Compare Grand Tour of Spain by EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break)

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Board your overnight flight, bound for Europe.

Day 2: Introduction to Barcelona

Your tour director will take you on a quick walk so you can get to know the area.

Welcome Dinner

Get to know your fellow travelers at an authentic local spot over dinner with the group.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Barcelona (local guide)

A local guide will introduce you to Barcelona. See the impressive facade of Sagrada Familia, an unfinished church designed by Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí’s architecture is all over the city, and people love its dream-like style. See his amazing influence in Parque Guell, with its bright colors and candy-like sculptures. You’ll also go to the top of Montjuïc; many of the 1992 Olympic events took place here, and it has amazing views of the harbor below.

Day 4

Excursion:

Dali & Costa Brava Beaches Extra Cost & Pre-book only

Drive to the town of Figueres for a guided tour of the bizarre and beautiful Museo Teatro Dalí (Dalí Theatre Museum) and see the vision and wackiness of this famous artist in a very playful, hands on museum. Stroll around Dali's home town to see where he was born and what his daily life in the town was like. Grab a lunch and head to the village of Tossa De Mar on the Costa Brava. Here you'll have time to explore the beautiful village and soak up some sun on its beautiful beach.

Day 5: Train to Madrid

Hop on a train to Madrid this morning. Spain’s capitol is famous for its world-class art museums, its live music scene, and especially its nightlife (it seems people never sleep here). Rich in Spanish tradition, Madrid is a city that definitely knows how to have fun.

Introduction to Madrid

Your tour director will take you on a quick walk so you can get to know the area.

Day 6: Highlights of Madrid

A local guide will bring Madrid into focus. You’ll pass through the Puerta del Sol, the geographical center of the city (and all of Spain) and a popular meeting point. Head into the Plaza Mayor, the Renaissance hub that witnessed everything from bullfights to weddings to public executions. Plus you’ll check out Plaza de Oriente, Madrid's largest square.

Excursion:

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.

Day 7: Travel to Granada via Córdoba

Known mostly for its Alhambra palace, Granada is a city full of young people, with all the buzz and nightlife you’d expect. En route, stop in Córdoba for views of the historic architecture and the second-largest Old Town in Europe.

Day 8: Highlights of Granada

A local guide will introduce you to the sights of Granada. There’s a heavy Moorish influence here (North African and Middle Eastern culture), and you’ll see it all around you in the city’s winding streets. The highlight is the world-famous Alhambra, one of Europe's most impressive palaces. Over the centuries, the Alhambra has been home to many princes and their harems.

Travel to Seville

Continue on to Seville, the capital of Spain’s Andalucia region, and its biggest city. Seville is known as having the region’s best tapas bars, best nightlife, and best narrow winding streets to get lost in. The city is full of students and has a fun, friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

Excursion:

Flamenco Evening  Extra Cost

The Flamenco is a quintessential Spanish experience, something you just can't appreciate until you see it. In this completely unique art form evolved from Indian, Moorish, Arabian and gypsy influences, passionate performers evoke strong emotions through guitar playing, singing, chanting, dancing, and hand clapping. Sit back and experience the soul of Spain. One drink is included.

Day 9: Highlights of Seville

See the highlights of Seville with a local guide. Pass some impressive sights, including the Old Tobacco Factory and the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain's most famous bullrings. Visit the Moorish Alcazar, which was built in the 14th century for a king named Pedro the Cruel. Also go inside the Seville Cathedral, home of Christopher Columbus's grave. You can climb the tower for amazing city views.

Day 10: Travel to Costa Del Sol

Continue on to the aptly named ”Coast of the Sun”, a collection of Spanish resort towns on the Mediterranean. The Costa del Sol is all about seaside relaxation— the rich-and-famous and the “regular people” alike have been vacationing here for decades.

Introduction to Costa Del Sol

Your tour director will take you on a quick walk so you can get to know the area.

Day 11: Free day in Costa Del Sol

Enjoy some free time in Costa Del Sol to check out the beaches and surrounding area.

Excursion:

Gibraltar Escape  Extra Cost

Monkeys, caves and one big rock--welcome to Gibraltar!  Head to this UK territory, where you’ll zig-zag by bus up the Rock of Gibraltar, which stands 1,398 feet tall. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Africa across the Mediterranean, but on any day, hundreds of wild monkeys adorn the rock, often posing for the Insta love. You’ll visit St. Michael’s Cave, where Neolithic-age humans once lived, then have free time to roam the rock, grab some pub grub or English tea, or just watch the monkeys being monkeys.

Did we mention monkeys?

Note: Because it is a UK territory, non-US passport holders may require a visa to enter.

Farewell Dinner

Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner with the group.

Day 12: Fly Home

It's time to say your goodbyes. Head to the airport for your flight back home.