5 Excellent Reasons to Plan a Class Trip to Portugal

If planning a class trip to Europe is on your mind but you’re not sure where to go, Portugal might be the perfect destination for your students! It’s a charming place with a rich culture, amazing history, stunning landscapes, and warm, welcoming people. Need more convincing? We’ll give you the inside scoop with these 5 excellent reasons to plan a class trip to Portugal!

1. Accessibility

One of the biggest deterrents for teachers and directors planning a class trip abroad is accessibility – with location, language, and cost.

Easy to Reach and Simple to Get Around

Portugal is easy to reach with well-connected airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Lisbon (Portugal’s coastal capital and prime student spot) is the western most major city in continental Europe and home to the Lisbon International Airport. This airport is the busiest in Portugal and considered a hub for incoming European travelers.

Once you’re there, it’s also pretty simple to navigate using well-connected public transportation like the metro, buses, trams, and trains.

English is Widely Spoken

English is also widely spoken in Portugal with more than half of the population (56%) speaking fluently. This is especially true in the larger cities like Lisbon and Porto. If you’re traveling with students, you understand how important it is to reduce the language barrier and the challenges it can present.

It’s Budget-Friendly

Finally, Portugal is a budget-friendly European destination. The cost of living here is roughly 46% less than in the United States, so you’ll find reasonably priced meals, inexpensive accommodations, and many attractions that are free!

2. Safety

At the top of any student group’s priority list is SAFETY. A student’s health and well-being should always be top of mind – especially when traveling abroad!

In 2024, the Global Peace Index ranked Portugal in the top seven safest countries in the world. In fact, crime rates have been dropping steadily since 2017. Portugal is also one of the safest Western European countries.

And while you should always encourage students to be safe, smart, and savvy no matter where you are, you can feel good about Portugal’s peaceful reputation!

3. History

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe with an incredibly rich history. Before it became the Portuguese Kingdom in 1143, this area was home to prehistoric tribes, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors.

Today, you’ll find evidence of a remarkable past in countless monuments and historical sites around the country. Whether you’re strolling the celebrated streets of Lisbon or exploring charming Porto’s riverside, here are just a few must-see highlights…

National Palace of Pena

The National Palace of Pena, known as the jewel of the Sintra, looks like it was plucked straight from the pages of a fairy tale. The multi-colored, whimsical structure sits majestically atop the Sintra Hills as an eternal legacy to King Ferdinand II.

Wander through the 170-year-old palace’s stunning rooms, hidden nooks and crannies, and idyllic grounds. The special magic that seems to inhabit this place will leave you spellbound!

Castelo De São Jorge

Castelo De São Jorge in Lisbon is more than 1,000 years old, with its oldest fortifications dating back to the 2^nd century BC. It was built by the Moors during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula and captured by Christian forces in 1147.

Today this ancient architectural wonder sits at the peak of the city’s highest hill, offering breathtaking views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Group tickets and guided tours are available at a minimal cost.

 Jerónimos Monastery

The Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém (or Jerónimos Monastery) is a masterpiece of Portuguese architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  More than 2.5 million people pass through the monastery each year, making it the most visited heritage complex in Portugal.

While the 523-year-old building itself is a marvel worth seeing, Jerónimos Monastery is also the final resting place of renowned explorer Vasco da Gama and the famous Belém Tower.

Belém Tower

In 1514, King Manuel I ordered the construction of the Tower of Belém to protect the port city of Lisbon and the monastery.  It was completed in 1520 and features “Manueline symbolism” – including elegant knots, armillary spheres, crosses of the Military Order of Christ and naturalistic elements.

Today this cultural landmark is open to the public and includes a chapel, watchtower, and living quarters. Students can also climb to the top for panoramic views of the Tagus River and the surrounding area.

Livraria Bertrand – Chiado

Fun fact! Livraria Bertrand is the oldest bookstore in the world! Opened in 1732, this iconic spot on Chiado’s main street has hosted the Portuguese elite along with everyday buyers for nearly 300 years.

It’s a definite must-do for student groups!!

Porto Cathedral

Porto Cathedral is a Roman-Gothic structure built during the 12th century in the center of the historic city of Porto. It underwent major renovations during the Baroque period (17th-18th centuries).

Inside, it still retains the appearance of a fortress church – including battlements. Student groups will note the particularly elegant Romanesque rose window which was part of the original 12^th century design by Bishop D. Hugo.

São Bento Railway Station

Porto is also home to the fully functional yet shockingly exquisite São Bento Railway Station. This early 20^th century station is one of the most beautiful in Europe and is adorned with thousands of intricate azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history.

Student groups can stop here as part of a guided city tour or check it out on their own – then hop a train to one of the picturesque villages in the region!

4. Fado Music and Culture

Vibrant music and arts are at the heart of Portuguese culture.  Portugal’s national music is Fado, a soulful, bluesy, nostalgic style that evokes deep feelings in musicians and listeners alike. Fado plays an integral part in people’s daily lives here and has even been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

To learn more about Fado, simply follow the soulful sounds emanating from the taverns, plazas, and streets of Lisbon. Even better, visit the Fado Museum, which is dedicated entirely to the tradition and history of Fado music. Here you’ll find exhibits and artifacts linked to one of Portugal’s most important legacies.

Student groups can take a guided tour, schedule an educational workshop, and experience a live Fado performance for themselves.

5. Harry Potter

Bet the muggles didn’t see THIS one coming! Another excellent reason to plan a class trip to Portugal is its Harry Potter connection.

Unless they are die-hard Harry Potter fans, students may not know that J.K. Rowlings was inspired to write the iconic series while teaching English in Porto. In fact, MANY well-known Harry Potter bits appear to be modeled after some of the city’s famous sites.  For example…

Livraria Lello

While not the oldest, Livraria Lello is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world with an old, incredibly ornate staircase and marvelous detail throughout. Many say it closely resembles Flourish and Blotts, the bookstore featured in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Escovaria de Belomonte (The Belomonte Broom Store)

Just a few blocks from Livraria Lello is a winding, cobbled street with a little family-owned shop that has made artisanal brooms for decades. Honestly, Escovaria de Belomonte and the street on which it sits could easily be confused with Diagon Alley and the Broomstix and Quality Quidditch Supplies store!

University of Coimbra Uniforms

Porto University of Coimbra students wear traditional ‘Capa e Batina’ uniforms with black capes, crisp white shirts, and black ties… very similar to the characters in Harry Potter!

António de Oliveira Salazar

António de Oliveira Salazar was Portugal’s prime minister from 1932 to 1968. J.K. Rowling has confirmed via X that the founder of Slytherin House was indeed named after the dictator.

There are countless Harry Potter pilgrimage sites for students to tour and explore while visiting Porto. You could build an entire itinerary around the Harry Potter connection!

5 Excellent Reasons to Plan a Class Trip to Portugal

Accessibility, safety, history, music and mugg… I mean Harry Potter are 5 fantastic reasons to plan your next class trip to Portugal. But there’s so much more to unpack and explore! Portugal will charm your students with its lively appeal and friendly vibe and keep you coming back again and again.

And… 5 Excellent Reasons to Plan with Kaleidoscope Adventures!

For more than 30 years, Kaleidoscope Adventures has been the conduit for travel experiences that teach, inspire, encourage, and allow students to explore the world around them. Our pro team has countless ideas for a trip that’s just right for you.

We make it easy SO easy to plan your class trip to Portugal…

• Expert planning team
• Online registration and payments
• Convenient crowdfunding options
• Impeccable customer service from start to finish
• Travel that exceeds your expectations

Connect with Kaleidoscope Adventures for Your Complimentary Quote

Learn More About What You Can Do in Portugal with Stevie G. and the Destinations Beyond Expectations Podcast