8 days
Experience Florida’s colonial past and Hispanic culture on this eight-day adventure. The journey starts in St. Augustine, where students immerse in the area’s rich history by going on guided tours of the city, visiting landmarks and participating in educational activities. Spend an evening exploring St. Augustine by foot while listening to local legends. On a guided tour of the Castillo de San Marcos, learn why the 17th-century fort is an important part of U.S. history. After, get a glimpse into the lives of St. Augustine’s most infamous criminals with a visit to the Old Jail. Travel back in time to when St. Augustine was a Spanish colony. At the Old Florida Museum, spend a day in the life of a Spanish soldier through history lessons and hands-on activity stations. Experience an interactive living history tour at the Colonial Quarter, where students develop a deeper understanding of settlers’ daily practices and the challenges they faced.
Journey down the Florida coast to Miami, going sightseeing along the way. Take time to admire medieval architecture and European history at the Ancient Spanish Monastery, a 12th-century structure that was originally built in Spain. Discover the stories of Cuban refugees with a visit to the Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College. Connect with locals during a walking tour of Little Havana, where students learn about the neighborhood’s culture, traditions and community practices. Experience Miami’s diverse art scene with a tour of the Perez Art Museum, a visit to Cubaocho Art Museum and a walk through the Wynwood Arts District. Throughout the program, engage in multiple Spanish language immersion lessons to practice listening and speaking skills. Each day, students partake in unique history activities and new cultural experiences.
Travel to Jacksonville, Florida. Upon arrival, transfer by motorcoach to St. Augustine to check in to the hotel and have dinner. In the evening, take part in a Ghostly Experience Walking Tour. Follow the lantern of the costumed guide through the streets of St. Augustine to hear historic tales and legends of the area. Students practice their Spanish language skills as the tour is conducted in both English and Spanish.
See the city on an hour-long narrated trolley tour. Afterwards, take a guided tour of the Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish stone fortress and the oldest structure in St. Augustine. Visit the Old Jail to learn about the unique history of the building and its Romanesque Revival-style architecture. Hear stories about the jail from actors dressed as notorious inmates from the 19th to 20th centuries and even get booked in the cells. Experience the life of a 18th-century Spanish soldier during a Spanish Colonial Educational Program at the Old Florida Museum. End the day with homemade dinner at the Spanish Bakery.
Journey back in time to explore hundreds of years of Florida’s Spanish history. At the Colonial Quarter, Students participate in the Colonial Experience: Living History Tour, which includes live blacksmithing and musket demonstrations, a visit to a historic home, and a bird’s-eye view from the top of a Spanish watchtower. Learn about colonial medical practices during a visit to the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. Students test their knowledge of Spanish and St. Augustine history with a curated scavenger hunt activity.
In the morning, travel by motorcoach to Miami with guided sightseeing along the way and orientation upon arrival.
Experience Spanish history and architecture with a guided tour of the Ancient Spanish Monastery. Originally built in Spain in the 12th century, the Monastery was shipped to the US in 1925 and rebuilt brick by brick in 1952, where it’s functioned as an active church and historical attraction since. Venture to Española Way in South Beach for free time and team games.
Tour the Perez Art Museum to view exhibits of contemporary art that highlight Miami’s diverse community. On a guided visit of the Freedom Tower at Miami Dade College, learn about the Cubans who fled there to escape Fidel Castro. Now it is a national symbol of liberty for Cuban Americans and houses a museum that chronicles the advances they have made in the U.S.
Experience Hispanic culture in the heart of Miami with a Spanish-language walking tour of Little Havana. Taste authentic Cuban cuisine while learning about Little Havana’s culture, traditions and community practices. During the tour, visit a cigar factory, explore Domino Park and see the Cubaocho Art Museum. Go shopping for souvenirs along Calle Ocho. Admire Miami’s art scene during a Wynwood art walk.
Students have free time before boarding their plane in Miami and flying home.
On this Florida Spanish Heritage tour, students are introduced to Spanish history, culture and influences. With visits to historic sites and immersive experiences, gain insight into colonial times and the life of a Spanish soldier. Students practice their Spanish speaking skills with language immersion activities. While on guided tours, learn about art, architecture and cultural practices in Florida’s historic cities. Interpret works of art within an art museum and while walking through an arts district. Come away with an enhanced understanding of the Cuban refugee experience. With a curated curriculum for educators to apply with the program, students are empowered to put their learning into practice before, during and after the trip.
Quality, safe hotels with quad occupancy corresponding to the destination.
A night chaperone is on site to ensure security.
All transportation is provided throughout the program.
Two meals are provided daily, breakfast and dinner, featuring local cuisine.
Interactive learning experiences designed to expand educational and career goals.
Customized experiences developed by travel experts to promote learning and engagement.
Scheduled activities, experiences and guided tours are all included.
Full-time Tour Directors are on site for the duration of the trip, for an all-inclusive experience.
Tips for bus drivers, guides, Tour Directors and meals.
Advanced student security software that integrates geofencing, logistics, communication and more optimized safety features.
Dedicated 24/7 staff availability, supporting students every step of the way.
