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
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Immerse your students in the vibrant culture, language, and history of Spain on this adventure from Barcelona to Madrid. Your group will participate in a scavenger hunt through Las Ramblas, discover L'Oceanogràfic, Europe's largest marine park, and learn about Moorish influence at Alhambra. Students can also look forward to touring a working olive oil grove and factory, learning how to dance the flamenco, and enjoying a traditional tapas dinner.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Spain (Barcelona)
Day 2
Arrive in Barcelona
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.
Las Ramblas scavenger hunt
Take interactive learning to another level with a Tour Director-led scavenger hunt on Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian street. Complete exciting activities and solve fun clues, each designed to maximize experiential learning on tour.
Paella dinner
Day 3
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.
Day 4
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.
Valencia city walk
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 5
Travel to Granada
LEAP Spanish Civil War
Nationalist? Republican? Argue ideology in a revolutionary role-play that delves into the causes of the Spanish Civil War.
Day 6
Alhambra guided visit
Explore Granada’s Alhambra with a guided visit. Students examine Moorish architecture and Islamic art while touring the gardens, Summer Palace, Medina, Royal Arab Baths, and Alcazaba fortress, gaining insight into life in medieval Al-Andalus and the cultural legacy of Muslim Spain. Please note: Entry to the main palace building is subject to availability.
Travel to Costa del Sol
Day 7
Taste of Andalusia excursion
Experience rural Andalusian culture in the mountain village of Alfarnatejo. Students visit historic olive groves and tour a local olive oil factory to learn how olives are cultivated and pressed into extra virgin olive oil, followed by a tasting with regional bread. Continue with a guided village walk and house museum visit before sharing a traditional home-hosted lunch with local residents.
Day 8
Travel to Seville
Seville guided sightseeing tour
Explore Seville with a local guide as students discover the city’s rich history and architecture. Walk through the Old Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz and San Bartolomé, visit the impressive Seville Cathedral and ascend the Giralda Tower, and explore Casa de Pilatos, a model of Andalusian palace design. The tour also includes a stop at the iconic Plaza de España.
Day 9
Travel to Madrid (via Córdoba & Puerto Lapice)
Stop at Córdoba to visit one of Spain’s most impressive monuments, the Moorish Mezquita, which dates from the 8th to the 10th centuries. Walk through narrow white-washed alleys, passing tile covered patios, dotted with vibrant colored flowers. Don’t miss the beautiful back quarters.
Mezquita guided visit
The Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is a breathtaking monument that blends Moorish and Christian architecture. Its forest of columns and horseshoe arches creates a striking visual rhythm, while intricate mosaics and the gold-adorned mihrab add to its beauty. Dating from the 8th to 10th centuries, the Mezquita reflects the rich and complex history of Córdoba.
Puerto Lapice Tour Director-led sightseeing
Located in Ciudad Real province, this quaint town is celebrated for its picturesque Plaza Mayor and its literary ties to Don Quijote, highlighted by a statue of the famous character.
Day 10
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.
Flamenco class and show
Work with skilled instructors to learn about the history, rhythms, and moves of this famous gypsy dance and then admire the professionals as they put on a special show for you.
Tapas dinner
Day 11
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 3 Days in Lisbon
Stop in Trujillo to explore its Plaza Mayor and castle before continuing to Lisbon. Visit Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries, then enjoy an evening of Fado music. Take a day trip to Sintra, Cape Roca, Cascais, and Estoril for a rich blend of history and coastal charm before heading 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
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
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 Spain
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.
Accident & Medical Insurance
For added protection, all travelers are automatically covered under WorldStrides' industry best accident, illness, and accident-related dental insurance.
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.
WorldAssist
WorldStrides staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help.
AXA Mental Health Services
For added peace-of-mind, all travelers have confidential access to a behavioral health care specialist while on tour should the need arise.
24-Hour Tour Director
This 24-hour Tour Director be with your students at all times, leading them through the incredible destinations included in your program.
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.