Portugal 10-Day Slowcation

$3,700 USD – Trip cost per person (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)

A down payment of half the trip cost is needed to secure a spot on the trip. The other half is due 75 days before the trip start date.

*$300 of the down payment serves as an administration fee and is non-refundable. You can see our cancellation policy HERE.

Payments made by credit or debit card are subject to processing fees at the time of booking. These fees are non-refundable under any circumstances. To avoid these fees, you can pay via bank account which does not incur any processing fees.

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 in a historic hotel
  • Trip host
  • All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Activities as noted on the itinerary

What is not included :

  • International flights
  • International airport pick-up & drop-off
  • Optional activities
  • Most lunches & dinners
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs
  • Insurance

  1. Smile policy
    We welcome all kinds of travelers and the group dynamic of each trip is different but also part of what makes the trip so amazing. You should be able to treat everyone in the group as well as the locals with respect and kindness.

    No complainers
    Our goal is for everyone to have fun and a trip of a lifetime. On our trips, you should be able to let the small stuff go and exercise flexibility when things don’t go according to plan. If you are a traveler who finds fault with everything and complains about the little things, then our trips are not right for you. Come with an open mind and adventurous spirit, and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime!

    Portugal is not like home
    Expect things to be different than what you’re used to back home and remember that it’s all a part of traveling and experiencing new places! For example, water pressure, bed and pillow firmness, and room temperature may be different than what you’re used to back home. Also, Wifi may be spotty, slow, or even unavailable in certain remote areas.

    Trip host
    Your trip host will help you have an unforgettable experience and can answer questions & offer suggestions. He/She will always try to go above and beyond to help you have an amazing trip but is not your personal assistant. Travelers should exercise a certain level of self-sufficiency and independence on our trips. We also suggest tipping those who went out of their way to help you, especially your trip host who will be with you every day throughout the entire trip.

    Semi-independent trip
    Our trips are designed for the semi-independent traveler. If you choose not to participate in any of the included activities, you are responsible for organizing your own activities. Your trip host can offer recommendations for alternative activities but it is up to you to make reservations for extra activities. Additionally, you’re free to arrive before or depart after the trip but pre-/post-tour plans, accommodation, transport, etc. are yours to arrange. We do not offer assistance with any plans outside of the trip dates.

  2. This trip requires a medium level of physical fitness. Some Portuguese towns, such as Sintra and Lisbon, are in elevated areas and require some walking up- and downhill.

    The road from the hotel to town is approximately 0.5 miles/0.8 kilometers (10 minutes on foot). There’s an incline for about 8 minutes and it’s narrow in some places. You should be able to walk from the hotel to town unassisted or take a taxi/Uber/tuk tuk for about 10 EUR each way in order to participate in this trip.

    To participate in this trip you should be able to:

    • Walk 1 – 2 miles throughout the day, up and down stairs, and over unpaved or cobblestone surfaces with and without an incline.
    • Be comfortable on your feet for up to 4 hours walking and standing, both indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
    • Carry your luggage from a taxi to the hotel and up 1 – 2 flights of stairs to your room or pay a fee to have it brought to your room.
    • Walk up and down 2 – 3 flights of stairs to and from your room. The hotel has no elevator.
    • Get in and out of a van/taxi/tuk tuk without assistance.

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

    During the remaining days of your slowcation, you can choose what you want to do. There will be recommended things to do during your free time. Whether it is planning events, hosting dinners, or organizing excursions with your fellow travelers; the choice is yours!

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

  4. During your slowcation, you will have a few free days and there will be a list of suggested things to do in the area and tips to get around.

    Sintra has plenty of monuments and landmarks with beautiful architecture and many past travelers said that Sintra was their favorite town in Portugal. You can read up on different activities and landmarks in Sintra by clicking the following link: Sintra Information Page.

    We recommend visiting Lisbon, Cascais, and the Atlantic Coast on your free days which are easily accessible by Uber, taxi, or train. Your trip host can suggest things to do and offer advice about transportation with sufficient notice.  If you want to visit towns that are not accessible by train, we recommend booking a day tour online or booking private transportation. That way, you can avoid the hassle of logistics. 

  5. The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from Sintra’s city center. Sintra’s central location makes it a perfect departure point to explore Portugal.

    Below are some of the cities closest to Sintra and the approximate time it takes to get there by car:

    • Lisbon: 45 minutes
    • Cascais: 30 minutes
    • Azenhas do Mar: 15 minutes
    • Fátima: 1.5 hours
    • Batalha: 1.5 hours
    • Evora: 1.75 hours
    • Coimbra: 2 hours

    There are also hop-on, hop-off buses departing from Sintra with various routes. Some go around Sintra and to its castles while others to seaside cities such as Azenhas do Mar, Cascais, Praia Grande, and more. Below are a few examples of their destinations:

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

    Certain destinations are easily accessible by train while others require private transportation. The closest train station to the hotel is Sintra which is a 10-minute walk or a few minutes’ drive from the hotel. 

  6. The hotel is located right outside of Sintra’s city center, about a 10-minute walk away. When going into town, the walk is downhill from the hotel to the town center and uphill upon return. There are always tuk. tuks, taxis, or buses nearby to skip the walk if you prefer.

    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. 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 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.

  7. Each group usually consists of around  9 – 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 the participants will receive more personal treatment from the trip host who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.

  8. Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.

    The minimum age on our trips is 18.

    Everyone is welcome on our trips; male/female, LGBTQIA+/straight, and solos/couples. 

    Check out pictures from our previous trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.

  9. At the beginning of your slowcation, the activities noted in the itinerary are included. After that, you will have free time to explore at your own pace. Nearby towns, such as Lisbon, Cascais, and Sintra, offer plenty of activities and sightseeing that you can enjoy without booking in advance. You are free to make your own plans in your free time based on your interests. Your trip host can offer advice when arranging transportation and recommendations if needed.

  10. Airport pick-up is not included in this trip. The arrival airport is Lisbon (LIS) and is approximately 23 miles (38 km) from the hotel in Sintra. It takes about 45 minutes by car to get there from the airport.

    Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or pre-arrange airport pick-up with a transport company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you find on travel sites such as TripAdvisor.

    Airport drop-off is also not included on this trip. The departure airport is also Lisbon (LIS). The hotel can help you arrange a taxi to the airport.

  11. US, Australian, Canadian, UK, and EU passport holders traveling to Portugal for less than 90 days DO NOT currently need a visa.

    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.

    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.

  12. 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.

  13. We strongly recommend using ATMs while in Portugal as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to withdraw money out 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 large supermarkets, gas stations, shopping malls, airports, and post offices. There are several banks in town so you won’t have any issues finding an ATM.

    Since euros are a popular currency, most banks in your home town/city will exchange your local currency for euros. This 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.

  14. Credit and debit cards are widely used in most towns and cities in Portugal. However, at small, local businesses such as coffee shops and bars, cash is the main method of payment. Therefore, it’s best to carry cash in case you come across a place that does not take card payments.

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

  15. While tipping isn’t mandatory in Portugal, it is customary. Rounding up the bill and leaving spare change at restaurants and cafes is the norm. If you do decide to tip, around 10-20% of the total bill is appreciated.

    Trip host: If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip around 100 – 120 euros at the end of your trip based on past travelers’ feedback.

    Drivers: If you were satisfied with the drivers’ service on full-day tours, we suggest leaving 5 euros per day at the end of the day.

    Breakfast attendants: If you were satisfied with the breakfast attendants’ hospitality every morning, we suggest leaving 20 – 30 euros for them at the end of your stay.

    Cleaning staff: If you were satisfied with the cleaning, we suggest leaving 10 euros for the whole cleaning team at the end of your stay.

    Reception staff: If you were satisfied with the reception staff’s hospitality and help, we suggest leaving 10-20 euros for the whole reception team at the end of your stay.

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

  16. We recommend having access to anywhere between 600 – 800 euros in cash or by credit/debit card. We strongly advise budgeting more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.

  17. 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.

  18. The hotel you will be staying at in Portugal will offer free Wifi but you may only have access to it in the common areas. It is not guaranteed in any bedroom. Please keep in mind that the internet may not be as fast as you’re used to and could be spotty or weak. You’ll also find Wifi in some restaurants and other public places.

    If you absolutely need an internet connection, it is best to get an international plan for the duration of your stay.

  19. In Portugal, the most common outlet fits European pin plugs also known as the standard “Euro” outlet (see picture below). Portugal operates on 230V and 50Hz. Converters and/or adapters might be necessary for your electronic devices. 

  20. Due to the high elevation and the abundance of thick forests, the Sintra Mountains have their own microclimate. It is always slightly 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.

  21. 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)
    • Lightweight clothing that dries quickly
    • Warm clothing (for cooler days)
    • Light and warm jacket/coat/cardigan (for cooler days and nights)
    • Scarf (for colder days)
    • Rain jacket
    • Umbrella (for shade & rain)
    • Sunglasses/hat
    • Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag (for day trips)
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Flashlight/headlamp
    • Adapters/converters for electronics (bring 2 or more just in case)
    • Prescription medication and/or over-the-counter medicine
    • Sunscreen (biodegradable, if possible)
    • Conditioner (shampoo and soap provided)*
    • Washcloth
    • Extra bag for souvenirs (if needed)

    *All rooms have a hairdryer and large bottles of shampoo and body soap in each room. It’s best to bring conditioner if you need it.

  22. 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 hotel reception.

  23. Breakfast is served daily and maid services 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.

  24. 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.

    If you go to larger cities such as Lisbon, 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. You will be able to purchase bottled water but to alleviate the plastic waste epidemic, we recommend a reusable filtered water bottle like LifeStraw or Grayl.

  25. Most areas of Portugal that you will visit on this trip experience fewer crimes compared to bigger US and European cities. As with any travel destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and not to leave belongings unattended to avoid being an easy target for a thief.

    When going to larger cities such as Lisbon, pick-pocketing is more common and you should not put anything in your back pockets, especially if you are in public transportation or at a crowded or touristy spot as thieves target these areas.

  26. Restaurants throughout Portugal offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the trip although options might be limited.

  27. 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.

  28. We offer private trips to Portugal depending on the size of the group and availability.

    Please reach out to us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.

Flights

Your arrival and departure airport is Lisbon (LIS).

*Please do not book any flights until you receive an email from us. You will receive an email regarding your trip within 24 – 48 hours of booking the trip.

Visa

US, Australian, Canadian, UK, and EU passport holders traveling to Portugal for less than 90 days DO NOT currently need a visa.

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.

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.

This quinta (villa estate) dates back to the 19th century and was once the summer home of a wealthy family from Lisbon. It is now a hotel surrounded by gorgeous, lush gardens which are great for relaxing in. 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. Its location is a perfect base to explore Sintra and many other parts of the country.

Hotel Exterior

Hotel Pool

Hotel Interior

This 150-year-old boutique hotel has 15 bedrooms. All of the rooms are simply, yet uniquely decorated with soft colors and wooden floors to make you feel at home during your stay.

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

There are 5 room categories with 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 preferred room category and floor. There is no elevator on the property so please keep this in mind when making your room selection. You can read the description of each room category below.

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

The Obidos Room - First Floor

There is only 1 Obidos first floor room. The room can have 1 full-sized bed or 2 twin beds. The room has a small sitting area.

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

The Evora Rooms - Ground Floor

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

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 can have 1 full-sized bed or 2 twin beds and has a small sitting area.

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 can have 1 full-sized bed or 2 twin beds and has a sitting area.

Upgrade fee: $150

The Porto Rooms - First Floor

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

Upgrade fee: $150

The Lisbon Room - Ground Floor

There is 1 Lisbon ground floor room. It can have 1 full-sized bed or 2 twin beds and has a sitting area.

Upgrade fee: $150

The Lisbon Room - First Floor

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

Upgrade fee: $150

The Sintra Room - Ground Floor

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

Upgrade fee: $200

The Sintra Room - First Floor

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

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