Embark on an 18-day transformative journey across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco—three culturally interconnected countries that offer everything from vibrant cities to hidden natural wonders. This program is specifically designed for high school juniors and seniors who are ready for a more independent, hands-on travel experience that goes beyond typical tourist attractions.

Your adventure begins in Portugal's enchanting capital, Lisbon, where you'll visit the historic San Jorge Castle, taste famous Portuguese pastries at the bakery that invented them, and experience traditional fado music. You'll then travel to the mountain town of Sintra to climb the Castle of the Moors and explore stunning palace gardens with spiral staircases leading to hidden lagoons. In the Algarve region, you'll kayak through hidden grottoes and snorkel in crystal-clear waters along pristine beaches, even hiking to a lighthouse for panoramic coastal views.

Crossing into Spain, you'll explore the romantic Andalusian cities of Seville and Granada, where you'll take traditional Sevillanas dance classes, visit Columbus' tomb in the world's third largest cathedral, and watch a spectacular flamenco performance. At the majestic Alhambra Palace in Granada, you'll walk in the footsteps of Moorish kings and learn about the region's rich history spanning 1,300 years. Madrid, Spain's bustling capital, offers world-class museums featuring works by Dalí and Picasso, visits to the famous Santiago Bernabéu soccer stadium, and authentic churrerías where even the king enjoys his churros.

Your journey culminates in Morocco, where you'll experience a completely different world while discovering the cultural connections these three countries share. You'll get lost in the labyrinthine souks of Marrakech, meet local artisans selling pottery and carpets, learn to make traditional Moroccan cuisine in a cooking class, and pick up some Arabic. The highlights include a day trip to the breathtaking Waterfalls of Ouzoud for hiking and swimming, a camel ride through the Atlas Mountains, a visit to the hidden gem coastal town of Essaouira, and exploration of the Argan Oil Forest.

Throughout this program, you'll stay in centrally located, well-supervised accommodations—from a beachfront resort in Lagos to a 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool in Seville to an authentic riad in the heart of Marrakech's medina. The program emphasizes authentic local experiences: you'll use public transportation, eat at family-run restaurants serving local specialties, and develop real travel skills and global confidence. With experienced chaperones and local guides, daily activities including admissions and meals (except lunches), plus ground transportation all included, you'll focus on immersing yourself in these incredible destinations while building independence and cross-cultural understanding before heading into the real world.