Overview
Launch your exploration of Spain at Madrid’s bustling center, Puerta del Sol. Students visit Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and Toledo Cathedral to learn how royal dynasties and historic inquisitions shaped early Spanish society. Heading south to Granada and Seville, groups explore Aranjuez Palace, the Royal Arab Baths, and the Alcazaba fortress to study the architectural influences of Islamic and Christian history. The journey concludes with tapas and an evening flamenco performance.
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 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.
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.
Tapas dinner
Day 4
Travel to Granada via Aranjuez
Aranjuez Palace visit
Explore the grand halls, ceremonial rooms, and royal gardens of Aranjuez Palace while discovering how Spanish monarchs used the residence as a spring retreat. View the palace's artwork, architecture, and decorative interiors to gain insight into royal life and Spain's cultural heritage.
Day 5
Alhambra guided visit
Granada sits on three gentle hills, framed on clear days by the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Atop one of these hills stands the imposing yet delicate Alhambra Palace. Explore the Alhambra gardens, Summer Palace, Medina, Royal Arab Baths, and Alcazaba fortress while taking in views of the city and surrounding countryside. Please note: Entry to the main palace building is subject to availability.
Travel to Seville
Day 6
Seville guided sightseeing tour
Explore Seville's winding streets and historic neighborhoods with a local guide. Visit Plaza de España, the Old Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz and San Bartolomé, and the Casa de Pilatos. Tour the Seville Cathedral, the world's largest Gothic cathedral, and see the Giralda Tower while learning about the city's rich history and architectural heritage.
Flamenco evening
Originating from the music and dance traditions of Southern Spain's Roma communities, flamenco has become a Spanish institution. Dancers use intricate footwork and expressive arm movements to convey the mood of the music, which can range from lamentation to celebration.
Day 7
Travel to Madrid via Córdoba
Stop in Córdoba to visit one of Spain’s most remarkable landmarks, the Moorish Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, dating from the 8th to 10th centuries. Wander narrow whitewashed streets lined with tile-covered patios and colorful flowers, and explore the city’s beautiful historic quarters.
Mezquita guided visit
The Mezquita of Córdoba showcases one of the world's most remarkable blends of Moorish and Christian architecture. Explore its vast forest of columns and sweeping horseshoe arches, where intricate mosaics and the gold-adorned mihrab reflect the height of Islamic artistry. Shaped between the 8th and 10th centuries, this extraordinary monument reflects the rich, layered history that has defined Córdoba for more than a millennium.
Day 8
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Barcelona
Travel on the high-speed AVE train to Barcelona and take part in a Las Ramblas scavenger hunt. See the best of the city on a guided sightseeing tour featuring Plaza de España, Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc Hill, and Park Güell. End your adventure with a flavorful paella dinner before heading home.
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 and from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Madrid and Southern Spain
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.