Barcelona SAE encourages our students to integrate into the local culture of not only Barcelona, but all of Spain. Our day trips and weekend excursions are the perfect blend of historical tours, modern activities, culinary delights, and free time to explore. We get you off the beaten path to gain a deeper understanding of Spain, past and present. All of our day trips and weekend excursions include both cultural and academic components.

DAY TRIPS

Here at Barcelona SAE, we’re passionate about cultural immersion and want to show you what makes Spain such a magical destination. Although Barcelona is an absolutely incredible city, there are so many awesome places that are just a hop, skip, and a jump away – and we can’t wait to introduce you to them through our variety of day trips!

Cavas

Cava is the Catalan version of champagne - famous worldwide, it is produced exclusively in the Sant Sadurní d’Anoia region of Catalonia. We’ll take you to one of the leading cava producers to explore the underground cellars, learn about the process of transforming the grapes to the final product, and then we’ll embark on a tasting of this popular sparkling beverage.

Figueres and the Dalí Museum

The Dalí Museum is quite possibly the most unique museum in the world, and is home to Salvador Dalí’s eclectic works. Beyond the curious treasures it holds within, the building itself is the largest surrealist object in the world.

Girona

Girona is a small town just north of Barcelona, known for its Carolingian wall, remarkably well-preserved Jewish Quarter, and epic cathedral. Visitors can trace more than 2000 years of history through the numerous monuments that have survived until today, from the Romans to Gothic style to Catalan Modernism. It’s a must-see for Game of Thrones fans, as it was used in much of the filming of season 6.

Montserrat

Montserrat is one of the most breathtaking natural features in Catalonia, meaning “serrated mountain.” A jagged mountain range with beautiful views for hiking and a picturesque monastery, it’s home to a world famous youth choir. On a day trip to Montserrat, you may decide to visit the monastery, spend the day hiking on the trails though the mountain, take in the breathtaking views, or catch a lift up the mountain via cable car.

Sitges

About an hour down the coast from Barcelona, Sitges has always captivated the hearts of people from around the world. Known for its Mediterranean beaches and 300 days of sun per year, Sitges offers a unique fusion of Modernist architecture with traces of the old fishing village that it once was. It’s often considered to be the LGBTQ+ capital of southern Europe, with thousands of visitors flocking for the Pride and Carnaval celebrations each year. 

Tarragona

The city of Tarragona was built as an ancient fortress by the sea, and to this day is filled with Roman architecture and heritage. The most famous location (a UNESCO World Heritage site!) is the Roman amphitheater, a remarkably well-preserved battleground that dates back to 2 BC. Standing inside the arena itself, it’s not hard to imagine gladiators fighting each other for sport.

OVERNIGHT & WEEKEND EXCURSIONS

What better way to spend a 3 day weekend than by exploring Spain through Barcelona SAE overnight trips? Although Barcelona is just a quick flight away from some of Europe’s top cities like London, Rome, and Paris, we believe that Spain itself has SO much to offer, and we can’t wait to show it to you!

San Sebastián and Bilbao: The Basque Country

The region of the Basque Country is located in northern Spain, and despite being in the same country, makes you feel as if you’ve traveled to a different country. Basque, the local language, is a language with no known links to any other living languages. The culture, dress, music, food, and traditions vary greatly from that of Catalonia. On our weekend trip to the Basque Country, we learn where and when these differences arose, try the incredible culinary delights of the Basque region (did anyone say pintxos?), and explore the astonishingly beautiful coastline.

Valencia: The Hometown of Paella and The City of Arts and Sciences

Valencia is Spain’s third largest city and effortlessly fuses all things contemporary with its Roman roots. It’s most well known for being the hometown of paella, one of Spain’s most beloved dishes, as well as the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex of buildings designated to the arts and sciences. Named the European Green Capital of 2024, a green park runs through the heart of the city all the way to the Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium and marine research center. 

Seville: The Heart of Andalusia

Rich with vibrant Spanish culture, Seville was supposedly founded by the Greek God Hercules (we wouldn’t be surprised!). The capital city of Andalusia is known for its welcoming locals, Moorish history, Flamenco dancing, and orange trees around every corner. On our weekend trip to the south of Spain, we’ll marvel at the iconic Plaza de España, the medieval Islamic palace that is the Real Alcazar, the Triana Barrio (where Flamenco was born!).