Madrid: City Experience

Itinerary

• Day 1: Overnight flight

  Board your overnight flight to Madrid, where old and new mix together like booze and fruit salad. Yes, we’re talking about sangria, and yes, it’s delicious.

• Day 2: Arrive in Madrid

  Welcome to Madrid! Spain’s capital is famous for its world-class art museums, never-ending nightlife, and the best (only?) calamari sandwich you’ve ever had.

  Today's highlights:

  • Meet an EF representative and fellow travelers as they arrive at the airport.
  • Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
  • Enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with your group.
• Day 3: Tour Madrid + wine and tapas tour

  Today you'll see all the best Madrid has to offer with a local guide on a tour of the city. And in the evening, discuss your plans to stay in Spain forever over some tapas and wine.

  Today's highlights:

  • Journey to the heart of Madrid at Puerta del Sol, aka the “Gate of the Sun.”
  • Enjoy the outdoors and a bronze statue of King Phillip III at Plaza Mayor.
  • Check out the Picassos and Dalís at the Reina Sofia museum.
  • Take down tapas, wine, and more tapas with your group.
• Day 4: Free day in Madrid

  You’re free, amigos! Spend today getting to know some new parts of the city by foot or by metro (it’s easy to navigate, we promise).

  Free time suggestions

  The Prado Museum: Snag tickets to this world-renowned museum with paintings and sculptures from Rembrandt, Monet, Velázquez, and so many more.

  Retiro Park: Central Park but for Madrileños, this public space is massive, green, and begging to be explored.

• Day 5: Optional Toledo day trip or free day in Madrid

  Up for a short road trip? Head to nearby Toledo for an optional outing, or stay behind and enjoy more time in Madrid.

  Free time suggestions

  Círculo de Bellas Artes: Have a drink and/or simply enjoy the panoramic views at the rooftop of this Spanish cultural center.

  Temple of Debod: Located in Parque del Oeste (Western Park), this Egyptian temple was donated to Madrid in 1968, and also happens to be a fantastic spot to catch the sunset.

  Medieval Toledo (extra cost)

  Toledo is a stunning cliff top medieval fortified city. It is often referred to as La Ciudad Imperial (Imperial City) since it once was the capital of Spain. Check out the city's massive Gothic cathedral, which is home to 750 medieval stained glass windows and a treasure trove of golden artifacts. Explore the labyrinth of medieval alleyways at the heart of the city, and then visit the Santo Tome Church and one of Europe’s oldest synagogues, Santa Maria la Blanca.
  
  Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

• Day 6: Free day in Madrid + Farewell Dinner

  One last chance to see the sights, eat the bites, and ignore tomorrow’s flights. Get out and seize the day before enjoying a final meal with your group.

  Free time suggestions

  Mercado de San Miguel: Stunning from the outside and delicious from the inside, this must-visit market is a great spot to follow your nose to some traditional Spanish eats.

  Santiago Bernabéu Stadium: In Spain, soccer (or fútbol) is life. And nowhere is that more evident than at Real Madrid’s stadium. Book an immersive tour to sit in the players’ seats, see trophies up close, and feel the luxury of the presidential box.

• Day 7: Fly home

  ¡Adiós, amigos!
  Translation: Goodbye, friends. Your next destination awaits—home. But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?