Trip to Barcelona in 2025
Tour Overview
In June 2025, students from SOC College set off on a vibrant Turing Trip to Barcelona, Spain, designed to blend culture, exploration, and personal growth into an unforgettable international experience.
The journey began on Monday, 23rd June, when students gathered at Birmingham International Airport by 11:00. They boarded flight FR3793, departing at 13:25 for Barcelona. After a 2-hour 30-minute flight (+1 hour time difference), the group landed at 16:40, collected their luggage, and travelled by train to their accommodation at Travelodge Barcelona Fira, Carrer de la Botànica, 25, 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
The group included:
Natasha Parbhakar, Umang Lall, Alice Tegan Bailey, Tracy Kamtchom Nguejio, Hitesh Mahadev, Husam Uddeen Iqbal, Usman Jamshaid, Umar Hussain, William Perry, Toby Andrew Macdonald, Zainab Bilal, Gurjot Kaur, Chloe Parker, Ameerah Demiladeore Morafa, Rabiah Asaf, Sonia Azeem, Shengjun Zhou — all eager to explore Barcelona’s unique mix of history and innovation.
Tuesday 24th June
After a morning hotel breakfast, students enjoyed a free day to explore Barcelona independently.
Wednesday 25th June — Welcome & Workshop Day 1
After breakfast, students gathered for a welcome meeting at the hotel starting at 12:00, followed by Day 1 of training workshops. Laptops were required for the interactive sessions. After a 1-hour lunch break, students had time for a leisurely tour around Barcelona in the evening.
Thursday 26th June
After breakfast, students enjoyed a free day for personal exploration.
Disclaimer applies.
Friday 27th June — Beach Day!
After breakfast, students departed at 11:00 for an excursion to Playa de La Barceloneta, Barcelona’s iconic beach. Towels, swimwear and sun cream were a must for a relaxing day by the Mediterranean. Later, students continued to explore the city at their own pace.
Saturday 28th June
After breakfast, the day was free for students to revisit favourite spots, try local foods or enjoy the city’s vibrant streets.
Sunday 29th June
After breakfast, students had another free day to enjoy Barcelona’s sights and culture on their own.
Monday 30th June — Las Ramblas
Students enjoyed breakfast before an excursion to the iconic Las Ramblas boulevard, the lively heart of Barcelona.
Students explored its sections:
- Rambla de Canaletes — bustling and close to Plaça de Catalunya.
- Rambla dels Estudis — once home to a Jesuit university, known as Bird’s Street.
- Rambla de Sant Josep — colourful with its flower stalls and Boquería Market.
- Rambla dels Caputxins — home to Palau Güell, Gran Teatre del Liceu, and Plaça Reial.
- Rambla de Santa Mònica — packed with bars and restaurants, ending at the Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument).
Tuesday 1st July
After breakfast, students enjoyed a free day to make the most of Barcelona’s shops, markets, and parks.
Wednesday 2nd July — La Sagrada Familia
Following breakfast, students visited the iconic La Sagrada Familia and its surrounding area.
The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, still under construction, is the world’s largest unfinished Catholic church. Its origins date back to 1866, when a congregation devoted to St. Joseph envisioned a grand temple in his honour. The first stone was laid in 1882, on the feast of San José.
Thursday 3rd July — Departure
After breakfast and some final free time for any last-minute exploring or shopping, the group departed for Barcelona Airport.
Flight FR3792 departed at 22:20, landing back at Birmingham International Airport at 23:45, marking the end of a memorable adventure.
Lessons learnt:
Throughout this immersive trip, students balanced structured training with time for self-guided cultural discovery. From the architectural wonders of La Sagrada Familia to the buzzing atmosphere of Las Ramblas and sun-soaked beach days, the Barcelona Turing Trip inspired students to broaden their horizons, build independence, and experience a rich blend of education and cultural adventure.
Disclaimer: When touring in your own time, SoC is not responsible for travel and costs and is also not responsible for dietary needs.
