Cost
Price: TDB in twin share room,
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 with possilbe rain or all sunshine. 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
- * 10 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 that will be somewhat off the beaten tourist track. 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 an Intangible Cultural Heritage, symbolizing Portuguese identity. B
In the 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
In the afternoon, 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 afternoon, 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
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 and enjoy the breeze as we take a half day catamaran cruise along the coast to Porta Da Piedade. After we leave Lagos Marina, you’ll see the unique landscape, with colorful cliffs, caves, rock formations, and native plants. The captain and crew will share historical and geographic details about the coastline. Wine, beer or soft drinks and lunch will be served. B.L
We will visit the countryside and the historic village of Silves and later Monchique. Silves is a beautiful medieval town. It was the capital of the Algarve during the period of Arab rule and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The town is dominated by its impressive red sandstone castle, which was built by the Moors in the 8th century and later fortified by the Christian kings during the Reconquista. Monchique is a very picturesque place full of history and an unparalleled natural beauty. We will stop first at the Thermal Spa of Caldas de Monchique, and see some well-known thermal spring water sources. A walk through streets of the town center is rewarded with views of magnificent hills, and moments of calm in unsuspected corners. On the way back to Lagos, we'll enjoy a visit to a local winery where you will have a wine tasting of 3 delicious wines. 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
We leave in the morning to explore the western Algarve, the village of Sagres and Cape Saint Vincent. 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. B
Depart from Lagos on a peaceful trip to Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, located on the coast overlooking the shallow lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Faro has an abundance of natural and cultural heritage. Cafes line the harbor. Shellfish is a specialty of the Ria Formosa. Fishing boats wind along the narrow channels of the Ria Formosa towards the open sea, past dense marshes and deserted islands. The marshes are among Europe’s most important natural habitats and attract an amazing array of seabirds and other wildlife. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the town. B
This is the end point of your Portugal journey as you travel to your next destination. Faro has airport, train and bus service.B
