Frequently Asked Questions

Greece, Portugal, and the Azores Teen Travel Tour

What age do I have to be to travel on Greece, Portugal and the Azores?
This amazing tour is age appropriate for kids currently in high school.
How many teenagers will be in my teen tour group?
Greece, Portugal, and the Azores is coed and can accommodate 30-35 participants.
Where do the kids come from?
Over the past few summers, Rein Teen Tours had travelers from over 35 states and 14 countries. We love bringing people together!
Can I come with a friend?
The most rewarding part of a Rein Teen Tours summer is making new friends. While we do allow friends to travel together, Rein Teen Tours makes each tour a cohesive family. Along with safety and supervision, group dynamics is a focus each day of our trips! Whether our travelers come with a friend or come alone, we strive to ensure that each teenager thrives socially.
Can I pick my roommates?
To make sure each teenager is comfortable at the beginning of the program, we assign roommates for the first stop of the tour. Friends who come on a tour together are placed in separate rooms for those assigned days. Most hotel rooms accommodate 2-3 people per room and every teenager is guaranteed their own bed. After the first couple of nights, it’s up to you to choose your roommates throughout the summer. You can change for each stop on your teen tour!
Can I bring my cell phone?
Yes, we allow cell phones. Cell service is very good throughout the countries we visit in Europe, and we recommend you speak with your provider regarding international calling plans. You may also want to explore adding a free App to your teenager’s phone as well as your phone, such as What’sApp. Many of our hotels offer free wireless internet service in their lobbies, and the teenagers can utilize this for keeping in touch with home. Phone chargers (and other electronics or appliances) will require an international voltage converter set, which can be found in stores and on-line such as CVS, Walgreens, and Amazon. To ensure that cell phone use doesn’t interfere with your experience, we have cell phone policies that we will share with you and your parents prior to your departure.
Who are the counselors and how are they trained?
We hire the BEST staff! We interview, reference check, and perform background checks on all our eligible applicants. We hold a mandatory orientation each spring where our staff is trained in how to create the greatest summer for our teenagers, with a focus on group dynamics and safety. Most of our counselors are in their mid-to-late twenties to early thirties and most return summer after summer. All our staff live in the U.S. and are certified in CPR and First Aid.
How does laundry work?
Once every 7-8 days, we drop everyone’s laundry at commercial laundromats. We will drop off laundry in the morning and pick it up the following day. Tour members are responsible for paying laundry fees. Labeling clothing is not necessary.
What kind of transportation is used throughout the tour?
We utilize regular size coach buses throughout our time in Greece, Portugal, and the Azores. The flight from Athens to Lisbon and from Faro to Ponta Delgada is on regularly scheduled commercial jet planes.
Do I need a passport for Greece and Portugal
A valid passport is required to enter both countries we visit during the trip. To be valid, the expiration date of your passport should be at least six months after the planned date of return. Please note that requirements can change at any time for reasons beyond our control and it is the responsibility of the traveler to verify appropriate documentation.
What if I get sick while on tour?
In Europe, doctors often make “house-calls” to hotels. During the tour, we rely on these local doctors for treatment and sometimes rely on hospitals and medical clinics, as well. Each tour director has a file with every teenager’s medical history. If a doctor’s visit is required, the tour leader will make every effort to contact your parent when a doctor’s visit is necessary, and you will be chaperoned by a same-sex staff member. We will also contact a parent, if possible, during the doctor’s visit, so your parents can discuss the treatment plan with the physician, and our staff will make sure the treatment plan is carried out.
How do you handle allergies and special dietary needs?
The food in the countries we visit is plentiful, diverse and fresh. You’ll dine at a mix of local eateries and international restaurants. We can accommodate most teenagers who have allergies and various dietary needs. Prior to the summer, all tour participants are required to complete a detailed medical history, which includes allergies and special dietary restrictions and needs. If you have a particular allergy, please call the Rein Teen Tours office so we can discuss an allergy action plan.
What is the time difference in the countries we visit during the summer?
Greece is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, mainland Portugal is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, and the Azores are 4 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Do I have to participate in an activity that makes me uncomfortable?
We will never force you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. However, we encourage teenagers to participate in all activities. Touring is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try something new and exciting.
What does tuition include?
Tour tuition includes all lodging, recreation, entertainment, land transportation, gratuities, and taxes. Breakfasts and dinners with many choices are included daily.
How much spending money will I need?
Rein Teen Tours recommends that you bring about $200-$225 per week. This spending money will cover your daily lunches, souvenirs, laundry, snacks or drinks, etc. The best option is to bring a debit card instead of cash. ATM’s can be found throughout the program, and you can withdraw Euro when necessary.