SPAIN Trip 2026
Monday, 21st September 2026 at 12:20pm
SPAIN Cultural Experience
A group of Senior Spanish language students from GBHS is about to embark on a cultural experience of a lifetime in Spain! (24 September - 8 October 2026).
Accompanied by Spanish Language teacher Ana Pascual-Rodriguez and Assistant Principal Jon Bacarella, Year 11 students Marcus Biddle, Lexa Elswood, Liam Kilpatrick, Willow Lampkin, Ollie Muller, Joshua O'Sullivan, Emma Opatowski, Addi Thompson; Year 12 students Juliette Colquhoun, Matt Dixon, Rafa Edwards-Pascual, Izzy Elswood; Matias Ureta; and Year 13 students Anya Ciurlionis, Stella Littlewood, Nika Plesnik will be able to put their Spanish-speaking skills to the test, thanks to a jam-packed itinerary.
Upon arriving in Madrid on 25 September, the group will catch a train to Sevilla, where they will spend the next two days soaking up the sights and sounds with a planned dinner and visit to Las Setas de Sevilla, taking in the panoramic views of the city, a guided tour to the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, followed by a visit to El Alcazar, the oldest Royal Palace still in use in Europe, dating from the XI century; and Isla Mágica, a theme and amusement park, and Plaza de España.
After a weekend of cultural immersion, the group will train back to Madrid and head to Salamanca (September 27 - Saturday, October 3rd) where they will meet their homestay families before a week of Spanish lessons (4 hours) in the morning and guided activities in the afternoon (sightseeing, cooking class, challenges, and farewell fiesta). On October 3, the group will return to Madrid for a half-day guided visit, including tickets to the Museo Reina Sofía, Spain's national museum of 20th-century art, viewing the exterior of the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, Sabatini Garden, the Plaza Mayor, and lunch in El Retiro, a popular park in the middle of the city. Ending the day by catching the train to Barcelona.
Barcelona (Saturday, October 3 - Wednesday, October 7th) will also be a time to pack in as much as possible, with evening walks through Paseo de Gracia to see some iconic Gaudi’s buildings; Tibidabo theme park overlooking the city, followed by either a visit to Camp Nou or a football match (depending on the draw), a guided city tour to Barrio Gotico, Ramblas and Boquería. Visiting Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s Park Guell. The group will then get ready for their flight back to Auckland, with time set aside for shopping, before landing in Aotearoa on Thursday 8 October.
This is such a fantastic learning opportunity. We can't wait to hear all about their experiences upon their return!
