Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Departure to Lisbon

Board your overnight flight to Portugal and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Portugal and Spain filled with history, culture, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences.

Day 2: Welcome to Lisbon

Arrive in Lisbon and meet your local Program Director at the airport. After settling into your centrally located hotel, head out to begin exploring Portugal’s vibrant capital with a guided walking tour through the historic Alfama district, known for its winding streets, colorful buildings, and incredible viewpoints overlooking the city. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner and enjoy your first taste of traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Day 3: Lisbon Highlights

Today, discover some of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks during a guided city tour. Visit historic sites including St. George’s Castle, the Monument of the Discoveries, and the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery while learning about Portugal’s Age of Exploration and maritime history. Later, enjoy time to continue exploring Lisbon’s lively neighborhoods, cafés, and scenic streets.

Day 4: Sintra and Cascais Day Trip

Travel outside the city today to the fairytale town of Sintra, one of Portugal’s most magical destinations. Visit the colorful Pena Palace, perched high above the hills with breathtaking views and unique architecture. Continue to the charming coastal town of Cascais, where you’ll stroll through picturesque streets and enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere before returning to Lisbon for your final evening in the city.

Day 5: Travel to Seville via Évora

Depart Portugal and journey toward Spain, stopping along the way in the historic town of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with fascinating history and beautiful architecture. Visit highlights including the Roman Temple, Évora Cathedral, and the famous Chapel of Bones. Continue on to Seville and take part in a hands-on tile-painting workshop where you’ll create your own traditional ceramic tile. Tonight, enjoy a walk through the atmospheric Santa Cruz neighborhood.

Day 6: Seville’s Highlights

Explore the vibrant city of Seville during a guided tour featuring many of its most famous landmarks. Visit the stunning Royal Alcázar, the beautiful Plaza de España, and the massive Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Climb La Giralda tower for incredible panoramic views over the city. Later, enjoy free time to explore local markets, shops, and lively plazas.

Day 7: Travel to Granada via Ronda

Today, travel through the Andalusian countryside toward Granada, stopping in the spectacular hilltop town of Ronda along the way. Known for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the gorge below, Ronda offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in southern Spain. Continue to Granada this evening and enjoy a walk through the historic Albaicín quarter, where you’ll take in unforgettable nighttime views of the illuminated Alhambra.

Day 8: The Alhambra

Spend the morning exploring one of Spain’s most extraordinary landmarks — the Alhambra Palace and the beautiful Generalife Gardens. Learn about the site’s Moorish history, intricate architecture, and importance throughout Spanish history as you wander through its palaces, courtyards, and gardens. This evening, you will have the opportunity to attend an authentic flamenco show (optional for an additional cost), followed by a fun and interactive flamenco dance lesson that brings the passion and traditions of Andalusian culture to life.

Day 9: Valencia

Depart Granada and continue to the coastal city of Valencia, birthplace of Spain’s famous paella. Upon arrival, explore Valencia’s charming old town, including Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza de la Reina, Valencia Cathedral, and La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s finest examples of Gothic civil architecture.

Day 10: Gaudi’s Barcelona

This morning, travel from Valencia to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most exciting and artistic cities. Later this afternoon, discover the incredible works of Antoni Gaudí during a guided tour featuring entrance to the world-famous Sagrada Família and the colorful, imaginative Park Güell.

Day 11: Gothic Quarter, Beach and Farewell Dinner

Begin the day exploring Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter and the lively Las Ramblas. Then, visit the famous La Boqueria Market to pick up fresh local ingredients for a beachside picnic lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Barceloneta Beach, enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere, sunshine, and local flavors. Tonight, celebrate your final evening with a hands-on paella cooking class where you’ll learn how to prepare one of Spain’s most iconic dishes before enjoying your homemade farewell dinner together.

Day 12: Departure from Barcelona

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, bringing back unforgettable memories of Lisbon, Évora, Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona, along with new friendships, incredible experiences, and a deeper connection to the cultures of Portugal and Spain.