Spain 17 Days
From the big city excitement of Madrid and Barcelona to the small-town charm of Toledo and Granada, you will have a blast exploring Western Europe on this Spain trip for high schoolers. You and your fellow travelers will sample authentic Spanish cuisine, explore ancient cities and snorkel in a marine reserve! Led by amazing program leaders, since this is a summer program for a smaller travel group, it allows you to occasionally go off the beaten path to explore charming towns and discover local treasures. This travel program is designed to help create a lifetime of curiosity, exploration, and connection with others.
This program is the first 17 days of our longer 28-day Spain & Portugal program.
Experience new cultures and thrilling activities in a smaller, tight-knit travel group.
Hotels
Includes breakfast and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Deluxe, private motor coach and occasional public transportation within cities.
Up to 28 participants
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Fly overnight to Barcelona. Once you land, your orientation will officially begin with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
Where better to start your adventure than in the country’s thrilling Mediterranean jewel? Experience magical Catalan culture and stroll through Plaza Catalunya, Plaza de España, and along the Gran Via. Discover the works of Gaudi, including famous Park Guell mosaics. Visit the famous Cathedral Sagrada Familia, the Gothic signature to the Barcelona skyline. Visit the storied FC Barcelona soccer stadium and fan showcase. Stroll the very happening Las Ramblas down to the harborfront for colorful street performers. Savor local cuisine and feast on tapas in the Old Gothic Quarter. Enjoy creating your own local culinary delights during an evening at an authentic Spanish cooking school. Relax, swim and suntan on famous Barcelonetta Beach.
Enjoy the beautiful beaches during your Mediterranean Sea stay. Sail to Tabarca Island and snorkel in the marine reserve.
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Granada is rich with history and is home to one of the most visited sites in the world, the Alhambra. Your guided tour of this 12th century Moorish palace and fortification promises to be a highlight. Visit the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, home of the remains of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Explore the narrow streets of the Albaicin full of local merchants, visit gypsy caves or simply enjoy a cafe con leche in the famous Plaza Nueva.
The "city of towers" is the center of bullfighting and flamenco dance. Visit Parque de Maria Luisa and Barrio Santa Cruz. Take a flamenco dance class and appreciate its real art at an exciting live show.
From the glitz and glam of the Gran Via to the stately charm of the Royal Palace, with markets, galleries and dinner shows, Madrid will steal your heart from the moment you step into its lively streets. Imagine row boating in Retiro Park, exploring the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol by night, and admiring the Spanish master artists Velasquez and Goya at the Prado. A day trip to ancient Toledo rounds out your stay in this sparkling Spanish capital city.
Say farewell to your new friends as you part ways for your return home. The summer might be over, but all the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
Barcelona, Spain
The Exe Cristal Palace is located in the center of Barcelona so all of the attractions along Las Ramblas and Paseo de Gracia avenues are within easy reach. This hotel has a warm and comfortable atmosphere, along with light-filled rooms.
Alicante, Spain
The Eurostars Lucentum or Hotel Occidental are modern hotels located in the heart of Alicante. They are very close walking distance to the Mercado Central, the port, the beach and the Old Quarter.
Granada, Spain
The premium Gran Hotel Luna De Granada hotel is centrally located in Granada’s city center making it just a short walk away from all the attractions. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a sun terrace, a gym and an outdoor pool.
Seville, Spain
The Novotel Sevilla hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers amazing views from the rooftop swimming pool. Seville is Spain’s 4th largest city and is best known for flamenco music and tapas.
Madrid, Spain
Located in the center of Madrid, the Exe Moncloa Hotel or Eurostars Central offer convenient access to major attractions and dining options. The rooms are bright and modern spaces, perfect for relaxing after exploring the city.
Flight To Barcelona, Spain
Participants on this trip have the option to fly overseas on our chaperoned flight that leaves in the evening from the New York area to Barcelona. Our leaders greet you at the airport and are with you from check-in onward. For the many travelers from outside the New York area, you can choose to join the chaperoned flight and we are happy to assist you with arranging connecting flights at suitable times into New York. You may also choose to meet us in Barcelona and we will help coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival.
Return Flight Home From Madrid, Spain
For the 17-day trip return flight from Madrid, our leaders help with check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed. They then remain in Europe for the duration of the longer 28-day program and chaperone that flight home. Depending on the number of students departing after 17 days, one staff may chaperone that flight as well.
Meals & New Cuisines
Breakfasts in Europe are eaten at our hotels and served buffet style with a variety of options. For dinners, either the whole group goes to the same restaurant or we divide into smaller groups of your choosing. For lunch, you will enjoy eating in smaller groups and choosing from local cafés, bistros and other restaurants. Are you ready to sample tapas in Barcelona, Paella in Seville, and churros in Madrid? The food in Europe is terrific, so get set to eat extremely well!
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. Every week you may drop off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
What is the difference between an Active Teen Tour and a Global Adventure program?
Our Active Teen Tours offer larger group sizes (generally 35-48 participants) and travel in deluxe motor coaches. Accommodations include quality hotels and occasional fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants on all itineraries other than the 17, 20 or 25-day Greece & Italy, 20-day Greece & Portugal or 10-day Greek Islands, which varies from 24-36 participants.)
Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. Select European programs travel exclusively by train and public transportation. While these programs have a slightly bigger focus on adventure travel, we stay in quality hotels and lodges, always ensuring a good night’s rest.