Portugal & Spain: Surf, Culture & Culinary Traditions

How do flights work?

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging (all 13 nights), all meals, portugal–Spain flight, all airport transfers and ground transport, all activities, excursions, and entrance fees, 24/7 staff support, gratuities / tipping.
Not included: International airfare (before and after the program), travel insurance, personal spending money ($150–200 per week).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid →

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

What is the enrollment fee?

A one-time enrollment fee is charged when you enroll, separate from the program tuition. It covers enrollment processing, pre-departure advising and trip planning.

The fee is non-refundable after the first 24 hours.

What if my family has an emergency and we have to cancel?

March 31 is the date that matters. Cancel up to then and the program price is refunded, less the non-refundable enrollment fee and any airfare already booked. The enrollment terms carry the full schedule.

We know some things are outside anyone’s control. If your family faces a serious documented emergency, contact us; we review these situations individually and will do what we reasonably can to help.

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a median of one staff member per 4.37 students (4.37:1), with no program exceeding 7 students per staff member (7:1). All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and every program includes at least one leader with 3 or more years of field experience. Program Leaders range in age from 22 to 45.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program.

What is the phone/device policy?

Rustic Pathways allows students to keep their phones and does not confiscate them, but encourages students to actively participate in the program experience. Students may contact home as often as they like.

Wi-Fi is available at all accommodations.

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

The group is limited to 16 students. Most students on this trip are 15-17 years old. Program Leaders group similarly-aged students together for activities.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Rustic Pathways programs are open to students worldwide, with participants from 53 countries. International students fly independently to the arrival airport, where Rustic Pathways coordinates pickup. Visa requirements vary by passport and destination, so contact a travel advisor for guidance.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students join without knowing anyone. 94% travel solo. No experience needed. Most are nervous at first. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, so friendships form quickly, and everyone has a place in the group.

What is the accommodation like?

2–5 students room together in comfortable, gender-separated rooms with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and shared common spaces. Rustic Pathways Program Leaders stay on site to provide 24/7 supervision. All accommodations are vetted for safety and easy access to program activities.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests accepted during enrollment.

Can the program itinerary change?

This itinerary reflects what we intend to deliver, and we work hard to make that happen. Since programs operate in real-world conditions, activities may change due to weather, health and safety factors, transportation, site availability, or local circumstances.

If plans need to change, our team will use its judgment to adjust the schedule while prioritizing student safety and preserving the program’s purpose and quality.

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time with staff always nearby. There is no fully unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common dietary restrictions accommodated with advance notice. All dietary needs collected during enrollment and shared with meal providers.

How much spending money?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Do we need a visa?

U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for Spain or Portugal, but travelers from other countries might. Contact Rustic Pathways for advice on visa requirements.

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common over the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well prepared. Read how Rustic Pathways combats homesickness →

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Share any relevant information during enrollment so staff can prepare. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion → 

Which students thrive on this program?

Students who enjoy active days that combine ocean time, city exploration, and hands-on cultural experiences. Students who are ready for a two-country itinerary and are comfortable sharing space in a structured group environment.

What will students do each day?

Most days balance surf sessions and beach time with guided city exploration, market visits, and hands-on cooking. In Portugal, students learn to surf near Lisbon, explore neighborhoods such as Alfama and LX Factory, and visit Cabo da Roca and the Arrábida Coast. In Spain, students explore Barcelona on foot, take part in tapas-style cooking and cultural workshops, and spend time on the Mediterranean coast with marine conservation activities like eco-snorkeling and beach cleanups. Rustic Pathways uses a graduated independence model. Students begin with closely guided activities and take on more autonomy as they demonstrate competence.

Who might this program not suit?

Students who prefer unstructured travel, need constant phone access, or are uncomfortable with group-based schedules and early mornings.

Why this location?

Portugal’s Atlantic coast near Lisbon offers reliable surf conditions and a clear connection between coastal stewardship and beach culture, while Barcelona adds a dense mix of architecture, neighborhoods, and food traditions in a highly walkable city setting. Visiting both countries helps students compare two distinct coastal regions and cultural rhythms within a single itinerary.

What does the service or learning involve?

Service work connects directly to the marine environments that students explore, including coastal stewardship in Portugal and a marine conservation project in Barcelona. Students take part in eco-snorkeling, including removing waste from the water, and participate in workshops on marine biodiversity and the effects of pollution, reinforcing how conservation efforts support long-term ocean health.

How is the experience structured for teens?

Students stay in vetted, gender-separated accommodations, with a villa base near Setúbal in Portugal and a private countryside base house near Barcelona in Spain. The itinerary uses guided activities, clear group routines, and local instructors for surf and water-based sessions, with staff support available 24/7 and short travel distances to beaches, markets, and major sites.

What cultural experiences are included?

Lisbon neighborhood exploration in Alfama and LX Factory, Setúbal market cooking class, paella dinner, tapas-style cooking class, Barcelona Gothic Quarter walking tour, Gaudí sites including Sagrada Família, and a flamenco workshop.