Spain: Sustainable Communities

Arrive in Madrid and meet your Global Works leader to begin the adventure! We settle into our Madrid accommodations near the Puerta Del Sol. Begin orientation and stroll through Retiro Park, taking  a row boat rides on the Estanque. Partake in a guided, educational tour of the historic city center, orient ourselves and learn more about the rich history and culture of the Spanish Capital. Visit to the Museo del Prado or the Museo Reina Sofia, the Royal Palace. Take a break from all the activity to enjoy some typical churros con chocolate at one of Madrid’s most historic and famous churrerias. 

Have breakfast at the hostel, then pack our bags and board the bus to Sebulcor, a region well known for its natural beauty, water sports, and outdoor pursuits. We take an excursion to historic Segovia and witness its iconic Roman aqueduct, medieval walls and Romanesque churches. Then, continue north and arrive in the small town of Amayuelas de Abajo, where we are greeted by our community hosts at a welcome dinner.

Experience a contrast to the bustling, big city experience of Madrid with three days in Amayuelas de Abajo, a small village community focused on sustainable living. Here we learn about sustainable living and assist community members with some of their larger projects. Projects may include the restoration of original buildings, adobe brick-making, and daily tasks such as gardening and bread making. We have a blast working aside community members who are excited to share their history and knowledge with us. We practice our Spanish and immerse ourselves in the local communal lifestyle.

We say goodbye to our friends in Amayuelas and continue our journey to Barcelona. Visit the sites of Park Guell, including the longest park bench in the world! Take a bike tour and enjoy lunch at La Boqueria market.  Walk up Passeig de la Gracia and Avenida Diagonal to enjoy some of Barcelona’s most unique Modernism architecture, including several Gaudi buildings like La Sagrada Familia. Explore the Barrio Gótico and ride the Teleferic of Montjuic. Celebrate the end of the trip with a final group dinner. See the Magic Fountain Show in front of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, lit up in colors each evening, before returning to the hotel.

On our last morning, we finish packing and head to the airport according to our flight schedule. Although it is hard to part from this marvelous country, our memories of Spain will last a lifetime!