Trip Region: Western Europe
Country(ies): Spain, Portugal
Partners Trek? No
Cost: $2010
Airfare Estimate: $1300
Structure: 3   •   Lodging: 3   •   Nightlife: 4   •   Activity: 2

Deciding if you prefer partying, eating great food, visiting historical spots or relaxing? Don’t know which cool places in Europe you would like to visit? Just like you, we don’t like making such decisions, so we gathered all of that in one trip to three of the best spots in Europe. In Portugal, we will have the chance to try lots of delicious food and will enjoy the best of Lisbon’s nightlife. In Spain, we will be in the best city to party in Europe, so we will rage on! We know that a good trip is not only made of partying and eating delicious food, so we will fly to Mallorca to relax a little bit by the Mediterranean… but we can party while we relax as well. So we will have a booze cruise before we fly back to Ann Arbor. By the end of the trip you will know that sleep is totally a waste of time.

Day 1 — Sunday, Aug 20

Welcome to Portugal. As one of Europe’s most pleasant and affordable capital cities, Lisbon combines the best elements of Portuguese life, offering fantastic architecture, a multicultural population, delicious seafood and non-stop nightlife. At night, we will all meet up for our first group dinner. Afterwards, we will break the ice with many drinks. And, it is your introduction to sleep is a waste of time.

Day 2 — Monday, Aug 21

On the second day, we will head out in the morning on an orientation walk of Lisbon to find your feet. Then your afternoon is free. You can roam through the charming narrow streets of local neighborhoods and see local life play out. Maybe simply sit back in one of many outdoors restaurants and cafes - watching the life go by is definitely one of the best ways to relax in Lisbon. We will swing by the Time Out Market to get all kinds of Portuguese treats for dinner. At night, we will hit up Bairro Alto neighborhood for some shenanigans and celebrations.

Day 3 — Tuesday, Aug 22

Today, we will travel by tram to the Belem Area before an afternoon visit to the Oceanarium, the largest in Europe. This picturesque is the location of many of the capital’s most notable and important tourist attractions with many monuments and the famous Belem Tower. We will search the streets to have a traditional portuguese meal together. We will get one last chance to experience the nightlife in Lisbon and head out to Cais do Sodré neighborhood.

Day 4 — Wednesday, Aug 23

Today, we leave Portugal and d take a short flight over to Barcelona (flight not included in price). The city’s swaggy character and fabulous Catalan cuisine mixes seamlessly with a groundbreaking art scene, Gothic architecture, and a non-stop nightlife, making it a city you won’t ever forget. After checking into the hotel, there will be an afternoon guided walking tour around Barrio Gotico. Then at night, we will hop around a few cervezerias and chupeterias for wine and beer. We will save clubbing for another day.

Day 5 — Thursday, Aug 24

Halfway through the trip! We will have an orientation walk around Barcelona today. See some of the city’s main sights, including a visit to Antonio Gaudi’s incredible La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The architect worked on this hugely ambitious project for decades until his death, and it remains in constant construction. It is possibly the city’s most iconic landmark. Gaudi was the master of the unique Catalan Modernista architecture for which Barcelona is famous, and his work is dotted all over the city. At night, we will start off with a tourney of drinking games. Eventually, we will find our way out and about to a nightclub.

Day 6 — Friday, Aug 25

Today is a free day to explore the city’s many museums, parks, neighborhoods, and cafes. One option, our Terapeuta de Compras will offer his services and show you the fashion scene in Barcelona. We may come up with some other stuff after we gather interests from the The Ross Iberience fam. At night, we will try to find a spot for some paella and feast together. Afterwards, get your dancing shoes on, and keep up with La Reina del Baile. We will hit up the El Born neighborhood and take in the nightlife.

Day 7 — Saturday, Aug 26

Join this food envy-inducing Barcelona tour for three hours of power eating - Spanish-style. Join locals as they indulge in the fine art of eating and drinking, something Spaniards are champions at. By the end of the tour you’ll know your banderillas from your pinxto, even if you can’t pronounce them. Its our last night in Barcelona. O Profesor and Arroz de Festa expect to stay up and catch the sunrise before heading for an early morning flight to Mallorca the next day.

Day 8 — Sunday, Aug 27

We will head to the airport for a flight to Mallorca, our final destination (flight not included). Today you are free to relax and enjoy the sun, recovering from the last 7 days of not sleeping. For those who would like a bit more activity, there will be an optional cooking class in the afternoon. Explore the regions flavors and ingredients and get a chance to try making local cuisine. Senorita Sibarita will definitely be there.

Day 9 — Monday, Aug 28

It is our last full day. Take in the sun and fun today with a booze cruise. Get read for one final rage before we head back to stateside. O Profesor is pumped for the dage! At night, we will celebrate with one last meal together.

Day 10 — Tuesday, Aug 29

There are no activities planned for the final day. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here. It was fun MTreking.