Tour highlights
Ready to explore Portugal in your own time? Our slowcation is the perfect way to do just that! Start out wandering through Sintra and indulging in one of their delicious pastéis de nata (egg tarts). Then, take a tour of Lisbon’s captivating history while sipping on some port along the River Tagus. Conclude with a stay at an awe-inspiring 19th-century estate surrounded by vibrant gardens and set near a Moorish castle.
Travel back in time when you stay at this 150-year-old hotel. Immersed in history and surrounded by lush gardens, this home away from home lies just 15 minutes away from the city centre.
Ready for an adventure? Climb aboard a tuk-tuk and explore Lisbon from an exciting, new angle! Take to the streets of this vibrant city in one of these fun vehicles and discover why it’s a favorite destination.
The Portuguese town of Sintra is truly a dreamscape. Its majestic castles and vibrant streets have all the elements of an enchanting fairytale, promising to astound any traveler who passes through.
Tour itinerary
Day 1 Sintra Arrival
Come explore Portugal! Make your way to the 19th-century quinta (villa estate) in Sintra and prepare to be welcomed. As you arrive, your trip leader will offer a warm greeting with refreshments and small bites. Spend the rest of the day discovering this new setting you now call home.
Later that evening, there will be a welcome dinner. The dinner will be Portuguese-style and served at the hotel as you get to know your fellow travelers.
Included:
Activities: Free time
Meals: Welcome drink and hors d’oeuvres, Welcome dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 Sintra
Experience the magical ambiance of Quinta da Regaleira by descending into its bewildering Initiation Well, strolling through obscure tunnels and exploring secret grottoes, all while surrounded by a luxuriant park. Take your time to explore before enjoying a delicious traditional lunch together. Later, your trip leader will provide an orientation tour of Sintra and introduce you to the local landmarks, eateries, bars, and markets that may come in handy during your stay. Use the rest of the afternoon however you please; why not wander Sintra’s classic streets?
Included:
Activities: Quinta da Regaleira; Sintra orientation tour; Free time
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 Lisbon
Taking a trip to the oldest capital in Europe, there is no doubt that one will be overwhelmed by the exciting wonders of Portugal’s city of seven hills – namely, Lisbon. Kick off your day with a tuk tuk ride and explore its beauty and vibrant culture. After discovering more about its history, head on over to Alfama for an authentic lunch experience complete with a private fado show – Portugal’s most iconic folkloric tradition. Following lunch, take a visit to the National Tile Museum of Lisboa to learn about tile-making while also engaging in an interactive workshop! At the end of it all, you’ll have something special from your time here as an unforgettable souvenir.
Included:
Activities: Lisbon tuk tuk tour; Fado show; National Tile Museum and tile-making workshop
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Fado show
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 4 Nazaré and Óbidos
Be prepared to explore the Holy Grail of surfing and biggest waves ever surfed! Let’s start with Nazaré, a 1-hour drive away, where you can visit Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo for some incredible views. Feel free to take in the breathtaking sights before taking the funicular from upper town down to the beach for a different view. Afterward, grab lunch near the sandy beaches and try out the fresh seafood that is caught daily. Enjoy your time while shopping and savoring these amazing views.
Make your way directly to Óbidos, the picturesque medieval town. Here you can sample ginjinha, a local cherry-flavored liqueur often served in an edible chocolate cup. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through its colorful streets and take in all its sights, from the impressive castle down to its many shops. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring this small town at your own pace.
Included:
Activities: Nazaré; Forte Sao Miguel Arcanjo; Nazaré free time; Funicular ride; Óbidos Ginjinha tasting; Óbidos free time
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel
Days 5 – 9 Free Days
All remaining days are completely free to do as you wish.
Right on the hotel’s doorstep lie some of Sintra’s greatest sights. Pena Palace, renowned as the crown jewel, is an absolute must-see and will take your breath away. Feel free to relax in the pool with a glass of wine or ascend to the top of Moorish Castle for spectacular panoramic views.
Lisbon has no shortage of incredible sights, from breathtaking viewpoints to marvelous castles and lush parks. Art galleries are plentiful too, as well as an abundance of shopping streets for the ultimate retail therapy experience! A day spent exploring the captivating underwater world at the aquarium is always a good idea, followed by a ride on the gondola lift to see Portugal’s capital city from a height of one hundred feet. The next day could be dedicated to a leisurely walk along the Tagus river over to Belém – here you’ll discover museums and monuments such as the renowned Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and much more.
An excursion to Cascais and Estoril is an absolute must-see for any traveler! Revel in the incredible coastline of the Portuguese Riviera and explore its delightful streets adorned with lavish villas, fishing towns brimming with energy, and ancient castles. Experience all this beauty first-hand on a day trip you won’t forget!
A journey to the Atlantic coast offers a chance to experience stunning coastal scenery and quaint villages built into the cliffs. For an adventurous day trip, consider heading to Fatima and Coimbra. The former is home to one of Europe’s largest pilgrimage sites, while the latter boasts plenty of history, stories and intriguing monuments.
The choice is yours and your trip leader will be there to help with logistics and reservations as well as suggested activities.
Included:
Activities: Free days (trip leader can recommend activities for you)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 10 Departure Day
Say farewell to Portugal and your new friends. Today is the last day of your slowcation. We hope to see you on one of our next adventures!
Included:
Activities: Free time
Meals: Breakfast
*Itinerary subject to change.
What’s included
Accommodation
9 nights accommodation
Guide
Trip leader
Meals
Breakfast served daily
3 lunches, 1 dinner
This tour offers Vegetarian and Vegan food options on request. Simply let Globe Drifters know the food option that you prefer.
Additional Services
All activities as noted on the itinerary
What’s not included
Flights
International flight
Insurance
Supplementary insurance
Optional
Optional activities
Additional Services
Most dinners & lunches
Airport pick-up & drop-off
Gratuities
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs
International flight
Transport
Airport pick-up & drop-off
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