Skip to main content
Stanford Alumni AssociationTravel/Study
Travel/Study
City life and old-world charm in central and coastal Spain

Spain Literary Seminar

The latest in our popular literary series explores the scenery and history that has inspired some of the greatest writers in both the English and Spanish languages.

Overview

Life and literature in iconic Spanish locales

A favorite among Stanford travelers, medievalist and early British literature expert Elaine Treharne leads our explorations into the literary history of Spain with passion and unique insight. Our studies will include noted authors and poets either from or inspired by (or both!) Spain’s dynamic cities and scenic countryside.

Madrid has formed the essence of Spain for nearly five centuries. With iconic museums, astonishing palaces, and parks that serve as a tranquil respite to the stresses of life in a modern city, our time in Madrid will be filled with rich discussion and immersive experiences. The coastal hub of Barcelona provides an interesting counterpoint to central Spain, with world-famous cuisine and modern art.

Dates

March 30–April 7, 2027

Duration

9 days

Price

From $11,295 per person

Trip size

24 participants
Reserve(opens new window)

Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Elaine Treharne

English

A member of the Stanford faculty since 2012, Professor Treharne specializes in manuscript studies, archives, information technologies, and early British literature and history.

Learn more about Elaine

In-Depth Learning

Each day, we’ll spend the morning diving into the literary world of Spain during discussions led by Professor Treharne. Here’s a look at some of the authors and works we’ll examine, in addition to a course reader of Spanish poetry, art, and short stories. A syllabus with discussion topics and a selection of books will be sent to confirmed travelers.

  • Cervantes, Don Quixote

  • Carmen Laforet, Nada

  • Gamel Woolsey, Death's Other Kingdom

  • Laurie Lee, A Moment of War

Elaine is brilliant at leading the discussions, helping me see things in ways I hadn’t thought of, keeping things on track, and doing all of it in an engaging and entertaining manner.”

—Betsy Spence, MBA ’86

Itinerary

Chart your course of discovery

Delve into exciting literary discussions during daily seminars and then venture out to explore important sights in and around Madrid and Barcelona, including Toledo and Montserrat. Take in incredible art and check out the lively tapas scene.

  • Madrid, Spain

    Transfer from Madrid Airport to our hotel in the Salamanca district. Join fellow travelers for a welcome reception in our hotel this evening.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Wellington

  • Madrid

    This morning, join Professor Treharne and fellow travelers for the first of several gatherings to discuss the assigned readings and establish the framework for the trip. After lunch, we make our first excursion to the famed Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, filled with masterpieces from over seven centuries of world art. This evening, explore some of the great tapas bars close to our hotel.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Wellington

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Madrid

    Join Professor Treharne for a second morning of literary discussion followed by lunch and an afternoon at leisure for individual pursuits. This evening, visit the Reina Sofia Museum after it closes to the general public for a light dinner and a private viewing of Picasso's Guernica.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Wellington

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Toledo

    Spend today in the great city of Toledo, where a look at Moorish, Jewish, and Christian monuments allows us to consider Spain’s long history. This was home to El Greco as well as the center of Spanish catholicism throughout the last millenium.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Wellington

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Madrid / Barcelona

    Our literary discussions continue this morning. After lunch, board the high-speed train that whisks us off to Barcelona in approximately three hours. Upon arrival, check in to our hotel located in the middle of the Eixample district, home to Gaudí's architectural masterpieces. 

    Accommodations:

    Monument Hotel

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Barcelona

    A further morning of literary discussions is followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we take a tour of some of Antoni Gaudí's most famous buildings, including the iconic Sagrada Familia cathedral.

    Accommodations:

    Monument Hotel

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Montserrat

    Depart this morning for a day trip to Montserrat. This extraordinary geological formation, now a national park, lies just outside the city. The monastery perched high on the mountain is the home of the famous Black Virgin. Return to Barcelona in the late afternoon.

    Accommodations:

    Monument Hotel

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Barcelona

    Enjoy a final morning of discussions and free time this afternoon to explore the city on our own. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner to toast our journey.

    Accommodations:

    Monument Hotel

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

  • Barcelona / Home

    Transfer to the Barcelona airport for flights returning home.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

A learning journey

This program is designed for those who are looking for a provocative and memorable intellectual travel experience. Throughout our week in Spain, we enjoy daily group discussions—approximately three to four hours in the morning, as well as ample time for reflection on the Spanish, American, and British authors who flourished in this region. Travelers receive a syllabus and selection of books ahead of our trip, together with a list of topics to help prepare for our discussions.

Great reading list, incredible faculty leader, and amazing people. I think the fact that at most dinners we kept talking about the books says it all.”

—Betsy Spence, MBA ’86

Activity level

When we are not “in class,” we will head out into the dynamic cities of Madrid and Barcelona as well as notable sites in the surrounding area, exploring the palaces, monuments, and scenery that inspired so many writers. We consider this program to be moderately active. On average, daily excursions involve one to two miles of walking, sometimes on uneven cobblestone streets and sidewalks. Stairs and steps without handrails may be a necessary part of some tours. Our excursion to Montserrat includes an optional opportunity for walking approximately two miles on dirt trails with some slight elevation gain.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours, and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Price

Double occupancy:
$11,295 per person

Single occupancy:
$13,795 per person

Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $450 per person.

What’s included?

  • Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including a reading syllabus, complimentary books, and travel information

  • Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

  • All meals, tours, and excursions as described in the itinerary

  • Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities

  • 8 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations

  • High-speed train ticket from Madrid to Barcelona

  • Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days

  • Minimal medical, accident, and evacuation coverage 

You are responsible for your personal travel expenses, including flights to and from the program.

Deposits, payments, and cancellations

A $2,500-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 150 days prior to program start. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee, until 150 days prior to program start. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and we resell your place(s), in which case a $2,500-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

Join us in Spain

Make your reservation now
Get in touch with Travel/Study.
Subscribe to our emails for trip alerts.