Explore Valencia on a guided walk through the historic center. Students visit the bustling Central Market to observe daily life and local foods, admire the art and frescoes inside the Church of Saint Nicolas, explore Valencia Cathedral, and see the Silk Exchange, a UNESCO site that reflects the city’s medieval trade and architecture.
Overview
Discover Spain on a student music performance tour through Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. Explore Madrid’s Royal Palace, experience Valencia’s historic landmarks, and marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Park Güell in Barcelona. Along the way, student musicians will showcase their talents through performances, experience the passion of flamenco, and immerse themselves in Spain’s rich musical and cultural traditions.
Itinerary
Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona Performance Tour
- Performing Arts
- Performance Tours
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
Royal Palace visit
Explore the 3,418 rooms of Europe’s largest royal palace. Admire grand halls adorned with priceless paintings and intricate details while learning about Spain’s monarchy. While the royal family resides elsewhere, the palace offers a remarkable glimpse into centuries of history, art, and tradition.
Madrid band performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 4
Reina Sofía Museum guided visit
Officially recognized as Spain's national museum of 20th-century art, the Reina Sofía is home to an outstanding collection of works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and other leading modern artists. Highlights include Picasso's "Guernica," along with extensive collections celebrating the evolution of 20th-century Spanish art.
Travel to Valencia
The city of Valencia sits on the Mediterranean south coast of Barcelona. Over the centuries it has been occupied by the Greeks, the Romans, and the Moors, and each group has contributed to the city's rich and distinctive culture. Valencia is surrounded by fragrant citrus groves and possesses its own local dialect of Valenciano.
Day 5
Valencia city walk
Paella lunch
Enjoy a paella lunch! Paella is a Valencian rice dish with ancient roots originating in the mid-19th century near Albufera lagoon on the east coast of Spain.
Valencia band performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 6
Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía visit
Take a guided tour through this landmark theatre designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. Its innovative design, along with its advanced technical and teaching facilities, makes it a leading venue for opera, musical, and theatre productions.
Travel to Barcelona
Day 7
Barcelona guided sightseeing tour
Discover Barcelona with a licensed guide as you explore its mix of Gothic charm and modernist brilliance. Visit Plaza de España, then marvel at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, the soaring church that defines the city’s skyline. Wander through Park Güell with its colorful mosaics and sweeping views, and journey to Montjuïc Hill, home to historic fortresses and the 1992 Olympic grounds.
Barcelona band performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 8
Palau de la Música Catalana guided tour
Take a guided tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana, one of Barcelona’s most celebrated examples of Catalan Modernist architecture. Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a contemporary of Antoni Gaudí, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its intricate mosaics, colorful stained glass, and extraordinary architectural details. Discover how art, music, and symbolism come together in this magnificent concert hall.
Casa Batllo visit
Visit one of Antoni Gaudí's most spectacular buildings in the heart of Barcelona.
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 9
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing in October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more meaningful learning moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
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
Hotel accommodations
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
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
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
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Scenes from Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia
Health & Safety
WorldStrides has been tackling the unprecedented for the last 55 years. Our experienced team is leading the way, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing landscape for student travel. In addition, we have an extensive network in place to ensure the health and safety of all our participants.
Doctors on Call
An exclusive relationship with the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates that grants our travelers 24/7 access to medical care through telehealth consultations.
AXA Mental Health Services
For added peace of mind, all travelers have confidential access to a behavioral healthcare specialist while on tour, should the need arise.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members are available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered by WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance.
Risk Management
We can assist you with the appropriate risk management documentation required for school approval.
Price Guarantee
Our Price Guarantee locks in your tour price at the time of deposit, protecting participants from currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, or an increase in flight prices.
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.