Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read our general
FAQs, where you can find essential information that applies to all of our programs.
Resources to Learn & Teach about Portugal and Spain
Visit our
recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have
lesson plans and
Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.
Terms and Conditions
It is very important to review our
Terms and Conditions before signing up for a GEEO program.
GEEO Program Confirmation Process
We require a minimum of 6 participants for most GEEO programs. We officially confirm that a program will run once at least 8 people have signed up, which provides a margin for individual cancellations. Nearly all GEEO programs ultimately meet this enrollment quota, and in the rare event that a program does not meet the minimum requirement and GEEO cancels the program, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative or provide a refund of your deposit if you prefer. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we will notify the entire group once 6 people are booked and again once 8 people are booked. We always emphasize the importance of exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements, especially given the unpredictable nature of travel. For example, we typically recommend booking flights with flexible change/cancellation policies.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in writing by emailing your request for cancellation to
travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105.
- If you cancel 60 days or more prior to the start of your program, all your program fee payments will be refunded excluding your $350 deposit, which is kept on file for future use and never expires. (Exception for participants who receive grants from our university partners: To address disruption caused by cancellation from grant recipients, deposits paid by grant recipients are forfeited upon cancellation.)
- If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
- If you cancel within 30 days prior to the start of your program, you will receive no refund, but your deposit will be kept on file for future use and will never expire.
Trip Notes & Expectations
Before you decide to travel to with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program contained on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that clients who read the trip details in full are happier with their experiences.
- ACCOMMODATION: It is important to note that accommodation in Europe tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have traveled in. Buildings and rooms are generally old and may not have been renovated or maintained to the highest standard. Often downtown hotels in Europe were not build to be hotels but rich owners houses, which have been changed into hotels. Therefore unusual room sizes are common as large rooms have been partitioned in the past, resulting in rather "thin" walls. On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions, which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Important: Single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.
- TRANSPORTATION: We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
- ALLHAMBRA TICKETS: Due to changes in Alhambra’s ticketing system, G Adventures requires your passport information at least 30 days before departure to guarantee your guided tour. If your booking is confirmed within 30 days, we will do our best to secure a ticket but cannot guarantee it due to high demand. If unavailable, alternative options like a self-guided Alhambra visit (with reduced access) or visits to Albaicín and Sacramonte will be arranged. The Alhambra visit may occur on Day 3 or 4, depending on availability and local events.
- ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE: Please make sure you have thoroughly read the itinerary and can handle the group activities. This trip includes light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. In the cities, you can split apart from the group to go your own pace. We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
- LUGGAGE: In Europe, it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels, or other public places. We use some public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses, etc. and possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. You should be able to comfortably walk for 10-30 minutes at a time with your luggage. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage that is compact and lightweight. Carrying your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
- ORIENTATION WALKS: The orientation walking tours on this trip are often on cobblestone roads at steep grades and can last several hours. Feel free to opt-out of these walking tours if you wish to, as they can be very physically taxing. In some cases, on the other side of the coin, they may move a bit too slow for you. If you have a map, a travel app, or a guidebook, feel free to go off on your own. GEEO wants you to have the experience you desire, and sometimes that means separating yourself at times from the group
- LOCAL GUIDES: In Europe, all guiding is based around local guides, all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks that will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are legally unable to share historical facts and figures in public places. Your tour leader will be able to help you find a local guided tour in each location if you would like one.
- GROUP LEADER: Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip. All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure's group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
Single Travelers
Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our
extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email
travel@geeo.org to request a single room.
Emergency Contacts
Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures regional office (weekdays 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. GST): +44 20 7243 9870
For emergencies after office hours: +44 7817 262 559
If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Packing List
Please
read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person.
Suggested Checklist
- Raincoat and/or umbrella
- Personal clothing for cool weather (lows in the 40s–50s, highs in the 60s–70s)
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Daypack
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Water bottle
- Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
- Toiletries – important: some hotels do not give you soap and shampoo
- Camera (or use your phone)
- First-aid kit including lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
Optional Checklist
- Travel pillow
- Money belt
- Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
- Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
- AirTags or Tile trackers
- Packing cubes
- Earplugs
- Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can also buy snacks when you get there, so don’t go crazy
- Ziplock bags
- Reading/writing material
- Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
- Light fleece top
Document Checklist
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- EUR/USD cash
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information, and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent 10-30 days before departure
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You can also use a local laundromat, if necessary.
Passports and Visas
All GEEO programs require the participant to have a valid passport. Please see our general
FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching
here.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Portugal or Spain. Non-American participants should check with their government and local embassy to find out if they need visas.
Money Exchange
Portugal and Spain are both part of the Eurozone and use the common currency, the euro (EUR). As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
We recommend that you obtain cash from ATMs while traveling; they will dispense the local currency. We do, however, recommend that you bring at least $200 USD in cash for emergency use or in case you have trouble with the ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but you may be charged an international transaction fee; ask your financial institution about their international fees. Please note that if you are carrying U.S. dollars, the bills should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently.
Tipping
It is customary to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service. Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of this program and an expression of satisfaction with the people who assist you on your trip. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
There will be opportunities during the trip to tip your local guides or drivers. You may do this individually, or your tour leader may offer to collect the money and give a tip on behalf of the group. Ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and expectations. Also, at the end of your program, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, a tip would be appreciated. Tipping amounts are entirely your personal preference, but as a guideline:
- Service providers/Waiters: €1-2 EUR for snacks or 10% of a meal bill
- Local guides and drivers: €3-5 EUR per person per day
- Tour Guide (CEO): €30-40 EUR per person per week
Flights
We find the best prices for flights are often available around 90-120 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year.
You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed.
This program begins in Lisbon and ends in Barcelona. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Lisbon. You may want to arrive in Europe one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart Barcelona any time on the final day of the program.
Plugs and Converters
There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers (also called electrical converters). The adapter is for your device's plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two- to three-pronged power cord to fit the local outlets. The transformer/converter changes the local voltage to the voltage used in the U.S.
Portugal has type F outlets for two circular prongs (type C and E plugs also work), and the voltage is 220-240V. Spain has type C outlets for two circular prongs, and the voltage is 220-240V. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.
Weather
Portugal and Spain have pleasant springtime weather. Expect comfortable temperatures ranging from the low 60s F to the mid-70s F. Occasional showers are possible, but it will generally be sunny, making it a great time to visit without the summer crowds.
🗣️ Additional Spain advice from a former GEEO staff member, Cindy:
"I lived and taught in Spain for two years, and these are some of the iconic, must-do activities for me in Madrid and Barcelona:
In Madrid, have dinner at
Restaurante Botin, said to be the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world. Visit some open-air
markets (el Rastro is my favorite). Visit the Prado and Reina Sofia museums. Pick up some lunch (bread, olives, manchego, and jamón ibérico, which every supermarket will have) and stroll through the Parque del Buen Retiro until you find a good spot to people-watch and have a picnic.
If you have the time while in Sevilla and enjoy sherry (
jeréz in Spanish),
take a day trip to the home of sherry, Jeréz de la Frontera. You can tour the
Tío Pepe Bodega, where some of the most famous sherry in the world is produced.
In Barcelona, go to see some of the
parks and buildings designed by Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia. The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is fun to wander. I'd highly suggest taking a day trip out to
Montserrat for great views and easy hiking. You can also visit a few different
Salvador Dalí museums/homes on a day trip outside of Barcelona.
Keep in mind while you're planning that all of Spain practically shuts down on Sundays and during the afternoon siesta, though in large cities this is less of an issue. And, of course, go out to "tapear" (bar-hop and eat tapas) whenever you can!
TripAdvisor is a great place to check for current restaurant recommendations."
Costs
Please keep in mind that this trip offers some free time to pursue activities that interest you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and note these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. The prices below are rough estimates for budgeting your trip.
- Tour Company Fee: See our price in the top right corner
- Optional Activities: $150-350 USD
- International Airfare from the United States: Roughly $1,000-1,700 USD
If you require assistance searching for international flights, we would be happy to help you.
- Airport Transfers: Varies depending on whether you take public transport or taxis. Anywhere from $30 to $100.
- Insurance: $79-200 USD
Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on.
- Tipping: We recommend €60-80 EUR ($70-90 USD) for your G Adventures tour leader, $30 for tipping local guides and drivers.
- Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary: $350-450 USD
- Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.: Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
- Souvenirs: Variable. At your personal discretion.
- Vaccines: Variable. Please consult with your primary care provider.
- Non-Educator Donation: $100 USD (suggested donation)
This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.
Optional Activities
Most optional activities are booked and paid for locally, sometimes in the local currency, and you do not have to decide in advance which ones you would like to sign up for. The prices listed are based on the latest information we have received from our participants and G Adventures. They are not guaranteed to be accurate. Please use them as a rough guide for budgeting your trip.
Portugal
LISBON
Belém Tower: €6 EUR per person
Take a trip to the coastline to see this charming fort, built to protect Lisbon from raiders invading from the sea. Climb up the tower for great views of the ocean and surrounding city.
Mercado da Ribeira Market
Take a wander through this traditional food market, Lisbon's main market since 1892. The stalls selling fresh produce are open between 6am and 2pm.
Rossio Square: Free
Stop in this lively square to get a taste of the local hustle and bustle.
Santa Justa Lift: €6 EUR per person
Take a ride up 147ft from the lowest to highest points of Portugal. Sit back and enjoy the views.
Sao Jorge Castle: €15 EUR per person
Climb up to this Moorish castle for a wander around the impressive grounds on a guided tour, and a great view over Lisbon and Tagus River.
Alfama District: Free
Explore Lisbon’s past in Alfama, one of the city’s oldest quarters. Wander along narrow medieval streets lined with typical tile-covered façades and take a step back in time; the area largely survived the great earthquake of 1755, and still retains much of its original layout. Listen for Portugal’s traditional music, fado, gracing the streets at night.
Day Trip to Sintra
Get lost exploring the colorful manors, medieval palaces, and lush gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
COIMBRA
University of Coimbra
Portugal’s most prestigious university, the University of Coimbra is a must see landmark. Explore the World Heritage Site as you enter through the Porta Férra, the old entrance to the citadel of Coimbra constructed in the 10th century. Walk through the campus along mosaic cobblestone paths, explore it's botanical gardens and Chapel of S. Miguel and opt to visit the ornate Joanina Library.
Conimbriga Ruins: €3 EUR per person
Take a visit to the best-preserved Roman ruins in Portugal.
Convent of Christ and Templar Castle: Free, not including travel expenses (1 hour outside of Coimbra)
Founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, grand master of the Knights Templar, the vast complex of the Convent of Christ is an incredible feat of medieval architecture. Climb up the Templar Castle for great views of Tomar.
Óbidos: Free, not including travel expenses (1 hour outside of Coimbra)
One of the most picturesque and well-preserved medieval towns in Portugal, Óbidos radiates Portuguese charm from the narrow cobbled streets and quaint houses, to its imposing medieval castle, which once guarded the region.
PORTO
Lello Bookstore: €5 EUR per person
Take a wander around this incredible, and beautifully ornate bookstore built in 1906.
Ribeira Square: Free
Take some time to walk around this charming square and get in with the local hustle and bustle.
Palacio da Bolsa: €10 EUR per person
Join a half-hour guided tour of this neoclassical monument.
Sao Bento Railway Station: Free
The blue painted tiles on the inside of São Bento railway station makes it one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. See for yourself.
Clerigos Church and Tower: €4-6 EUR per person
Built by the same architect who constructed the Porto Cathedral, the Clérigos Church and Tower is a beautiful Baroque landmark in its own right. Opt to climb over 200 steps to the top of the bell tower for a panoramic view of the city and the Duoro River.
Porto Cathedral: Free
The Porto Cathedral (called Sé do Porto in Portuguese) is a National Monument and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Adorned with high ceilings, an exquisite courtyard and light-filled cloisters, the Sé has held deep religious and cultural significance for the people of Lisbon for centuries.
Porto Ribeira Cruise: 1h-2h, €20 EUR per person
Board a boat down Portugal’s Douro River, or “river of gold”. Float along this ancient route used for centuries as a port wine shipper’s route. Marvel in the beauty of the terraced hills along the way.
Spain
MADRID
El Escorial: €10 EUR per person
Witness the power and wealth of Spain during the 16th century with a visit to the Escorial, a magnificent palace and mausoleum constructed by Felipe II that became a great center for learning.
Museo Nacional del Prado: €15 EUR per person
Take in some culture with a trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, and a definite highlight of any Madrid trip. Be inspired by its collections and exhibitions. The museum's main emphasis is 15th to 19th-century Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art, but there is plenty of Goya and a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez.
Taurino Museum: €15-20 EUR per person
Ever wanted to learn everything there is to know about the history of bullfighting in Spain? Here's your chance.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: €13 EUR per person
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum displays an overview of art from the 13th century to the late 20th century.
Royal Palace (Palacio Real): €12 EUR per person
See how kings and queens live with a visit to the Palacio Real, the official (and uninhabited) palace of the King of Spain. Wander the rooms to take in some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms you'll ever see.
Reina Sofia National Art Museum: €8-12 EUR per person
The Reina Sofia is Spain's national museum of 20th-century art and currently boasts an art collection of over 21,000 works.
Plaza Mayor: Free
Enjoy some spectacular people-watching with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the city. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.
GRANADA
Granada City Center and Tapas Gourmet Tour: Price varies
Explore Granada beyond the Alhambra on a guided walking tour of its historic city center, where centuries of Moorish influence, incredible architecture, and a lively university town await visitors today. Immerse yourself further in Andalusian culture by enjoying some tapas (light bar snacks and appetizers) at bars where the locals hang out. Sample local fare and the region's excellent wine - this is one of the world's gastronomic capitals for a reason!
Albaicín (El Albayzín): Free
Wander through the historic quarter of the Albaicin. Try to head there for sunset. With its narrow lanes and fantastic views back to the Alhambra, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular color-washed skyline when the sun goes down.
Granada Cathedral Cathedral of the Incarnation): €5 EUR per person
Be taken by the beauty of one of the largest cathedrals in Spain on this visit to the Cathedral of Granada. Tour its beautiful facades and interiors that house a grand altar and numerous chapels. Built by Queen Isabella, it is a masterpiece of Spanish-Renaissance style.
SEVILLE
Santa Cruz Quarter: Free
Visit the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter. A charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares, you can wander, shop, or just soak in the neighborhood's quaint atmosphere while enjoying a refreshing drink (sangria, perhaps) at one of the local restaurants.
Alcázar: €13 EUR per person
Explore the wonderful interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a royal palace that was originally a Moorish fort. Arrive during the evening in the summer months and enjoy a series of concerts in the beautiful setting of the Reales Alcázares.
La Giralda: €9 EUR per person
Climb the tower known as La Giralda, adjacent to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, for spectacular views and a walk among historic walls. The 250-ft Giralda was constructed by the Moors as a mosque between 1184 and 1197. In 1568, after the reconquest, Christians fit the minaret with its bell tower.
Casa de Pilatos: €10-12 EUR per person
Take time to marvel at one of the grandest mansions in Seville. The home is still inhabited by the Medinaceli family but is open for visitor tours.
The Golden Tower (Torre del Oro): €3 EUR per person
Dating to 1220, the Golden Tower is the last major building constructed by Seville's historic Muslim population.
Santa Paula Convent: €2 EUR per person
Visit this beautiful historic convent, established in 1475 and still home to the Jerónimas nuns. Infrequent tours are available in Spanish, but visitors are welcome to the modest museum displaying 16th-18th century ecclesiastical art and sculpture.
BARCELONA
Montjuïc: €5 EUR per person
Climb to the top of Montjuïc hill for fantastic city views and a visit to a 17th-century fortress, once used as a prison and execution site.
La Sagrada Família: €17-37 EUR per person
Visit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring yet bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.
La Barceloneta: Free
Take a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighborhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkways. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.
Parc Güell: €10 EUR per person
Get away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parc Güell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, including Parc Güell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia, which were all established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudí’s creative genius at play.
Las Ramblas:
See and be seen on Las Ramblas, a large tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for people-watching and window shopping that ends at the harborfront facing the Mediterranean Sea.
Casa Batlló: €25-30 EUR per person
Deemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on any trip to Barcelona.