Program Overview
Pack your bags for an incredible adventure in Spain! Our adventure begins in Bilbao, where we’ll explore the renowned Guggenheim Museum and dive into the life and influence of St. Ignatius Loyola at the Basílica de Begoña and the Jesuitas Plaza.
In Madrid, we’ll discover the city’s vibrant history with a guided walking tour, taking in all of the most iconic landmarks. As the day turns to night, we’ll experience the tradition of Flamenco during a mesmerizing show. Throughout our journey, we’ll savor mouthwatering Spanish tapas, and visit some of our favorite local restaurants.
Then, it’s off to Barcelona, where we’ll be captivated by Antoni Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces and even try our hand at cooking paella with fresh ingredients from the local market during an interactive cooking class. But that’s not all – we’ll delve deeper into the legacy of St. Ignatius Loyola with a visit to the St. Ignatius Loyola’s Rooms at the Basilica of San Isidro, which showcase his life and spiritual journey.
As our adventure unfolds, we’ll soak in the stunning Montserrat mountain range, explore Barcelona by bike or visit the cliff-top fortress of Montjuic. We might even get a glimpse of FC Barcelona’s home ground at Camp Nou Stadium.
So what are you waiting for? Join us today for this incredible adventure of a lifetime!
Informational Meeting Details
A TFT representative will give a short presentation and answer your questions.
Date: October 3, 2023
Time: 7:00pm EDT
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM THE USA
Group flight departs from Buffalo Niagara Airport to Bilbao!
DAY 2: ¡Bienvenidos a España!
Arrive in Bilbao and meet your TFT guides, who will join you for the remainder of your journey. After getting settled into your hotel in the heart of the city, we’ll set off to grab some lunch and have our first-day meeting. In the afternoon, we’ll take a walking tour of Bilbao. Enjoy your first taste of Spanish cuisine at one of our favorite local restaurants, and head to bed early after a long day of travel
DAY 3: BILBAO
Start your day by embarking on a morning visit to the renowned Guggenheim Museum, celebrated for its captivating contemporary art displays and unique architectural design. In the afternoon, explore the Basílica de Begoña and the Jesuitas Plaza, where you’ll delve into the history and influence of St. Ignatius Loyola in this charming area. Return to the hotel to freshen up, and in the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner featuring the iconic Spanish dish, Paella.
DAY 4: BILBAO
Set off to Azpeitia, where you’ll uncover the Loyola Sanctuary, the birthplace of St. Ignatius Loyola. Explore the fascinating Basilica and delve into the history of the Loyola family house. After lunch, we will return to Bilbao, where you’ll have the afternoon to either explore the city at your leisure or relax at the hotel. Finish off your last night in Bilbao with another delicious meal.
Day 5: BILBAO -> MADRID
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel and check out. Then, hop on our transfer to Madrid, where we’ll arrive and drop off our bags at the hotel. After lunch, the day continues with a guided walking tour of Madrid, during which you’ll explore key landmarks such as Puerta del Sol, the statue of Oso and Madrono, Kilometer Zero, the clock tower, and more. Return to the hotel for check-in, and savor your first dinner in Madrid. Wrap up the day with an evening stroll and indulge in some delightful Spanish desserts.
Day 6: MADRID
Start your day with a visit to St. Ignatius Loyola’s Rooms at the Basilica of San Isidro. Here, you’ll gain insights into the life and spiritual journey of St. Ignatius Loyola. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the picturesque surroundings of Parque de Retiro. In the afternoon, you have two options: explore the Santiago Bernabeu Football Stadium, the home of the Real Madrid team, or visit the renowned Prado Museum. In the evening, immerse yourself in the art and passion of Flamenco with a captivating Flamenco show. Conclude your day with a delicious dinner featuring traditional Spanish tapas.
Day 7: MADRID -> BARCELONA
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before departing for Barcelona, where you will check into your hotel upon arrival. The highlight of your day awaits as you embark on a guided tour of Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the iconic Sagrada Familia. For dinner, you will partake in a Paella cooking class adventure. Begin by visiting the market to get fresh ingredients for your meal, then head to the kitchen to master the art of crafting tapas and paella.
Day 8: BARCELONA
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a day trip to Montserrat, a beautiful mountain range and spiritual center. Explore the Montserrat Monastery and its historical connection to St. Ignatius Loyola. After lunch, take in the stunning views and hiking trails in the Montserrat area. Return to Barcelona in the afternoon for beach exploration and swimming (weather permitting). Round out the day with another delicious dinner in Barcelona.
Day 9: BARCELONA
Begin your last full day in Barcelona with a bike tour of the city. For those not comfortable on a bike, take a visit to the cliff-top fortress of Montjuic. Enjoy lunch at the world-famous Boqueria Market. Then, head up to Parc Guell to take in stunning views of Barcelona while exploring the park designed by Antoni Gaudi. In the afternoon, you have the option for final souvenir shopping or a visit to Camp Nou Stadium, home to FC Barcelona. Conclude your day with a final dinner in Barcelona, followed by an evening stroll back to the hotel. Along the way, don’t miss the chance to see the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, known for its incredible displays of color, light, and water acrobatics accompanied by music.
Day 10: ¡Hasta luego, España!
Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before boarding your private transfer to the airport. Your TFT guides will accompany you and assist you with check-in for your flight. Wave goodbye as you head through security and sit back and relax on your flight home.
Payment Timeline
Deadline to register: October 12, 2023
Within three days of registration: Deposit of $750
Balance in three installments: November 15, 2023, December 15, 2023, and January 15, 2024
All payments may be paid via ACH (no fee) or by Credit Card (4% convenience fee added to all credit card payments other than the $750 deposit)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Travel For Teens?
Travel For Teens started in 2003 as a small, family-run business providing teens with an authentic experience in Paris.
Today, the TFT family has flourished and operates over 100 different programs in over 40 countries! Our values and mission remain the same no matter our growth – inspiring youth to ignite a passion for travel and discovering new cultures beyond the traditional tourist path.
How much is tuition and what does it include?
Tuition for the trip is $4,695, which INCLUDES Breakfasts and dinners, accommodations, admissions, departure taxes, registration charges ground transportation and international Airfare
Tuition does NOT INCLUDE mandatory Trip Cancellation insurance, meals not referenced in the itinerary, PPE costs, COVID testing during the trip or for the return to the USA (as applicable), additional baggage fees (one free checked bag max weight 44lbs per passenger), laundry, internet, phone calls home, deviations from the itinerary, drinks at meals, admissions and activities not included on the itinerary, additional transportation costs due to maintaining the safety of the group, sickness, injury, transportation delays related to circumstances beyond our control (acts of nature) or transportation strikes (trains, metro, or planes), unplanned and unexpected costs associated with events beyond the control of TFT.
Tuition for the trip is $4,695, which INCLUDES Breakfasts and dinners, accommodations, admissions, departure taxes, registration charges ground transportation and international Airfare
Tuition does NOT INCLUDE mandatory Trip Cancellation insurance, meals not referenced in the itinerary, PPE costs, COVID testing during the trip or for the return to the USA (as applicable), additional baggage fees (one free checked bag max weight 44lbs per passenger), laundry, internet, phone calls home, deviations from the itinerary, drinks at meals, admissions and activities not included on the itinerary, additional transportation costs due to maintaining the safety of the group, sickness, injury, transportation delays related to circumstances beyond our control (acts of nature) or transportation strikes (trains, metro, or planes), unplanned and unexpected costs associated with events beyond the control of TFT.
If I cannot afford the payment schedule listed above, does Travel For Teens provide flexible payment plans?
Yes, Travel For Teens is willing to customize a payment plan for any participant who needs a little flexibility in the payment schedule. Please email help@travelforteens.com for details on payment plans.
Yes, Travel For Teens is willing to customize a payment plan for any participant who needs a little flexibility in the payment schedule. Please email help@travelforteens.com for details on payment plans.
How much is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip insurance will be mandatory for all participants and is not included in your deposit payment. We feel that this gives everyone more peace of mind in case of unforeseen events. The trip insurance, if purchased directly from Travel For Teens, is $290 for the standard plan. You may also choose to purchase a more comprehensive cancel-for-any-reason insurance but NY residents must purchase this directly. All paying participants will need to provide proof of an independently-purchased policy if not purchasing the plan offered by Travel For Teens.
Participants may purchase Cancel For Any Reason policies directly using this link: http://www.travelinsured.com/agency?agency=53809&p=53809Retail
Trip insurance will be mandatory for all participants and is not included in your deposit payment. We feel that this gives everyone more peace of mind in case of unforeseen events. The trip insurance, if purchased directly from Travel For Teens, is $290 for the standard plan. You may also choose to purchase a more comprehensive cancel-for-any-reason insurance but NY residents must purchase this directly. All paying participants will need to provide proof of an independently-purchased policy if not purchasing the plan offered by Travel For Teens.
Participants may purchase Cancel For Any Reason policies directly using this link: http://www.travelinsured.com/agency?agency=53809&p=53809Retail
How much is airfare? How do the flights work?
Travel For Teens will reserve a group contract for all participants traveling roundtrip from Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Bilbao (BIO) and from Barcelona (BCN) back to Buffalo Niagara Airport.
Travel For Teens will reserve a group contract for all participants traveling roundtrip from Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Bilbao (BIO) and from Barcelona (BCN) back to Buffalo Niagara Airport.
Who will be leading this trip from the school?
Mr. Craig Hinchcliffe and other faculty.
Mr. Craig Hinchcliffe and other faculty.
Who can go on this trip?
All Canisius High School students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade
All Canisius High School students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade
Are parents allowed to go on this trip?
Parents are not permitted to go as participants or chaperones.
Parents are not permitted to go as participants or chaperones.
Where do we stay?
We will be staying in three-star hotels throughout the program. The names of the accommodations are available to all families once they have signed up. Students will be roomed in a combination of twins, triples, and quad rooms. Every participant will have their own beds.
Students traveling with a family member may request to be in a twin room.
Single rooms can be requested and will cost $250 additional per person per single. Note, Singles must be requested at the time of registration to be guaranteed.
We will be staying in three-star hotels throughout the program. The names of the accommodations are available to all families once they have signed up. Students will be roomed in a combination of twins, triples, and quad rooms. Every participant will have their own beds.
Students traveling with a family member may request to be in a twin room.
Single rooms can be requested and will cost $250 additional per person per single. Note, Singles must be requested at the time of registration to be guaranteed.
Trip Emails and Photographs
PHOTOGRAPHS
We will take dozens, if not hundreds, of photos each day. The best photos will be posted as regularly as possible (ideally every day) to a private webpage where you can follow along with the trip. We will send you an email to alert you when we post new photos. We will provide every family a link for downloading all pictures immediately after the trip returns.
EMAILS
The trip director will be in regular email contact every 24-48 hours, internet willing, with the families. Email will be the best way to communicate messages to the Trip Director.
PHOTOGRAPHS
We will take dozens, if not hundreds, of photos each day. The best photos will be posted as regularly as possible (ideally every day) to a private webpage where you can follow along with the trip. We will send you an email to alert you when we post new photos. We will provide every family a link for downloading all pictures immediately after the trip returns.
EMAILS
The trip director will be in regular email contact every 24-48 hours, internet willing, with the families. Email will be the best way to communicate messages to the Trip Director.
Safety, Sickness and Communication
SAFETY AND SICKNESS
The safety of your kids is our #1 concern, which is why we have only experienced trip leaders running the show.
All trip leaders and chaperones will have international mobile phone access and TFT will give you these numbers before departure.
The TFT trip leader will also have a smartphone that is accessible 24/7 that can be called in case of emergency.
Your kids will be given opportunities to call and email home on a regular basis. Teens are encouraged to bring a cell phone on the trip. Outside of the hotel students can use their cell phone for photos/videos and emergencies. At the hotel, they can use their smartphones for social media, texting, emailing etc.
SAFETY AND SICKNESS
The safety of your kids is our #1 concern, which is why we have only experienced trip leaders running the show.
All trip leaders and chaperones will have international mobile phone access and TFT will give you these numbers before departure.
The TFT trip leader will also have a smartphone that is accessible 24/7 that can be called in case of emergency.
Your kids will be given opportunities to call and email home on a regular basis. Teens are encouraged to bring a cell phone on the trip. Outside of the hotel students can use their cell phone for photos/videos and emergencies. At the hotel, they can use their smartphones for social media, texting, emailing etc.
What are the safety qualifications for our staff?
Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.
What is the food like on a TFT program? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food should be an integral part of the travel experience and always make an effort to eat at authentic establishments when we can. What better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a place than by sampling the local delicacies, and we encourage students to do so whenever possible! Just as we stay away from Americanized hotel chains, we try to avoid restaurants with menus that cater only to tourists because every good traveler knows the best food is found wherever the locals are eating!
We also love to have picnics al fresco and do this whenever possible, which is a great way to taste some local food while sitting out in the fresh air taking in the sights and sounds of our surroundings.
As always, we are willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.
Do I need to speak the language?
No, our skilled staff members will help you get around and even teach you a few fun phrases!
Are participants allowed to have their cell phones on the program?
We do allow participants to bring their phones, but we ask that they use it solely as a camera when we are out and about during the day. We want everyone to focus on living in the moment and fully experience each new destination we are visiting without being absorbed in their phones. We ask that participants look at their journey with us as a way to disconnect. When we have downtime at our hotels in the evenings it is okay for participants to use their devices to connect with friends and family back home.
What is the activity level of this trip?
This is an active trip. The goal of the trip will be to maximize each day. We aim to achieve a good balance of activity and downtime. You will need to be comfortable walking about 5 miles a day in total.
This is an active trip. The goal of the trip will be to maximize each day. We aim to achieve a good balance of activity and downtime. You will need to be comfortable walking about 5 miles a day in total.
Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

