Spain School Trip Overview
From the wide boulevards of regal Madrid, to the rich history of sunny Andalucía and the laid-back Mediterranean vibe of Barcelona, this tour gives students a comprehensive view of Spain. Explore three of the country’s most beautiful regions and learn what makes each of them different. This tour is perfect for teachers who want to show their students the multicultural history of Spain, as we’ll explore the diverse people who have called the Iberian Peninsula home, from the ancient Romans, to the Moorish Caliphate and the Catholic Monarchs.
Our mission is to provide an authentic experience rooted in “teaching teens to be travelers, not tourists.” Language students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Spanish and practice what they have learned in the classroom. Our staff members will help students discover that foreign languages are an exciting tool they can use wherever their travels might take them.
Our goal is to help students to step outside their comfort zone, appreciate other cultures, and discover the joy of traveling. Thanks to our years of experience in leading young travelers around Spain, Travel For Teens are experts in engaging and inspiring student travelers. Join us on this one-of-a-kind cultural experience and leave them with memories to last a lifetime!
Did You Know? Teachers travel for free! Enroll just six paying participants and your trip is covered. Learn more about the Benefits for Teachers.
During this trip, you and your students will…
- Have a guided tour of Madrid’s Royal Palace, still in use by the monarchy today
- Visit the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium, home to Real Madrid, and Camp Nou, where FC Barcelona plays
- Soak in masterpieces by Velázquez, Picasso, and Dalí, among others
- Marvel at the ancient Roman Aqueduct in Segovia, still standing after 2,000 years
- Watch the dancers’ feet fly at a live flamenco performance
- Take traditional dance classes from a local instructor
- See Christopher Columbus’ tomb and be amazed at the views from atop the Giralda Belltower
- Sip on a fresh fruit juice at the bustling Boquería Market
- Explore the hidden gems and secret alleyways of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter
- Get to know Barcelona by bike on our bike tour, a student favorite!
- Make your own paella using fresh ingredients from the marketplace in a private cooking class
- Relax in the seaside villages of Sitges and Tarragona
- See Antoní Gaudí’s legacy at Parc Guell and the Sagrada Familia Basilica
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: ¡Hola, España!
Flight from your preferred airport to Madrid.
DAY 2: Walking with the Royals
¡Bienvenidos a España! Arrive in Madrid and meet your TFT guides, who will join you for the remainder of your journey. After getting settled into your hotel in the heart of the city, we’ll kick off the trip with a guided tour of the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, we’ll take a walking tour of downtown Madrid, familiarizing ourselves with the area around la Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. For our first Spanish dinner, enjoy traditional homemade tapas followed by an evening walk for ice cream.
DAY 3: Parks and the Prado
Today we’ll see why Madrid is one of Europe’s most livable cities. Begin with a guided tour of the Museo del Prado, where our art historian guide will help students gain an appreciation for the masterpieces found here. Next, in the Parque del Retiro, have a relaxing lunch, visit the turtles at the Crystal Palace and go for a rowboat ride on the pond. In the afternoon, the group will have their choice of seeing works by Dalí and Picasso at the Museo de la Reina Sofía, visiting the home of Real Madrid Football Club at the Bernabéu Stadium, or having free time for shopping in Madrid’s hip boutiques. For dinner, try some more local specialties, like Basque pintxos or tortilla de patata.
DAY 4: Ancient Aqueducts
Take a journey back in time today with a day trip to nearby Segovia, home to the impressive Roman Aqueduct, which is still standing after 2,000 years. We’ll also visit the Alcázar de Segovia, a beautiful fortress-turned-castle, and have some free time to explore this medieval city. Students will be able to sample local products like cheeses, rustic breads, chorizo, and pastries. Upon returning to downtown Madrid, students will have time for souvenir shopping in the trendy boutiques of Malasaña and Gran Vía.
DAY 5: Speeding down to Sevilla
This morning, board the high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Sevilla–Traveling at 192mph, we’ll be there in under 3 hours. Upon our arrival, we’ll take a walking tour of downtown Sevilla, including the Plaza de España, Parque María Luisa, the Guadalquivir River, and the Bullring. In the evening, enjoy a live flamenco performance before our dinner of tapas.
DAY 6: Spain's Moorish Heritage
Today we’ll explore Sevilla’s complex cultural history and learn about the different groups of people who have called this city home over the centuries. Begin the day with a visit to the Alcázar, a palace that the Spanish King and Queen still use today but that was decorated in the Mudejar artistic style. We’ll then explore the Cathedral of Sevilla, which was once a mosque but has now been converted into a Catholic place of worship (and, interestingly, is where Christopher Columbus is buried). After lunch, we’ll meet our local dance instructor for a private sevillanas dance class! In the evening, take some free time to do souvenir shopping in the beautiful neighborhood of Santa Catalina.
Day 7: Buzzing Barcelona
A short flight brings us from Andalucía to the buzzing capital of Cataluña. Enjoy your first lunch in the Boquería Market, where locals still come to buy their fresh produce, catch-of-the-day fish, and sweet treats. Jump right into some of Barcelona’s best sites with a visit to the Sagrada Familia, the city’s famous basilica that has been under construction for nearly 100 years! As always, dinner will be traditional, authentic cuisine at one of our favorite local restaurants.
DAY 8: Gaudi's Legacy
After marveling at Gaudi’s whimsical masterpiece church, visit another one of his creations, the colorful Parc Guell. For lunch, put your cooking skills to the test and learn to make your own paella and tapas with a local chef. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach or exploring Parc de la Ciutadella. Dinner will be another culinary adventure with a chance to sample more authentic cuisine–montaditos, anyone?
Day 9: Barcelona by Bike
Start the day right with a bike tour around Barcelona! This activity is always a student favorite. Bike along the boardwalk at Barceloneta Beach, past the bullring, up by the Sagrada Familia Basilica, and through the alleys of the Gothic Quarter. (An alternative will be offered for those not comfortable on a bike.) After lunch, we’ll provide students with afternoon choices. We understand that student travelers have diverse interests and needs, so our staff do their very best to accommodate everyone’s must-sees. Students may choose to visit Camp Nou, home to FC Barcelona; the Picasso Museum; or have free time for souvenir shopping on Passèig de Grácia. For our final dinner in Barcelona, enjoy an upscale night out at one of our favorite restaurants!
Day 10: ¡Hasta luego!
Your TFT guides will accompany you to the airport and assist you with check-in for your flight. Wave goodbye as you head through security and sit back and relax on your flight home.
The TFT Difference
We Never Combine Groups
Your tour should be special and just for you and your students! We will never combine two or more groups on the same bus or tour. We will lead a trip with as few as six people and a teacher. Your Trip Director travels with you for the duration of your program.
Stress-Free Planning and 24/7 Support
We are there for you every step of the way, and our support begins the moment you decide to do a TFT trip! We will provide you with a team member who will help bring your tour to life, along with everything you need to help get students to sign up for the adventure! On the tour you will have 24/7 dedicated staff with you to ensure everything runs smoothly and because we know travel is full of surprises, solve anything that may pop up along the way.
Photos and Email Updates
Your trip is special and you and your students should have those memories captured forever! Expect frequent personal email updates and hundreds of photos from your TFT staff shared with you and your students’ families so everyone can follow along on the journey. We are the only teen travel program to offer this in-depth trip communication and it truly makes all the difference!
Central Accommodation and Local Meals
Authenticity is engrained in everything we do. We stay at locally owned accommodation in the city center so you don’t waste your valuable time commuting. We dine at charming authentic restaurants to get a real flavor (literally!) for the local culture. The best way to travel is like a local. So ditch the tour bus and have a real traveler’s experience with us!
Photo Gallery
Authenticity is engrained in everything we do. Eat, stay, and travel like a local.
Check out what past travelers have to say about TFT and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.
