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 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.
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 neighbourhoods 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 colourful 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
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 and 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 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
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.