El Madrileño

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Madrid

Welcome to Madrid! Arrive in this cultural center, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and start to explore with an afternoon orientation paseo. You’ll visit the Mercado San Miguel, one of the city’s oldest markets that’s chock-full of fine produce and regional specialties. After free time for lunch you’ll be treated to dessert at the historic Chocolatería San Ginés renowned for its churros y chocolate. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of this vibrant city on your own.

Day 3: Madrid

Madrid's rich heritage comes alive on a guided morning walking tour that showcases classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Teatro Real Opera House, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Neptune Fountain. You’ll also go inside the magnificent Prado (skipping the lines with a timed reservation), one of the world's premier art museums. Here an expert will provide illuminating commentary about the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens and Bosch. Even the 18th-century neo-classical building that houses the collection is stunning. You’ll finish up near Retiro Park, a picturesque place to perhaps have a picnic lunch. This afternoon enjoy entrance to the Reina Sofía Museum. Dedicated to 20th-century art, it includes works by Spanish art giants like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. After free time to further immerse yourself in the wonders of this fascinating city, top off the day by dining like the madrileños do during an authentic tapas evening. Classic tapas dishes include items such as tortilla española, patatas bravas, bacalao, cheeses, olives or jamón.

Day 4: Madrid

Kick off the morning with a bike tour through Retiro Park, a beautiful, green oasis in the center of the city that’s popular with runners, skaters and sun lovers. Combining a relaxed and easy cycling trip with insights into the history of Madrid, your guide takes the group past impressive buildings and features like the Crystal Palace, the Rose Garden, a picturesque lake, and many other hidden corners. Then this afternoon’s highlight is a street art workshop in Lavapiés, a trendy, multicultural neighborhood that you’ll view through the prism of its urban art and graffiti. Start with a walking tour of the steep streets led by a knowledgeable artist-guide who highlights this dynamic cultural scene and explains the messages that lie behind its colorful, thought-provoking murals. End at a nearby park where you’ll test your artistic mettle with a hands-on experience: creating your own stenciled graffiti, using recycled materials and spray paint.

Day 5: Madrid

Today enjoy a full-day excursion to Segovia for a guided tour of this intriguing city, rich with culture and history. See the stunning, nearly one-mile-long Roman aqueduct, built around the late first century out of roughly 25,000 granite blocks—all held together without mortar! You’ll also visit the Alcázar, an impressive medieval castle that sits high atop a rocky perch. Serving as a fortress, a royal residence, and more over the centuries, the mix of architectural styles and lavishly decorated interior rooms appear straight out of a fairytale. After returning to Madrid, tonight’s dinner vouchers allow you to dine like the locals and experiment with authentic dishes in small groups.

Day 6: Madrid

This morning begins with an immersive cultural experience: a visit with local young people at a school, sports organization or social club in Madrid where you can practice your language skills while chatting with your Spanish peers about your hobbies, educations and lifestyles. Depending on the venue, you may share in either classroom or club activities. The afternoon is yours to roam around more of this colorful city at your own pace, perhaps exploring a hidden gem such as the Museum of Romanticism’s unique collection, housed in the former palace of a marquis. In the evening, you'll cap off an amazing trip with one of Spain's most enduring traditions—flamenco dancing. During a flamenco lesson, an expert will teach you the moves to this traditional and passionate Spanish art form. Then enjoy dinner and watch your instructors perform at a flamenco show.

Day 7: Departure

Depart for the USA.