Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Introduce your students to the authentic sights and sounds of bustling Madrid. Your class can look forward to exploring Spain’s Baroque Royal Palace, discovering the impressive collection of the Reina Sofia, and learning about traditional craftsmanship during a visit to a local sword factory in Toledo. Students will also enjoy an interactive scavenger hunt through Puerta del Sol and a traditional tapas dinner.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Spain (Madrid)
Day 2
Arrive in Madrid
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Madrid city walk
Discover Madrid’s lively spirit with your Tour Director on a walk through its bustling streets. Begin at Puerta del Sol, the vibrant city center, then continue to Plaza Mayor, where centuries of history have unfolded from royal weddings to bullfights. Conclude at Plaza de España, a favorite spot for outdoor cafés and people-watching in the heart of the city.
Day 3
Madrid guided sightseeing tour
Experience Spain’s capital with a licensed guide. Visit the Royal Palace, Europe’s largest, to see lavish halls and frescoes. Stroll Calle Mayor and lively Gran Vía with its theaters, shops, and cafés. Admire the Cibeles Fountain depicting the earth goddess Cybele. See the Neoclassical Puerta de Alcalá in Plaza de la Independencia, a ceremonial gateway to the city. Conclude at Columbus Square, a hub of monuments and museums.
Prado Museum visit
Visit the Museo del Prado, home of works by Spain's great masters, including Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez, and El Greco.
Flamenco evening
Discover this world-famous gypsy dance, its music, and rich history as you watch professional dancers perform, and give the intricate footwork and elaborate arm gestures a try yourself.
Day 4
Optional
El Escorial & Segovia guided excursion (optional)
Travel into the mountains northwest of Madrid to visit El Escorial, the vast monastery and palace commissioned by King Philip II. Its grandeur and simplicity reflect the king’s devotion and restraint. Continue to medieval Segovia to see the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct and the fairytale-like Alcázar castle rising above the city.
LEAP
LEAP Spirit of Spain
Immerse yourself in the art that captures the passion of Spain. Compare the techniques and meanings in the works of artists from El Greco to Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso. Deepen your understanding of art history as you debate how these and other masters defined and shaped Spanish culture.
Day 5
Toledo guided excursion
St. Mary’s Synagogue visit, Toledo Cathedral visit, Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes visit, Sword factory visit
Tapas dinner
Puerta del Sol scavenger hunt
Take interactive learning to another level with a Tour Director-led scavenger hunt of Puerta del Sol, Madrid's most famous and most central square! Enjoy an after-dinner adventure, complete exciting activities and solve fun clues. Each clue and every activity is built to maximize on-tour experiential learning.
Day 6
Optional
Avila & Salamanca guided excursion (optional)
The past and present meet in Salamanca. Like many great medieval cities, Salamanca has a multitude of towering cathedrals and convents. Yet, the city’s university students give it a hip, international vibe. One of the leading institutions of Europe, the university has attracted countless Spanish intellectuals, including Antonio de Nebrija and Miguel de Unamuno.
Traditional Spanish cooking class with dinner
Create and enjoy some of Spain's most popular and iconic dishes and discover firsthand what makes these dishes enduring classics of Spanish cuisine.
Day 7
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 3 Days in Barcelona and Montserrat
Travel on the high-speed AVE train to Barcelona and kick off your stay with a Las Ramblas scavenger hunt. Explore the city on a guided sightseeing tour featuring Plaza de España, Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc Hill, and Park Güell. Venture into the Catalan countryside for an excursion to Montserrat, where you’ll visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. Conclude your stay with a festive paella dinner.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Madrid
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.