Madrid is a fantastic city for art and design students, with a rich array of museums, galleries, and cultural spaces showcasing both historical masters and cutting edge technologies.
Madrid - Art & Design School Trip
- 4 days
- +1
- Spain
- Approx. 1hrs
- Prado Museum
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
- CaixaForum
- Plaza de Espana
- Museo ABC
- Reina Sofia Museum
For the latest travel advice, including passport and visa information, visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website
Sample itinerary
This sample itinerary is offered as a guideline. The trip focus, length and itinerary/activities can be tailored to meet your learning objectives.
- Day
Day 1 - Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, CaixaForum
Arrive in Madrid and transfer to your accommodation by coach.
Begin with a visit to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Explore its spectacular art collection or take an exclusive guided tour of its masterpieces to learn the secrets of some of the most iconic Western paintings from the 13th to the 20th century. Your guide can unravel the artists’ motivations and historic and cultural influences, placing Titian, Van Gogh, and Kandinsky at the centre of an illuminating economic, political, and social nexus.
From here, dive into Madrid's contemporary art scene with a visit to CaixaForum. It’s known for dynamic contemporary art exhibitions, often blending visual art with design, architecture, and social commentary, such as its ‘Dinosaurs of Patagonia’ project. The building itself is an architectural highlight, featuring a vertical garden and a striking modern design.
In the evening, enjoy dinner and relax at your accommodation.
Day 2 - Guided Walking Tour of Madrid, Museo ABC and a Flamenco class
Head to the centre of the city this morning for a Madrid architecture tour. Take a close look at the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Spain, La Almudena Cathedral, Plaza de Oriente, Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market and Puerta del Sol. Your tour will end at the Temple of Debod, the ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid as a gift from the Egyptian government in 1968. There’s plenty of Madrid modernist architecture to see too.
From construction to illustration, this afternoon, explore Museo ABC, which is dedicated to the art of illustration and drawing. Museo ABC showcases works by contemporary illustrators and designers. It’s a great place for students interested in graphic arts, comic art, and animation.
Later on, experience authentic Spanish culture by participating in a Flamenco or Castanets class. You could also try a cooking class to learn traditional Spanish dishes or learn about the uniqueness of the Spanish guitar, its history, and influence on the Spanish musical heritage.
Round off the day witnessing the magic of the Spanish Flamenco dance and music by attending a traditional Flamenco show at one of the local restaurants.
Day 3 - Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum and Retiro Park
This morning, get students acquainted with Madrid's art galleries and iconic museums.
Start by visiting the Prado Museum, Madrid’s main national art museum and home to one of the finest collections of European art from the 12th to the 20th century. Explore the Renaissance through the works of Titian, Tintoretto, and Raphael, the history of Spanish art in the masterpieces of Francisco Goya and Diego Velázquez, or delve into Hieronymus Bosch’s nightmarish depictions of hell.
Continue your immersion into Spanish art history by visiting the Reina Sofía Museum, which focuses on the 20th century. Students can see Pablo Picasso's iconic Guernica, exploring the devastating impact of the Spanish Civil War.
Finally, head to Tabacalera, which celebrates urban art. Housed in a former tobacco factory, Tabacalera is a cultural space that offers exhibitions focused on contemporary art. The building’s raw, industrial vibe makes it a popular spot for students to explore cutting-edge and experimental styles.
Later on, enjoy a stroll in the former royal gardens of Retiro Park, one of Madrid's largest and liveliest parks. Make sure to stop at the Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace). This 19th-century glass palace is used by the Reina Sofía Museum for temporary contemporary art installations.
Day 4 - Shopping at Calle Mayor or Mercado de San Antón, Fly home
Depending on your flight time, finish your Madrid school tour with a last morning shopping for souvenirs and local specialities. Calle Mayor, one of the oldest streets in Madrid used for religious processions, is now a thriving shopping experience. Or try Mercado de San Antón, a thriving market with new produce and stalls every day. If you can’t resist one last look at art and design, visit Espacio Fundación Telefónica which focuses on art, technology, and innovation. To produce exhibitions that explore the digital age, new media, and technological innovations. It’s an inspiring place for students interested in the future of art and design, making it a fitting end to an Art and Design school trip to Madrid.
Return to your accommodation to collect your luggage and transfer to the airport by coach.
What’s included
Full TCBC support from the moment you book until you return home
Full itinerary flexibility to ensure the perfect tour for your students
We'll source the best available flights based on your school's location
You'll have all our necessary contact details to hand should the need arise
Knowledgeable TCBC guide ready to bring your walking tours to life
Detailed itinerary, with all entrance fees included, no hidden costs
Return flights, 1 piece of hold luggage per person, airport taxes and security charges and ATOL Protection Contribution
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure. We can also arrange your UK airport transfers if you wish
Experienced local TCBC guide in Geneva for your included walking tours
3 nights' hostel accommodation, with multi rooms for students and single rooms for teachers
Breakfasts and dinners daily at hostel, but we can arrange meals in local restaurants if preferred
Guided walking tour of Madrid, incl. Royal Palace and Temple of Debod (if open), visit to Prado Museum visit, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Reina Sofia Museum and Retiro Park. Activity of your choice (Flamenco, Castanets or Cooking Class or Spanish Guitar Lecture)
There will be no hidden costs on tour, everything will be clearly explained before departure
24 hour emergency contact details of TCBC's office and your local guide's mobile number
The normal free staff place ratio is 1:10 but this is flexible and we'll work to whichever ratio you require
Please check at school to ensure you are covered by an adequate travel insurance policy which we will need to see a copy of. We can help you source cover if you need
We generally don't include lunches unless requested. We prefer to let the students explore the local options and choose for themselves
If you feel you have received excellent service, then our local guides and drivers will appreciate being tipped. Guidelines will be outlined in your quote
We generally don't include public transportation tickets in Madrid unless requested
Event availability isn't usually known at the time of booking. We will inform you of options and ticket prices closer to departure
Accommodation
We regularly use the same properties in Madrid who are used to working with our school groups and meet our high standards
TOC Hostel Madrid
TOC Hostel is a hostel chain based in Spain, which aims to provide affordable and comfortable modern accommodation conditions close to the centre, sightseeing and shopping grounds.
Hostel Room 007 Ventura
Hostel Room 007 is another small Spanish chain of hostels. This urban hostel is dedicated to create an eco-friendly and comfortable living environment within the walking proximity from the main sightseeing places and hustle and bustle of the city.
Reasons to travel with us
We honestly believe we are the best in what we do. We'd love the opportunity to show you.
Safety & reliability
The safety of all our travellers is our number 1 priority. We have a robust Safety Management System in place to ensure that our tours are run to the high levels you expect.
Experience & expertise
We have years of experience in planning school tours. Our expertise lies in our organisational skills, attention to detail and an understanding of what you need to make your trip a success.
TCBC local guides
Our guides are our greatest assets and consistently lauded. Highly experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy, most are hand-picked and have worked with us for years.
Complete peace of mind
Our accreditations (ATOL, ABTA, STF, LOtC) provide you with the reliability, assurance and financial security expected from a specialist tour operator.
Customer
service
Our dedicated team is on hand to offer help and advice at every stage. We are positive you will be impressed with the high level of service you receive from us.
Flexibility & customisation
We customise every trip to suit your needs and offer maximum flexibility in planning your itinerary. We won’t rest until we get it right!
The personal touch
Getting to know our clients is very important to us. It’s very likely therefore that you’ll meet one or several of us at some point, either at school before departure or on the tour itself.
Total transparency
We include as much as possible in our quotes and are very transparent about what is and what is not included. There will be no hidden or surprise costs.
Pre-departure support
We understand how much work goes into planning a school trip. You will be dealing with the same people throughout the pre-departure process allowing us to respond quickly and accurately.
Repeat business
99.9% of teachers are so happy with our tours and our service that there is no need to travel with anyone else. We are confident you will feel the same way.
The team were very helpful and supportive with a number of admin issues that arose very close to departure. TCBC staff were fantastic at remaining in contact and providing support/answering questions.
