SPAIN & PORTUGAL DISCOVERY

We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better sense of this experience. The actual program may vary, and an itinerary will be distributed no later than two weeks before the program begins. Even after the itinerary is sent, adjustments may still be made in coordination with tour guides and the tour operator—both leading up to and during the program—based on local conditions.

DAY 1 | DEPARTURE FLIGHT
Meet your staff and teens at the airport before traveling together to Europe on an overnight flight. Once we land, your trip officially begins! We’ll break the ice with some fun and engaging activities so that you get to know everyone in the group. To learn more about how we organize travel to and from the program, click here.

DAY 2–4 | LISBON, PORTUGAL
Our adventure begins in the coastal capital of Portugal, Lisbon. We’ll kick off with a panoramic tour of the city, exploring its historic charm and vibrant streets. Enjoy a scenic boat tour with music as you take in beautiful views of Lisbon from the water. Visit Sintra Natural Park where you'll explore hidden trails, caves, and the stunning Pena National Palace. Don’t miss the bluffs of Roca Cape, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and take in the scenic beaches of Cascais along the Atlantic coast. We’ll spend our first Shabbat together in Europe at Synagogue Shaare Tikvah with a delicious dinner and time to relax. Our walking tour of Lisbon includes stops at the Monument of Discoveries, Cristo Rei Statue, and the iconic Belém Tower, providing insights into Portugal’s rich history and culture.

DAY 5 | SEVILLE, SPAIN
Next, we’re off to Spain! In Seville, we’ll visit the renowned Plaza De Toros De La Real Maestranza, the largest and most important bullfighting ring in Spain. Explore the historic Royal Alcázar of Seville, the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe, and climb the Giralda bell tower for a panoramic view of the city. Reflect on history at Christopher Columbus’ tomb before heading to Seville Castle’s hedge maze. After soaking in Seville’s vibrant atmosphere, we travel to Marbella.

DAY 6–7 | MARBELLA, SPAIN
Enjoy exciting water sports and swimming at a local water park in Marbella. We’ll then explore Málaga with visits to the bustling Atarazanas market and the stunning Torcal de Antequera national park, known for its unique limestone rock formations. There’s plenty of time to unwind and explore the coastal beauty of Marbella before we continue our journey.

DAY 8 | GRANADA, SPAIN
Stroll the historic streets of Granada and visit the Cathedral and Capilla Real, the Royal Chapel that houses the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella. End the day with relaxation and a cultural experience at the Traditional Hammam Baths in Cordoba, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

DAY 9 | CÓRDOBA, SPAIN
Discover the history and beauty of Córdoba on a tour of the Mezquita, a stunning architectural blend of mosque and cathedral, and explore the Casa de Sefarad Museum and Judería de Córdoba. The Jewish Quarter offers a glimpse into the city’s rich Sephardic heritage, with its narrow streets and historic landmarks.

DAY 10–14 | MADRID, SPAIN
Our journey concludes in Madrid, where we’ll welcome Shabbat with the local Jewish community. Explore Madrid’s vibrant heart with visits to Plaza España, Plaza Mayor, and the majestic Royal Palace of Madrid. Take a serene break in Buen Retiro Park, and discover the artistic wonders of the Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofía, showcasing works by masters like Dalí and Picasso. We’ll also take a trip to Toledo, with a panoramic view from the historic Alcázar Fortress, and participate in a fun cooking class where you can learn to make traditional Spanish dishes. Our final night will be celebrated with a special dinner and a Flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Torres Bermejas—an unforgettable way to cap off your adventure.

DAY 15 | RETURN FLIGHT
It’s never goodbye, just see you later. Head to the airport for a flight back to the United States. Give your friends one last hug and part ways once your flight arrives at the airport. While your summer trip with us is over, the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!

Our most frequently asked questions about this program are answered below. Additional program-wide FAQs are also available. Still need something? We’re here to help! Contact us.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO requires all North American participants to fly on the group supervised flight for this program. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. BBYO will purchase a ticket for each traveler and charge the family directly. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight details for all programs, in the spring. The supervised flight for this program will depart from the New York City area, typically Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Learn more about flying to the program.

How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors), a local European tour leader, and a bus driver. Senior field staff also circulate between our groups for extra support. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What’s the summer weather like?
The weather throughout Spain and Portugal is a typical Mediterranean climate—dry heat, cool evenings, and little to no rain. Temperatures will typically be in the 80s and 90s. Due to the dry nature of the heat in the Mediterranean, the sun is deceptively strong and you should plan to bring plenty of sunscreen and a good hat for outdoor touring.

What’s the typical group size?
Although it varies from year to year, our average group for Spain & Portugal Discovery is comprised of 2–3 buses. The average bus size is 34–42 teens. Buses may include teens registered for this trip as well as teens registered for another trip that connects two programs. For details on bus assignments and friend requests, please visit our General FAQ page.

What’s the food like?
You’ll try delicacies like paella, patatas bravas, and peixinhos da horta in Spain and Portugal. When traveling, your teen may encounter new foods that will not be to their liking, so we ask teens to be flexible and have snacks and other alternatives on hand just in case.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program. 

Will I need a visa?
Starting in 2025, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://etias.com/.

ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, must be applied for online prior to arrival to the EU. Each eligible traveller, regardless of age, will require an ETIAS to visit EU member countries. Citizens of countries that have visa-free access to European Union countries will require an ETIAS. Dual citizens that hold passports to an EU and ETIAS-eligible country will not require an ETIAS if they enter and exit Europe using their EU passport.

The following data will be required for each ETIAS application: personal biometric data (e.g. name, gender, data of birth, etc), passport or travel document information, EU member state of entry, background questions on an applicant's health, criminal record as well as previous EU immigration history.

Fee: The cost of an ETIAS is €7, however, individuals under the age of 18, or over the age of 70, will not need to pay the fee.

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Enrollment & Registration Terms.

How do I enroll my teen if we live outside of North America?
Visit this page to find all the information you will need and express your interest.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip guide.

Looking to combine two experiences for an extended summer of adventure, learning, and self-discovery? BBYO makes it easy! Check out these other trips that connect with Spain & Portugal Discovery:

• Central Europe & Spain Portugal Discovery
• Ultimate Spain & Portugal Israel

Learn more about our trip connections.