Secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure with just a $300 nonrefundable deposit. From there, 40% of your trip cost will be due 6 months before your travel date, and the final payment will be due 3 months prior to departure. It’s a simple, flexible way to lock in your journey and start counting down to the experience of a lifetime!

• Welcome Reception

  Welcome Reception in Barcelona

• PD Sessions

• PD Certificate

  20+ hours of Professional Development Certificate

• Graduate Credit

  Possible option to earn 1 graduate credit (more info to come)

• Airport Transfers

  Airport Transfers in Barcelona & Lisbon

• 2 Night Hotel

  Hotel Stay with Breakfast in Barcelona before the trip

• Cruise: 8 Ports

  7 Nights, 8 Ports- Visiting: Barcelona, Spain -Palma (Majorca), Spain -Valencia, Spain -Motril, Spain - Gibraltar, United Kingdom -Seville (Cadiz), Spain- Portimão, Portugal- Lisbon, Portugal

• Drink Package

  Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) up to $13 included.

• Most meals

  ALL Meals on board the ship and breakfast at the hotel. If you are off the ship, meals are NOT included.

• WiFi

  Free Basic Wifi

• Group Activities

  Barcelona City Tour

• Ground Transportation

  Transportation to group activities in Barcelona

• Gratuities

  Service fees and ship tips

• BBT t-shirt

  A BBT trip specific t-shirt will be sent to you before the trip

• The BBT Team

  Your amazing Trip Leaders, your Professional Development facilitators, our Trip Managers, and our On-Site and Off-Site Team members!

• Optional Excursions

  You will have a list of optional excursions at each port for an additional fee, available at a later date.

• Gratuities

  Tips for in-country guides

• Cruise Travel Insurance

  Strongly suggested

• Airfare

We will meet you at the airport and provide a transfer to the hotel.

Orientation and light refreshments

The morning includes exploring historical landmarks, cultural sites, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city. 

Tapas Tour of Barcelona

Depart Hotel (11am)

Depart together as a group for the port to board the cruise ship.

Time to board the Norwegian Dawn Cruise Ship. Ship departs at 4pm.

On the one hand, this city, founded by the Romans some 2,100 years ago, is replete with (literally) wall-to-wall history and architectural splendor. You can journey back in time and wander the mazes of alleyways and cobblestone paths that surround the Gothic cathedral. On the other hand, Palma is bustling with life, showcasing the island's best restaurants, shops, nightlife and a vibrant art scene. 

Old world charm meets modern architectural wonders in this eclectic city that is steeped in art and culture. Wander through bustling Gothic plazas and explore the awe-inspiring City of Arts and Sciences, a museum and cinema complex designed by world famous architect Santiago Calatrava. Whether you choose to shop, sightsee, or people-watch, Spain’s third largest city offers visitors a truly authentic European experience. 

Professional Learning Communities (PLC small groups) A dedicated time for reflection and discussion on the day's activities and learning experiences. Grab a drink and debrief! Each evening, you will have an option to meet with your trip leader in a small group to debrief about your day's educational adventures in an optional small group PLC  

 Motril is a magnificent Spanish gem on the Mediterranean coast. The relaxing sands of Playa de Torrenueva are a great place to spend a sunny day. For some inland exploring, head to the Cueva Del Capitan for a fantastic nature hike. There’s also plenty of history waiting to be experienced in the city. Stop by the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza to see a 17th-century church surrounded by incredible panoramic views. Then head to the Pre-industrial Sugar Cane Museum to learn all about the region’s staple crop 

Go to Gibraltar to discover just how impressive rock can be. From the top of the Rock (over 400 meters up), you can admire the view across the Mediterranean and up the peninsula into Spain. Explore St. Michael’s Cave, a fascinating cavern once lived in by Neolithic peoples and visited by early Romans. Browse through shops filled with embroidered linens from Madeira or go see to the famed Barbary Apes. Then head to a local pub to grab some traditional fish and chips. If you really want to do as the locals do, order a beer (or two) with your meal. 

From Cadiz, you can easily get to Seville (1 hour), exploring the old town with its quaint Moorish feel as well as its impressive monuments, pretty parks and lovely architecture. Along the way, restore your energy at any of the mouth-watering tapas bars offering some of the country’s finest seafood and typical Andalusian cuisine.

Located on the sun-kissed coastline of Algarve, Portimão is a colorful city with a bustling waterfront and a charming city center decorated with parks and plazas. History buff? The Museum of Portimão traces human settlement in the area as far back as the Roman and Islamic periods. And if you want to be one with nature, we recommend taking a scenic boat ride up the coast and along the Rio Arade, where you will enjoy the beautiful views and hidden caves to discover. 

We provide transfers to the airport after disembarking from the ship. If you would like to extend your trip, we are happy to help you make your plans. 

Heads-Up, Snoozers!  If you snore like a bear, rock a CPAP machine, need white noise, or have any other quirky sleep habits, we totally understand — everyone has their bedtime vibe! But to keep things peaceful for your fellow travelers, please consider booking a private room.

Even better? Bring a friend you’ve already shared a room (and some laughs) with, and have them register too!

Let’s keep the Zzzs drama-free and the vibes just right. Thanks for being the considerate rockstar you are!

1. Pack for comfort + culture

   Bring breathable clothes for warm days, layers for breezy nights, and modest outfits for church visits or local towns.

2. Brush up on local lingo

   Learn a few phrases in Spanish and Portuguese – it goes a long way with locals and shows respect!

3. Stay hydrated & snack smart

   Summer cruises can be hot. Carry a water bottle and try local snacks (like pastéis de nata in Portugal or tapas in Spain!).

4. Embrace local time zones

   Spain and Portugal operate on different time zones – be mindful when planning port excursions or meeting times.

5. Try shore excursions early

   Popular spots like Lisbon, Seville, and Barcelona can get crowded. Book guided tours early to avoid missing out.

6. Respect siesta time

   In many Spanish towns, shops and restaurants close mid-afternoon. Plan accordingly and enjoy a slower pace!

7. Wear the right shoes

   Many towns have cobblestone streets and hilly neighborhoods – pack comfortable walking shoes with good grip.

Spanish Phrases (Spain)

1. Hola – Hello

2. ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?

3. ¿Dónde está el baño? – Where is the bathroom?

4. La cuenta, por favor. – The check, please.

5. Gracias – Thank you

6. Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?

7. Una cerveza, por favor. – One beer, please 🍻

Portuguese Phrases (Portugal)

1. Olá – Hello

2. Por favor – Please

3. Obrigado / Obrigada – Thank you (male/female speaker)

4. Quanto custa? – How much does it cost?

5. Onde fica o banheiro? – Where is the bathroom?

6. Fala inglês? – Do you speak English?

7. Uma água, por favor. – One water, please

With Bookbag Tours, you’ll earn 20+ professional development hours while exploring incredible countries alongside fellow educators and their guests. We also offer specialized trips focused on Marine Conservation and Ancient Civilizations that provide excellent PD without school visits, ensuring valuable knowledge is brought back to every participant.

We’re committed to enhancing the lives of those who strive to make the world a better place through meaningful group trips, professional development conferences, and cultural engagement.

BBT promotes partnerships between educators and schools. We provide an inclusive study tour designed for K -12 educators who are looking to implement changes for a better education.

Professional Development Certificate- All Participants will receive a certificate for 20+ professional development hours. 

Graduate Credits- In addition, participants can choose to earn 1 graduate credit or 3 graduate credits for an additional cost.