Spain: Mountains to Mediterranean

Trip Name
Spain: Mountains to Mediterranean

Trip Categories
Spanish Immersion

Who It’s For
High school students (completing grades 9–12)

2027 Sessions
Session 1: July 18 – July 31, 2027
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure from the U.S. and return to the U.S. Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.

Location
Barcelona, Sierra del Montsec, and rural Catalonia

Trip Length
14 Days

Service Hours
15–20

Tuition
$6,995

2027 Tuition
$6,995

Save Up to $500
Apply by October 31, 2026 to save $250 with our Early Enrollment Discount. Pay tuition in full at enrollment and save an additional $250.

Early Enrollment Discount
Save $250 when you apply by October 31, 2026.

Pay-In-Full Discount
Save an additional $250 when tuition is paid in full at enrollment.

Fully Refundable Deposit
Your deposit is fully refundable through December 31, 2026.

Standard Payment Plan
Prefer not to pay in full? Our standard payment schedule includes payments on November 15, January 15, March 15, and May 15.

This is the plan, but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.

Day 1–2: Travel to Spain & Settle in
Depart the U.S. on Day 1 and arrive in Barcelona on Day 2. Once the group is together, we settle in and start getting to know each other as we explore the famous Park Güell.

Day 3: Montserrat and Transfer to Montfalcó

We travel to the stunning Montserrat mountains for a beautiful cable car ride. We continue further into rural Spain for the adventure section of our trip in the Sierra del Montsec mountain range.

Day 4: Rock Climbing
This beautiful limestone mountain range in the Pre-Pyrenees is the perfect spot to learn and develop our rock climbing skills, with care and support from local guides.

Day 5: Kayak and Hike Mont Rebei Gorge
Hike along the Montfalcó footbridges, then take your kayak back from the Següe bridge (the border between Aragon and Catalonia) to face the mighty Mont Rebei Gorge. This circular loop is a day full of adventure, mountain views, and dramatic gorges.

Day 6: Canyoning Adventure
The Sierra de Guara is an iconic location for canyoning.
There are numerous descents, jumps, swims, and challenges for all experience levels. We work together to explore the canyon, with incredible views along the way.

Day 7: Transfer to Barcelona
We return to Barcelona and move into our hostel for the second half of the trip. It’s a chance to do laundry, reset, and prepare for the start of our service projects.

Day 8: Kayak and Snorkel the Med
Explore the rocky coastline by kayak, weaving through coves, caves, and beaches. The day ends with beach games, snorkeling, and time to relax on the Mediterranean coast.

Days 9–13: Service Work & Exploring the City
We partner with local organizations focused on food waste redistribution, and other community support projects. In the mornings, we support their efforts hands-on. In the afternoons, we dive into the culture of Barcelona, touring Barcelona’s highlights, a visit to Sagrada Família, tasting local food, and experiencing a traditional flamenco dinner.

Day 14: Homeward Bound
We say goodbye to Barcelona and fly home after two weeks of exploration, service, and connection.

We stay in a simple, locally owned hostel in Barcelona for 8 nights. Perfect for teens, it is a family-run spot that is safe, clean, and close to where we want to be. While outside the city, we stay in a mountain bunkhouse refuge for 4 nights, the ideal spot for students exploring the adventurous surroundings.

Rooming
Teens share rooms with 2–4 participants, divided by gender.

Comfort Level
Rooms have beds, bathrooms, and A/C, but are not luxury. This trip is about connection, not fancy stays. We typically shower every 1-2 days, depending in the itinerary.

Group Vibe
Each accommodation provides a base for us to explore from, eat, and unwind together.

Meals are a big part of the experience and are enjoyed together. They are a mixture of group prepared meals, as well as restaurants, and cafes.

Cook Crew
During our trip, teens rotate through cook crew, helping prepare meals with support from trip leaders.

Simple + Fresh
We keep things simple and healthy: think pasta, veggie stir-fry, salads, rice bowls, and Spanish tortilla. In Barcelona, we enjoy local restaurants and a group flamenco and paella night.

All Diets Welcome
We accommodate all dietary needs including vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and more. Just let us know.

Snacks + Hydration
We take regular snack breaks and make sure everyone has water on hand, especially during hikes and hot days.

Flights
Families book flights to and from Barcelona (BCN).
Do not book flights until you receive the required travel windows from our team.

Escorted Flight Option
An optional group flight with an RLT leader is available from the New York area.

Unaccompanied Minor Info
We’ll walk you through the process if your teen is flying as an airline-designated Unaccompanied Minor (for major airlines this is often kids who are 14 years old or younger, and are flying without a parent.) Every airline has different policies so it is important to coordinate with RLT and look into each airline’s specific policies. Generally speaking, we will have an RLT leader available to meet Unaccompanied Minors at the arrival airport for each trip.

Packing
Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal clothing, toiletries, and individual sleeping gear such as a sleeping bag. The Road Less Traveled provides all group gear, and any specialized activity equipment needed for the trip. A detailed packing list will be sent to families well in advance (and is available upon request at any time) to ensure your child is prepared. We encourage packing clothing that’s comfortable, durable, and made for adventure. Our list will also provide guidance based on weather, location, and planned activities to help participants bring the right items for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Luggage Note
We recommend one checked soft duffel bag (NOT a rolling suitcase) and a small carry-on backpack.

Forms & Waivers
After enrollment, you’ll receive access to your RLT portal with all required forms. These include health history, participant agreements, and emergency contact info. All forms must be completed before the trip.

Medical Clearance
A doctor’s appointment is not required unless your teen has a new or complex medical condition. We review every form to ensure we’re ready to support each participant’s needs.

Medications
All medications, prescription and over-the-counter, must be listed on your teen’s medical form. Trip leaders hold all medications throughout the trip and administer them as needed.

Behavioral Expectations
Before departure, every family reviews our Positive Participation Agreement with their teen. It covers expectations for safety, respect, participation, and group life. On trip, leaders address concerns early and directly, help students understand the impact of their choices, and work with them to reset. If a concern is serious or ongoing, we involve the family and determine next steps together.

Trip Insurance
Trip insurance is required for all international trips. You’re welcome to use any third-party provider. We also share recommendations in our FAQ.

Vaccinations
We follow CDC guidelines for international travel, and always recommend that families check in with their pediatrician prior to traveling abroad. Based on current CDC guidelines, no specific shots are required beyond routine immunizations. Please check that your teen is up to date on routine vaccinations, including a tetanus booster (Td or Tdap) within the past 10 years.

Passport
For Spain your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of travel. Also, it is recommended that you have at least one blank page in your passport.

Device-Free Philosophy
This trip is intentionally phone-free. On Day 1, leaders collect all phones and personal electronics to help teens fully engage with each other and their surroundings. Devices are safely stored and returned at the end of the program.

Why?
Because disconnecting helps teens:
Build deeper relationships
Be present in their surroundings
Gain confidence without constant tech

Cameras Welcome
Teens are encouraged to bring a digital camera or GoPro, anything that doesn’t connect to the internet. Trip leaders also take photos and share a full gallery after the trip.

Communication
We keep parents updated during the trip with regular check-ins. In case of an emergency, our 24/7 on-call team is always available.