Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Bring your students to discover the history and culture of Portugal, visiting Coimbra University, discovering the Royal Palace, and enjoying a scenic drive through the Douro Valley. Your group will also wander the colorful streets of Sintra—Portugal’s royal oasis, explore the heart of Porto in the Ribeira district, and enjoy an evening of live Fado music.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Portugal (Lisbon)
Day 2
Arrive in Lisbon
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Lisbon city walk
Rossio Square, Chiado quarter, Alfama quarter
Day 3
Travel to Porto via Coimbra & Fátima
Portugal's biggest university town, Coimbra has been a center of learning since 1290, when the country's first college was founded here. Fátima draws pilgrims rather than students. In 1917, three children saw several apparitions of the Virgin Mary in a field here, and the enormous basilica that was built in her honor attests to the continuing flood of pilgrims who visit the city each year.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima visit
Coimbra University guided visit
University Library visit, Chapel visit, Royal Palace visit
Day 4
Porto guided sightseeing tour
Ribeira district, Sé Cathedral, Church of São Francisco
Day 5
Optional
Braga & Guimaraes guided excursion (optional)
Cathedral of Braga visit, Bom Jesus do Monte, Sameiro Sanctuary visit
Day 6
Scenic drive through the Douro Valley
Admire the world's most beautiful wine region as you make your way from Porto to Peso da Régua, through the terraced hillsides at the heart of the Douro Valley.
Travel to Lisbon
Day 7
Lisbon guided sightseeing tour
Monument to the Discoveries, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos visit, Belém Tower, Mirador de Santa Justa
Day 8
Sintra, Cape Roca & Cascais guided excursion
National Palace visit, Cape Roca (Europe’s most westerly point), beaches of Cascais & Estoril, Citadel of Cascais
Fado evening
Portugal's version of the Blues, Fado means "fate" or "destiny," and its songs generally tell the tale of lost love or glory. Head to a Fado house in the Bairro Alto and see the singers swathed in black, accompanied by 12-stringed guitars, crooning their hearts out.
Day 9
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Algarve
Travel through the historic city of Évora, where you’ll visit the Roman Temple, the São João Evangelista Church, and the unforgettable Chapel of Bones. Continue to the Algarve for an excursion to Lagos, known for its striking Ponta da Piedade cliffs and serene Camilo Beach. Enjoy a guided walk through Lagos’ Old Town, rich in maritime history and local charm, before returning to Lisbon.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Portugal, Lisbon & Porto
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.