Greek Islands & Portugal 20 Days
Do you know what Portugal and Greece have in common? They both feature some of the most popular beach destinations in Europe! Between SCUBA diving and snorkeling in Naxos, canyoning and surfing in Portugal, and kayaking around Santorini, you’re sure to fall in love with these two stunning countries. Led by an outstanding staff team, this small-group teen travel program allows us to go off the beaten path to explore charming towns and discover local treasures. With some room for flexibility in our day-to-day adventures, you’ll also be able to find that viewpoint for the perfect golden sunset or pick your favorite cafe for lunch. This summer trip is designed to foster a lifetime of curiosity, exploration, and connection!
Experience new cultures and thrilling activities in a smaller, tight-knit travel group.
Hotels
Includes breakfast and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Private motor coach, ferries, and occasional public transportation within cities.
Varies from 24 to 36 participants.
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Fly overnight to Athens. Once you land, your orientation will officially begin with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
Venture to the heart and soul of Greece and its capital city of Athens. Marvel at the astounding architectural feat of the Parthenon and Acropolis. See Aphrodite amongst her friends in the New Acropolis Museum just down the hill from where she used to live. Wander through the streets of the Plaka area filled with shops and markets.
Ferry across the Aegean Sea to the unique island of Naxos. View the Venetian castle while meandering through the main streets of Hora, lined with charming cafes and shops. Relax on the beautiful beaches that surround the island. Learn how to SCUBA dive on our underwater adventure. Prepare an authentic Greek meal in the village of Galini. (For your safety, all SCUBA operators restrict participants with certain medical conditions. Please ask about your own circumstances if applicable.)
Once you visit, you’ll always remember the signature view of the white-painted houses of Fira, with sheer cliffs, blue sky, and sea. Enjoy mesmerizing sunsets. Explore the town of Fira and take a cable car ride to the port. Voyage across the sea to hike the volcano Nea Kameni and stop to swim in the hot springs that surround it. Enjoy dinner in the town of Oia. Explore the incredible red, white and black sand beaches on our guided sea kayaking excursion and swim in the Aegean Sea.
Travel back to Athens, and enjoy a final Greek sunset before heading to Portugal.
Colorful buildings and Baroque spires dot the banks of the Rio Douro in this riverside town. Adventure awaits as you embark on an all-day waterfall canyoning experience in the rugged Peneda Geres National Park. Admire the sunset as you cruise the Rio Douro after your guided city tour of all the top spots.
Get ready to dive into the crystal blue waters of the Algarve region. Our home base is the quintessential beach town of Lagos, complete with cobbled streets, sprawling plazas, and enclosed by a 16th-century wall. Scenic beaches are just around the corner, making this a beloved spot for travelers. Check out the impressive rock formations, deserted beaches and sea caves from your sea kayak. Try out your moves at the disco and warm up your vocal chords at karaoke with exciting evenings out on the town.
This colorful cityscape is nestled into the hills above the Tagus River. Pedal through tree-lined streets and river paths on our guided bike tour, and hang ten at a surf school on the Atlantic. Enjoy the day in charming Sintra exploring the Quinta de Regaleira Palace and an evening in chic Cascais. After 20 amazing days, it is time to say goodbye to these two incredible countries and your many new friends.
Say farewell to your new friends as you part ways for your return home. The summer might be over, but all the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
Athens, Greece
You will stay in the city center, either at Acropolis Select Hotel, Hermes Hotel, or Central Hotel. Surrounded by small art museums, cafes, and galleries, enjoy the most elegant and residential blocks of Athens.
Naxos, Greece
Mare Naxia, Naxos Holidays Hotel, Princess of Naxos, Naxos Resort, and Hotel Naxos Palace are all located in Cyclades on the island of Naxos. The hotels are close to the beach and to Naxos Center. They’re some of the most modern hotels in Naxos built according to the traditional Naxian architecture, combined with modern facilities and services.
Santorini, Greece
While in Santorini, we will be staying at either the Rosebay Hotel, Santorini Palace, Kamari Beach, or Splendour Resort. All properties are luxury resort hotels that combine simplicity with beauty in the heart of the island.
Porto, Portugal
Situated in Porto’s Ribeira district, Carris Hoteles Porto Ribeira is situated in a refurbished, historic building overlooking the Douro River. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and modern décor.
Lagos (Algarve), Portugal
With its ideal location in the very center of Lagos, the Tivoli Lagos 4 star hotel in the Algarve is a real reflection of local culture, from the decoration by Maria José Salavisa to the white and blue walkways which connect the rooms, patios, and restaurants.
Lisbon, Portugal
Hotel Exe Saldanha prides itself on valuing the essence of Portuguese hospitality. Ideally located near Parc Eduardo VII and the Avenida da Liberdade, a long and bustling avenue that invites you to stroll down enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Flight To Athens, Greece
Participants on this trip have the option to fly overseas on our chaperoned flight that leaves in the evening from the New York area to Athens. Our leaders greet you at the airport and are with you from check-in onward. For the many travelers from outside the New York area, you can choose to join the chaperoned flight and we are happy to assist you with arranging connecting flights at suitable times into New York. You may also choose to meet us in Athens and we will help you coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival.
Internal Flight
Separate from the airfare to and from this program, there is an additional $395 USD fee for an internal flight from Greece to Portugal.
Return Flight Home From Lisbon, Portugal
For your return from Lisbon, we offer a chaperoned flight to New York. For travelers from other areas, you may choose to join that flight and arrange transfers at suitable times from New York after the group has cleared customs and immigration in the USA; or you may fly from Lisbon to your home city and our leaders help you to check-in and remain in the airport until flights in designated times have departed.
Meals & New Cuisines
Breakfasts in Europe are eaten at our hotels and served buffet style with a variety of options. For dinners, either the whole group goes to the same restaurant or we divide into smaller groups of your choosing. For lunch, you will enjoy eating in smaller groups and choosing from local cafés, bistros and other restaurants. Are you ready for Greek frozen yogurt and delectable feta and gyros? The food in Europe is terrific, so get set to eat extremely well!
We have satisfied the choosiest of eaters and gladly accommodate most special dietary requests including vegetarian, food allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and kosher style. We welcome discussing your individual requirements with you and have extensive experience in this area.
Laundry
You will only need one week’s worth of clothing as outlined in the packing list that will be sent to you prior to departure. Every week you may drop off your laundry at a local wash and fold service and then pick it up clean, folded and ready to go.
What’s Included
Included in your program tuition is all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, recreation & entertainment listed, airport transfers in designated times, gratuities & taxes.
Not included is transportation to and from the program, lunches, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, and laundry. We also make available optional travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.
Please contact us with any questions. We are happy to hear from you!
Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
What is the difference between an Active Teen Tour and a Global Adventure program?
Our Active Teen Tours offer larger group sizes (generally 35-48 participants) and travel in deluxe motor coaches. Accommodations include quality hotels and occasional fun college residences.
Global Adventures are smaller group experiences (generally up to 26 participants on all itineraries other than the 17, 20 or 25-day Greece & Italy, 20-day Greece & Portugal or 10-day Greek Islands, which varies from 24-36 participants.)
Groups travel by private motor coaches and occasional public transportation internationally, and use passenger vans in the USA. Select European programs travel exclusively by train and public transportation. While these programs have a slightly bigger focus on adventure travel, we stay in quality hotels and lodges, always ensuring a good night’s rest.