SPAIN
COAST TO COAST ADVENTURE
Spain awaits! Experience vibrant culture, world-famous art & Mediterranean charm on this unforgettable journey through Málaga, Madrid & Barcelona.
Program Overview
On this program, you’ll dive into the cultural heartbeat of Spain — a country that celebrates life through food, art, music and endless sunshine. The passions of Spain’s people are woven into daily life; this is a place with music in its soul, a love of fine food and wild landscapes and a special talent for celebration. Over 10 unforgettable days, you’ll explore three of Spain’s most iconic cities: the seaside charm of Málaga, the vibrant capital of Madrid and the artistic energy of Barcelona. From learning to paddleboard on the Mediterranean coast and discovering masterpieces by Picasso to watching Flamenco come alive on stage, you’ll experience the spirit and rhythm that make Spain truly unforgettable.
On GLA’s Spain: Coast to Coast Adventure program you will:
- Take a paddleboarding class on Málaga’s beaches and explore the works of Picasso in his hometown
- Take part in a Spanish cooking class, mastering local flavors like tapas and paella
- Travel to Madrid and visit Retiro Park, watch a Flamenco show and join an informative and delicious Tapas Tour
- Explore historic Toledo and zipline across the Tajo river
- Take a fast train to Barcelona where you’ll visit Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and end your adventure by swimming in the Mediterranean Sea
Program Menu
SPAIN
COAST TO COAST ADVENTURE
Sample Itinerary
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Spain! Arrive in Málaga, settle into your Home Base, meet your fellow travelers and enjoy your first Spanish welcome dinner before resting up for the week ahead.
Days 2–3: Málaga – Sunshine, Paddleboarding & Cooking Class
Explore Málaga through a city scavenger hunt, take a paddleboarding class and enjoy beach time, join a hands-on Spanish cooking class and visit the Picasso Museum to learn about the city’s most famous artist.
Days 4–6: Madrid – Cultural Immersion & Service
Travel to Madrid for a flamenco class and show, a day trip to Toledo with ziplining, a community service project, a tapas tour and downtime in beautiful Retiro Park.
Days 7–9: Barcelona – Architecture & Beach Time
Head to Barcelona to explore the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, enjoy a guided bike tour through the city’s lively neighborhoods and finish your time in Spain with relaxing beach time on the Mediterranean.
Day 10: Departure
Before you know it, this adventure will come to an end. Head to Barcelona Airport (BCN) today with lasting memories and knowledge that will benefit you for life! Staff will assist with check-in and stay with you until you’ve safely passed through security.
Program Map
SPAIN
COAST TO COAST ADVENTURE
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
June 23 – July 02, 2027
What's Included in Tuition
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
to hold your spot on-program.
Program at a Glance
Every GLA Program is Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
Jade S. | 2026 Alumni Student
“GLA is a perfect opportunity to go out of your personal space bubble and really explore the world for what it truly is. The connections we made and the places we saw are lifelong memories that will never leave us. Everyone who attended is leaving a different person than who they were when they arrived.”
The Program Experience
Exploratory Travel
Immerse yourself in authentic Spanish culture as you journey through Toledo, Málaga, Madrid and Barcelona. Master the secrets of Spanish gastronomy during a hands-on paella cooking class, learn the fundamentals of Flamenco rhythm and movement in a private workshop and attend a live professional performance. Explore centuries of art and architectural innovation through guided visits to the Picasso Museum in Málaga, as well as Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, the iconic Sagrada Família and Park Güell in Barcelona. While this program does not feature formal language classes, you’ll have daily opportunities to practice conversational Spanish with locals, fully supported and encouraged by bilingual GLA staff.
Adventure
Experience Spain by land, air, and water as you journey across Toledo, Málaga, Madrid and Barcelona! Soar high over the historic skyline of Toledo on an epic urban zipline adventure for an adrenaline-pumping aerial view of the ancient city. Head south to the sun-drenched coast of Málaga to take a stand-up paddleboarding lesson in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. In Barcelona, go for a scenic bike tour along the Mediterranean coastline, exploring historic seaside trails and vibrant beach promenades. From navigating bustling city squares in Madrid to taking in sweeping panoramic views across multiple regions, non-stop outdoor exploration is woven into every step of your Spanish journey.
Country Spotlight
Discover the energetic rhythms, rich architectural legacy and world-renowned food culture of Spain.
Lodging: Enjoy dedicated, secure spaces exclusively reserved for GLA students and staff across Málaga, Madrid and Barcelona. Accommodation is hosted in modern hostels featuring air-conditioned rooms shared by 2–6 students, each equipped with private en-suite bathrooms.
Meals: Food is central to Spanish life, where long, shared meals form the heart of local tradition. Sample the rich culinary diversity of the Iberian Peninsula, from fresh coastal seafood to an endless variety of regional tapas, creating unforgettable dining experiences with your group.
SPAIN
COAST TO COAST ADVENTURE
Photo Gallery
SPAIN
COAST TO COAST ADVENTURE
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