Overview
Set out alongside your choir on an unforgettable performance journey through Lisbon, Mérida, and Madrid. Beyond the stage, your musicians will explore Lisbon and the picturesque royal retreat of Sintra, discover Roman ruins and iconic Spanish architecture, including the Casa de las Conchas, and learn how to flamenco in Madrid.
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 Portugal’s capital city 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.
Lisbon choir performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 4
Sintra excursion
Journey to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by wooded hills and dotted with historic palaces. Visit the National Palace of Sintra, one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval royal residences, then explore Quinta da Regaleira, a fantastical estate filled with gardens, hidden tunnels, ornate architecture, and the famous Initiation Well.
Day 5
Travel to Mérida
Roman theater and Amphitheatre visit
Delve into the rich history and architectural brilliance of one of Spain's most iconic archaeological sites. Marvel at the well-preserved structures and learn about the theater's historical significance.
Temple of Diana photo stop
Day 6
Travel to Madrid
Salamanca guided sightseeing tour
This guided sightseeing tour introduces Salamanca, a historic city shaped by scholarship, religion, and pilgrimage. Visit the Casa de las Conchas, now a public library, known for its façade decorated with more than 300 scallop shells, the symbol of the Camino de Santiago. Explore the Catedral Nueva (New Cathedral), noted for its unexpected modern carvings added during a 1992 restoration, and the adjoining Catedral Vieja de Santa María (Old Cathedral), dating to the 14th century. The tour also includes the University of Salamanca, founded in 1134, where Christopher Columbus once presented his plans for a new route to the West Indies.
Day 7
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.
Reina Sofia Museum guided visit
Officially recognized as Spain's National Museum of 20th-Century Art, the Reina Sofía is home to an outstanding collection of works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and other leading modern artists. Highlights include Picasso's "Guernica," along with extensive collections celebrating the evolution of 20th-century Spanish art.
Day 8
Madrid choir performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Flamenco lesson
Learn how to dance Flamenco from local dancers in a lesson.
Day 9
Return 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 and from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Daily meals, with options varying by program. Ask your Account Manager for details
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
High school credit for students in grades 6-12, or college credit for students in grades 9-12, upon completion of the travel program and required WorldStrides online coursework
Scenes from Spain & 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.