PORTUGAL FAMILY TOUR
June 10-17, 2023
Travel on a custom Portugal family tour that considers children in the itinerary and ensures that activities will keep their interest
Meet other families looking to travel the world in a new way
Create bonds through travel that you can keep strong when you return from your trip
Kids behave better when others are around so this may be the ideal way to explore with kids
A CUSTOM TOUR FOR FAMILIES
A scavenger hunt, a Portuguese tile painting workshop, and hot chocolate tasting are just a few of the tricks up our sleeves on our Portugal family tour to ensure that we keep the kids’ ‘I’m bored’s at bay! We also cut out moving often and will still at two hotels with day trips to various sites nearby. Speaking of hotels., European hotel rooms are often smaller than their American counterparts. We have selected hotels that allow families to stay together. This Portugal family tour was designed around the needs of the modern family which includes staying at the Portuguese hotel brand designed around families, Martinhal Hotel & Resorts.
THE ITINERARY
Day 1 - Morning arrival, transfer from airport
There is so much to see and do with children in Lisbon, but at Martinhal we understand parents might want to explore things that may not be interesting for little ones. Whether that’s art museums, Michelin-star restaurants, bars in the trendy Cais de Sodre or Chiado areas, or rock concerts at the Coliseum… why not think about leaving your kids with us in our secure and safe kids clubs while you enjoy a night out? At Martinhal Chiado, we have carefully created a city-center hotel that puts families first.
Kids are central to our philosophy at Martinhal. At Martinhal Chiado, we have created a superb kids club covering the ages of 6 months to early teens where kids can be looked after by our caring and responsible staff in a safe and secure space while parents enjoy their time in Lisbon – even at night!
Day 1 - afternoon
We still start our Portugal family tour the afternoon we arrive by exploring the heart of the city, walking to Belém district, from where the Portuguese navigators left, looking for the “New World”. Here, we’ll visit Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. We will also the Monument to the Discoveries. This tour will be done in a dynamic mode, suitable for the age of children. During the visit to the Jeronimos Monastery, the kids will be playing in the garden.
Finally, the guide will buy Pasteis de Belem for the group to enjoy in the garden. After you’ll continue your way to Belem tower, the monument until Parque das Nações. Then you’ll have time to take a walk close to the river and lunch.
What’s included? A 4/5-hour tour with a licensed guide, transportation at bus, pasteis de belem & one drink per person and booster seats are included.
What isn’t included? Meals and drinks, souvenirs.
Day 2 - Lisbon Family Tour
This morning, you’ll enjoy a private route of the tram just for our group. This route starts on Da Estrela Basilica, passing through the Downtown of Lisbon and finishing on Portas do Sol in Alfama.
Here the party will be divided into small groups for a Scavenger Hunt to explore the quarter of the castle and the Alfama area.
Each group can rest when they want during the tour to lunch on their own.
When you finish, you’ll continue the tour to a special tile shop, where everyone can paint their very own azulejo, Portuguese tile. Kids will love making their own souvenirs. Who am I kidding? The adults will love it too! Upon your arrival, a resident artist will be waiting to assist you and will walk you through the process. Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with your results.
What’s included? Private tour with an expert local guide (5/7-hours), scavenger hunt, and tile workshop.
What’s not included? Meals, drinks, souvenirs
Day 3 - Sintra & Cascais Family Day Trip
We’ve selected a special guide who is great at letting families with children learn about Sintra in a fun and exciting way.
Chosen in the fourteenth century as the summer residence for the Portuguese kings, and in the nineteenth century as the capital of romanticism, Sintra is a must-see stop. Lord Byron referred to Sintra as “My glorious Eden”.
The unique landscape convinced UNESCO to declare Sintra as a ‘World Heritage Site’. This is a small town between the mountains and the Ocean. It has a unique ambiance that can be felt only there, and a fresh air that purifies your soul.
You will visit the fairy-tale Pena Palace. Here you’ll have a picnic lunch in the gardens.
While leaving Sintra you’ll cross the national park of Sintra Cascais, with a small stop at Rocca Cape, the westernmost point of Continental Europe. You’ll have time to wet the feet in Cascais.
While returning to Lisbon you’ll enjoy the mesmerizing view of the ocean via a panoramic road. The beaches from Cascais to Lisbon are breathtaking and unforgettable. You’ll also enjoy seeing the exact point where the river and the ocean come together.
What’s included? A private tour with an expert local guide for about 7/8 hours, entrance fees to Pena Palace, picnic, and transportation.
What’s not included? Meals and drinks not mentioned, and souvenirs.
Day 4 - Obidos and Ericeira Family Day Trip
Did you know that “Obidos” means “fortified city” in Latin? The name speaks for itself.
Famous for the narrow streets with whitewashed walls, colorful bougainvillea spilling over from the balconies, and the endless handicraft shops, Obidos has always retained its authenticity over time.
Here parents will taste the famous “ginjinha” while children will taste a cup of chocolate.
Once you get tired of “Kings and Queens” we’ll continue to Ericeira, a quaint fisherman town. While Ericeira claims to be the birthplace of surfing in Portugal, fishing still is the primary economic activity.
From this cliff, we can see fishing boats and tools, as well as the small white-washed houses. Feeling hungry? Delight yourself with the catch of the day.
After lunch, we will visit a miniature town created exclusively by the hands of a local potter, depicting the regional culture.
What´s included? 7/8 hours private tour, licensed tour guide, transportation in bus, tasting of ginjinha and cup of chocolate.
What isn´t included? Meals & Drinks, Souvenirs.
Day 5 - Evora Family Day Trip
Your chauffeur and guide will pick you up at your Hotel to take you to Evora (Alentejo).
Alentejo is a lesser-known region in the south of Portugal. Rolling fields of gold and green, dotted with clusters of cork oaks and occasional whitewashed houses.
Despite feeling like a small village, Évora is the main town in Alentejo. In the morning, we’ll walk through the compact historical center, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its unique attractions. This town has it all, such as Ancient Roman ruins, a chapel made entirely of bones, a statue of a pregnant Virgin Mary, cobbled streets, and tasty pastries.
In Evora, parents will take a winery tour with wine tasting while kids enjoy a watercolor workshop. After enjoying lunch, we will return to Lisbon.
What’s included? An 8-hour private guided tour visiting Evora and the Cork Factory, transport in a bus, lunch, wine tasting, and workshop.
What’s not included? Meals & drinks not mentioned, souvenirs.
Day 6 - Tour From Lisbon to Albufeira
Your guide and chauffeur will pick you up at your Hotel before starting this route to Lagos.
During the way our guide will show you some towns as:
Zambujeira do Mar is a quiet town well known for the natural and charming beaches surrounded by steep cliffs.
The town is an excellent base camp to go on a walk along the cliffs and dunes or to discover the many desertic beaches only inhabited by sea birds. The town’s main street ends in a cliff, and from there, many trails depart towards the welcoming sandy beaches.
Odeceixe is a small town located on the coastal border between the Algarve and the Alentejo, two beautiful regions in southern Portugal.
In the upper part of the town, there is still a flour mill that is still used to grind wheat. It is made up of steep little streets with simple, traditional, and cozy buildings.
Arrifana is a small fishing village very close to the town of Aljezur. Arrifana beach is a place full of possibilities and is one of the most attractive places due to the quality of the waves, the variety of services, and the great atmosphere that you can always find. It is surrounded by impressive cliffs, typical houses, a small port on the right only accessible at high tide.
Sagres is the most southwesterly point in all of Europe. He is part of the Vila do Bispo council.
It is a region with a mystical atmosphere and with dramatic landscapes of cliffs facing the sea and almost deserted beaches.
Salema is a Portuguese fishing village located on the coast of the Vicentina Natural Park, between Lagos and Sagres, in the western area of the Algarve.
What’s included? Full day with a guide, transportation in bus
What isn’t included? Meals and Drinks, Souvenirs
Days 7 at Leisure
Everything about Martinhal Sagres is designed with families in mind. Stylish and design-orientated, Martinhal Sagres offers families a luxury beach holiday experience with high-class family-friendly accommodations, restaurants, bars, kids, and leisure services that put families first.
Pick from one of our four restaurants around the resort.
There are five kids club to accommodate all ages. There are five swimming pools set around the grounds of Martinhal Sagres.
Day 8 Baia de Lagos Cruise
On this cruise we sail in the Bay of Lagos and continue along the most impressive caves and rock formations. After experiencing this beauty of nature we anchor in a sheltered bay. Here the crew will prepare and serve grilled chicken, salad with our secret dressing, seasonal fruit, bread and wine during the meal. Don’t forget to bring your swimming/snorkel gear because the ocean is inviting you for a dip. We show you the famous caves of “Ponta da Piedade” by smaller boat. When all the dishes are done… By us, we raise the sails again. Time for you to feel the magic of sailing, relax, sip a cocktail and enjoy the sun, sea and the view.
Before and after the meal and for other cold drinks we have a bar service available for reasonable prices.
What’s included? 4-hours cruise, meal with drinks on board
What isn’t included? Meals and drinks, souvenirs, transportation
Day 9 Depart Faro
Explore More can help you extend your stay here or move on to another location in Europe!
THE NUMBERS
- Breakfast each day is included as are some meals and snacks (please see itinerary)
- Trip will not depart with less than 16 passengers. Cost would be $2953 per person for quad occupancy and $3509 per person for triple occupancy. Pricing for families of 5 or more will need to be calculated.
- The final total depends on the number of travelers – if we have more than 20 pax, then price could drop.
- A nonrefundable $700 deposit per person is required to secure space on this trip.
- Balance due 60 days prior to travel.
- Pricing does not include flights. Pricing will range between $800-$1200. There is a potential for a group rate if enough of us fly out of the same city.
- All travelers will be required to purchase travel insurance estimated at $300-400 per family.
- For those wishing to stay longer in Portugal or continue to another location in Europe, Explore More is able to assist.
Cancellation fees:
Deposit: $200 per person cancellation fee if cancelled 90-46 days before the beginning of the trip.
From 45 to 22 days prior to the beginning of your trip = 80% of full cost cancellation fee.
From 21 days prior to the beginning of your trip = 100% of full cost cancellation fee.
TRIP REGISTRATION
Schedule a travel chat to discuss the Portugal family tour with Jen or email any questions before moving forward.
ABOUT JEN
I guess you might want to know a little about me before trusting me to plan your travel for you (not to mention spending ten days with me!) My style of travel has changed over the years. From my luxury travel experiences as a sales coordinator for Gulfstream Aerospace to my days pushing two strollers around Europe, my fascination with culture has remained constant. My travels give me insight into creating family vacations with an emphasis on authentic experiences that will forever link my clients to their destinations. Please click here to learn more about me and my passion for travel.
SOME PORTUGAL EYE CANDY
