ENROLL 15 TRAVELERS ON YOUR FIRST PASSPORTS TOUR OR USE REWARDS POINTS FOR YOUR FREE SPOT

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is known for its vibrant nightlife, world-class museums, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. It is the perfect setting to expand your horizons and learn more about what it means to be a group leader on a Passports tour.

This teacher training conference will provide you with an opportunity to network with other educators, learn new techniques, and gain a better understanding of how a group tour works and what to expect on your upcoming Passports tour. In addition, you will have the chance to explore the city and immerse yourself in the local culture. Please, join us in Madrid for an unforgettable experience!

Agenda

Learn the ins-and-outs of what to expect on a Passports tour

Meet Passports Tour Directors and Passports staff

Experience Passports tour services for yourself

What’s Included

Roundtrip airfare to Madrid, Spain

Meet and greet transfer from Madrid airport to your hotel

Hotel accommodations for the duration of your stay

All breakfasts and dinners

A half-day instructional session on the finer points of being a group leader

Welcome Reception, Activities, Special Farewell Dinner

Detailed Itinerary

DAYS 1-2: Arrival in Madrid, Tour Director-led Walking Tours, Welcome Reception

Arrival Madrid
A dream comes true as your wide-bodied jet thunders off the airstrip, Europe-bound! Watch the sun rise up to meet your airplane, after a short night. Spain glides by beneath your airplane, in shades of sienna, as you head towards Madrid's Barajas Airport.

Get settled in your madrileño hotel and explore your surroundings.

Tour director-led walking tours

Welcome Reception
This evening, join passports staff and fellow organizers for a delightful welcome reception. Engage in lively conversations, share your exciting travel experiences, and create new connections while savoring delectable refreshments and mouthwatering canapés.

Day 3: Training Conference, Optional Themed Austrian Walking Tour, Tapas Dinner

Group Leader Training Conference
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our group leader training conference can provide an invaluable opportunity to network with other group leaders and learn from their experiences. Attendees can expect to receive plenty of practical advice on everything from itinerary planning to dealing with difficult travel situations. If you're serious about becoming a successful group leader, our travel training conference is a must-attend event.

Optional Themed Austrian Walking Tour
Experience the magic of Madrid's past with an interactive walking tour led by a character straight from Spain's rich history. Step back in time as your costumed guide embodies the spirit and charm of an era gone by and leads you on a journey through the city's winding streets, vibrant squares, and iconic landmarks. This isn't your standard sightseeing tour, but rather an immersive journey into Madrid's past, breathing life into historical events and figures. Your guide will captivate your imagination with tales of yesteryear. Characters can range from a flamenco dancer of the Golden Age, a retired bullfighter from the early 20th century, to a nobleman from the times of the Habsburgs. Every story they tell, every building or plaza they point out, has a connection to their life and time, giving you a unique perspective on Madrid's history. They'll weave tales of intrigue, romance, and adventure against the backdrop of Madrid's most significant landmarks, transporting you to the bygone eras that shaped this captivating city.

Interactive elements of the tour make the experience even more engaging. You might be handed a prop, asked to read from an old letter, or even given a mini-task to perform. Each action is designed to deepen your connection to the stories being told. These elements not only create memorable moments but also a sense of camaraderie among the group, as you collectively participate in bringing Madrid's past to life. As you journey through Madrid's streets, you're not just observing the city's historical sites - you're actively engaging with its history in a fun, dynamic, and educational way. Whether you're deciphering a coded message at the Royal Palace, or re-enacting a famous scene from Madrid's literary history in Plaza Mayor, you'll be creating lasting memories while gaining a deeper appreciation for Madrid's rich history and culture.

Tapas Dinner
For dinner this evening, you'll experience tapas, the delightful and varied snack-like servings, which are a specialty of Spain. There's something to please every taste!

Day 4: Optional El Rastro Flea Market, Optional Excursion to Toledo, Farewell Dinner

Optional Visit to El Rastro Flea Market
Experience the enchanting allure of Madrid's renowned Rastro market, a bustling open-air bazaar held every Sunday and public holiday in the vibrant Barrio de Embajadores. More than just a marketplace, Rastro serves as a lively social gathering that encapsulates Madrid's spirit. Here, a myriad of stalls unfolds like a treasure map, showcasing an eclectic mix of items from vintage clothing, antique furniture, and rare vinyl records to handcrafted jewelry and fresh produce. Each item bears its own unique story, waiting to be discovered. Engage in friendly haggling, an integral part of the Rastro experience that fuels the market's vibrant atmosphere. Beyond the stalls, the market spills over into the local neighborhood, with bars and cafés offering traditional Spanish breakfast or tapas, accompanied by vermouth, a local Sunday tradition. Street musicians provide a backdrop of lively tunes, completing your immersive exploration into Madrid's cultural tapestry at the Rastro market.

Optional Excursion to Toledo
Toledo is surrounded on three sides by the Río Tajo, which has cut a deep gorge out of the encircling mountains. Christianity, Judaism and Islam coexist on the tiny streets of this ancient city, which was once the capital of Spain. Indeed, the entire panorama of Spanish history is embodied in its churches, synagogues, Moorish mosques and fortifications. Visit the Plaza de Zocodover, the Toledo Cathedral, the Church of Santo Tomé (see El Greco's painting), and a visit to one of the city's two remaining medieval synagogues.

Farewell Dinner
After our whirlwind time together, let’s kick back and enjoy a nice dinner and an evening of traditional entertainment, flamenco! The poet Federico García Lorca called it "the most gigantic creation of the Spanish people." You will long remember its complex and insistent rhythms, castanets, guitars and clacking heels as the highlight of your trip to Spain.

Day 5: Departure

Depart Madrid
As your jet ascends, the dynamic cityscape of Madrid diminishes beneath you, but the memories of its grand plazas, historic landmarks, and the passion and vibrancy of its people will endure forever. Settle back in your seat, reminiscing the charm of the Spanish capital, and start envisioning your return. Next time, you might even run with the bulls or dance the flamenco under the starlit Madrid sky!

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