Spain

The Signature Experience

Madrid, Barcelona & Beyond

The Experience

The Iberian Peninsula is full of charm and adventure. At its heart lies Spain, home to one of the most lively and vibrant European cultures. Discover its many wonders on your journey!

Trip Highlights

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS PLANNED FOR SUMMER 2024. IT IS NOT RUNNING DURING SUMMER 2023.

  • Explore Spain’s most culturally significant cities, including Madrid, Córdoba, Granada and Barcelona
  • Soak up the sun on one of Barcelona’s finest beaches
  • Participate in various workshops designed to explore Spain’s political, social and cultural histories
  • Tour culturally significant and artistically impressive locales such as La Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, and Montserrat
  • Learn to cook traditional Spanish paella and sample delicious tapas
  • Journey across Spain from urban to rural areas, to get a sense of the different flavors of modern Spanish life

Program Overview

Are you ready to discover authentic Spain this summer?

While the Spanish language is spoken widely on multiple continents, it takes journeying to Spain to uncover the country’s impressive cultural heritage, deep history and transcendent architecture.

From its sprawling capital of Madrid all the way to Catalonia, you’ll discover that Spain is a country of many cultures, each of them unique and influential.

Madrid is the third largest metropolitan area in all of the European Union and is the political and economic hub of Spain. Barcelona sits at the heart of the autonomous region of Catalonia and is famous for its rich artistic and architectural heritage.

Córdoba sits on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula and is known for its peaceful spiritual lineage being influenced by multiple major world religions. And Granada is home to the Sierra Nevada mountains and is found at the cross-section of four rivers.

You’ll spend time in each of these cities during your unforgettable expedition through Spain this summer!

KEY DESTINATIONS

REGION: EUROPE

COUNTRY: SPAIN

CITY: BARCELONA

CITY: MADRID

AT TEEN TRAVEL NETWORK, YOU'RE NOT ONLY TAKING A JOURNEY IN MILES, BUT A JOURNEY OF SHARED EXPERIENCES AND SELF-DISCOVERY.

PROGRAM ITINERARY

THIS ITINERARY IS AN APPROXIMATION OF THE OVERALL PROGRAM EXPERIENCE. THE ORDER OF ACTIVITIES ON YOUR TRIP MAY CHANGE.
IF A PARTICULAR SCHEDULED EXPERIENCE IS CANCELED, WE MAY REPLACE IT WITH AN ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY.

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive in Madrid, the capital city of Spain.

Madrid has an amazing fusion of tradition and history, with a modern, urban lifestyle.

The city’s rich history, gorgeous architecture, world-class shopping and vibrant culture are sights to behold! It’s a European capital filled with fine art, excellent site seeing, delicious tapas and the kinds of impromptu street performances memories are made of.

We’ll also have orientation today and a welcome dinner for all of our student travelers.

Day 2: Madrid

Learn a bit more about Spain’s long and complex history. Follow our knowledgeable guide through the city, starting at the Muslims Walls, famous plazas and Palacio Real.

We’ll visit the Prado Museum and discover great Spanish painters like El Greco, Goya and Velázquez.

In the afternoon, enjoy the Spanish summer weather with a picnic and promenade at Retiro Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city known for its expansive Andalusian-inspired gardens and important monuments.

Day 3: Madrid

Visit a local NGO in the intercultural art district of Lavapiés.

There is a large imprint of Indian, Lebanese and Pakistani culture here, which makes for a very diverse array of food, religion and customs.

Enjoy some of the neighborhood’s diverse culinary offerings: Lebanese, Moroccan, and Pakistani restaurants abound here!

This evening we’ll take some downtime to shop for souvenirs, hang out with friends or just recharge.

Day 4: Segovia

Day trip! We’ll hop on a private bus and head north to Segovia.

This city is an architecture buff’s dream: From its many-arched ancient Roman aqueduct to its towering churches, Segovia is a testament to its Celtic, Roman, Moorish and finally Spanish Catholic roots.

Explore Alcázar de Segovia (Alcázar Castle) and browse the local shops full of items unique to the region.

Later, we’ll talk about Spain’s current political situation and dive deep into current events here. Then, we’ll pack our bags and get ready for the journey to our next destination.

Day 5: Córdoba

Head south to Andalusia, a region of southern Spain with a strong Islamic influence due to its close proximity to northern Africa.

See Córdoba’s famous Mosque-Cathedral, an expansive and ornate structure that represents the best of Moorish architecture. We’ll also see the Jewish Quarter and Córdoba Synagogue.

Hammam, or public baths, have been a center of Andalusian community life for centuries. Take part in this relaxing and serene tradition with a long soak in the steamy pools.

Day 6: Córdoba → Granada

Today we’ll venture to Spain’s southern tip to spend some time in Granada.

Participate in a workshop led by a professor at the University of Granada and explore the three cultures of the Mediterranean and how they come together in this region.

Now that we’ve exercised our brains, it’s time to do the same for our bodies! Flamenco is the Spain’s traditional art of music and dance. We’ll learn some moves from practiced instructors.

Day 7: Granada

Tour the sites that Granada is best known for. La Alhambra is a fortress-turned-palace and the home of royalty in the thirteenth century.

Follow our guide through the cavernous rooms and green courtyards as you take in the gorgeous scenery and ancient artifacts.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Albaicín, a neighborhood rich in Islamic architecture and stunning viewpoints.

Enjoy a special dinner of tapas, an array of traditional Spanish small plates such as Spanish omelette, patatas bravas and croquettes.

Day 8: Granada → Barcelona

Bid “adios” to the south–we’re Barcelona bound!

We’ll travel via domestic flight; once we land and get settled in our hostel, we’ll get our bearings via a walking tour of some of the city’s most important sites.

It’s no wonder that this city draws over eight million visitors each year!

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region of northwestern Spain with a complex history. Learn more about Catalonia’s bid for independence and its unique language.

Day 9: Barcelona

We’ve got a full day ahead of us!

Rise early and start with a guided visit of the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been under construction since the 1880s, and is a true work of art: marvel at its rooms of vibrant stained glass, twisted towers and echoing passageways.

Next, walk through the Eixample district and the Passeig de Gràcia.

We’ll also meet with a local NGO that works to promote multicultural integration and social participation in Barcelona.

Day 10: Montserrat

Pop up to Montserrat, Catalonia’s most emblematic mountain topped with a Benedictine monastery.

Enjoy the natural beauty of this national park, from its interesting rock formation to its cooler climate.

Back at our hostel in Barcelona, we’ll spend some time reviewing what we’ve learned so far on our adventure. Enjoy some free time exploring the hostel, checking in back home or relaxing.

Day 11: Barcelona

As the program draws to a close, staff will lead a debrief on all that we have experienced while in Spain.

We’ll celebrate our last day with an afternoon at the beach, complete with fun in the waves and a delicious lunch.

In the evening, we’ll come together for a farewell dinner on the shore and say our final goodbyes.

Day 12: Departure

Sadly, our Spain adventure has come to an end.

Staff will accompany students to the airport and check them in for their flights home.

As you settle in to your seat, reflect on all of the places you went, things you saw, and people you met.

We hope this experience leaves you eager for your next adventure abroad, whether to Spain, elsewhere in Europe or even another continent!

Dates & Tuition

12-Day Travel Program
2024 Dates
 Planned for 2024…

Click here to enroll in this program using our online enrollment form

Tuition
Full Tuition: $5,849
Base Tuition: $5,699
Internal Flight Fee: $150

Full Tuition is the combined amount of the Base Tuition + the Internal Flight Fee

Trip Duration: 12 days
Student/Staff Ratio: 7 to 1
Language Hours: N/A
Lodging Type: Multiple
Age Range: 14-18 Years Old
Arrival Airport: Madrid (MAD)
Departure Airport: Barcelona (BCN)

Tuition Includes All Major Program Expenses, Such As:

  • 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
  • Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
  • Cultural activities, tours and excursions
  • Pre-departure materials and support
  • Educational materials
  • Airport pick-up/drop-off
  • Local transportation to each destination
  • Secure overnight lodging at each location
  • 3 meals per day
  • Professional full-time staff and experts

TRAVEL CHANGES EVERYTHING

Request a Free Catalog