Cultural/Cross-Curricular Trip to Madrid

About this trip

Madrid is an excellent destination for a school trip focused on cross-cultural education due to its rich blend of historical influences and modern cultural vibrancy. As Spain’s capital, Madrid showcases a unique fusion of Christian, Islamic, and Jewish heritage, visible in its architecture, museums, and historic neighborhoods. Students can explore iconic sites like the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, and the diverse Lavapiés district, where the coexistence of different cultures is evident. Madrid’s lively arts scene, from traditional flamenco performances to contemporary galleries, offers insights into both the preservation and evolution of cultural identity. Additionally, the city’s festivals, markets, and cuisine provide students with immersive experiences in Spanish traditions and customs, making Madrid a dynamic classroom for understanding the complexities of cultural exchange and coexistence.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 Find out more

Depart UK and travel to Madrid
Museum (Prado or Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía)
FOC activtiy (e.g Parque del Retiro)

Day 2 Find out more

Self-guided/guided walking tour: Mercado San Miguel, Plaza Mayor, Puerto del Sol & Plaza de Espana
Hot Chocolate & Churros at Chocolateria San Gines
Guided tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid
Bernabeu Stadium / Reino Sofia
Flamenco & tapas evening

Day 3 Find out more

Toledo
Avila
Segovia

Day 4 Find out more

Depart Madrid
Return to UK

Day 5 Find out more

Day 6 Find out more

Day 7 Find out more

Day 8 Find out more

Excursion Ideas

Reina Sofia Museum Find out more

Reina Sofia Museum

Subject Range: Art & Design, Culture

What you’ll experience: Here students can explore Spain’s premier collection of modern and contemporary art. Marvel at Picasso’s impactful “Guernica” and Dalí’s surreal creations in this vibrant museum, whose interactive exhibits and contemporary installations make learning about art fun and engaging.

Prado Museum Find out more

Prado Museum

Subject Range: Art & Design, Culture

What you’ll experience: One of the most prestigious art museums in the world, housing an unparalleled collection of European art dating from the 12th to the early 20th century. Visitors can marvel masterpieces by legendary French, Italian, Flemish and Spanish artists, most notably the enigmatic work of Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Bosch. The museum’s neoclassical architecture and expansive galleries offer an immersive experience, inviting art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike to explore the rich tapestry of European art and history.

Royal Palace of Madrid Find out more

Royal Palace of Madrid

Subject Range: Art & Design, Culture

What you’ll experience: The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family at the city of Madrid, although now used only for state ceremonies. The palace has 135,000 m² of floor space and contains 3,418 rooms. It is the largest royal palace in Europe.

Tapas Evening Find out more

Tapas Evening

Subject Range: MFL, Art & Design, Cultural

What you’ll experience: Students experience this traditional Spanish meal comprising of a wide variety of appetisers and snacks which may be hot or cold. A great chance for students to be adventurous and sample Spanish food.

Select Says: The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation (as diners are not so focused on eating an entire meal) – this is a great opportunity for your students to try out their Spanish speaking skills!

Toledo Find out more

Toledo

Subject Range: Culture

What you’ll experience: Toledo is an ancient city set on a hill above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain. The capital of the region, it’s known for the medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments in its walled old city. It was also the former home of Mannerist painter El Greco. The Moorish Bisagra Gate and the Sol Gate, in Mudéjar style, open into the old quarter, where the Plaza de Zocodover is a lively meeting place.

Avila Find out more

Avila

Subject Range: Culture

What you’ll experience: Ávila, capital of the Spanish province of the same name, is a city in the rolling hill country northwest of Madrid. It’s best known for its intact medieval city walls, with 80-plus crenelated, semicircular towers and 9 gates, including the arched El Alcázar, on the eastern side. Long sections atop the walls are walkable. At night, the lighted walls are a distinctive sight.

Segovia Find out more

Segovia

Subject Range: Art & Design, Culture

What you’ll experience: Segovia is a historic city northwest of Madrid, in central Spain’s Castile and León region. Its centuries of settlement have resulted in a rich architectural legacy, including medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace and a Gothic cathedral. Its iconic ancient Roman aqueduct has more than 160 arches, most in the original mortarless granite, and stands above Plaza Azoguejo in the heart of the city.

Accommodation Options

Hotel Bastardo Find out more

Hotel Bastardo

Our Rating:

Location: Madrid

What you’ll experience: Conveniently set in the heart of Madrid, in Tribunal district, Bastardo Hostel offers stylish private and dormitory rooms with free WiFi near all the main tourist attractions. Offering an industrial décor, the Bastardo Hostel offers dormitory rooms and private rooms. Breakfast is available each morning. it’s served at the Hostel’s restaurant, Limbo. It offers grill-type meals during the day. Rooms: Dormitory rooms include a shared bathroom with shower, and each bed has access to a locker, night light, socket, USB connection and a night table. For dormitory rooms, bed linen are included and towels are available for a surcharge. Private rooms feature a private bathroom, and include bed linen, towels, and free toiletries. Facilities:

Latroupe Prado Find out more

Latroupe Prado

Our Rating:

What you’ll experience: Located in Madrid and with Atocha Train Station reachable within 200 metres, LATROUPE Prado Hostel provides a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. This property is set a short distance from attractions such as Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Puerta de Toledo, and Puerta del Sol. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar. Popular points of interest near LATROUPE Prado Hostel include Reina Sofia Museum, El Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor. The nearest airport is Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport, 14 km from the accommodation. Rooms: Each room includes a private bathroom with a shower, while selected rooms have a balcony and others also offer city views. All units include bed linen. Facilities: At the hostel you will find a restaurant serving Argentinian, Peruvian and Portuguese cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested.

OK Hostel Madrid Find out more

OK Hostel Madrid

Our Rating:

What you’ll experience: Set 200 metres from La Latina Metro Station, Ok Hostel Madrid offers conveniently located accommodation in Madrid. There is a shared kitchen and a communal lounge in the property. You can find several restaurants, and shops within a 5-minute walk of Ok Hostel. Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are 700 metres away. Rooms: The property offers private rooms with a double bed, flat-screen TV, desk and bathroom, as well as dormitories for 4 or 6 people, fitted with bunk beds, lockers, and a bathroom. Facilities: Free WiFi throughout the property.

Room00 Find out more

Room00

Our Rating:

Location: Madrid

What you’ll experience: Conveniently situated in the centre of Madrid, room00 Gran Vía Hostel provides buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. This property is located a short distance from attractions such as El Retiro Park, Reina Sofia Museum, and Plaza de España Metro Station. Popular points of interest near room00 Gran Vía Hostel include Gran Via Metro Station, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Gran Via. Rooms: At the hostel each room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Facilities:

The Hat Hostel Find out more

The Hat Hostel

Our Rating:

What you’ll experience: Located just 150 metres from Plaza Mayor Square, The Hat Madrid is a stylish hostel with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop bar with city and sunset views. La Latina District is under a 10-minute walk away. Puerta del Sol and La Latina Metro Stations are within 500 metres. Rooms: Offering a variety of private rooms and single beds in both mixed and female dormitories, the hostel also caters for families and groups of friends. The bright rooms come with either a private or shared bathroom, and some have a small balcony. Facilities: The Hat Madrid has a 24-hour front desk, offers free activities and Bicycles can also be hired.

Accommodation 15 Find out more