Reserve with a 50% deposit by February 10, 2026 to save on tuition. After Feb 10, standard pricing applies.
Reserve with a 50% deposit by February 10, 2026 to save on tuition. After Feb 10, standard pricing applies.
June 17 to July 2, 2026
Our unique 2-week trip includes:
Scroll down to learn more!
Join us June 17 to July 2, 2026 on an illuminating and adventurous journey through beautiful Spain! As with our other legendary overseas programs, this will be a rich blend of learning, exploration, recreation, and camaraderie.
This two-week immersion explores Spain’s history, culture, geography, literature, and science — and the thinkers whose ideas shaped human freedom, creativity, and discovery. With expert local guides and Reliance College faculty leading seminars and discussions, participants will engage deeply with the places, people, and ideas that helped shape Western civilization.
Spain stands at the crossroads of civilizations — Roman, Christian, Islamic, and Enlightenment — producing extraordinary contributions in political thought, art, science, and literature. We will encounter the legacy of Juan de Mariana, the 15th-century monk who was among the first to identify the nature of inflation and monetary distortion. We will explore the world of Félix Lope de Vega and his dramatic play of revolt, Fuente de Ovejuna, while visiting the very town in which the story is set. And we will examine the revolutionary scientific discoveries of Ramón y Cajal, the brilliant pioneer who first revealed the structure and function of neurons.
From our base in Madrid, we will experience the vibrant intellectual and cultural life of Spain’s capital before traveling through historic cities including Toledo and Salamanca, and continuing south into Andalusia. Along the way, we will encounter magnificent architecture, ancient universities, medieval streets, and living traditions that reveal how ideas shaped everyday life across centuries.
We will also enjoy the stunning scenery and beaches of the Iberian Peninsula and visit the region where Columbus began his world-changing voyage. Participants will savor Spain’s renowned cuisine, music, and warm culture while enjoying carefully selected four-star accommodations with daily breakfast and air conditioning for comfort during the summer months.
As always, this journey is designed not merely as tourism, but as a living classroom — integrating history, philosophy, science, literature, and personal growth in the spirit of inquiry and independence that defines Reliance College.
Travel will be by private coach with professional drivers, allowing the group to move comfortably between cities while continuing conversations, seminars, and reflection. Two Reliance College guides will lead the intellectual program throughout the trip, supported by licensed local guides in key locations.
As always, this journey is designed not merely as tourism, but as a living classroom — integrating history, philosophy, science, literature, and personal growth in the spirit of inquiry and independence that defines Reliance College.
We depart from Madrid on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 and return on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The program combines expert local guiding with seminars led by two Reliance College faculty members, offering intellectual depth alongside cultural immersion. Travelers will enjoy carefully selected four-star accommodations, private coach transportation, and opportunities to experience Spain’s scenery, cuisine, music, and warm culture.
Individual or couple transfers from Madrid Airport to the hotel on June 17.
Group Madrid city tour on June 18 with private driver and coach. Introduction to Spain’s history, culture, and geography with expert guides.
Full-day group excursion to Toledo with private driver and coach.
Study of Juan de Mariana, the 15th-century monk who first identified inflation and its economic effects.
Coach travel from Madrid to Salamanca as part of the multi-day group route. Seminar discussions and guided exploration focused on Spanish literature and ideas related to freedom.
Coach travel through Andalusia. Visit the region where Christopher Columbus began his world-changing voyage. Study of Ramón y Cajal and his discovery of the nature of neurons. Enjoy the scenery, beaches, music, cuisine, and warm culture of the Iberian Peninsula.
Coach travel from Andalusia to Alarcón and onward return to Madrid as part of the group route. Scenic travel and continuation of the guided program.
Individual or couple daytime transfers from the hotel to Madrid Airport for departure.
Included in your program fee:
Four-star hotels with air conditioning for the full trip
Comfortable, centrally located accommodations across multiple cities — no hotel hopping logistics to manage.
Daily breakfast + a welcome dinner
Start each day well-fueled for long walking days, seminars, and exploration.
Airport pickup and drop-off in Spain
Arrive and depart with confidence — no navigating unfamiliar transit systems with luggage.
Private coach transportation throughout Spain
Seamless travel between cities, historic sites, and regional destinations over two full weeks.
Professional local travel guides
Experts who bring history, architecture, culture, and context alive on site.
Reliance College travel leader and seminar guides
Faculty leadership throughout the journey — facilitating discussions, seminars, and intellectual continuity across locations.
A rich academic program integrated with the itinerary
Readings, guided conversations, site-based seminars, and evening discussions — turning each city into a living classroom.
What Participants Cover Separately
✈️ International airfare to and from Spain
🏛️ Museum entrance fees and local city hotel taxes
🍽️ Most lunches and dinners (allowing freedom to explore local cuisine and personal preferences)
Sightseeing will require a moderate amount of walking, including walking through historic city centers and occasionally going up and down stairs. Participants should be comfortable being on their feet for portions of the day, though the pace is thoughtful and includes breaks.
Participants choosing double occupancy may request to room with a specific travel companion. We do our best to honor room requests whenever possible.
Travelers ages 16 and older are welcome, provided they are able to participate in group activities and discussions — or are comfortable opting out when appropriate. The program is designed for thoughtful, respectful engagement and works best for those who enjoy conversation, learning, and cultural exploration.
A limited number of scholarships or financial assistance awards are available for former Great Connections students and select invited participants. Availability is limited.
Approximately every other day, interested members of the group gather at a scheduled time to discuss a shared reading in a guided Socratic seminar. Seminar locations vary by city, and participants will be informed in advance as we move from place to place.
Our travel group will use a private WhatsApp group to stay connected throughout the journey. This allows for easy communication, reminders, and last-minute updates as the itinerary unfolds.
Complete the Form
Fill out the enrollment form below and submit all required fields.
Receive Confirmation Email
After submitting the form, you’ll receive a confirmation email within a few minutes confirming your registration.
Payment
You will receive a separate follow-up email with payment instructions. Your spot is reserved once payment is completed.
