Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
This immersive tour invites you to explore the vibrant heart of Spain, from the grand boulevards of Madrid to the artistic soul of Barcelona. Discover iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Sagrada Familia, and Park Güell, and dive into Spanish culture through flamenco performances, tapas dinners, and interactive city experiences.
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 centre, then continue to Plaza Mayor, where centuries of history have unfolded from royal weddings to bullfights. Conclude at Plaza de España, a favourite 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 theatres, 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.
Toledo guided excursion (optional)
Tour Toledo, long considered the spiritual capital of Spain and once home to El Greco. Visit Toledo Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece filled with treasures such as alabaster sculpture, El Greco’s paintings, and a gilded monstrance carried in Corpus Christi processions. Step into St. Mary’s Synagogue, a symbol of coexistence among three faiths, and explore Toledo’s famous sword-making tradition at a local factory.
Day 4
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.
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 5
Travel to Barcelona via Zaragoza
Basilica of the Virgin of Pilar visit
Believed to be the first church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this sacred site in Zaragoza marks the spot where she is said to have appeared to Saint James in 40 AD. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a grand Baroque monument and remains a powerful symbol of Spanish faith, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
Day 6
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 colourful mosaics and sweeping views, and journey to Montjuïc Hill, home to historic fortresses and the 1992 Olympic grounds.
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.
Tapas dinner
Day 7
Gerona and Figueres guided excursion (optional)
Travel through northern Catalonia to Girona, a medieval town of winding streets, pastel façades, and a charming Old Town filled with history. Visit the Baroque cathedral and Jewish quarter before continuing to Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dalí. Explore the surreal Salvador Dalí Theater-Museum, home to his imaginative masterpieces.
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.
Paella dinner
Day 8
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 3 Days in Valencia
Explore Valencia on a guided walk featuring the Central Market, Church of Saint Nicolas, Valencia Cathedral, and the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences Museum, one of Europe’s most striking architectural complexes. Then journey north to Tarragona, where your Tour Director will guide you through ancient Roman sites including the Les Ferreres Aqueduct (Pont del Diable), the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Balcón del Mediterráneo overlooking the sea.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing 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 unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre 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 Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from 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
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.