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 centre, then continue to Plaza Mayor, where centuries of history have unfolded from royal weddings to bullfights. Conclude at Plaza de España, a favourite 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 lively Gran Vía with its theatres, 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.
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
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 5
Travel to Porto via Guimarães
Guimarães Tour Director-led sightseeing
Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its well-preserved medieval architecture. On this Tour Director–led sightseeing tour, explore Guimarães Castle, a 10th-century fortress built to defend the region from invaders. Stroll through the historic Old Town, admire the medieval square Largo da Oliveira, and visit the Gothic Church of Our Lady of the Olive Tree, gaining insight into the origins and early history of Portugal.
Day 6
Porto guided sightseeing tour
A guided sightseeing tour introduces Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, known for its bustling riverfront, historic neighborhoods, and iconic bridges, including one designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. Begin in the Ribeira district, where colourful houses and decorative balconies line narrow cobblestone streets along the Douro River. Visit the Church of São Francisco, whose plain exterior contrasts with its richly gilded Baroque interior, and continue to the Sé Cathedral of Porto, featuring marble and stonework, a silver altarpiece in the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, and traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles.
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 centre 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 honour attests to the continuing flood of pilgrims who visit the city each year.
Coimbra University guided visit
Enjoy a walking tour through the University of Coimbra, featuring key highlights such as the Porta Férrea, the Via Latina, the Sala dos Capelos with its portraits of Portuguese kings, and the University Chapel. Inside the chapel, see an 18th-century organ, 16th-century candelabra, 17th-century tiles, and a finely carved Manueline portal.
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine visit
Day 8
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.
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.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre 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
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from Spain and 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
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.
