Portugal 12 Days
From the big city excitement of Lisbon to the small-town charm of Lagos, you will have a blast exploring Portugal on this trip for high schoolers. You and your fellow travelers will enjoy thrilling canyoning, kayaking, and surfing! Led by amazing leaders, since this is a summer program for a smaller travel group, it allows you to occasionally go off the beaten path to explore charming towns and discover local treasures. This travel program is designed to help create a lifetime of curiosity, exploration, and connection with others.
Please note that participants on some departures of this program join us for the last 12 days of our longer 28-day Spain & Portugal program.
Experience new cultures and thrilling activities in a smaller, tight-knit travel group.
Hotels
Includes breakfast and dinner daily.
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
Deluxe, private motor coach and occasional public transportation within cities.
Up to 26 participants
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Fly overnight to Porto. Once you land, your orientation will officially begin with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
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 12 amazing days, it is time to say goodbye to this incredible country 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!
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 Porto, Portugal
For participants on this program, we help you coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival in Porto, Portugal.
Return Flight Home From Lisbon, Portugal
For your return from Lisbon, we offer a chaperoned flight to New York. For travelers from outside the New York area, we can help you arrange transfers at suitable times after the group has cleared customs and immigration; or you may fly home directly from Portugal to your home city and our leaders will help you 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 to sample the famous pastries of Belem and the freshest fruits and tastiest cheeses in Portugal? 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 or 25-day Greece & Italy 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.
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