatures cooling down by nightfall. You should expect highs in the mid to low 70s °F during the day and lows in the 60s °F at night.

Activity levels and restrictions

This trip includes multiple walking tours of various cities and towns. We may average 5 miles of walking per day, some areas with a significant incline and/or stairs. All group travel is by public transportation (included in the trip price), and participants should be able to board the Metro, trains, and buses independently (with luggage). Soooooo many steps!!! Stairs galore! Everywhere you look, cobblestones, stairs and walking!

Our exciting itinerary and daily learning adventures will keep you happily exhausted. This is an Activity Level 2 trip. Learn More about our activity levels.

Learn more about our .

Dates
October 8-18, 2026

Size
Group Size is limited to 20 participants

Cost
Double occupancy: $5,975 per person (Early Bird)
Single occupancy: $6,945 (Early Bird)

Payment options are available upon request. Contact golearn@utah.edu for information.

See for payment and cancellation details.

Included
  • Small group size to maximize learning, comfort, and flexibility
  • Hotel accommodations in the heart of Barcelona and Granada
  • High speed train ticket from Barcelona to Granada
  • Metro pass while in Barcelona
  • All breakfasts, as well as lunch and dinners that are noted in itinerary
  • Entrance to historic and cultural sites noted in itinerary
  • All gratuities for local guides, drivers, and included meals
  • Comprehensive trip insurance, including sick and emergency evacuation insurance
Not included
  • Airfare to and from Spain
  • Meals that are not specifically noted in the itinerary
  • Museums and historical sites not noted in itinerary
  • Cancellation and lost luggage insurance
  • Any costs outside of the itinerary