Discover the magic of Portugal at your leisure on our slowcation... Wander through Sintra’s romantic streets and stop for a pastéis de nata (egg tart). Explore Lisbon’s vast history with a glass of port along the River Tagus. At the end of the day, return home to a 19th-century estate surrounded by verdant gardens and a Moorish castle. Travel at a slower pace so you won't have to fit everything in just a few days and can truly enjoy your vacation!
Historic home: Your base is a 150-year-old hotel that is steeped in history and surrounded by enchanted gardens. Best of all, it’s just a 10-minute walk into town!
Portugal like a local: Step beyond the tourist trail and immerse yourself in local traditions — Watch artisans craft cheese at a family-run dairy, paint your own traditional tile, and stroll through the serene landscapes of a cork plantation.
Fairytale castles: The mystical castles & colorful streets of Sintra are straight out of a fairytale and are bound to leave you in awe.
9 nights in a historic hotel
As noted on the itinerary
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
International arrival & departure
All breakfasts, 4 Lunches & 2 dinners
Welcome to Portugal! Arrive at your historic quinta in Sintra where your host will greet you and you can enjoy some welcome drinks & hors d’oeuvres. You have the rest of the day to explore Sintra or relax in the hotel’s gardens. Later, gather together as a group for 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.
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Kick off the day with a guided visit of the colorful Pena Palace. As you stroll through its enchanting gardens, your guide will share the secrets of this fairytale masterpiece. Afterward, enjoy some free time to soak in the whimsy and panoramic views of this castle perched atop Sintra’s misty hills before gathering for a delicious Portuguese lunch at a local spot.
Next, follow the King’s route from Sintra to the coastal town of Cascais. First, stop at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, to take in the epic views of the Atlantic crashing against rugged cliffs. Continue to Cascais, once a fishing village and now the cosmopolitan heart of the Portuguese Riviera. The town’s mix of historic mansions, beautiful squares, and lively marina reflects its royal past and modern charm. After a brief orientation tour, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.
On our way back to Sintra, we’ll pass through Estoril, home to a historic casino and the filming location for a James Bond movie. Return to Sintra, where you’ll have the rest of the evening free to dine and relax.
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Don’t fill up at breakfast this morning because we’re going to eat our way through Lisbon’s hottest spots! Explore the multicultural Mouraria, where the spirit of fado fills the air. Then, head to the lively Baixa district for stunning views of the Tagus River. The experience ends in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and most atmospheric neighborhood, with a private Fado performance that brings the soul of Portugal to life, accompanied by a light tapas lunch. Afterward, you can return to the hotel with the group or continue exploring Lisbon at your own pace and catch a taxi back.
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Escape the crowds today as we venture to a stunning vineyard and cork forest. Hop into a jeep for a ride through the sprawling estate as you discover the little-known process behind cork production. Afterward, kick back and enjoy a tasty lunch paired with a tasting of the estate’s wines showcasing the Alentejo region's finest flavors.
Next up is the lovely little town of Évora for a brief stop by the eerie Chapel of Bones and the main square of Evora followed by some free time to explore. Peruse the charming streets lined with boutiques filled with all things cork! It’s the perfect place to pick up a few unique souvenirs before heading back to Sintra.
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Activities: Vineyard & cork forest tour; Lunch with wine tasting; Chapel of Bones; Evora free time
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Historic boutique hotel
Today’s all yours to do as you please! You may want to dive deeper into Sintra’s lesser-known palaces or grab a pastel de nata at a local café as you people-watch. Maybe you prefer Lisbon for a leisurely walk through the picture-perfect seaside neighborhood of Belém or browse the shops of cosmopolitan Chiado. You could also take a cue from the locals and just wander the streets and see where the day takes you! Your trip host can also share some ideas based on your interests.
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Pay a visit to a dairy farm in the town of Azeitão this morning to see firsthand how the renowned creamy cheese is produced followed by a tasting! Then, savor some delightful Muscat wines at one of the oldest family-run wineries in the region. Next, head to a locally-owned tile workshop where you’ll learn traditional techniques and paint your own tiles to take home as a souvenir.
After a morning full of Portuguese traditions, we’ll drive to the coastal village of Sesimbra where you can relax and enjoy lunch at your leisure. On the way back to Sintra, we’ll make a quick stop at the towering Christ the King statue for sweeping views of Lisbon.
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First up today is Nazaré, the Holy Grail of surfing and where the highest wave ever was surfed. Begin with a visit to the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo for breathtaking views of these powerful waves followed by some free time in the upper part of the town. Afterward, head to the lower part of the town where you will have some free time to grab some lunch near the sandy shores. Nazaré is a food lover’s dream, with countless spots dishing out the freshest fish you’ll ever taste! Don’t miss the two signature dishes: the flavorful paella and the iconic cataplana – a rich seafood stew served in a distinctive clam-shaped pot!
After lunch, depart to the medieval town of Óbidos, known for its colorful streets and where you can taste ginjinha, a local cherry liqueur traditionally served in a chocolate cup. You will have the rest of the afternoon to explore the town at your own pace. Stroll through the town’s lively alleyways, take in views of the 12th-century castle looming over the town, or do some souvenir shopping in one of the many shops found in the town.
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The final two days of the trip are completely free to do as you wish. We strongly recommend taking this chance to explore more of Sintra and Lisbon to discover some of their lesser-known gems. For those seeking a refreshing seaside getaway, head to the coast, where you'll find a variety of charming cliffside towns and white-washed fishing villages.
Your host can offer further suggestions and assist you with booking private transportation with sufficient notice. Please remember that this is a semi-independent trip for travelers who can make their own plans on free days.
On Day 9, meet up for one last dinner with your travel buddies before saying goodbye.
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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!
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*Itinerary is subject to change.
