Spain is a country of wide contrasts offering old world charm, rich cultural and historical traditions alongside lively resorts and outstanding coastlines.
Discover the Costa Brava or Costa Dorada where groups enjoy a combination of cultural Spain, beachside fun and the Port Aventura Theme Park.
Both destinations are ideally located to explore the fascinating city of Barcelona. Cantabria in the northwest of Spain is the region where Spanish is spoken in its purest form. In the south is Andalucia, bathed in sunshine for much of the year and offering the classical cities of Seville, Granada and Cordoba.
In the heart of the Peninsular is the capital Madrid with its museums, monuments and parks.
Curriculum Focus
Accommodation
As the UK's leading school tour operator, we offer a first rate choice of accommodation to suit all requirements and budgets. Should the accommodation you prefer not be featured in our programme, please do not hesitate to contact us.
New for Coach Tours! Air Conditioned Coach at no extra charge for departures during May, June and July.
Sample Itinerary - 7 DAYS TO THE COSTA BRAVA/BARCELONA/COSTA DORADA BY EXPRESS COACH
Day 1 — Depart school. Connect with an early evening Channel crossing. Travel overnight on your coach.
Day 2 — Arrive at your accommodation in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free to relax. Your coach is not available due to drivers' regulations.
Days 3-5 — Excursions of your choice.
Day 6 — The morning is free to enjoy your resort. Your coach is not available due to drivers' regulations. Depart in the mid-late afternoon and travel overnight.
Day 7 — Connect with a morning Channel crossing. Return to school.
Sample Itinerary - 4 DAYS TO COSTA DORADA / BARCELONA BY AIR
Day 1 — London to Spain by air. Transfer to your hotel accommodation.
Days 2 - 3 — Excursions of your choice. Excursions are not included in the tour price. Optional excursions prices on request.
Day 4 — Transfer to the airport. Spain to London by air.
Meal Arrangements
Full Board/Half Board (By Coach):
First Meal - Evening meal on Day 2.
Final Meal - Packed dinner on Day 6 for full board groups (breakfast for half board groups).
Half Board (By Air):
First Meal - Evening meal on Day 1.
Final Meal - Breakfast on Day 4.
Free Back-Up Material
STS Guide to the Costa Brava/Barcelona or Costa Dorada and a map.
Excursion Selection - Costa Brava, Barcelona & Costa Dorada
Barcelona Spain's second largest city - the capital of Catalonia with a wealth of gothic Catalan architecture in the old town. The unique works of the architect Gaudi, including his outstanding Sagrada Familia Cathedral, are amongst its many treasures. Although Barcelona has a rich historical heritage it is also a dynamic city that looks forward with futuristic architecture, art and fashion.
Other Towns & Cities Gerona - chief town of the province. An historic walled town, described as the Venice of Spain, that dates back to the 11th Century. Visit the Gothic Cathedral, the Arab Baths, the Archaeological Museum or simply stroll through the many interesting streets.
Tordera - a small town located inland from Calella, well known for its Sunday market.
Figueras - (a typical Catalan town) the birthplace and final resting place of Salvador Dali. Visit the fascinating Salvador Dali Museum.
Cadaques - A fishing village and artists haven.
Tarragona (Costa Dorada, Barcelona groups) - the Romans developed Tarragona into a major city and provincial capital. See the remains of the Roman forum, the Amphitheatre and the funeral crypts and sarcophagi. The Archaeological Museum contains many Roman artefacts.
Art Galleries & Museums Dali's House - Port Ligat. Now a museum.
The Theatre at Figueras - home to a museum designed by Dali and housing a large collection of his surreal paintings and sculptures.
History & Landmarks Ampurias and La Escala - the most important archaeological site in Spain. There are extensive ruins from the Roman period, including an amphitheatre and Roman villa. Nearby is the seaside resort of L'Escala.
Montserrat - a Romanesque monastery built on an unusually shaped mountain. Inside the complex is a shrine to ‘The Black Madonna' a statue of the Virgin Mary. The shrine is a centre for pilgrims and it is here that the boy's choir of Escalonia practise.
San Pedro de Roda - visit the partially ruined Benedictine monastery with its 9th Century church.
Leisure Port Aventura Theme Park - Forming part of the Universal Mediterranea resort this is one of Europe's most exciting theme parks. Enter the park in Mediterranea which captures the culture and atmosphere of this region. Travel by themed boat or steam train to the other lands. In Polynesia experience the interior of a volcano, ride the rapids or battle with a cyclone in the South Seas, marvel at exotic birds and tropical vegetation. Venture beyond the Great Wall to the magic that is China. Ride Dragon Khan a wild rollercoaster. Day passes available from STS. N.B. Not recommended as a day trip from the resort of Rosas due to distance (seasonal opening).
Marineland - situated between Malgrat and Blanes, 10 minutes from Calella, this attractively laid out animal and water park has daily dolphin and seal shows, a mini zoo, and swimming pools with water slides (seasonal opening).
Waterworld Lloret (Costa Brava & Barcelona groups) - This aquatic amusement park includes swimming pools with waves of up to 2m high (seasonal opening).
Aquopolis - (Costa Dorada groups). Water leisure park near Salou (seasonal opening).
Aqua Brava Waterpark - On the outskirts of Rosas (seasonal opening May-Sep).
Music - STS can arrange concert tours based in Costa Brava and Costa Dorada (details on request).
Departing from your school and returning to school by full specification coach, with 2 drivers.
Minimum group size: Coach tour price is based on 35 paying passengers. Supplements apply for smaller groups.
Standard Channel Crossing
Ferry: Dover to Calais: 1½ hours
Other channel crossings: Available at a supplementary charge.
Eurotunnel: Folkestone to Calais: 35 minutes platform to platform.