This was such an amazing experience! The tours were excellent, though we would have loved a little more time at a few of the locations. Our tour director, Carmen, was absolutely wonderful. Unfortunately, our trip began with a significant flight delay that caused us to arrive in Madrid about eight hours later than planned. Carmen was there waiting for us and handled everything with incredible flexibility, allowing us time to get settled without overwhelming us after such a long journey. The only downside in Madrid was our first hotel. It was located on a very lively nightlife street, making it difficult to get much-needed rest after nearly 27 hours of traveling. By the second or third night, most of us had adapted with AirPods, white noise, or sound machines, but I would not recommend using that hotel again. Every guide and teacher we met throughout the trip was outstanding. One of the biggest advantages was being able to skip most of the long lines at major attractions, which allowed us to see so much in a relatively short amount of time. We especially loved our day trip to Toledo. EF did an excellent job organizing the tours and excursions there. Some of our favorite experiences were the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace. Both were absolutely breathtaking. I do wish we had been able to spend a little more time at the Prado, as there was so much to see. Carmen also recommended a local street market, which ended up being one of our favorite stops. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience local Spanish artisans and culture. Once we arrived in Barcelona, the accommodations were fantastic. The hotel was quiet, the air conditioning worked perfectly, and it was within walking distance of numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops. If I could suggest one improvement, it would be to offer more optional activities for the chaperones while the students were in class. The adults would have enjoyed additional time exploring cathedrals, museums, or other local attractions. The beach in Barcelona was beautiful, although different from what many of us are accustomed to in the United States. Carmen thoughtfully prepared both the students and adults by explaining that topless sunbathing is part of the local culture and encouraging everyone to be respectful. Because she addressed it ahead of time, the students handled it with maturity and respect. Without question, the highlight of the entire trip was the Basilica de la Sagrada Família. It was absolutely breathtaking and unlike anything we had ever seen. We all wished we had been given two or three hours there instead of approximately 30 minutes. It was one of the places we had most anticipated, and many of us were disappointed by how quickly we had to leave. We also would have appreciated time to visit the gift shop before departing. We especially enjoyed shopping at the local market and trying authentic Spanish recipes. Another unforgettable experience was sharing dinner in the home of a local chef, which gave us a genuine glimpse into Spanish hospitality and culture. Ending the trip with a picnic on the beach was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible adventure. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience. I truly believe both the students and the adults will cherish these memories for years to come. While there are a few things I would adjust, they are simply opportunities to make an already outstanding trip even better. They certainly did not take away from what was an incredible journey.
