Day 1 : Sintra Arrival
Welcome to Portugal! Arrive in Lisbon and make your way to your historic 19th-century quinta (villa estate) in Sintra. Upon arrival, your slowcation leader will greet you and you can enjoy some welcome drinks and hors d’oeuvres. You have the rest of the day to explore your new home.
Later that evening, there will be a welcome dinner at the hotel as you get to know your fellow travelers.
*Airport pick-up is not included. You can easily take a taxi at the airport or pre-arrange an airport pick-up with companies such as Welcome Pickups or one that you may find on travel sites such as TripAdvisor.
Included :
- Activities: Arrival (at your own expense); Free time; Welcome drink & hors d’oeuvres; Welcome dinner
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 2 : Lisbon
Lisbon is one of the oldest capitals in Europe and there is no limit to its wonders. The City of Seven Hills is full of charm and warmly embraces its visitors. This morning, delve into the beauty of the Belem neighborhood by tuk-tuk. It’s a unique way to see the outskirts of Lisbon by the river as you learn about its history and culture.
Enjoy a traditional lunch in Alfama, the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon, full of winding streets and flowered balconies. During lunch, there will be a private fado show; one of Portugal’s most-known musical traditions. The rest of the afternoon is yours to continue exploring Lisbon’s various neighborhoods and monuments.
Included :
- Activities: Belem tuk tuk tour; Lunch with fado show; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 3 : Sintra
Start the day with a short walk around Sintra with your slowcation leaders who will point out local landmarks, restaurants, bars, shops, and anything else you might need during your stay. Enjoy some free time in Sintra before meeting to drive to our lunch in a Palace from the 16th century.
Then walk 5 minutes to Quinta da Regaleira’s lush greenery and descend into the mystical Initiation Well’s obscure tunnels and grottoes. You will have time to explore at your own pace for the rest of the afternoon and return to town when you are ready.
Included :
- Activities: Sintra orientation tour; Free time; Quinta da Regaleira
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 4 : Nazaré and Óbidos
First up today is Nazaré, known as the Holy Grail of surfing and where the highest wave ever was surfed. Visit the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo with stunning views of these powerful waves followed by some free time to enjoy this seaside town. Afterward, reunite with the group and drive down to the beach for a unique perspective of the town and the ocean. Then, have lunch close to the sandy beaches and enjoy the fresh catch of the day.
Next, depart to the medieval town of Óbidos where you can try ginjinha, a cherry-flavored liqueur traditionally served in a chocolate cup. You will have the rest of the afternoon to explore the town at your own pace. Discover the picturesque streets, the impressive medieval castle, and find the perfect souvenir in the numerous shops around town.
Included :
- Activities: Nazaré; Forte Sao Miguel Arcanjo; Nazaré free time; Óbidos; Ginjinha tasting; Óbidos free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 5 : Sintra
Enjoy a lazy morning as you will have some free time before meeting for lunch in town. Then, visit Pena Palace, one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal after lunch when the morning crowds start to depart. Your guide will tell you all about this masterpiece’s romantic background and foundations. You’ll feel like a Disney princess as you stroll around what many call the crown jewel of Sintra’s palaces. You will also have some free time to wander around this fairytale castle and enchanted gardens before returning to Sintra’s old town with tuk-tuks.
After the visit, the rest of the evening is free to enjoy Sintra’s fair share of magic and mystique!
Included :
- Activities: Free time; Pena Palace guided tour
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 6 : Lisbon
This morning, head back to Lisbon to visit the National Tile Museum where you will learn about the history of tiles, the iconic art of Lisbon. You’ll also make your own ceramic tile to take home as a souvenir!
The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of this captivating city independently. Why not enjoy a panoramic dinner in Lisbon and enjoy the lively nightlife before hailing a tuk-tuk back to Sintra?
Included :
- Activities: National Tile Museum; Tile-making workshop; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 7 - 9 : Free Days
All remaining days are completely free to do as you wish. You might relax by the pool with a glass of wine or explore some more. Or maybe you’ll want to visit more of Lisbon and take in the Portuguese lifestyle as you get more and more familiar with this vibrant city. Don’t miss out on a refreshing seaside getaway to Cascais’ cobbled streets and adorable shops! Head to the Atlantic Coast to visit cliffside villages and the cutest white-washed fishing towns.
On Day 9, meet up for one last dinner as a group in Sintra before heading home!
Included :
- Activities: Free days (optional activities at your own expense)
- Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner (Day 9)
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY 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; Departure (at your own expense)
- Meals: Breakfast
*Itinerary is subject to change.
NEXT DAY Portugal 10-Day Slowcation
$3,600 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.
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
- Slowcation leader
- All breakfasts, 4 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
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 leader
Your trip leader 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 leader 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 leader 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.
This trip requires a low 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 the van to the hotel and carry it 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 without assistance.
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.
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 slowcation leader can suggest things to do and offer advice about transportation with sufficient notice. If you want to visit towns that are not accessible by Uber or train, we recommend booking a day tour online. That way, you can avoid the hassle of logistics or private transportation.
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.
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.
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 leader 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.
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.
In the beginning of your slowcation, the daily activities noted in the itinerary are included in the price. Afterward, you will have some free days to explore at your own pace. There are no optional activities on this trip as Sintra and Lisbon as well as nearby towns offer plenty of things to see and do that don’t require booking in advance. You are free to make your own plans in your free time as you would like. Your slowcation leader can offer advice when arranging transportation and offer recommendations if needed.
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 Sevill (LIS). The hotel can help you arrange a taxi to the airport.
Currently, passport holders from Australia, Canada, and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Slowcation leader: 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 the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:
- Comfortable walking shoes (with good traction & ankle support for cobblestone streets)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (biodegradable, if possible)
- Light jacket (for day excursions)
- Warm Jacket/ Coat/ Cardigan (for cooler nights)
- Raincoat/ Umbrella
- Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag that closes securely (for day trips)
- Reusable water bottle
- Flashlight/ Headlamp
- Adapters and/or converters for electronics (bring 2 or more just in case)
- Prescription medication and/or over-the-counter medicine (if needed)
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Currently, passport holders of Australia, Canada, and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
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.
This 150-year-old boutique hotel has 14 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 4 room categories and each category has 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 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 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.
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
