Barcelona

Completed by Gaudi in 1914, Parc Guell enjoys status as a UNESCO site. Students can explore the Gaudi-esque serpentine benches, the main terrace in the middle of the park, the unique terrace walls, and colonnaded pathways.

Spanish Culture at its finest... A night for the senses! All the exotic flavours from the south of Spain in one night of vibrance and colour.

The purpose built facilities for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona have cemented themselves as some of the most unique and revolutionary in their field. Some suggestions include the Olympic Stadium, the Sant Jordi Sports Pavilion, and the Montjuic Communications Tower to name but a few. These are perfect architecture sites for students wishing to experience these modern sporting facilities that blend practicality and aesthetic prowess.

The Cathedral of Santa Eualia is the seat of the Archbishop of Spain and was constructed throughout the 13th,14th and 15th Centuries. The neo-Gothic facade was added in the 19th Century and is a shining example of gothic architecture, complete with gargoyles, a truncated transept and a chevet of nine radiating chapels connected by an ambulatory.

Antonio Gaudi is one the most important figures in Modernism. Famous for his unique and highly individual designs his architectural skills are on display throughout Barcelona. Included here are suggestions of some of Gaudi's major works that architecture students could visit in order to learn from, and experience, one of the world's most outstanding architects.

The design combines a number of different architectural concepts. The striking structure is built with reinforced concrete, covered with a facade of glass, with over 4,500 window openings cut out of the structural concrete. Torre Agbar has over 4,500 LED luminous devices that allow generation of luminous images in the facade. In addition, it has temperature sensors in the outside of the tower that regulate the opening and closing of the window blinds of the facade of the building, reducing the consumption of energy for air conditioning.

Often dubbed the Godfather of surrealism, Salvador Dali's artistic repertoire includes film, sculpture, photography, and painting. His legacy is well preserved in and around Barcelona with the following study sites - ideal for art and design students, available individually or as a package. Gala Dali Castle Opened to the public in 1996, this study site allows visitors to enjoy one of Dali's former medieval homes that now serves, amongst other things as the mausoleum to his wife Gala. Salvador Dali's surrealist approach to interior decoration is well worth seeing in this truly unique haven of Dali's. The Dali Theatre Museum The largest theatre museum in the world occupies the site of the 19th century Municipal Theatre. Destroyed by the Spanish Civil War, Dali built his museum on its ruins, and in doing so created one of the greatest surrealist works respected by art lovers all over the world. The House of Salvador Dali The Portlligat House museum was Dali's main home from 1930 and his unmistakable style is ever-present in this truly magnificent labyrinth of rooms that come together to make for a must-do study site for art and design students. The Dali Jewels This permanent exhibition houses the 37 jewels that Salvador Dali designed during his lifetime. Built up over a number of years, the collection was finally acquired in 1999 by the Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation at a cost of 5.5 million Euros. This stunning collection exemplifies why many critics believe that some of the works included such as The Eye of Time (1949) and The Space Elephant (1961) are to be celebrated as much as his paintings.

The BAU Design School of Barcelona was set up in 1989 with the premise that there are no set formulas for creating and designing - creative ability can be achieved through experimentation, research, practise, and personal expression. An invaluable resource for art and design students wishing to visit Barcelona, the BAU Design School enjoys a worldwide reputation as an excellent learning centre for students.

Inspired by Joan Miro's first large exhibition in Barcelona in 1968, the Joan Miro Foundation (Centre for the Study of Contemporary Art) opened to the public in 1975. Although dedicated to Miro's work, in accordance to his wishes, the new institution also promotes and publicises the work of other contemporary artists. This study site is an excellent addition to any art and design trip to Barcelona.

The brainchild of art critic Alexandre Cirici Pellicer back in 1959, this Museum of Contemporary art has now evolved into a joint venture between the MACBA Foundation and the Barcelona City Council. Opening its doors to the public in its present form in 1995, this eclectic, informative and world renowned museum offers varied exhibitions, lectures and workshops perfect for art students whilst in Barcelona.

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Spain is home to one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th Century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. One of the most popular museums in Barcelona, the museum is housed in five adjoining medieval palaces. A haven for art students, the Picasso museum is home to well over 1500 pieces from this prolific artist.

National Art Museum of Catalunya (MNAC) Housed in the Palau Nacional, this national museum opened in 1995 and contains examples of Romanesque, gothic and renaissance art but to name a few periods. Perfect for art students, this museum is home to some of the most unique and varied pieces of Catalan visual art and is a must-do study site in Barcelona.

The collection ranges from 12th century Arabic pieces and traces the history of glazed Spanish ceramics until the end of the 19th century through to contemporary pieces by Artigas, Cumella, Miro, Picasso and others.

One of Spain's biggest industries, this major winery offers business students the perfect opportunity to explore this well-established company. The tour includes a short film on the company's product range, a tour of the vineyard, and a tour of the fermentation vats, cellars and bottling plant. The comprehensive tour is followed by a Q&A session and a tasting of some of the products.

A wine-producing family since the 1500s, Codorniu is famed for its excellent wines and cava. One of the leading cava-producing wineries in Spain, Codorniu offers its visitors an in-depth tour of the facilities. Perfect for business students, the tour begins with a short film, followed by a guided train trip around the vineyards, cellars, bottling plant and packaging facilities. A tasting session offers students the chance to sample the finished product.

One of the biggest car factories in Europe, the SEAT factory gives students an invaluable experience into mass production. The guided tour also addresses the inter-departmental communications and logistics at this 10,000 person facility. Continuous Q&A sessions are dealt with by an experienced guide.

One of the most prestigious football clubs, FC Barcelona's historic stadium offers students the opportunity to learn from one of the biggest global brands in sport. The 120,000 capacity stadium can be toured with a guide and then followed up with a trip around the museum.

Boasting nine successful brands and a large variety of products, the Nutrexpa Food Factory offers the perfect study site for business students. With a market focus in pastry-based items, Nutrexpa's factory gives students the opportunity to observe the production line and the manufacturing of the products. This multinational company is the perfect study site for business students who wish to learn more about the manufacturing process.

With a 2000 year history, the port of Barcelona has a rich history in trade and business. One of Europe's largest container ports, the port is split into three areas, Port Vell (the Old Port), the commercial port, and the logistics port (Barcelona Free Port). Covering over 500 hectares, the tour of the port is ideal for business students wishing to learn about trade, logistics, and other aspects of business. An audiovisual on the workings of the port is followed by a boat tour of the port, giving an invaluable perspective on this focal point of Catalan trade.

Barcelona, one of Europe's most culturally rich and interesting capitals offers a wealth of shining examples of urban planning. Led by a guide, students can learn how the evolution of changes in urban planning has affected Barcelona and its population.

One of the most interesting volcanic landscapes in Europe, the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone offers environmental science students a wealth of learning opportunities. Situated 100 kilometres to the north of Barcelona, the park is home to thirty Strombolian volcanic cones, several explosive phreatomagmatic craters, and over twenty unusually constructed basaltic lava flows. Due to the Mediterranean mountain climate the surrounding area also features lush vegetation and a spectacular landscape.

Port Vell, or 'The Old Harbour' is one the most outstanding multi-purpose areas in the city. Recent years have seen the oldest parts of the port renovated and now it offers a vast range of leisure and cultural facilities and services.

The river Tordera flows into the sea between Blanes and Malgrat de Mar. Along its course, the river collects water from numerous torrents and brooks, amongst which those of Arb?cies and Santa Coloma are worth mentioning. The mouth of the Tordera River is characterised by a delta covering an area of approximately 8km squared.

Established in Milan in 1966 by its current President, Francesco Morelli, IED offers thorough, effective training, based on the theory and practice of design culture, to young people who want to embark on creative careers in Fashion, Design, Visual Arts and Communications. As well as Barcelona. there are now Design institutes in Madrid, Rome, Turin, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

The Penedes Valley, just west of Barcelona, is famous for its Cava, or sparkling wine, produced using the Methode Champenoise. Several producers offer free guided tours to the general public. Two of the best known are Freixenet & Castellblanc. Both companies offer an audio-visual show, visit to the caves and observation of the production process. Visitors are offered a complimentary glass of Cava at the end of the tour.

Guided tours of a luxury hotel can be arranged. The students will be able to see and learn about all aspects of the hospitality industry. Question and answer sessions can be arranged.

Visit the Boqueria Market for an introduction to local produce. Take an optional coffee Break at 'Pinotxo' followed by a cooking class given by a chef in a teaching kitchen, and then dine on what you have cooked.

This is now Spain's number 1 tourist attraction, and one of the biggest in Europe. Although the resort is now huge, including two hotels, the Porta Aventura water park and a beach area, most students will be happy to spend the day at the original Port Aventura Theme park, which has 5 'worlds'(Mexico, the Far West, the Mediterranean, Polynesia and China) to explore.

The mountain and Benedictine Monatsery of Montserrat, which was founded in the 11th century, is located in a natural park on the top of a marvellous geological formation. The Patron of Catalonia, St Mary of Montserrat, is worshipped at the shrine in the Monastery. Tours can include a visit to the Royal Basilica with its black Madonna, one of only two black Madonnas in existence in the world.

The Museum of Art is also one of the richest in Spain and includes works by Picasso, Gaudi, Dali, El Greco, Caravaggio, Monet and Sisley.