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LAUREL — Local travelers discover the magic of Spain on an unforgettable 10-day cultural odyssey The taste of fresh olives and roasted almonds, the rhythm of flamenco guitars echoing through ancient caves, and the warmth of Mediterranean sunshine on their faces—these are just a few of the treasured memories Holly and Kylla Klausen brought home from their recent Spanish adventure.
The mother-daughter duo, along with LCC Spanish teacher Jill Camargo, embarked on EF Educational Tours’ “Spanish Fiesta” program—a once-in-alifetime opportunity that transformed textbook lessons into vivid, lived experiences.
Their small Nebraska group joined students from Alabama and Texas, creating a diverse American delegation exploring Spain together. Their 10-day journey from May 26 to June 5 perfectly coincided with Kylla’s high school graduation celebration and 18th birthday, making this journey even more significant.
A Journey Through Living History
Departing from Omaha, the trio traced a path through Spain’s most captivating cities: Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol, Sevilla, Córdoba, Toledo and Madrid. Each destination unveiled layers of history, from Moorish palaces to Gothic cathedrals, from Roman ruins to contemporary art.
“Every day felt like stepping into a different century,” Holly said. “We weren’t just seeing Spain—we were experiencing the stories that shaped it.”
Barcelona: Where Art Meets Architecture
Barcelona welcomed them with Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical masterpieces. The colorful mosaics of Park Güell sparkled in the afternoon light, while the soaring spires of the Sagrada Família almost seem to touch heaven itself. Along Las Ramblas, street performers and flower vendors created a carnival atmosphere that represent the city’s vibrant spirit.
The cultural feast continued at the Pablo Picasso Museum, the Olympic facilities that hosted the world in 1992, and the bustling port. As evening fell, they witnessed their first flamenco performance—a passionate tableau of dance, music and storytelling that would become a recurring highlight of their journey.
Valencia: Oranges, Paella, and Innovation
In Valencia, birthplace of Spain’s beloved paella, the travelers explored the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, where gleaming white structures rise like something from a dream. Between architectural marvels, they savored gelato in sun-drenched plazas, relaxing and taking in the towers, churches and fountains from centuries long ago nestled among the modern conveniences of McDonald’s and Starbucks.
Granada: The Crown Jewel of Moorish Spain Perhaps no sight prepared them for the breathtaking beauty of La Alhambra, the Moors’ legendary “red castle” perched high above Granada. This UNESCO World Heritage site transported them to medieval Islamic Spain, its intricate tile work and peaceful courtyards whispering tales of a civilization that flourished until 1492. It was here that the travelers truly understood how American writer Washington Irving fell under the Alhambra’s spell, inspiring his famous “Tales of the Alhambra” after visiting the then-forgotten palace.
The evening brought another unforgettable flamenco performance—this time in a cave carved into the mountainside, where the dancers’ rapid impassioned staccato steps echoed off ancient stone walls and spectators’ enthusiastic shouts of OLE!.
Costa del Sol and Ancient Mysteries
The Mediterranean coastline offered a different kind of magic.
In Torremolinos, the beaches and azure waters provided perfect respite from their cultural immersion and long days of walking. Local eateries served fresh seafood, while beachside shops offered treasures to take home.
A short journey brought them to the Rock of Gibraltar, where British territory meets Spanish soil. Among the famous Barbary macaques, they explored World War II tunnels that once sheltered Allied forces, Spitfires and arms for smuggling which added another chapter to their historical journey. Kylla shared this about the trek to the Rock, “The highlight of this day was the seeing the monkeys, it my day and my mom’s, too!”
Sevilla, Córdoba and Toledo: Hearts of Spanish Heritage Sevilla’s Gothic cathedral—the third largest in the world—housed Christopher Columbus’s tomb and the iconic La Giralda tower. Climbing 34 levels of ramps to reach the bell tower rewarded them with panoramic views of the city’s terracotta rooftops and a birds-eye view of the cathedral’s architecture.
In Córdoba, the extraordinary Mezquita stood as a testament to Spain’s complex history—a mosque from the 700s that once rivaled Mecca’s grandeur, now housing a Baroque cathedral within its ancient walls. The narrow streets of the old city center led to charming plazas where cool drinks and ice cream provided welcome relief from the Andalusian heat.
Toledo, the ancient Visigoth capital, revealed itself from across the Tajo River like a medieval painting come to life.
Known for its legendary sword-making and strategic position, the city’s silhouette against the Spanish sky captured centuries of conquest and culture.
Madrid: A Royal Finale
Their journey culminated in Spain’s vibrant capital, where Plaza Mayor’s grand architecture and Puerta del Sol’s iconic bear statue marked the heart of the nation.
The opulent Royal Palace showcased Spanish royalty’s artistic treasures, while local cafés served the perfect ending to any Spanish adventure: warm churros dipped in rich chocolate.
More Than Miles: A Journey
This wasn’t merely a vacation—it was a transformative experience that brought on learning with real-world discovery. Walking countless miles, over ancient cobblestones in many places, hours spent riding the tour bus and the relaxing moments soaking up the sun on Costa del Sol gave Jill, Holly and Kylla a different view of the world and moments to be more cherished than any souvenir.
“My favorite moment in Spain was the crossing to visit the Rock of Gibraltar and the monkeys and realizing that you are technically in the UK”, Kylla shared. “Seeing the WWII caves and learning small details about the buildings” she further states “I enjoyed trying the different types of foods and desserts.”
As they returned to Nebraska soil, their suitcases held more than Spanish ceramics and flamenco fans. They carried stories of resilience written in ancient stones, flavors that awakened their palates and the profound joy that comes from discovering that the world is both vast and intimately connected.
For this Midwestern family, Spain didn’t just broaden their horizons—it revealed that adventure and wonder await those brave enough to step beyond the familiar and embrace the extraordinary.
The EF Educational Tours “Spanish Fiesta” program offers students and families the opportunity to experience Spain’s rich cultural heritage through guided tours, authentic dining experiences and educational activities.
