Spain and Portugal
Read below for day-by-day itinerary and inclusions for this program.
Program Dates:
June 25 - July 9, 2024
Enrollment for this program is now closed for Summer 2024. View Summer 2025 Programs!
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Board your overnight flight bound for Barcelona.
Day 2 - Barcelona
Arrive in Barcelona, meet your Travel Director and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Start exploring on an orientation walk around the city. Attend your welcome dinner this evening.
Day 3 - Barcelona
A local guide introduces you to the highlights of Barcelona such as the main pedestrian boulevard the Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter and La Sagrada Familia Basilica. For lunch, visit the spectacular La Boquería market to buy provisions for a picnic on the beach. In the evening, enjoy a walk along the Passeig de Gracia to see the illuminated buildings by Gaudí and other modernist architects.
Day 4 - Barcelona
Today you will focus on two of Barcelona's favorite sons. First, visit the Picasso Museum, housed in five gothic palaces to see some of his early masterpieces and his famous Las Meninas series. Later, continue to the stunning Güell Parc designed by Antoni Gaudí and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Later, take a bike tour of to see more of Barcelona’s amazing architecture, history and street life! For dinner, you’ll participate in a traditional paella cooking lesson and make your own dinner.
Did You Know?
The construction of Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia began in 1882, and is still not completed today. Knowing the project would not be completed in his lifetime, when asked when it would be finished, he famously replied “my client is not in a hurry." UNESCO has designated seven of Gaudi’s works in Barcelona as Heritage Sites.
Day 5 - Madrid
Travel to Madrid on the high speed AVE train. Transfer to your hotel and then head to the beautiful Retiro Park where you will row boats in the lake and try the local Horchata drink. This evening enjoy a walking tour of old Madrid followed by a tapas dinner.
Day 6 - Madrid
This morning visit the Prado Museum to see works by artists such as Goya, El Greco and Velázquez. Later, visit the Santiago Bernabeu stadium - home of Real Madrid. Tonight, be sure to try the chocolate con churros at the famous Chocolatería de San Ginés!
Day 7 - Granada
Your first stop today is in Toledo. A local guide will introduce you to the highlights of the city. Visit the stunning gothic cathedral, the Santa Maria la Blanca synagogue and the Santo Tomé chapel to admire the famous painting, Burial of the Count of Orgaz, by El Greco. Then drive through La Mancha in the footsteps of Don Quijote, the famous literary character from the novel by Miguel de Cervantes. You will see the beautiful 16th century windmills which Quijote fought when he mistook them for giants. Finally, arrive in Granada where you will enjoy an evening walk around the beautiful Albaicín quarter with its spectacular views of the Alhambra Palace.
The Story of Marzipan
The origin of Marzipan is disputed by several nations, however according to Spanish legend this sweet treat originated in Toledo in the 13th century during a famine. The nuns of the Convent of San Clemente, determined to help, made use of the only two ingredients left in their pantry - sugar and almonds. Today it is most often found in cookies but is also formed in to shapes of small animals or colorful fruits and is considered a Spanish staple.
Day 8 - Costa del Sol
This morning a local expert will lead a tour of the Alhambra Palace the inspiration for music and stories such as those by Washington Irving. Visit the magnificent Generalife Gardens and the Summer Palace. After lunch continue to the coast for your overnight destination on the Costa del Sol.
Day 9 - Costa del Sol
Today, spend a leisurely day on the beach with your friends and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea! Take some time to enoy the many cafes along the beach and take some time to shop the local markets and stores.
Day 10 - Seville
Bid farewell to the Costa Del Sol and drive to the famous whitewashed town of Ronda. Take a walk around the old town including across the stunning bridge with its picturesque views. Continue to Seville, the capital of Andalusia. In the evening enjoy a stroll around the Santa Cruz quarter.
Day 11 - Seville
This morning enjoy a tour of Seville, and see highlights of the city, such as Plaza de España, the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. You will also have the opportunity to ascend La Giralda, the bell tower of the Seville cathedral to admire wonderful views of the city. In the afternoon enjoy some kayaking along the beautiful River Guadalquivir.
Brave Explorers
Portugal was the most powerful and successful seafaring nation in the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, you can visit the The Padrão dos Descobrimentos a beautiful monument situated on the banks of the Tejo Estuary. Over 30 historical figures who were instrumental in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries are represented including Vasco da Game, Henry the Navigator and Ferdinand Magellan.
Day 12 - Lisbon
This morning 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, such 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 13 - Lisbon
This morning a local guide introduces you to the jewels of Lisbon. See the Monument of the Discoveries, the Alfama district, Rossio Square and St. George's Castle. You’ll also visit 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.
Day 14 - Lisbon
This morning visit Sintra. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sintra has been the summer residence of the royal family since the fourteenth century. See the unique and colorful Pena Palace and the surrounding gardens. Return to Lisbon for a final free afternoon of exploring.
Day 15 - Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
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
