Welcome to Spain!

This is an unforgettable journey through Spain’s most iconic cities: Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona. The adventure begins in Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, where grand boulevards, world-class art museums, and royal architecture reflect the country's historic splendor and modern energy. From there, the group travels south to Seville, the soulful heart of Andalusia, where flamenco rhythms, Moorish palaces, and sunny plazas create an atmosphere rich with tradition and passion. Finally, the trip concludes in Barcelona, a coastal gem renowned for its surreal architecture by Gaudí, lively beach culture, and the dynamic spirit of Catalonia. Each city reveals a unique chapter of Spain’s story, blending centuries of heritage with contemporary charm.

Check into this centrally located hotel with friendly staff, offering comfortable rooms and proximity to major sights such as Puerta de Alcalá, the Prado Museum, and Retiro Park.

Embark on a personalized exploration of Madrid with our Private Bike Tour. Discover the city's history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods, all while enjoying the flexibility and comfort of a private bike ride led by an expert guide.

A list of recommended/required sites will be provided.

A list of recommendations will be provided.

Experience a century-old chocolate tradition at a renowned chocolatier tucked away in a hidden alleyway, founded in 1894. This celebrated cafe is famous for its chocolate with churros, making it the go-to spot for the most famous churros and desserts in Madrid.

Walk through the Royal Palace of Madrid, an architectural masterpiece dating back to the 18th century. Once a medieval fortress, it now symbolizes Spain's rich royal history with a captivating blend of Baroque and Classical styles.

Stop by the Mercado de San Miguel and savor an authentic Spanish lunch experience. Nestled in the heart of Madrid, this historic market, originally built in 1916, offers a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse selection of food choices - from seafood to Iberian ham, paella, and tapas. This promises a fun and culturally rich lunch that students will enjoy while getting to practice their Spanish.

Visit the Prado Museum and soak up the Spanish art. Established in 1819, this globally acclaimed institution features a diverse collection of European masterpieces spanning from the 12th to the early 20th century.

Move your body and walk through Retiro Park, a green oasis nestled in the heart of Madrid. Wander through landscaped gardens, stroll along winding paths, and enjoy the serene lake.

A list of recommendations will be provided.

Take a break from the big city with a fun day trip to Toledo, a stunning hilltop town just outside Madrid. This place is like stepping into a real-life history book - with narrow streets, old stone buildings, and amazing views. Known as the “City of Three Cultures,” Toledo brings together Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences in a super unique way. You’ll explore ancient cathedrals, cool old synagogues, and get a feel for what life was like centuries ago - all in one awesome day.

Note: Lunch at Excursion

A list of recommendations will be provided.

Jump on the high speed train and take a beautiful ride from Madrid to Seville. 

Enjoy a cooking class featuring the iconic Spanish staple, paella. This hands-on experience invites students to craft this flavorful dish while learning about the regional variations of paella. This is a fun activity that not only provides an enjoyable afternoon but also equips students with the skills to recreate this recipe for family and friends at home.

Take a scenic boat ride along Seville's Guadalquivir River, soaking in stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Giralda Tower. Learn about the river's historical significance as a crucial trade route and enjoy a leisurely experience that provides unique insights into Seville's rich past.

Visit the Flamenco Museum to delve into the history, styles, and significance of flamenco. Explore exhibits, enjoy audiovisual displays, and witness live performances. This museum is well done and offers visitors a deeper understanding of this passionate Spanish tradition.

A list of recommendations will be provided.

Get ready for a day full of history, culture, and sunshine with a trip to Córdoba! This southern Spanish city is famous for the Mezquita, a breathtaking mosque-turned-cathedral that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Wander through narrow, flower-filled streets in the old Jewish Quarter, snap pics of colorful patios, and soak up the relaxed Andalusian vibe. Córdoba is packed with charm and cool stories from the past - making it the perfect spot for an unforgettable day away.

Note: Lunch at Excursion

A list of recommendations will be provided.

Hop on a bike and take an adventure through the lively streets of Barcelona with a private bike tour designed for students. Explore the city's iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods while gaining insights into Barcelona's rich history.

A list of recommendations will be provided.

Designed by Antoni Gaudí, La Sagrada Família is an iconic basilica in Barcelona, known for its distinctive mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles.

Try a variety of tapas, each showcasing different well-known Spanish flavors, on this tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, explore the authentic tastes of traditional Spanish cuisine, creating a truly memorable experience.

Visit the Picasso Museum and let students delve into the artistic world of Pablo Picasso. With over 4,000 artworks spanning his early to later years, this museum in Barcelona offers a captivating opportunity for students to explore the evolution of Picasso's art.

Visit Park Güell, a stunning masterpiece by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, featuring vibrant mosaics, unique architectural elements, and organic forms.

A list of recommendations will be provided.

A Costa Brava day trip offers a relaxing escape along the Mediterranean, with scenic beaches, charming villages like Tossa de Mar, and opportunities for swimming, coastal walks, or exploring historic sites. It's ideal for those seeking leisure and natural beauty.

In contrast, a Montserrat day trip is centered on culture and adventure. It features a mountaintop monastery, the famous Black Madonna, hiking trails, and stunning views. Great for travelers interested in history, culture, and outdoor exploration.

Note: Lunch at Excursion

A list of recommendations will be provided.

Please Note:

The sample itinerary and budget provided are based on a specific number of participants and chaperones. Final pricing per person will vary depending on your group size and any adjustments made to the itinerary. Please keep in mind that prices may fluctuate depending on travel dates, seasonality, and other factors.

Please email us at [email protected] or call us at 512.596.1642 for more information.

All of our trips are fully customizable—this sample itinerary is simply a starting point to give you a sense of what is possible! We are happy to tailor every detail to fit your group’s unique needs, interests, and preferences.

Group travel can be a difficult and frustrating experience. The group is only as fast as the slowest participant, and that is why our clients spend most of their time in Chaperone Groups. These small groups consist of roughly 4-5 students and 2-3 adults, and move much more efficiently (and happily!) through the cities, allowing students to focus on their unique interests. Keeping entire groups together while following a yellow umbrella around cities (‘amoeba style’) creates missed opportunities and makes unfortunate use of valuable time.

The beauty of any school trip is the opportunity for the student to build self-confidence, problem solve, and learn how to navigate in a new environment. The adults are present to help keep students safe, but otherwise should ‘lead from behind’. At Kairos Tours we focus heavily on student leadership and responsibility for their trip experience.

Is there a minimum number of guests required for this trip?

• There’s no minimum number of participants required, but please note that the fewer people in the group, the higher the price per person. Larger groups help keep individual costs lower by sharing fixed expenses like transportation and guides.

What information will be provided before the trip?

• Each traveler will receive a complete, dynamic itinerary that includes travel logistics, hotel details, tours, entrance information, meeting points, and more - everything you need to feel fully prepared.

Will there be a group meeting before departure?

• Yes! We’ll schedule a pre-trip meeting (either in person or via Google Meet) to go over final details, answer questions, and ensure everyone is ready and excited.

Does Kairos Tours provide a Tour Director?

• A Tour Director can be arranged to accompany your group upon request. Please note this may affect the overall cost of the trip.

Will the itinerary change from what’s currently listed?

• Kairos Tours will make every reasonable effort to provide this trip in accordance with the descriptions provided. Although it is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your reservation or cancel confirmed reservations, we reserve the right to do so should it become necessary or advisable, in our sole discretion. We’ll always prioritize the best possible experience for your group!

Are trip prices guaranteed?

• All pricing is based on current estimates and subject to change due to factors like group size, travel dates, currency exchange rates, and seasonal variations.

Are meals included in the trip price?

• Lunches and dinners are typically not included in the trip price, allowing for flexibility and the opportunity to explore local dining options. Personal incidentals, such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities, are also the responsibility of each traveler.

What if there are unexpected delays or issues?

• Kairos Tours is not responsible for costs or disruptions resulting from circumstances beyond our control, such as flight delays, changes or cancellations, injuries, weather, war, natural disasters, strikes, social discourse, pandemics, etc., and/or other unforeseeable matters.

My name is David Mebane and I am a lifelong traveler that experienced my first international trip as a 2nd grader, and I haven’t stopped since. I founded Fat Tire Tours in Paris, France in 1999 and love showing people around the City of Light. That passion has grown to include other incredible destinations around the globe, and is the genesis for Kairos Tours. I don't know every destination on the globe, but I do know several well, and I love to take people with me to create experiences and memories that last a lifetime. 

I live in Austin, Texas with my wife Kelly and our son Weston and daughter Caroline. However, we spend as much time as we can elsewhere since there is nothing better than an adventure with family and friends.

The history of Spain is one of cultural crossroads, fierce independence, and world-shaping ambition. From the Iberians and Romans to Muslim empires and Catholic monarchs, Spain has evolved through waves of conquest and coexistence to become one of the most dynamic nations in Europe. Its cities - Seville, Barcelona, and Madrid - each embody a different strand of Spain’s complex and colorful past.

The story begins with early settlements by Celts, Iberians, and Phoenicians, but Spain’s deep historical roots were shaped by the Romans, who conquered the peninsula and left behind roads, cities, aqueducts, and a common Latin tongue. After the fall of Rome, Spain became a battleground for Visigoths and later Muslim Moors, who in 711 CE swept across the south and established Al-Andalus, a flourishing Islamic civilization centered in cities like Córdoba, Granada, and Seville.

For centuries, Spain was a land of layered identities - Christian, Jewish, and Muslim - coexisting in art, architecture, and science. Nowhere was this more evident than in Seville, which became a vital city under Muslim rule, adorned with Moorish palaces, lush gardens, and elegant minarets. After its reconquest in 1248, Seville retained its multicultural soul and later rose to become the main port of the Spanish Empire, controlling trade with the Americas and acting as a launchpad for explorers like Magellan and Cortés.

Meanwhile, Barcelona, nestled between mountains and the Mediterranean, thrived as a maritime power in the medieval Crown of Aragon. A center of trade, law, and learning, the city maintained its own language - Catalan - and distinct identity. During the Renaissance and beyond, Barcelona flourished artistically and commercially, though often in tension with the Castilian central government. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a hub of industrial innovation and Modernist art, giving the world iconic architecture through Antoni Gaudí, including the towering Sagrada Família.

Madrid, by contrast, was a relatively modest town until 1561, when King Philip II made it the new capital of Spain. Chosen for its central location rather than any historical prestige, Madrid quickly transformed into the political and cultural heart of the kingdom. Under the Habsburgs and Bourbons, it became home to royal palaces, grand boulevards, and the Prado Museum, now one of the world’s premier art institutions. Despite its late start, Madrid grew into a vibrant capital - cosmopolitan yet traditional, regal yet relaxed.

Spain’s Golden Age (16th–17th centuries) saw it become a global superpower, with vast colonies across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Fueled by silver from the New World and driven by a fervent Catholic monarchy, Spain’s reach extended across oceans and cultures. But with such ambition came conflict - economic troubles, military defeats, and religious persecution, including the Inquisition and the expulsion of Jews and Muslims.

In the centuries that followed, Spain’s fortunes waxed and waned. The 19th century was marked by Napoleonic invasions, civil wars, and a crumbling empire. In the 20th century, Spain experienced a brutal Civil War (1936–1939), resulting in the authoritarian rule of Francisco Franco. For nearly 40 years, Spain was cut off from much of Europe, but following Franco’s death in 1975, the country transitioned peacefully into a constitutional monarchy and democracy, symbolized by the return of King Juan Carlos I and the drafting of a new constitution.

Today, Spain is a modern European nation, known for its diversity, artistic vibrancy, and regional pride. Whether walking through the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, the sun-soaked plazas of Seville, or the broad avenues of Madrid, visitors find a country with one foot in its glorious past and the other stepping confidently into the future.

Spain's story is not just about power or conquest, but about endurance, innovation, and the fusion of cultures. It is a nation born of contradiction and beauty - where the flamenco beat, Gaudí’s curves, and royal tapestries all tell the same story: a country proud of its history and alive with passion.