Overview
Take your ensemble on an unforgettable performance tour through three stunning Spanish cities, with stops in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Along the way, your musicians will explore iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and La Sagrada Familia, visit the Reina Sofía Museum, and share their talents with international audiences.
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
Life in Madrid revolves around talking, toasting, and tapas-eating. During a walk through this crowded and social city, your Tour Director will help you familiarize yourself with the lay of the land. Then, stroll over to the Puerta del Sol, the bustling city center. Next, relax at the Plaza Mayor, a grand square where every sort of human drama has unfolded—trials of faith, public burnings of heretics, royal marriages, the canonization of saints, and countless balls and bullfights. Conclude at the Plaza de España with a visit to an outdoor café.
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.
Reina Sofia Museum visit
Officially Spain’s National Museum of 20th Century Art, the Reina Sofía houses masterpieces by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Its most famous work is Picasso’s Guernica, a powerful anti-war statement. Beyond the galleries, the museum also offers a vast library, archive, bookstore, and restaurant, making it a hub of art and culture.
Madrid performance
Performance groups often enjoy opportunities to showcase their talents at churches (some with sacred repertoire restrictions, others open to secular works), temples, museums, cultural centers, and historic sites. Exchanges with local schools, universities, or community groups, as well as participation in cultural or performing arts festivals, can also be incredibly rewarding. We work closely with each group to ensure the venue aligns with their artistic goals. Speak with your WorldStrides representative to explore the best options for your program.
Day 4
Travel to Zaragoza
Aljaferia Palace visit
Visit Aljaferia Palace, an 11th Century Arab castle and the largest surviving example of an Islamic/Spanish architecture from the Taifas period.
Day 5
Travel to Barcelona
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.
Gaudí’s Sagrada Família guided visit
This breathtaking church, considered the masterpiece of architect Antoni Gaudí, has been under construction since 1882 and is expected to be completed in 2026. Despite its unfinished state, its 18 soaring towers soar above Barcelona’s skyline, making it a must-see landmark.
Valencia 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.
Picasso Museum Barcelona visit
Take an unparalleled glimpse into the development of Picasso’s genius. Bringing together the Spaniard’s early and late works, the museum traces the evolution of Picasso’s art.
Príncipe Felipe Science Museum visit
Experience this dynamic museum, a leader in interactive science and one of Spain’s most visited attractions. Designed to spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking, its engaging exhibits explore science, technology, and the environment in ways that both surprise and inspire.
Day 7
Museu de la Música de Barcelona visit
Explore the Museu de la Música, featuring unique instruments from around the world. While there, listen to samples as you walk around the instruments.
Barcelona performance
Potential venues include (but not limited to): The Maritime Museum at the Royal Arsenal (built in 1378, this is one of the most visited museums in the city and located at the end of Las Ramblas) or an exchange concert with a local school or community group.
Day 8
Palace of Catalan Music visit
Take a guided tour of this architectural masterpiece, considered one of the most remarkable achievements of the modernista movement. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, it was created by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a contemporary of Gaudí, as a vibrant celebration of symbolism, color, and craftsmanship.
L'Oeanograpfic visit
Discover Europe's largest marine park, showcasing over 500 species of fish and sea creatures from oceans around the globe. Wander through the mesmerizing shark tunnel and experience marine life firsthand at the interactive touch pool. Your visit will unveil a diverse array of marine wonders, from majestic whales to playful walruses.
Day 9
Return home
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
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
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
Scenes from Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia
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.