( Plaza de Espana, Sevilla )

In November, during my second Erasmus in Tomar, I decided to plan a weekend trip to Seville with my friends Lucrezia and Agnes. Life in Tomar was quiet and charming, but we were all craving a change of scenery and something a bit more dynamic for a few days.

Since our local ESN group was not organizing any longer trips, we started looking at other options and found a weekend getaway organized by ESN Lisbon from the 18th to the 20th of November. It included stops in both Mérida and Seville, which made it even more appealing. We contacted them to ask if we could join from Lisbon, and luckily they said yes. That small decision ended up turning into one of the most memorable weekends of my Erasmus.

The itinerary promised a mix of history, culture, and social moments, exactly what we were looking for. Mérida, founded in 25 BC, is known for its incredibly well-preserved Roman ruins and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seville, on the other hand, is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture, and the charm of southern Spain. It felt like the perfect combination for a short but intense trip.

Day 1 – 18.11.2016

( Night at Oasis Hostel, Sevilla )

( Me, Lucrezia and Agnes in Merida )

The day started very early. We took the first train from Tomar to Lisbon, still half asleep but excited for what was ahead. Once we arrived, we made our way to the meeting point at IST, where dozens of Erasmus students were already gathering. There was an immediate sense of energy and anticipation, with people chatting, introducing themselves, and getting ready for the journey.

At 07:30, we boarded the buses and the trip officially began. The atmosphere quickly became lively, with music playing and people getting to know each other. It felt like the start of something fun even before reaching our first destination.

Around 11:00, we arrived in Mérida. The city had a completely different feel from anywhere I had been before, with Roman history visible in every corner. We visited the ancient ruins, walking through old structures that have stood for centuries. It was fascinating to see how well preserved everything was, and it gave a real sense of stepping back in time.

For lunch, we chose a random local restaurant, keeping things simple and spontaneous. After eating, we had some free time to wander around the city, take photos, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before continuing the journey.

At 14:00, we left Mérida and headed towards Seville. By the time we arrived around 17:00, the light was starting to soften, giving the city a warm and welcoming feeling. After checking in at Oasis Hostel, we took some time to rest and freshen up.

In the evening, we met again at 20:00 for dinner at the hostel. A traditional Spanish paella was served, along with drinks, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere where it was easy to connect with other students. The night naturally turned into a small party at the hostel, with music, conversations, and laughter continuing for hours before we finally went to sleep.

Day 2 – 19.11.2019

( Night at Oasis Hostel, Sevilla )

We started the day with breakfast at the hostel, slowly waking up and getting ready for a full day of exploring. The city tour organized by ESN Seville gave us the chance to discover the most important landmarks while also learning more about the history of the city.

Seville immediately stood out for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful streets, and a mix of cultures visible in its architecture. One of the main highlights of the day was visiting the Alcázar of Seville. The intricate details, the tiles, the arches, and especially the gardens made it one of the most beautiful places we saw during the trip. It was easy to spend time just walking around and taking everything in.

The rest of the day was spent exploring the city, moving between narrow streets, open squares, and lively areas filled with people. There was always something to look at, whether it was a small hidden corner or a busy street full of life.

In the evening, we met again for dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying more Spanish food and the relaxed atmosphere of the group. Later, we headed to an Erasmus party at Club Abril. The contrast between the cultural daytime and the energetic nightlife was part of what made the trip so special. The club was full of students from all over the world, and the energy was high, with music, dancing, and a sense of freedom that comes with traveling during Erasmus.

Day 3 – 20.11.2019

Our final day started with breakfast at 09:00, followed by check-out at 10:00. Even though we were tired from the night before, we still had time to explore more of the city.

We joined a guided tour that took us around Seville once again, including a visit to the beautiful Plaza de España. Despite the rain, which followed us for most of the morning, the place was still impressive. The large open square, the bridges, and the detailed architecture made it one of the most iconic spots in the city.

For lunch, I took a break from the group and met up with two friends from Casale Monferrato who were living in Seville, along with another girl who had just arrived for her Erasmus. It was a completely unplanned moment, but it made the experience feel even more personal and special, like a small connection between different parts of my life.

In the afternoon, I returned to the group at the hostel, and at 16:00 we began our journey back to Lisbon. The bus ride was much quieter this time, with most people either sleeping or reflecting on the weekend.

We arrived in Lisbon around 22:00 and then took the train back to Tomar. By the time we reached our residence, it was around midnight. We were exhausted, but it was the kind of tired that comes from a full and meaningful experience.