The 26^th World Youth Day will occur in Madrid Spain, the first time in that country since the 4^th WYD in 1989 when the youth of the world hosted the late Pope John Paul II in Santiago de Compostela, at the end of the famous pilgrimage of St. James route. The country is blessed with its rich Catholic heritage and traditionally the lives of Spaniards revolve around the church, family and friends. Today, Spain is a huge tourism destination as well as a focus for modern pilgrims. Spain, with its population of 40 million, entertains over 50 million visitors annually. This destination will fill your days with excellent art, folk life, exotic foods, friendly people, sunshine and even the opportunity to try flamenco dancing. Tour Design welcomes you to this cultural carnival and we are planning our WYD experience to give you the best encounters in good locations at the lowest possible price. Our WYD programs never sacrifice sleep, nutrition, safety or cleanliness in the name of budget. We simply present to you the local-style alternatives to expensive hotels and restaurants.

Madrid is the host city in August 2011 for World Youth Day. What a wonderful city in which to meet the youth of Spain and the youth of the world. If there is one thing that characterizes Madrid, it is the deep, contagious passion for life, reflected in its friendly, welcoming people. This modern city has a population of 3.2 million and is relatively young by European standards. Only 100 years ago, Madrid was a small centre with 400,000 people. In 1561, King Philip II made the decision to move the capital of his empire from Toledo to Madrid. Today, art and culture are central to Madrid life. The city has over 73 museums that cover all fields of human knowledge. Of these, the most important are the Prado Musuem, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Musuem and the Reina Sofia National Art Centre. You will experience the grandeur and charm of Madrid at the lavish Royal Palace and the city’s huge Retiro Park, as well as the elegant shops and people-friendly pedestrian zone.

Public transit in Madrid is excellent with the Métro being simple, speedy and inexpensive. The city’s broad streets are full of life, but can be hot and exhausting in the summer, so a subway trip of even one or two stops saves time and energy. Meals in Spain are a little different from what we are accustomed to in Canada and the UK.  Spaniards tend to have a small, quick breakfast, grab a late morning sandwich to tide them over, and then gather with friends and family for lunch between 1 and 4 P.M. Afterwards they return to work until the cool of the evening beckons them out to enjoy the lively nightlife. Dinner is usually enjoyed from 9 P.M. onwards.

Thoughtful travel engages you with the world which is more important that ever in today’s world. As part of your faith journey, a pilgrimage such as WYD changes people. It broadens perspectives and teaches new ways to measure quality of life within the context of one’s faith.  Join Tour Design in 2011 as we immerse ourselves in Spain.