Family Journey Portugal: Lisbon to the Algarve

Family Journey Portugal: Lisbon to the Algarve

• Trip code: 4A4X005
• Dauer: 8
• Stil: National Geographic Family Journeys

Set off on a sun-soaked adventure through Portugal—where storybook palaces, golden beaches, and seaside villages set the stage for family memories that last a lifetime. Kick things off with a scavenger hunt through Lisbon’s colourful streets, then step back in time to Sintra’s hilltop castles. Wander through ancient stone circles that stir the imagination, bike the rugged coastline with the sea breeze at your back, and even catch a wave or two in the surf. Sail into the legendary Benagil Cave by boat, then cap it all off with a hands-on cooking class the whole family will savour. With every new flavour and adventure, you’ll discover the magic of Portugal—one unforgettable family moment at a time.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nts)

Checklist

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 20, Avg 14

Highlights

Ride bikes along the sparkling shores of the Cascais coastline, Marvel at the vivid colours and swirling patterns of Sintra’s magical Pena Palace, Step back in time at the ancient stone circle known as the Portuguese Stonehenge, Catch waves in a beginner surf lesson then cruise to the hidden wonder of Benagil Cave

Introduction

Set off on a sun-soaked adventure through Portugal—where storybook palaces, golden beaches, and seaside villages set the stage for family memories that last a lifetime. Kick things off with a scavenger hunt through Lisbon’s colourful streets, then step back in time to Sintra’s hilltop castles. Wander through ancient stone circles that stir the imagination, bike the rugged coastline with the sea breeze at your back, and even catch a wave or two in the surf. Sail into the legendary Benagil Cave by boat, then cap it all off with a hands-on cooking class the whole family will savour. With every new flavour and adventure, you’ll discover the magic of Portugal—one unforgettable family moment at a time

Meals Included

7 Frühstück, 3 Mittagessen, 2 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD260-340 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

Lisbon nach Algarve

Transport

Private Vehicle, Metro, Bike, 4X4 Vehicle, Boat, Walking

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Cork farm, Winery Visit, and Local Lunch, Redondo
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Dein Family-Journeys-Moment: Lisbon Scavenger Hunt, Lisbon. Arrival transfer. Coastal bike tour. Cabo da Roca viewpoint and lighthouse visit, Cabo da Roca. Sintra visit and Pena Palace Guided tour Sintra. Orientation walk Evora with Chapel of Bones visit. Cromeleque dos Almendres Monoliths visit. Surf lesson or Ferragudo village and Pink Fort visit. Algarve boat tour with Benagil Caves. Local cooking class. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Minimum Age

Mindestalter für diese Reise sind 7 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Lisbon

Welcome to Lisbon–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the journey ahead

Day 2 Lisbon

After breakfast, set off to discover the city on a fun and interactive scavenger hunt through the Baixa district of Lisbon. Beginning at the Praça do Comércio, families are tasked with solving puzzles and noting some of the most unique aspects of this vibrant city. Watch for street performers, interesting patterns, colourful street art, and viewpoints, while your guide shares stories along the way. After lunch, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own. Explore more of the city, grab some tasty local treats and have fun with your family–vamos!

Day 3 Lisbon

Take in the magnificent sights and sounds on a coastal cycling tour from Cascais this morning. Known as the Portuguese Riviera, the Cascais coast is famous for beautiful beaches, historic towns, and fishing villages turned resort towns. Then, from Praia do Guincho hop onboard a private bus and set off toward Cabo da Roca–the westernmost point of continental Europe before continuing on to Sintra. Take some time for lunch on your own, then bus up the mountain to the jewel of Sintra–Pena Palace. Enjoy the colourful reds and yellows of the palace transformed by King Fernand II in the 19th century and explore the courtyards and gardens and imagine what life was like so many years ago. After, return to Lisbon for one final night in this exciting city

Day 4 Lisbon/Évora

Wave goodbye to Lisbon and set off for a fun and interactive visit to a local cork farm and winery. Climb into a 4x4 and explore the stunning Alentejo countryside to learn about one of Portugal’s most interesting natural resources–cork, an integral part of the wine production Portugal is so famous for. Learn about the industry’s evolution and sustainable harvesting which only takes place every 9-12 years during the tree’s 200-year lifespan. After, sit down and sample some of the local flavours, wine for the grown-ups and juice for the kids–paired with local cheeses, then fill up on a traditional cork farm worker’s lunch at a nearby restaurant. Later, Travel to Évora–a UNESCO World Heritage site and join an orientation walk, stopping at the fascinatingly eerie Chapel of Bones along the way

Day 5 Évora/Algarve

After breakfast, travel to the Cromeleque dos Almendres Monoliths, known as the “Portuguese Stonehenge,” for a walk through the ancient site. This 7,000-year-old monument is even older than the famous English henge–approximately 2,000 years older. These ancient stones are said to have been used for religious rituals and as a location to study the stars. Continue on to the Monte da Rocha region for a traditional lunch before transferring to the Algarve, where you’ll call home for the coming days. This popular family beach region is known for its whitewashed fishing villages overlooking sandy coves–perfect for outdoor pursuits or beach fun and relaxation

Day 6 Algarve

Wake up in the picturesque Algarve and set off on your choice of included activity. Either spend the morning on the water “catching a wave” with a surf lesson or go with the Expedition Leader to the lighthouse at Ponta da Piedade and walk around the cliffs. The afternoon is free for families to continue exploring Lagos, home of popular beaches, a busy marina, museums, and boardwalks. This evening, return to the hotel to freshen up before an included dinner

Day 7 Algarve

Set off on a morning boat tour along the Algarve coast stopping at the Benagil Caves, an iconic natural wonder with sea-sculpted arches that give it the appearance of a cathedral. Cruise through the turquoise waters passing stunning grottoes, rocky cliffs, and secluded beaches. Along the way, keep an eye out for dolphins as these beautiful mammals love to call this area home. Head back to the hotel for a free afternoon to explore however you’d like, then join the other families for a cooking class, learning how to make regional specialties. Afterward, get a taste of Portugal as you savour your culinary creation for your farewell dinner–bom apetite!

Day 8 Algarve

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Lisbon

Day 2 Lisbon

Day 3 Lisbon

Day 4 Lisbon/Évora

Day 5 Évora/Algarve

Day 6 Algarve

Day 7 Algarve

Day 8 Algarve