Cost
Price: $4675
Contact us if interested. A deposit of $500 will hold your place. Credit cards are accepted
Fill out the registration form.
Read and sign Terms of Service
Activity Level
You need to be in good health, able to walk a reasonable distance, approximately 2++ miles a day, typically over uneven surfaces, sometimes needing to climb and descend stairs, and steep hills in Lisbon. Please wear comfortable and broken-in walking shoes.
Health
If you have a medical limitation that might challenge you, please contact your physician for advice 6 weeks before departure and contact us. Portugal has a good medical system. Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) if needed. We attempt to accomodate dietary requests.
Travel Documents
U.S. citizens need a passport valid for 6 months beyond completion of the Portugal journey. Visas are not needed. It is recommended that you make two copies of your passport page with your photo and date of issuance, date of expiration and your citizenship. Keep one copy in your suitcase and another with someone at home, in case it is misplaced, lost, or stolen.
Weather & What to Bring
Portugal is usually warm and dry in the Spring and Fall. However, weather can be unpredictable and rain. Casual dress is always appropriate. A rain jacket or unbrella is highly recommended. A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings is nice to have. It is recommended to layer when traveling, coordinate colors, and keep it simple. I request that you only bring one piece of carry-on luggage and perhaps a smaller handbag.
Odyssey Includes
- * 11 nights lodging
- * Train, bus, boat, and vehicle transportaion
- * All breakfasts, meals as indicated on itinerary
- * Local bilingual guides, BBO staff
- * Entrance fees to museums, archological sites
What is not included
- * Round-trip airfare
- * Travel insurance (highly recommended) that minimumly covers you for
medical expenses including emergency repatriation. Please give us a copy of your policy. We can give you resources to help with your decision.
- * Alcoholic beverages at group meals
- * optional activites/experiences
- * meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Itinerary
Experience the cultural highlights of Lisbon and the Algarve at a relaxed pace, traveling by train and other sustainable options. This itinerary is a guide, but you are welcome to take time to explore or rest whenever you like.
The day is flexible because people arrive at different times, allowing those who want to rest to do so before meeting for dinner. For those who arrive early or have lots of energy, I will have a list of walks near our lodging. We will gather for dinner and begin to sample Portuguese cuisine. This will also be a time to get to know each other, perhaps by sharing some of your dreams and intentions for this odyssey to Portugal.
Your day will start with a walking tour of Lisbon. There will be free time in the afternoon. Later we will meet for dinner and the opportunity to listen to Fado music. Fado is a soulful Portuguese music genre, originating in 19th-century working class neighborhoods of Lisbon. It is recognized by UNESCO as a Intangible Cultural Heritage, symbolizing Portuguese identity. B
In the morning, you will take a brief trip to Belem, located on the western border of Lisbon. Historically, many ships departed from there to explore the world. There are numerous monuments and a wide variety of museums. Two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, in a Manualine Gothic style of architecture influenced by the Italians and Moors. The monastery was built to honor the voygage to India in 1499. A famous pastry or small custard tart, the pasteis de nata, was developed by monastery monks in 1820. We will visit a cafe to sample one. The Coach Museum and Museum of Modern Art are also in Belem. B
In the late afternoon, you’ll join a Portuguese food tour through Lisbon’s Baixa and Mouraria neighborhoods, known for their culture, history, and great restaurants. We’ll visit local spots off the usual tourist path, where you can try unique Portuguese dishes with wine and beer. As we walk, you’ll discover the city’s food scene and learn about its international influences. B, D
We’ll take the train from Lisbon to Lagos. The old town has cobbled streets, historic buildings, and traditional Portuguese restaurants. After we arrive, the day is open. We can explore local restaurants and bars near where we’re staying. B
Relax in the morning, explore more of Lagos. In the afternoon, we will take a catamaran cruise along the coast to the Benagil caves. 2pm departure, arrive at Marina at 1:30, and it is 3 hour experience. Relax and enjoy the breeze as we cruise along the coast toward Benagil, where we’ll visit the region’s famous caves. You’ll see the unique landscape, with colorful cliffs and native plants. The captain and crew will share historical and geographic details about the coastline. B.
Enjoy a relaxing wine tasting experience and discover a rich diversity of high-quality wines from a local winery on a 4-hour small-group tour. Discover three amazing local wines accompanied by a plate of tapas with cheese and sausages. Visit the winery's production room and wooden barrel room to see where the magic takes place. You will then return to Lagos via the region's stunning countryside, to see the famous Algarve oranges, ancient Cork trees, and some of the oldest villages of the region. B
Free day to explore another local vineyard, walk the beaches, explore more of Lagos or choose one of the many other options that will be given to you. B
At 9:30 am, we’ll tour Lagos and Sagres, exploring the western Algarve. You’ll see dramatic coastal views as we travel to the southwestern tip of mainland Europe. Cape Saint Vincent has been considered sacred since ancient times. The Greeks called it the “Land of Serpents,” and the Romans named it the “Promontories Sacrum,” which is where Sagres gets its name. The Romans believed it was the “edge of the world,” where the sun set into the ocean. We’ll park outside the walled town of Lagos, and our guide will lead a walking tour, sharing tips on restaurants and places to visit. The town is small, so you can see the highlights on foot. The guide will set a meeting point for our return. We’ll have lunch here. B
We’ll spend the day in Loule, famous for its large traditional market, where you can find food and crafts. You’re encouraged to explore the village on your own before we meet up for lunch. B
Departure to Lisbon or join us for an extension to Seville and Granada, Spain. You are welcome to join us. It will be 6 days. Cost and details will be done shortly. Those wishing to return home via Lisbon can depart from by train back to Lisbon. B
