Learn Spanish and tour Spain

Despite being one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, few foreigners know the real Spain. Apart from breathtaking beaches, great weather and famous museums, Spain also offers the perfect setting for a true cultural adventure for those with the tools to experience it. Armed with newly formed language skills and accompanied by bilingual Language Guides, our participants experience Spain as few tourists have. Rather than being confined to motorcoaches and from visiting sites unkown by foreigners, our "Real Spain" trip is designed for travelers looking to build Spanish skills while exploring the country's outstanding natural and cultural wonders.

Whether you're a first time visitor or come back every year, we invite you to experience the real Spain as locals know it We designed the "Real Spain" experience to include the elements which make Spain a truly unique destination while ensuring that you spend almost all of the time at the destinations we visit rather than in route getting there.

The result is an amazing trip meant for everyone- from cultural aficionados and hard-core travelers to easy-going families and others seeking out an exciting and unique vacation.

Welcome to the geographical and cultural heart of Spain and our playground for the "Real Spain" trip. During each week we get to know the best Spain has to offer, including: Vibrant Madrid, World Heritage Cities, Rich Culture, Castles & Cathedrals, Countryside & Nature, Gastonomy & Wine and Folklore & Traditions. Using Madrid's central location as a starting point, we explore the surrounding regions by day while returning in the evening to explore the capital city's gastronomy, festive atmosphere and nightlife.

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Weekly itinerary

Vibrant Madrid
Our time in Madrid will be divided between guided visits led by your Language Guides and time to independently explore the city during evenings after returning from daily excursions. See Madrid through the eyes of those who call it home. Planned activities include exploring the old historic center on foot, visiting the Prado musuem, sampling the city's colorful tapas and wine bars, experiencing the weekend markets and taking in a flamenco performance.

World Heritage Cities
Recognized by UNESCO in acknowledgement of their outstanding natural, scenic and monumental appeal, Spain's Group of World Heritage Cities is the most important in any one country of the world. While each city boasts an impressive heritage, monumental buildings and sites and a way of life strongly linked to its past, each city has its own distinct flavour. The chosen cities for our journey are all located within an easy day trip from Madrid. Planned activities focus on leisurely walking through the cities' historical centers and medieval maze of streets while we visit important sites, sample the local cuisine, take part in regional fiestas and experience everyday life as a local would.

Rich Culture
Throughout the trip we'll witness the influence great civilizations played in the country's history, including the Romans, Moors and Jews. We'll learn about the diverse regions that make up the country and the distinct languages, customs and traditions that are unique to each. Rather than a reciting history lessons or reading from a guide book, our Language Guides aim at bringing Spain's culture to life by helping you understand cultural traditions as well as experience modern day Spanish culture first-hand.

Countryside & Nature
As far as nature goes; Spain is a natural mosaic untouched by any other European country. Locals know that some of the country's most picturesque spots are located right in the center of the country and easily accessible from cities like Madrid. Nearby natural wonders such as the Sierra de Gredos, Cinco Lagunas (five lakes), the Hoces del Duraton Natural park and the Sierra de Madrid all contain breathtaking panoramas as well as options for skiing in winter and hiking and swimming in summer. During times of good weather, itineraries include at least one day in the nearby Mountains where we take part in some low-key activities such as scenic walks and swims in pristine natural surroundings. As most of the historical cities we visit are actually towns located in the countryside, you'll also get the chance to experience traditional Spanish life away from the cities.

Traditions & Folklore
Folklore and Traditions continue to play an important role in the lives of the modern-day Spaniards. From summer fiestas in towns & villages to traditions such as flamenco and bullfighting, the center of Spain offers unparalleled opportunities to participate in or spectate some of the country's richest traditions. Most traditions revolve around Spaniards' love of music, dance and food.