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.

GROUP TRAVELTravel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from Europe. Our staff are present at departure airports to greet teens and help them feel welcome right away, and they accompany each group throughout the journey—both on arrival and on the return trip home. To learn more about how we organize travel for our programs, click here.

LISBON, PORTUGALBegin your adventure in Portugal’s vibrant coastal capital. Explore Lisbon with a city tour, a scenic boat ride, and stops at Sintra Natural Park, Pena Palace, and Roca Cape. Enjoy time in the beachside town of Cascais and welcome Shabbat at Synagogue Shaare Tikvah. Highlights include the Monument of Discoveries, Cristo Rei Statue, and Belém Tower.

SEVILLE, SPAINExplore the historic Royal Alcázar, Plaza De Toros, Giralda bell tower, and Christopher Columbus’ tomb. Test your navigation skills in Seville Castle's hedge maze.

MARBELLA & MÁLAGASoak up the sun in Marbella with water sports and time to explore. Then visit Málaga's Atarazanas Market and Torcal de Antequera National Park to see stunning natural rock formations.

GRANADAExplore the Cathedral and Capilla Real. Unwind at Traditional Hammam Baths and enjoy the cultural atmosphere of Andalusia.

CÓRDOBATour Córdoba and see the breathtaking Mezquita, the Casa de Sefarad Museum, and walk through the historic Jewish Quarter (Judería).

MADRID & TOLEDO
Wrap up your journey with visits to Plaza España, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and Buen Retiro Park. Dive into the arts at Museo Reina Sofía, enjoy a fun cooking class, and take a day trip to Toledo to see the Alcázar Fortress. End with a special dinner and live Flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Torres Bermejas.

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.