Cross-Curricular School Trip To Madrid

The Royal Palace awes visitors with its sheer size and monumental presence. It was commissioned in the early 18th century by Felipe V, who was inspired by his childhood at Versailles with his grandfather Louis XIV. Inside, 2,800 rooms compete with each other for over-the-top opulence. The guided tour winds a mile-long path through its highlights.

This large city square, surrounded by a huge building, was built in 1619 at the behest of Philip II as part of his plan to make Madrid the capital of Spain. It has been the site of executions, tournaments, weddings, bullfights and Inquisition trials. Nowadays it is home to cafés, bars, restaurants and shops selling antiques, coins, and military memorabilia.

The main Spanish national art museum has one of the world’s finest collections of European art, from the 12th century to the early 19th century, based on the former Spanish Royal Collection. As well as works by Hieronymous Bosch, Rembrandt and Boticelli, students can view the best single collection of Spanish art, including many works by Francisco de Goya.

Visit the 85,0000-seater home of legendary football club Real Madrid for a look behind the scenes. Students can walk in the steps of the players, from the tunnel to the locker rooms, the bench, the pitch and even the presidential box. The tour ends with a visit to the new museum and a look at some footballing artefacts that bring the club’s history to life.

Dedicated to 20th century Spanish art, the biggest draw of this museum is Picasso’s Guernica, shown with preparatory sketches and photographs of the artist at work. This exhibit gives students an appreciation of how artists create their work and respond to the world around them. Dalí, Miró, and others are also represented in film, sculpture and photographs.

Completing the ‘Golden Triangle’ of art museums in Madrid – along with the Prado and Reina Sofía museums – this one focuses on the works the others neglect. From early Italian paintings to contemporary European and American works, students can explore and draw inspiration from these fine examples of art that will aid their studies enormously.

This beautiful city, on the River Tajo was the seat of the Spanish court until its 16th-century move to Madrid. During the 13th century, it became one of the few places in Spain where Moors, Christians and Jews managed to live together and tolerate each other more or less peacefully. Students can admire the remains of churches, mosques and synagogues built over the centuries.

With its famous Roman aqueduct and fairytale-castle Alcázar – rumoured to have inspired the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty – Segovia makes a most interesting day trip from Madrid. The soaring aqueduct is two thousand years old and still in immaculate condition.

This massive park is divided into five themed areas. Hollywood Boulevard is the home of the stars while Movie World Studios has live shows with shoot-outs, chases and explosions. The Superheroes World area is the place for action and thrilling rides, and there’s also Cartoon Village and the Old West Territory with wooden roller coasters and wild waterfalls (seasonal). Photo © FDV.

Experience Spain’s wonderful capital with an exciting quest. Take your students on an adventure and encourage them to work in teams, with the aim to collect keys and be in with a chance of unlocking the winning box. The city of Madrid comes alive through multi-activity team-based challenges with visits to iconic landmarks including Plaza Mayor and Mercado de san Miguel. Enrichment or MFL version available.

Enjoy an off-road scavenger hunt on bikes in Madrid’s famous Retiro Park. Discover the history and become an expert on the park through a series of  fun activities and challenges. Puzzle-solving, socializing, and team spirit are key to this activity. Bikes, guide, helmets and a bottle of water are included for each participant.