The third largest city in the European Union, Madrid is the capital city of Spain.   Its influences in politics, education, entertainment, environment, media, fashion, science, culture and the arts, all contribute to its status as one of the world’s major global cities.

Our accommodation centre is situated in the Community of Madrid, in Alcalá de Henares, a Spanish city, 22 miles north east of Madrid, whose historical centre is one of UNESCO’s World heritage sites.

It is the birthplace of Cervantes and every year on the anniversary of Cervantes death, the city hosts the ceremony awarding the Cervantes Prize, the Spanish-speaking world‘s most prestigious award for lifetime achievement in literature. The award is presented by the King of Spain at the University of Alcalá’s historic “Colegio de San Ildefonso.“, one of the oldest universities in the world.

The city includes the Moorish quarter, the Jewish quarter, and the Christian quarter. These distinct neighbourhoods have given Alcalá the reputation of “the city of three cultures.”

Activities at the centre include:

• Sports such as aerial rope slide, archery, climbing, orienteering, horse riding, kayaking and BMX bike – all under the supervision of trained Spanish monitors
• Flamenco dancing
• Cookery lesson
• Games

Visits include:

• The town of Alcalá de Henares, its medieval cobbled streets  and historic buildings, the theatre, the cathedrals and synagogue.
• Guided tour of Madrid
• The Prado museum
• Guided tour of Toledo, the Imperial city, home to El Greco