We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better feel for this experience. The actual program will vary. A confirmed itinerary is distributed no later than two weeks prior to the start of the program.
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. One of the most iconic symbols of Lisbon are their charming streetcars that traverse the steep, hilly streets of the city and pass picturesque, pastel-colored buildings that line every corner.
We’ll enjoy a day tour of Porto City, stopping at famous sites like Sao Bento Railway Station, Dom Luis I Bridge, Clerigos Tower, Liberdade Square, and Farolim de Felgueiras Lighthouse. Check out the city via stand-up-paddle tour on the Paiva River.
After taking in all that Porto has to offer, we’ll make our way back to Lisbon for our first Shabbat together in Europe. The group will go to services in a Lisbon synagogue, eat a delicious dinner together, then spend the rest of the Sabbath relaxing.
You’ll find so many beautiful things to enjoy about Portugal on our walking tour of Lisbon. Stop in luxury boutiques along Avenida da Liberdade, one of Europe’s most infamous and expensive shopping streets. Walk to the Estatua del Marqués de Pombal—a bronze statue on a white pedestal dedicated to the governor of Lisbon—which is located in an important roundabout in the city. We’ll also see one of the most iconic monuments in Lisbon that was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue of Rio de Janeiro, the Cristo Rei statue. Bear witness to the exquisite architecture of Belém Tower—one of the most visited sites in Lisbon—which sits at the edge of Tagus, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Then, go to Jerónimos Monastery, a religious building that was designed to commemorate the return of Vasco da Gama from India. A Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gamba was the first European to reach India by sea. Set sail and spend your final morning in Portugal watching on a catamaran boat with music. This is only the start of an unforgettable adventure through the Iberian Peninsula.
DAY 5 | SEVILLE, SPAIN
Next, we’re off to Spain! We’ll head to Seville’s famous bull-fighting ring. Then, the group will confront the controversial history of Christopher Columbus while visiting the tomb where he is buried. Afterwards, we’ll reflect on this visit while climbing La Giralda bell tower, one of the most important symbols of the city since it was built in the Middle Ages.
Tour the Seville Castle and navigate its natural hedge maze. Feel the spirit of Spain and see if you can spot a flamenco dance show on the streets. This highly-expressive, Spanish dance form is recognizable by traditional hand clapping, percussive footwork, and intricate hand, arm, and body movements. We’ll visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville, a palace in the heart of the city. Then, we head to Marbella.
DAY 6–7 | MARBELLA, SPAIN
Take a kayak tour of Marbella in the morning. Then, explore Málaga’s famous market of Atarazanas. Then, touch the sky on the Málaga Ferris Wheel, also known as Noria Mirador Princess. Before we head back to Marbella, you’ll have a chance to climb atop the amazing rock structures in national park Torcal de Antequera. Our next stop is Granada.
DAY 8 | GRANADA, SPAIN
Stroll the streets of Granada and discover the caves of Sacromonte, which have been used as homes for generations. We’ll stop to see the tombs of Isabella and Ferdinand—whose marriage signified the unification of Spain—in the Capilla Real de Granada, or Royal Chapel of Granada.
Hike the Sierra Nevada Mountains and ride the Telecabina Borreguiles—an aerial lift in Granada—to the summit. We’ll return to Granada and enjoy an evening out on the town before leaving for Córdoba the next morning. Take in a sunset view of Granada from the Mirador de San Nicolás overlook.
DAY 9 | CÓRDOBA, SPAIN
Once we arrive in Córdoba, you’ll tour the Synagogue Tránsito and the Sephardic Museum. Located inside the synagogue, this museum shows the rich heritage of the Jewish people in Spain. Trace the history of Spain’s Golden Age at the stunning Mezquita, which is one of the country’s major historic monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Casa de Sefarad Museum—also known as the House of memories, this exhibit tells the story of Sephardic Judeo-Spanish history—and the monument to Maimonides, a famous Sephardic Jewish philosopher. Then, you’ll conclude your time here with a walk along the alleys of Judería de Córdoba, Córdoba's Jewish Quarter.
DAY 10–14 | MADRID, SPAIN
Our next stop is Madrid. We’ll welcome our second Shabbat together with the local Jewish community and enjoy a dinner together in the city. After some time to relax, we’ll take a walking tour of the city and enjoy a movie night together. The group will make a stop in Toledo for a panoramic view from Fortress Alcázar de Toledo, a stone fortification located in the highest part of Toledo. We’ll also tour Sinagogue Del Transito, the most important example of Spanish-Jewish art in existence.
We’ll head back to Madrid and take a sightseeing tour of Avila and Salamanca, experiencing the unique spirit of Spain in Plaza de Anaya and Plaza Mayor. View the Old and New Cathedrals. Stand in Madrid’s central Plaza de España, walk through the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Spain, then relax in Buen Retiro Park and take in your last moments in Europe with your new friends.
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!
