Portugal 10-day Slowcation

$3,400 – Trip cost per person (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)

I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?

There is no single supplement fee for this trip. You can upgrade your room for an additional fee.

*Please see the ‘Rooms’ tab for more information on each room. All rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are 2 people who are sharing a room, you will not have to pay any upgrade fees. Note that some rooms are smaller in size and are not suitable for 2 people sharing a room. We do not offer roommate pairing on this trip.

What is included :

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • Trip leader
  • Breakfast served daily
  • 3 lunches, 1 dinner
  • All activities as noted on the itinerary

What is not included :

  • Most dinners & lunches
  • Airport pick-up & drop-off
  • Optional activities
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Souvenirs
  • International flight
  • Supplementary insurance

  1. During the first few days of your slowcation, some activities and excursions are included in the trip cost. These are a great chance to help you get to know your fellow travelers and get familiarized with your new surroundings.

    There will also be sign-up sheets for optional activities and excursions that you can join, but it is completely your choice what to do in your free time. Again, it is your choice which activities you want to participate in and you are free to plan events, host dinners, or organize trips/excursions for the group or just for yourself. 

    Find out more about how our slowcations work by clicking here: HOW IT WORKS.

  2. Each group usually consists of around 12 – 16 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, small groups are more easily able to integrate into local society and generally have more authentic contact with the locals.

    A small group number also means that you will receive more personalized treatment from the trip leader who can thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be easily altered. If the group discovers a special event or festival they would like to attend, it is easier to organize with a smaller group.

  3. Sintra is the town closest to the hotel. It is a wonderful place to relax, enjoy amazing local food, and shop. It is a 15-minute walk from the hotel into town. When going into town, the walk is downhill from the hotel to the town center and uphill upon return. 

    Sintra is a small, charming town with centuries of Portuguese history. Its oldest remains date back to the 6th century BC and since then, several eras have made their mark on the town. Despite its small size, Sintra is rich in things to see and do and this is why it attracts many tourists year-round. The historic center of Sintra is famous for its 19th-century Romantic architecture, historic estates, villas, gardens, and royal palaces & castles.

    The town is situated on a hill that is about 1,000 feet above sea level overlooking the Sintra Mountains (Serra de Sintra). It is just under 15 miles from Lisbon and is well-served by buses, trains, taxis, and the Portuguese specialty… tuk tuks!

    It has all the amenities you need while maintaining all the characteristics of a small, quaint town. There are several eateries and cafes to choose from and you’ll find the best-preserved medieval royal residence in Portugal, the Sintra National Palace, at the center of town.

  4. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from Sintra’s train station and bus terminal. Its central location makes it a perfect departure point to explore Portugal.

    Below are some places worth visiting during your trip and the approximate time it takes to get there by car:

    • Sintra to Lisbon: 45 minutes
    • Sintra to Obidos: 1 hour
    • Sintra to Santarém: 1 hour
    • Sintra to Nazaré & Fátima: 1.5 hours

    There are also hop-on, hop-off buses departing from Sintra with many routes available. Some go around to Sintra’s castles and others to the seaside cities such as Azenhas do Mar, Cascais, Praia Grande, and Estoril. Here are a few examples of their destinations:

    • Around Sintra’s castles: 30 minutes
    • To Cascais: 45 minutes
    • To Azenhas do Mar: 30 minutes
    • To Praia Grande: 30 minutes
    • To Estoril: 30 minutes

  5. Most of our travelers are in their late 30s – early 70s with many being solo female travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the energy created by the group. Past travelers have told us that the group dynamic was one of the highlights of the trip.

    The minimum age on our tours is 18.

    If you would like to see pictures from our past Portugal trips to better understand the group demographics click the link below:

    Portugal Photo Album

  6. When most people arrive, they want to hit the ground running so we have included excursions at the beginning of each trip. That way, you have activities to do upon arrival and then, you can arrange your optional excursions for later dates. These excursions are included in the cost of the trip. Thereafter, you choose activities for an additional cost. It is completely up to you how you spend your free days.

    NOTE: Payment for the optional activities offered at the hotel is in cash only.

    We will have sign-up sheets for certain activities that might interest you and you can choose to join them based on your interests. Most of the popular places in the area are easily reachable by Uber, train, bus, taxi, and even tuk tuk. Your trip leader will be there to facilitate and arrange activities and excursions as well as to help you with any necessary reservations.

    Almost everything in this area does not require purchase in advance so just arrive and let us handle it for you while you enjoy your slowcation!

    If you would like to read up on different activities and landmarks in Sintra, click the following link: Sintra Information Page.

  7. The official currency of Portugal is the euro (EUR).

    Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.

  8. We strongly recommend using ATMs while in Portugal as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to withdraw money from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.

    You can find ATMs at almost all bank branches as well as at most large supermarkets, some petrol stations, shopping malls, airports, and some post offices. There is a bank very close to the hotel so you won’t have any issues finding an ATM.

    It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Portugal. Some banks may block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned about your travel plans.

    Since euros are a popular currency, most banks in your home town/city will exchange your local currency for euros. This is a very convenient way to get euros, but be aware that some banks might not have favorable exchange rates or charge additional fees to exchange. It is best to check with your bank to see what fees are associated with exchanging money in your home town.

  9. We recommend having access to anywhere between 600 to 800 euros during the duration of your stay based on past customers’ feedback. We strongly advise budgeting more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.

  10. Passport holders of Australia, Canada, and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after the date you plan to exit Portugal or the Schengen Area.

    If you hold a passport from another country, it’s best to contact your nearest embassy or consulate about entry requirements.

    As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

  11. When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices before you travel. When you land in Portugal, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts. See the example below:

    Welcome to Portugal! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day. 

    You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.

  12. You can connect to Wifi at most cafes and restaurants. The hotel has Wifi and you will be able to access it from your room though the connection isn’t as strong as you may be used to. There is no Wifi in the hotel’s common areas or gardens.

  13. In Portugal, there are two associated plug types: types C and E. Portugal operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

    Below are examples of the two different plug types in Portugal (C and E):

  14. Due to the high elevation and the abundance of thick forests, the Sintra Mountains have their own microclimate. It is always cooler in Sintra than in nearby Lisbon. The difference in temperature is most evident in the morning and at night when it gets cool and humid.

  15. Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:

    • Comfortable walking shoes (good traction & ankle support for cobblestone streets)
    • Sunglasses/Hat
    • Sunscreen (biodegradable, if possible)
    • Rain jacket
    • Warm jacket/Coat/Hoodie
    • Mosquito repellent
    • Conditioner (shampoo and soap provided)*
    • Umbrella
    • Small, over-the-shoulder day bag or small backpack
    • Any prescription medication and over-the-counter medicine
    • Bathing suit
    • Adapters/Converters
    • Washcloth
    • Extra bag for souvenirs (if needed)
    • Flashlight/headlamp
    • Reusable water bottle

    *All rooms have a hair dryer and large bottles of shampoo and soap in each room, but it’s best to bring conditioner if you need some.

  16. Laundry service is available at the hotel and takes less than 48 hours to complete. The price list per item will be available at the reception of the hotel.

  17. Breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

    Maid service will come daily to clean the rooms.

    Various types of drinks as well as some snacks and sandwiches are available for purchase at the hotel’s bar between 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. There is a grocery store that’s just 10 minutes away from the hotel so you can easily buy a few items there and bring them back to the hotel.

    Large bottles of body soap and shampoo are provided in each bathroom.

  18. The tap water in Portugal is safe to drink and many consider tap water in the Sintra to be superior as it comes clean and fresh directly from the mountains. By drinking tap water instead of bottled water, you can help alleviate the plastic waste epidemic.

    If you go to larger cities such as Lisbon, you can buy bottled water if you would like. Many travelers have said that they don’t enjoy the taste of the water in the bigger cities, but it is still safe to drink.

  19. Portugal does not have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and for personal services, all tips are at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, around 10-20% of the total bill is appreciated.

    Trip leader: If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip anywhere between 8 – 15 euros a day based on past travelers’ feedback.

    Drivers: When going on an excursion, a suggested amount to tip your driver is around 5 euros a day.

    Breakfast staff: A waiter/waitress will be there every morning to prepare your breakfast and favorite hot drinks. We recommend tipping 20 – 30 euros at the end of your stay.

    Cleaning staff: Room cleaning services are offered daily and we recommend tipping the cleaning staff 1 euro a day.

    For more information about tipping your guide, please see our blog on tipping your tour guide.

  20. Most areas of Portugal that you will visit on this trip experience few crimes compared to bigger US and European cities. As with any travel destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings with a secure over-the-shoulder day pack that closes tightly. This way, your belongings won’t easily become the property of any purse snatchers or pickpockets.

    When going to larger cities such as Lisbon, pick-pocketing is much more common and we advise not putting anything in your back pockets, especially if you are on a crowded bus/train or at a crowded tourist spot as thieves tend to target these areas.

  21. Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Portugal to see any recommended vaccinations.

    If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.

  22. Yes, we offer private tours to Portugal for groups of 6 or more people. The itinerary can be entirely tailored to your needs while you will enjoy a personalized experience with our guides and your friends and family.

    If planning a family reunion or a trip with friends, we can take care of all the details and work with you to create an amazing experience!

    Please contact us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.

Visa

Passport holders from Australia, Canada and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the date you plan to exit Portugal or the Schengen area. If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Portugal.

Flights

Your arrival and departure city are Lisbon (LIS). Please do not book any flights until you receive a confirmation from us.

Once the summer home of a wealthy family from Lisbon, this grand estate has been converted into a hotel and dates back to the 19th century. It’s surrounded by gorgeous, lush gardens and a lap pool which are ideal for relaxing. The hotel itself has been painted pale pink with wrought-iron balconies and decorative stone rooftop edges. It’s a traditional house that has kept many of its original features; from the parquet floors to the large fireplaces. The serene location appeals to many as a peaceful base to explore the beautiful area of Sintra.

Hotel Exterior

Hotel Pool

Hotel Interior

There are 14 bedrooms in this 150-year-old residence that has been converted into a boutique hotel. All of the rooms are simply, yet uniquely decorated with soft colors and wooden floors to make you feel at home during your trip.

Each room has WiFi, an ensuite bathroom, a hairdryer, a TV, heating, a wardrobe and a fan and can be fitted with either 2 twin beds or 1 full bed.

There are 4 room categories with each category having rooms on the ground and first floors. The rooms in each category are all approximately the same size. When you book, you can select your preference of room category and floor. There is no elevator on the property so please keep this in mind when making your room selection. Please read the description of each room category below before making your room selection.

The sooner you book, the better chance you have of getting the room you prefer. Room selection is on a first-come, first-served basis. *There is no upgrade fee for 2 people who are sharing a room.

The Evora Rooms - Ground Floor

There are 3 Evora ground floor rooms. There are 4 small steps from the bathroom to the bedroom. Each room has a small sitting area and can be fitted with 1 full-sized bed or 2 twin beds.

This room type has no upgrade fee and is best for a solo traveler. 

The Evora Rooms - First Floor

There are 3 Evora first-floor rooms. Each room has a small sitting area and can be fitted with 1 full-sized bed or 2 twin beds.

This room type has no upgrade fee and is best for a solo traveler. 

The Porto Rooms - Ground Floor

There are 2 Porto ground floor rooms. Each room has a sitting area and can be fitted with 1 full-sized bed or 2 twin beds.

Upgrade fee: $150

The Porto Rooms - First Floor

There are 2 Porto first-floor rooms. Each room has a sitting area and can be fitted with 1 full-sized bed or 2 twin beds.

Upgrade fee: $150

The Lisbon Room - Ground Floor

There is 1 Lisbon ground floor room. It has a larger bedroom and bathroom and a sitting area. This room can be fitted with 1 full-sized bed or 2 twin beds.

Upgrade fee: $150

The Lisbon Room - First Floor

There is 1 Lisbon first floor room. It has a larger bedroom and bathroom and a sitting area. This room can be fitted with 1 full-sized bed or 2 twin beds.

Upgrade fee: $150

The Sintra Room - Ground Floor

There is 1 Sintra ground floor room. It has a larger bedroom and bathroom and a sitting area. This room can be fitted with 1 full-sized bed or 2 twin beds. This room has a view of the terrace and the gardens. The Sintra rooms are the largest rooms on the property.

Upgrade fee: $200

The Sintra Room - First Floor

There is 1 Sintra first floor room. It has a larger bedroom and bathroom and a sitting area. This room can be fitted with 1 full-sized bed or 2 twin beds. This room has the best views and is the nicest room on the property.

Upgrade fee: $250

We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical, Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.

For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.

Trip insurance get a quote travelex

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N