Spain & Portugal 28 Days
Cosmopolitan cities, beautiful beaches, quaint medieval towns, and exciting nightlife; this trip for high schoolers across Spain and Portugal has it all! Grab your passport and sense of adventure and tour both large, metropolitan cities and small, off-the-beaten-path villages and beachside towns. Immerse yourself in the wonder of Spain’s artistic masterpieces, sample some tapas or maybe a pasteis de nata while trying some thrilling canyoning, kayaking, and surfing. This small-group experience is led by amazing summer leaders, and the expertly planned itinerary allows for flexibility and spontaneity along the way.
Please note on some dates that a limited number of participants depart on day 17 and new participants may join as the group continues on to Portugal.
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 Barcelona. Once you land, your orientation will officially begin with some of our favorite icebreakers and “get to know you” activities.
Where better to start your adventure than in the country’s thrilling Mediterranean jewel? Experience magical Catalan culture and stroll through Plaza Catalunya, Plaza de España, and along the Gran Via. Discover the works of Gaudi, including famous Park Guell mosaics. Visit the famous Cathedral Sagrada Familia, the Gothic signature to the Barcelona skyline. Visit the storied FC Barcelona soccer stadium and fan showcase. Stroll the very happening Las Ramblas down to the harborfront for colorful street performers. Savor local cuisine and feast on tapas in the Old Gothic Quarter. Enjoy creating your own local culinary delights during an evening at an authentic Spanish cooking school. Relax, swim and suntan on famous Barcelonetta Beach.
Enjoy the beautiful beaches during your Mediterranean Sea stay. Sail to Tabarca Island and snorkel in the marine reserve.
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Granada is rich with history and is home to one of the most visited sites in the world, the Alhambra. Your guided tour of this 12th century Moorish palace and fortification promises to be a highlight. Visit the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, home of the remains of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Explore the narrow streets of the Albaicin full of local merchants, visit gypsy caves or simply enjoy a cafe con leche in the famous Plaza Nueva.
The “city of towers” is the center of bullfighting and flamenco dance. Visit Parque de Maria Luisa and Barrio Santa Cruz. Take a flamenco dance class and appreciate its real art at an exciting live show.
From the glitz and glam of the Gran Via to the stately charm of the Royal Palace, with markets, galleries and dinner shows, Madrid will steal your heart from the moment you step into its lively streets. Imagine row boating in Retiro Park, exploring the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol by night, and admiring the Spanish master artists Velasquez and Goya at the Prado. A day trip to ancient Toledo rounds out your stay in this sparkling Spanish capital city.
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 surf school on the Atlantic. Enjoy the day in charming Sintra exploring the Quinta de Regaleira Palace and an evening in chic Cascais. After four amazing weeks, it is time to say goodbye to these 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!
Barcelona, Spain
The Exe Cristal Palace is located in the center of Barcelona so all of the attractions along Las Ramblas and Paseo de Gracia avenues are within easy reach. This hotel has a warm and comfortable atmosphere, along with light-filled rooms.
Alicante, Spain
The Eurostars Lucentum or Hotel Occidental are modern hotels located in the heart of Alicante. They are very close walking distance to the Mercado Central, the port, the beach and the Old Quarter.
Granada, Spain
The premium Gran Hotel Luna De Granada hotel is centrally located in Granada’s city center making it just a short walk away from all the attractions. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a sun terrace, a gym and an outdoor pool.
Seville, Spain
The Novotel Sevilla hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers amazing views from the rooftop swimming pool. Seville is Spain’s 4th largest city and is best known for flamenco music and tapas.
Madrid, Spain
Located in the center of Madrid, the Exe Moncloa Hotel or Eurostars Central offer convenient access to major attractions and dining options. The rooms are bright and modern spaces, perfect for relaxing after exploring the city.
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 Barcelona, Spain
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 Barcelona. 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 Barcelona and we will help coordinate your flight times and greet you upon arrival.
Internal Flight
Separate from the airfare to and from this program, there is an additional $195 USD fee for an internal flight from Madrid, Spain to Porto, 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 to sample tapas in Barcelona, Paella in Seville, 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, internal flight from Madrid to Porto, 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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