GRADE 11 & 12
PORTUGAL & SPAIN
JULY PROGRAM
From castles and cobblestones on the mainland of Portugal to the art and many languages of Spain, and beaches and sun throughout, this Mediterranean adventure is bursting with culture.
The first stop along our travels is Portugal’s coastal capital city, Lisbon. Here we will discover ancient ruins, white dome cathedrals, vibrant beaches and hilltop views. Lisbon is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe that beautifully combines its heritage with a contemporary culture.
We will then head north to Porto, a coastal city with over 2,000 years of European history. Located along steep hills overlooking the Douro River, the city’s centre is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The multicoloured 14th-century homes that give the city its charm is filled with vibrant shops and cafés. Porto’s mix of history and modern living make it a renowned global city, and the perfect jumping-off point for the rest of the program.
We’re off to Spain! Our first stop in the northern Basque Country is the lively city of Bilbao. We will explore the famous Guggenheim Museum, a contemporary masterpiece of modern architecture. From here, we will embark on an exciting day trip to Pamplona and experience the running of the bulls during the San Fermin festival!
We then head south and wander through the beautiful quarters of Barcelona, immersing ourselves in Catalan language, culture, and cuisine. Be awestruck by examples of Antoni Gaudí’s architecture, including the Sagrada Família. Study the intricacies of the elaborate buildings in the Gothic Quarter, sun yourself on the Mediterranean beaches, and wander down café-lined streets in search of the perfect souvenir.
Next, we will treat ourselves on a jaunt to the island of Majorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. This Mediterranean paradise is known for its spectacular beaches and massive mountain range, the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs along most of the island’s north. We will enjoy a light trail hike for some spectacular photo opportunities before relaxing and unwinding on the golden sand beaches.
Finally, we will travel east to explore the Golden Age streets of Madrid, a veritable museum of outdoor sculptures. We will view the contemporary art collection of the Reina Sofia, gaze at classic works at the Prado, study in Retiro Park, people-watch at the cafés in Plaza Mayor, and shop at Mercado de San Miguel.
Age group: 15-19
ITINERARY
June 28 – July 23, 2024*
Lisbon > 4 days
Porto > 3 days
Bilbao > 2 days
Barcelona > 6 days
Majorca > 3 days
Madrid > 6 days
*All dates are subject to change.
ACTIVITIES
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Optional Excursions are outings or activities that take place while in location. These are not included in the program fee. These excursions are subject to availability and may vary. Optional excursions will become available in the spring.
COURSES
Grade 11
English (ENG3U)
Functions (MCR3U)
Visual Arts: Photography (AWQ3M)
Grade 12
English (ENG4U)
World History Since the Fifteenth Century (CHY4U)
Advanced Functions (MHF4U)
Visual Arts: Photography (AWQ4M)
***Students may select one course per program.
TESTIMONIAL
ACCOMMODATIONS
2024 Accommodations:
Lisbon: 3k Barcelona Hotel
Porto: Axis Porto Hotel
Bilbao: RESA San Mames
Barcelona: Hotel Catalonia Maquinista
Majorca: Hotel Bellevue Club
Madrid: Hotel Sterling
PROGRAM FEES
| Tuition & Supervision | $2,890.00 |
| Travel Services (Flights, Accommodation, Meals, Activities) | $4,805.00 |
| Taxes & Fees | $900.00 |
| Total | $8,595.00 |
| Cancellation Protection (Optional) | $545.00 |
Airline taxes, local taxes and fees are approximate and subject to change. Program fees do not include registration fee of $195.00.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- In location travel medical insurance, including coverage for COVID-19 emergency medical and quarantine expenses, for residents of Canada
- Round-trip group airfare from Toronto
- Transportation between cities
- Approximate airline departure taxes, local taxes and fees
- Group airport transfers at location
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Tuition
- Supervision
- City or town orientation tours
- Designated outings and activities
- Use of free internet, where available
- Farewell banquet
- Pre-departure briefing and materials
WHAT’S NOT
- Registration fee of $195
- Cancellation protection
- Travel visas where applicable
- Textbooks, novels and/or course packs where applicable
- Lunch, except where indicated
- Optional excursions
