Ávila Trip, Spain, 2025

In February 2025, a group of Year 10 and 11 GCSE Spanish students and staff visited Ávila, Spain, to immerse themselves in its rich culture and language.

In the mornings, students enhanced their Spanish skills through lessons with native speakers, while afternoons were filled with exploring the local towns and cities, to learn about the history, culture and architecture. All tours were guided by Adolfo, from Letras Castellanas language school, enabling students to further practise their listening and translation skills. 

On the first day, we visited the beautiful city of Ávila complete with a tour of the medieval city walls, considered to be one of the best-preserved walled cities in Spain. The walls, designed to protect the city from invaders during the Reconquista, stretch over 2.5 kilometers and feature 88 watchtowers and 9 gates, providing a stunning view of the city and its surroundings. Students ended the day by ordering and sampling some delicious tapas in a local tapas bar. 

On the second day, the group visited the stunning city of Segovia, where the breathtaking Roman aqueduct and the magnificent Alcázar left a lasting impression. The aqueduct, which stretches for over 15 kilometers, is made up of around 167 arches, some reaching as high as 28 meters. Remarkably, it was built without the use of mortar, relying solely on the precise placement of stones to hold the structure together. It is still standing strong today, more than 2,000 years after it was constructed!

The group also spent a full day exploring the beautiful city of Toledo. Often called the "City of Three Cultures," Toledo is renowned for its unique history of coexistence among Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities during the Middle Ages. From narrow cobbled streets to panoramic views, the day was packed with culture. We visited the famous Alcázar and the awe-inspiring Toledo Cathedral and rounded the day of with some delicious churros!  

On our final day in Spain, we group spent a full day in Madrid. We began with a fascinating tour of the Royal Quarters, where students explored the grandeur of the Royal Palace and the Cathedral, before wandering through the bustling Mercado San Miguel, soaking in the lively atmosphere and tasting delicious Spanish treats. Our next stop was Plaza Mayor, a stunning square filled with history and charm, before making our way to Puerta del Sol, for some lunch, free time and shopping. After a relaxing stroll through the lush greenery of Retiro Park, where students enjoyed its peaceful lakes and gardens, we wrapped up our day with a visit to the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. It was the perfect way to end our adventure in Madrid, combining culture, history, and a touch of football excitement!

Everyone had an amazing time and created lifelong memories, as you can see in the selection of photographs below: