Trip Region: Western Europe
Country(ies): Portugal and Spain
Partners Trek? No
Cost: $2280
Airfare Estimate: $1400
Structure:   •   Lodging:   •   Nightlife: 8   •   Activity: 5

Do you like wine, beaches, beautiful water, and basic instagram photo shoots? Or how about taking in captivating cultural and historical sites? Well, we got the perfect trip for you in the Iberian Peninsula. We’ll kick it off in Porto in Northern Portugal, a beautiful coastal city known for its port wines. In Porto, we’ll take a tour of the nearby enchanted Douro Valley, a bucket list item for all wine lovers. After our bougie vineyard excursions and pretentious quotes of “I can really taste the volatile and earthy character of the 2012 harvest” we’ll move on down to Lisbon. We got everything for everyone in Lisbon, including a pub crawl, a boat party, night clubs, and a trip to the historical and culturally important district of Belem. After Lisbon, we’ll take a quick flight over to Malaga, a port city in southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. Loaded with history and energy, Malaga gave Picasso the inspiration for his artwork, which you too can experience at the famous Picasso Museum. Our Malaga leg will include more beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and culture as we end our journey together in Europe. But don’t worry, we’ll then begin our journey together in the other vacation we call Business School.

Day 1 — Saturday, Aug 17

Today is travel day! Make sure you’re packed and ready to go. Plan on arriving in Porto by Sunday, August 18th so we can get the fun started.

Day 2 — Sunday, Aug 18

Welcome to Portugal and Porto! Stretching along the banks of the River Douro, Porto is one of Portugal's most romantic cities, which is known for its majestic bridges, medieval riverside district with its cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. We’ll kick off our journey together with a group dinner (prepare your icebreakers!)

Day 3 — Monday, Aug 19

We’ll begin our day with a guided walking tour to see the main sights of Porto and to sample some of its delicatessens. We’ll finish the walk at one of the many wine houses across the river where we will indulge in a tasting of some famous tawny and ruby ports. Most of the grapes are grown and harvested in the nearby Douro Valley.

Day 4 — Tuesday, Aug 20

We’ll enjoy a full-day tour of the Douro Valley. See the beautiful landscapes of the Duoro River region on a relaxing drive around the villages of Sabrosa and Pinhao, home to the stepped terraces and vineyards where port is made. Visit two wineries, learn about port production and enjoy a tasting or two of this signature wine of the region. Enjoy a lunch at a traditional restaurant before returning to Porto in the late afternoon. We can spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of this coastal strolling along the riverside or observing local life in action from one of many rooftop bars.

Day 5 — Wednesday, Aug 21

Welcome to the lively city of Lisbon. Lisbon combines the best elements of Portuguese life, offering fantastic architecture, a multicultural population, delicious seafood and non-stop nightlife. We’ll head out for a guided pub crawl to get to know the city better!

Day 6 — Thursday, Aug 22

We’ll get acquainted with this beguiling city on a privately guided walking tour. Much of Lisbon’s character and charm lies in its beautiful renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles and churches. Later in the evening, we will board a large sailing boat with several decks and dancing areas! After the cruise, the party can continue on land at one of the best nightclubs in Lisbon.

Day 7 — Friday, Aug 23

After dancing the night away, we’ll take a trip over to the district of Belem to see some of the most famous monuments like the Monument of Discoveries, Belem lighthouse, and San Jeronimos Monastery.

Day 8 — Saturday, Aug 24

Goodbye Portugal and hello Spain! We’ll take a quick flight over to Malaga, located in Southern Spain along the Costa del Sol. We’ll go on a private guided walking to learn more about this amazing city.

Day 9 — Sunday, Aug 25

Free day! Grab some of your new best friends and explore Malaga at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Picasso Museum and walk pass the house where he was born. Or go for a visit to the Roman Theatre, a formerly buried amphitheater constructed during the reign of Emperor Augustus that was uncovered in 1951 and climb up the hill to the citadel and the castle.

Day 10 — Monday, Aug 26

Our last day together. Enjoy a day of leisure on one of Malaga’s beautiful beaches soaking in the sun and the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Get your final instagram pictures in! We’ll end our adventure together with a final farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 11 — Tuesday, Aug 27

Today is the saddest day of the trip, but don’t worry, we’ll keep the fun going back to A2. Book your flights at your convenience, stay an extra day or two or three, or plan your own travel around Europe before heading back. We’ll be there for you during bschool and beyond. So not to worry, we have tons of fun and exciting events planned over the course of the year.