Spain Explorer: Madrid, Segovia, Barcelona and Tarragona

Flight from your preferred airport to Madrid.

¡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.

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.

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 bread, chorizo, and pastries. Upon returning to downtown Madrid, students will have time for souvenir shopping in the trendy boutiques of Malasaña and Gran Vía.

This morning, board the high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Barcelona. In just a few short hours, we will have arrived in this buzzing Mediterranean city. 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. Get acquainted this afternoon with a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter. As always, dinner will be traditional, authentic cuisine at one of our favorite local restaurants.

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.) 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?

Take a day trip out of Barcelona to the tranquil seaside towns of the Costa Brava. First, we’ll explore Tarragona, which was known to the ancient Romans as “Tarraco,” and check out the Roman Amphitheatre, ancient temples, and archaeological ruins of this seaside city. After lunch, visit the whitewashed village of Sitges for beach time or return to Barcelona to visit a labyrinth and shop along las Ramblas.

Soak up 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! After marveling at Gaudi’s whimsical masterpiece, visit another one of his creations, the colorful Parc Guell. 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!

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.