Barcelona and Madrid
Book your tour with confidence knowing we offer the lowest prices possible.
Group Leader: Jared Grigsby
Requested Return Date: 3/28/2026
ABOUT EF
For over 55 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to one global mission: Opening the World Through Education. Our programs help students expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, grow more confident and independent, and understand new people, places, and cultures.
How can two cities that share so much history still have their own unique cultures and character?
In bustling Barcelona step inside the playful and imaginative mind of Antoni Gaudí. In elegant Madrid the scene is just as artistic and lively, as you'll discover at the Prado (arguably the world's best museum) and during your very own flamenco lesson.-
Day 1: Fly overnight to Spain
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Day 2: Barcelona
Meet your Tour Director at the airportTake a walking tour of Las Ramblas
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Day 3: Barcelona
Take a guided tour of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- La Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- La Pedrera or Casa Batlló
Visit Park Güell
Visit Sant Pau, a masterpiece of Catalan modernism and former hospital renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursionBarcelona by bike
Feel the warm Mediterranean breeze as you explore Barcelona on a guided bicycle tour. This bicycle-friendly city has more than 75 miles of cycling lanes providing a safe, fun, and fast way to gain a deeper understanding of Barcelona’s richly diverse streets and neighborhoods. Stop along the way to learn historical details about the city’s famous sites before pedaling on to your next destination.
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Day 4: Barcelona
Enjoy a walking tour and scavenger hunt of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Gothic Quarter
- Barcelona Cathedral
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursionMontserrat
Journey northwest of Barcelona on a half-day excursion to Montserrat, a beautiful mountain range in Catalonia known for its distinctive rock formations. You'll see the Montserrat Monastery, founded in the 11th century, and learn about its role in Catalonia’s history.
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Day 5: Barcelona • Zaragoza • Madrid
Travel via Zaragoza to Madrid
Visit Basílica del Pilar
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Day 6: Madrid
Take a tour of Madrid with an expert local guide
Visit the Royal Palace
Take a flamenco dance lesson and see a show
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Day 7: Madrid
Visit the Prado Museum
Take a walking tour of Madrid
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza Mayor
- Mercado de San Miguel
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursionToledo
This guided half-day excursion takes you to Toledo, the “city of the three cultures.” Explore its diverse artistic and cultural legacy on a panoramic drive around the city, stopping at the iconic cathedral and the famed Church of Santo Tomé. Note: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
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Day 8: Depart for home
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Day 1: Fly overnight to Spain
-
Day 2: Barcelona
Meet your Tour Director at the airportTake a walking tour of Las Ramblas
-
Day 3: Barcelona
Take a guided tour of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- La Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- La Pedrera or Casa Batlló
Visit Park Güell
Visit Sant Pau, a masterpiece of Catalan modernism and former hospital renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursionBarcelona by bike
Feel the warm Mediterranean breeze as you explore Barcelona on a guided bicycle tour. This bicycle-friendly city has more than 75 miles of cycling lanes providing a safe, fun, and fast way to gain a deeper understanding of Barcelona’s richly diverse streets and neighborhoods. Stop along the way to learn historical details about the city’s famous sites before pedaling on to your next destination.
-
Day 4: Barcelona
Enjoy a walking tour and scavenger hunt of Barcelona
With your expert local guide you will see:
- Gothic Quarter
- Barcelona Cathedral
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursionMontserrat
Journey northwest of Barcelona on a half-day excursion to Montserrat, a beautiful mountain range in Catalonia known for its distinctive rock formations. You'll see the Montserrat Monastery, founded in the 11th century, and learn about its role in Catalonia’s history.
-
Day 5: Barcelona • Zaragoza • Madrid
Travel via Zaragoza to Madrid
Visit Basílica del Pilar
-
Day 6: Madrid
Take a tour of Madrid with an expert local guide
Visit the Royal Palace
Take a flamenco dance lesson and see a show
-
Day 7: Madrid
Visit the Prado Museum
Take a walking tour of Madrid
With your Tour Director you will see:
- Puerta del Sol
- Plaza Mayor
- Mercado de San Miguel
Explore on your own orAdd this in-depth excursionToledo
This guided half-day excursion takes you to Toledo, the “city of the three cultures.” Explore its diverse artistic and cultural legacy on a panoramic drive around the city, stopping at the iconic cathedral and the famed Church of Santo Tomé. Note: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
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Day 8: Depart for home
Feel confident helping your child see the world
Visit our parents’ page for everything from payment plans, scholarship opportunities, safety protocols, and more.
Are you the “print it, scribble notes on it, stick it to the fridge” type? You can download a printable version of our Parent Guide, too.
¿Quiere leer la Guía para Padres en español?
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Flexibility & coverage
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Health standards
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See your tour come to life
Your experience includes
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Airfare & transportation
Round-trip flights on major carriers; Comfortable motorcoach
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Hotels
6 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms (8 with extension)
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Regional-style meals
European breakfast and dinner daily (lunch instead of dinner on Day 6)
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Guided sightseeing
3 sightseeing tours led by expert, licensed local guides (5 with extension); 2 walking tours (3 with extension)
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Entrances
Park Güell; Sant Pau; Palacio Real; Flamenco dance lesson and show; Prado; with extension: Mérida Roman Theater; Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
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Full-time Tour Director
Your culturally connected Tour Director is with your group 24/7, providing deep local insight while handling all on-tour logistics.
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Expert Local Guides
Your expert local guides are natural historians, adding cultural insight and global perspective on your sightseeing tours.
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Continuous Support
Your dedicated EF team helps you every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.
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Worldwide Presence
EF has over 500 schools and offices in more than 50 countries worldwide so wherever you go, we're there too.
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24-hour Emergency Service
Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team.
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Peace of Mind Program
Feel secure knowing your group can change their destination or travel dates due to unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about your flexible options at eftours.com/peaceofmind.