Alhambra Palace & Nerja, Spain

AM – Andalusian farm

Today is all about allowing the students to understand how human and physical processes interact to influence, change landscapes and how human activity relies on effective functioning of natural systems. A traditional Andalusian farm is a superb way to showcase this with a place-based and real life example. The land around Nerja is reserved for agriculture, and the town and its surroundings are kept marvellously green thanks to the abundance of natural springs and wells. Your students will be taken on a tour of the farm, where they can see how the land is used, the implications of these activities on the environment and the workings of the farm.

PM – Sierras de Tejeda & Alhama Natural Park

After a morning exploring an Andalusian Farm and sampling local produce, head to Sierras de Tejeda and Alhama Natural Park for a half-day hike of this beautiful landscape. Geologically, the area is has some distinctive features. It is rich in quartzite and gneiss, which date from over 300 million years ago. The Sierra Almijara has one of Spain’s most important areas of dolomitic marble, which gives the landscape its characteristic grey and white hues where erosion has broken down the marble into small stones.

Enjoy your evening in Nerja town with a traditional Tapas meal to finish of a fun-packed day. Witness Nerja’s economic development and arrival of mass tourism in the town. Allow your students to experience the impact of tourism first hand and how this traditional town is maintaining it’s historic infrastructure by ensuring it’s all new constructions have been adapted to the traditional Andalucian style of whitewashed houses and terracotta tiled roofs.

AM – Granada

Set your alarms and get set for a day trip to the city of Granada. This spectacular city is packed with a rich history and culture. The highlight of the day is the visit to the Alhambra Palace where you will have a Guided tour of the Alhambra and the Generalife where you discover the best preserved Muslim Medieval City in the world.

PM – Flamenco lessons and show

Finish of your day in Grenada with a Flamenco show and lesson, a cultural activity famous in the Andalusian region. Your students can immerse themselves in this traditional activity and learn from the experts where this unique display originated from.

AM – Aqavelis or Andalusian countryside trip

If you are feeling energetic head to Aqavelis, one of the largest water parks in the province for a fun-filled day. If you are after something different, instead opt for a day of physical geography whereby your students can practise their field techniques and use skills learnt in the classroom in a real-life setting. Explore the rugged Andalusian countryside and use evidence from sedimentary records to gain an insight into environmental change in Southern Spain.

AM – Balcon de Europa & paella making

Spend the morning on the beach and a visit to the Balcon De Europa and discover why Nerja’s town centre is nicknamed ‘the white village’ . Next head to a local Spanish restaurant for a Paella making lesson – students can learn about the local dishes, traditional recipes and also have the chance to sample what they have produced!

PM – Return

After a fantastic week – pack your bags and head for the airport, with lots of fantastic and memorable experienced to reflect on.