Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Immerse your students in the vibrant sights and sounds of Spain’s capital city, exploring Madrid’s famous plazas, admiring stunning neoclassical and Baroque architecture around the city, and touring the largest palace in Europe. Your group can also look forward to discovering the medieval city of Salamanca, enjoying a picturesque cruise on the Douro, and immersing themselves in Portuguese culture at a local fado show in Lisbon.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Spain (Madrid)
Day 2
Arrive in Madrid
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.
Madrid city walk
Discover Madrid’s lively spirit with your Tour Director on a walk through its bustling streets. Begin at Puerta del Sol, the vibrant city center, then continue to Plaza Mayor, where centuries of history have unfolded from royal weddings to bullfights. Conclude at Plaza de España, a favorite spot for outdoor cafés and people-watching in the heart of the city.
Day 3
Madrid guided sightseeing tour
Experience Spain’s capital with a licensed guide. Visit the Royal Palace, Europe’s largest, to see lavish halls and frescoes. Stroll Calle Mayor and lively Gran Vía with its theaters, shops, and cafés. Admire the Cibeles Fountain depicting the earth goddess Cybele. See the Neoclassical Puerta de Alcalá in Plaza de la Independencia, a ceremonial gateway to the city. Conclude at Columbus Square, a hub of monuments and museums.
Optional
Toledo guided excursion (optional)
Tour Toledo, long considered the spiritual capital of Spain and once home to El Greco. Visit Toledo Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece filled with treasures such as alabaster sculpture, El Greco’s paintings, and a gilded monstrance carried in Corpus Christi processions. Step into St. Mary’s Synagogue, a symbol of coexistence among three faiths, and explore Toledo’s famous sword-making tradition at a local factory.
Tapas dinner
Day 4
Travel to Salamanca via Segovia
Segovia Alcazar visit
A castle fit for a king! This stone fortification rises up imposingly from a rocky crag in the old city of Segovia. See its towering round turrets, spindly spires, luxurious throne room and fully stocked armory.
Salamanca guided sightseeing tour
New Cathedral visit, Old Cathedral visit, University of Salamanca visit, Casa de las Conchas, Plaza Mayor
Day 5
Travel to Porto via Guimaraes
Guimaraes Tour Director-led sightseeing
Guimaraes Castle, Old Town, Largo da Oliveira medieval square, Our Lady of the Olive Tree
Day 6
Porto guided sightseeing tour
Ribeira district, Sé Cathedral, Church of São Francisco
Douro River cruise
Journey through Portugal's renowned wine region on a traditional Rabelo boat, taking in breathtaking views of terraced vineyards, historic estates, and charming villages along the riverbanks.
Day 7
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.
Coimbra University guided visit
University Library visit, Chapel visit, Royal Palace visit
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine visit
Day 8
Lisbon guided sightseeing tour
Monument to the Discoveries, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos visit, Belém Tower, Mirador de Santa Justa
Azulejos tile workshop
Learn the traditional art of painting and glazing ceramic tiles, a craft deeply rooted in Portuguese culture. These workshops often involve hands-on activities, allowing attendees to design and create their own unique tiles while exploring the rich history and techniques of Azulejos.
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.
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
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.