France, Spain and Portugal
Program Length:
17 Days
Program Dates:
Enrollment Closed for Summer 2023. Please view our Summer 2024 Programs.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Board your overnight flight bound for Paris.
Day 2 - Paris
Arrive in Paris. Meet your Travel Director at the airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Start exploring the city on an orientation tour before a group welcome dinner.
Day 3 - Paris
Enjoy a guided tour of Paris focusing on important Parisian sights such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées and the Opera House. In the afternoon, ascend the Eiffel Tower to admire the marvelous views of the city. In the evening enjoy a walk around the artistic quarter of Montmartre.
A Dazzling Light Show
The Eiffel Tower, designed by architect Alexandre-Gustav Eiffel was built for the World’s Fair in 1889 and was intended to be a temporary exhibit. Each night beginning at sundown the tower is illuminated with golden sparkling lights every hour on the hour for five minutes. It takes 20,000 light bulbs to light up this famous Paris landmark.
Day 4 - Provence
This morning your group will meet with some local youth and together you’ll participate in a game of Pétanque - a popular French pastime. Later board a TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse or fast speed train) bound for Avignon in the Provence region.
Day 5 - Provence
Travel to the town of Nîmes to visit the Roman Amphitheater. Next, visit the spectacular Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard and enjoy kayaking along the Gardon River.
Day 6 - Provence
Your first stop today is in the picturesque Les Baux de Provence. You will admire one of the most beautiful villages in the area as well as visit the ruins of the old Medieval Castle. Continue to Arles where you may recognize many places in the town that were painted by Van Gogh during his time here.
Lavender Fields
“Lavender is the soul of Provence”, said French author Jean Giono. The lavender fields symbolize the history and beauty of this region. The flowering season takes place between June and August, and the best time to visit these beautiful fields is between the end of June to mid-July when the fields will be in full bloom.
Day 7 - Barcelona
Journey south, stopping in the charming medieval walled city of Carcassonne. La Cité, the section of the city behind the walls is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, continue to Barcelona and arrive in time for dinner and your first taste of Catalan cuisine.
Day 8 - Barcelona
Enjoy a guided tour of the city including highlights such as the main pedestrian boulevard Las Ramblas, the Sagrada Familia Basilica and the Park Güell. For lunch you will visit the spectacular La Boquería market to buy provisions for a picnic on the beach. Later, take a cooking lesson and enjoy your creation for dinner.
Days 9-11- Spanish Camp
Join Spanish teens for a three day camp experience. Practice your Spanish skills, help teach English, swim, canoe, hike and play games with Spanish peers.
“I love seeing a group of students from different states, schools and backgrounds come together as strangers at the beginning of our program to blossom into a cohesive group of young adults, challenging and encouraging each other to be their best selfs.”
— Amy F., Teacher-Leader
France, Spain and Portugal - Summer 2022
Day 12 - Seville
Bid farewell to your families and board the fast speed Ave train to Seville, capital of Andalusia. In the late afternoon take a horse drawn carriage ride through the beautiful streets of the city.
Day 13 - Seville
This morning enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of the city including the Plaza de España, the Cathedral and the Royal Palace (Alcázar). You will have the opportunity to ascend the Giralda Tower to admire wonderful views of the city. In the afternoon enjoy a Flamenco dance lesson with local dancers. After dinner attend a Flamenco show in one of the local "tablaos".
A Perfect Blend of Cultures
The first architects of the Alcázar were the Moors who were also the first residents of the Palace. It was later reconstructed by the Castilian Christians under the orders of King Peter of Castile. The combination of these two religions gave birth to a beautiful blend of Christian and Muslim architectural designs.
Day 14 - Lisbon
A beautiful drive takes you across the border from Spain to Portugal. En route, visit Évora for a walking tour of this UNESCO walled city, see such sights as the Roman Temple, cathedral and main square. Continue to Lisbon and begin to explore the secrets of this fascinating city, once the capital of the world's greatest maritime empire.
Day 15 - Lisbon
This morning a local guide introduces you to the jewels of Lisbon. You will see the Monument of the Discoveries, Alfama district, Rossio Square and St. George's Castle and the inside of the Jerónimos Monastery. This afternoon learn about the famous Portuguese ceramic tiles, or azulejos, that are all over the city and decorate your own piece during a hands-on ceramic tile workshop.
A Fairy-Tale Castle
First built in 1503 as a monastery by King Manuel I, Pena Palace together with the rest of the cultural landscape of Sintra was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The monastery was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 and left to decay until the German King Ferdinand bought it in1840 and restored it to it’s current impressive an colorful appearance. On a clear day you can see this fairy-tale castle from just about anywhere in Lisbon.
Day 16 - Lisbon
Today a full day excursion takes you north to Fátima where you will visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima built around the place where, in 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherds. After visiting the Basilica, the Chapel of Apparitions and the modern Church of the Holy Trinity, you will have free time for reflection before heading back towards Lisbon to visit Sintra. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sintra has been the summer residence of the royal family since the 14th century.
Day 17 - Departure Day
Transfer to the Lisbon Airport for your group return flight to USA.
Join this Program!
Students will join other teens from across the United States, accompanied by experienced, passionate and globally-minded U.S. certified educators. These inspiring leaders guide, nurture and mentor students on their journey to Global Citizenship.
What’s Included:
Roundtrip Airfare
Accommodations
Teacher Leaders
Full Time Local Program Director
Transportation to Included Activities
Breakfast and Dinner Daily
All Attractions and Activities
Guided Sightseeing by Local Expert Guides
All Tips and Gratuities
24-Hour Support
All Taxes and Fees
Global Citizen Certificate
Pre-Travel Preparation Meetings and Seminars
