Overview
Light up the stage on a performance tour to Portugal, one of the oldest countries in Europe. Between performances at some of Lisbon’s most breathtaking venues, your musicians can look forward to a guided Lisbon city walk and visits to the Monument to the Discoveries, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and Belém Tower. Take in sweeping views from the Mirador de Santa Justa and enjoy an excursion to picturesque Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site long beloved by poets, artists, and kings.
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
Explore Lisbon on a guided city walk through neighborhoods shaped by centuries of global trade. Wander the narrow lanes of the Alfama quarter, spend time in lively Rossio Square, and explore the Chiado quarter’s cafés and shops before strolling along Avenida da Liberdade, the city’s grand, tree-lined boulevard.
Day 3
Lisbon guided sightseeing tour
Explore Europe’s smallest capital as you visit the Monument to the Discoveries and consider Portugal’s Age of Exploration. Tour Mosteiro dos Jerónimos to study Manueline architecture and the legacy of Vasco da Gama, then examine Belém Tower’s defensive role along the Tagus River. Discuss the engineering of Ponte Vasco da Gama and take in panoramic views from the Mirador de Santa Justa while reflecting on Lisbon’s blend of medieval heritage and modern growth.
Castelo de São Jorge visit
Explore Castelo de São Jorge, the historic heart of Lisbon and the city's birthplace. Once home to the Phoenicians and later various conquerors, this iconic castle reveals Lisbon's rich past.
Lisbon performance
Potential venues include (but not limited to): Basilica dos Mártires, St. Dominic's International School, the Lisbon Coliseum, the Marques de Pombal Foundation, and the Theatre of the Spanish Institute of Lisbon - "Giner de los Rios". Subject to final confirmation.
Day 4
Sintra, Cape Roca & Cascais guided excursion
National Palace visit, Cape Roca (Europe’s most westerly point), beaches of Cascais & Estoril, Citadel of Cascais
Evora excursion
Explore the capital of the Alto Alentejo, once a Roman city under Julius Caesar known as Liberalitas Julia. Wander streets that feel like an open-air museum, where remarkably preserved monuments and historic buildings bring Portugal’s rich, layered history to life.
Cork factory visit
Visit a traditional cork factory and see how raw bark is transformed into beautiful, sustainable products. Gain insight into one of Portugal’s most important industries and learn how cork production supports both the economy and environmental stewardship.
Day 5
Óbidos and Batalha excursion
Explore Óbidos, Peniche and Batalha
Batalha performance
Potential venues include (but not limited to): the Monastery of Batalha, a UNESCO Heritage site built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. Subject to final confirmation.
Day 6
Evora city walk
You will see 16th and 17th century houses, many with tile patios, cobblestoned and labyrinthine streets, squares with bubbling fountains and a profuse display of Moorish-inspired arches that help characterize the town. Your walk will be highlighted by the Praça do Giraldo, the city’s main square, the remains of the Roman Walls and the Roman Temple.
Evora performance
Potential venues include (but not limited to): the Praça do Giraldo. Subject to final confirmation.
Day 7
Travel to Porto
Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal, renowned for its stately bridges and port wine production. In the medieval Ribeira district, narrow cobbled streets wind past merchants' houses and cafés. São Francisco Church is famous for its lavish Baroque interior adorned with ornate gilded carvings. The palatial 19th-century Palácio da Bolsa, formerly a stock exchange, was built to impress potential European investors.
Porto city walk
Torre dos Clérigos visit, Palacio do Bolsa guided visit
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 3 Days in Porto
Travel north to Porto, stopping in Coimbra for a guided tour of Coimbra University and its historic library, along with Santa Cruz Monastery. Continue to Porto for a walking tour through the city’s historic center. Climb the Torre dos Clérigos, tour the ornate Palácio da Bolsa, visit Porto Cathedral, and enjoy a scenic cruise along the Douro River. On your final day, take a guided excursion to Braga and Guimarães. Visit the Cathedral of Braga, explore the hilltop sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, and stop at the Sameiro Sanctuary before returning home.
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
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
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
Scenes from Portugal
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.