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the
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portugal
TRIP
FOR THE LOVE OF
ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE
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PASTRIES​
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MEANDERING ALLEYS​
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COBBLESTONE STREETS
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SEASIDE CAVES​
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SANDY BEACHES​
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WINE​
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TOWERING PALACES​
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CLEAR SEAS​​
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PORTUGAL
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Portugal caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s looking for incredible beaches in the Algarve, fantastical castles in Sintra, and extraordinary architecture in Lisbon.
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You’ll wind from the cobbled streets and endless red-tiled roofs of Lisbon toward the ancient UNESCO Heritage region of Evora before wrapping up on the relaxing, sandy beaches of the Algarve.
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You’ll eat and drink your way along a walking tour, hop on tuk-tuks and explore the mansions of Sintra, and paddle through seaside caverns and grottos. This is a trip made up of savory treats, incredible people, and authentic experiences curated for those looking to learn, explore, or relax in one of Europe’s most exciting regions.
Included
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4 nights in Lisbon
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1 night in the historic town of Evora
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2 nights stay in the Algarve
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All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
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7 breakfasts
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3 lunches (one at a vineyard with wine tasting)
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4 dinners
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Pastéis de nata cooking class
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Private Taste of Lisbon Food Tour
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Day trip to Sintra - tuk-tuk transport and entrance to Quinta da Regaleira
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Private walking tour of Évora with entrance to the Chapel of Bones
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Full day private boating experience
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Public transfers to all included activities within Lisbon
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Private transfers between cities
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FTLO Trip Leader
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*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights into Lisbon and out of Faro
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Airport transfers
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $200)
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Incidental expenses
day by day
*Itinerary is indicative and subject to change
Day 1 - Lisbon
Lisbon Living
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Arrive in the capital and get to know your new friends at the hotel in one of Lisbon’s most exciting neighborhoods.
After a welcome dinner with the group highlighted by stunning rooftop views, the evening is yours. Wander along narrow cobblestone streets and as you meander your way back, stop at any of the tiny bars nestled amongst the labyrinth of vibrant, red-roofed homes.
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If you’re lucky, you can catch a Fado show as well—the beautiful, melancholy music echoes from barrooms and taverns across the nation. Just don’t let it bring you down; after all, you’re in Portugal.
arrive
Day 2 - Lisbon
Oh Azulejos
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel to get the gears in that right-brain cranking; we're getting into the arts this morning.
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By now, you've undoubtedly come across the colorfully complex tiles that line homes, shops, subway stations, and just about any other type of wall the Portuguese can find. Known as azulejos, these tiles have been kicking around this stretch of land since the 13th century when the Arabs invaded. With the rest of the crew, you're going to paint like a local and try your hand at some azulejo art.
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The afternoon's free to wander the hills, and then you'll trade dinner for something a bit more fun as you explore the city's character and charm with a food and wine walking tour through one of Lisbon's trendiest neighborhoods. ​
explore
Day 3 - Lisbon / Sintra
High class
Today, we’re hopping on the train to Sintra. In the cool mountain air, you’ll set out on tuk-tuks and twist between homes, shops, palaces, and castles that date to the Middle Ages.
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After checking out the Romanticist architecture of the Pena Palace from a mountaintop viewpoint, we’re heading into the stone spectacle of Quinta da Regaleira, arguably Sintra’s most impressive palace. Wander the gardens and then twist down into the Initiation Well to explore the spine-tinglingly spectacular underground grottos.
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You’ll have lunch with friends before heading back to Lisbon. The evening is yours to explore the artsy enclave of Alfama; no one will judge you if you set out for more wine.
savor
Day 4 - Lisbon
Unwind
After a day twisting up and down Sintra’s hills, it’s time to unwind—the day is yours to chill out or head off exploring with friends.
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If you decide to stay in the city, consider hopping in a cab to the north of town and checking out the National Tile Museum. Housed in an ancient convent that was restored after being reduced to rubble in the earthquake of 1755, this colorful stop has numerous exhibits showcasing azulejo, or the traditional tile work found all over Portugal.
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If you’re in the mood for a beach day, head to the Cais do Sodré train station and take the short ride to the resort town of Cascais for an afternoon in the sand.
wander
Day 5 - Lisbon / Evora
Back in time
After breakfast, it’s time to get cooking. Rich, crumbly custard tarts are on the menu. A specialty in the region, these savory pastries, known locally as pastéis de nata, are smooth on the inside and crispy on the outside.
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Then, it’s time to head out on the road toward Evora. The inland city is older than the Portuguese capital and is also a UNESCO Heritage Site. Spend the afternoon walking back in time on a guided tour of streets and alleys once inhabited by the Celts, Romans, Moors, and Visigoths. You’ll even stroll through the hauntingly beautiful Chapel of Bones, a 16th-century skeletal structure built by Franciscan monks.
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After your deep dive into ancient times, head to a group dinner, and if you’ve still got the energy, follow it up with some fun and bar-hopping.
play
Day 6 - Evora / Algarve
beachbound
Fuel up on breakfast at the hotel in Evora before driving south to the Algarve, Portugal’s most spectacular beach region.
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It’s a bit of a hike and this is Portugal after all, so we’ll pop off at a vineyard on the way down, and you can pop into some more of that famous Portuguese wine if you so desire (and if you feel up to it after a night at the bars).
We’ll get down to the Algarve by mid-afternoon, where you’ll check into your digs by the beach. Take the afternoon to soak up the sun or hop into the dazzling blue sea as it laps at the shore.
enjoy
Day 7 - Algarve
to the sea
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Get out on the water and start exploring! The endlessly beautiful coast of the Algarve is made up of jagged limestone walls and staggering caves chiseled by the sea. You’ll explore it all on a private, day-long boating adventure.
Lunch will be prepared on board, so the day truly belongs to you. Lounge with friends, swim through the balmy waters, and explore the remarkable rocky coast of Southern Portugal.
In the evening, we’ll all meet up for one final night of fun at our farewell dinner.
Day 8 - Algarve
farewell
Today is our last day in Portugal. We’ll share one final breakfast together before we all go our separate ways.
If you prefer to stick around to explore a bit on your own (which we recommend!), the hotel will be happy to store your bags.
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If you're after more European fun beyond Portugal, head to Northern Spain and the Basque Country for amazing cuisine or to Sardinia for golden beach vibes!
“Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all of one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain
FAST FACTS
Just for Fun
The Portuguese town of Nazare holds the record for the world’s largest wave ever surfed.
Lisbon is home to the world’s oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand. It opened in 1732!
All the wine makes sense when you discover that the vast majority of the world’s cork grows in Portugal.
Trip notes
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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Portugal in the summer can be quite hot, so pack your bags accordingly.
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The Alfama district can seem like a real maze. If you’re ever lost, head downhill to the water.
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Portugal is famous for long lunches; it’s not unusual for things to get delayed.
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Ensure your passport is valid for 3-months after your return date.
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More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.
About portugal
Portugal is considered by many to be the cheapest country to visit in Western Europe. However, the secret is clearly out as tourism has boomed in recent years. From 2009 to 2019 international visitors grew from 6.4 million to 17.1 million. Today the nation is renowned for its incredibly preserved architecture, spectacular food, and fantastic wines.
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GOOD TO KNOW
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The official language is Portuguese.
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Portugal’s currency is the Euro.
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Tipping is not expected, but if you enjoyed your meal and the service, consider leaving between 5% and 10%.
Flights
Fly into Lisbon (LIS)
You'll need to be in Lisbon by 2pm on Day 1. We do recommend flying in earlier to have some time to explore the city on your own!
Fly out of Faro (FAO)
Fly out of Faro at any time on day 8 or extend your trip and enjoy a few more days in the Algarve. Consider booking a roundtrip flight to Lisbon and taking the train or bus back to Lisbon from the Algarve.
Want to check out flights for your trip?
Feel free to also set up flight alerts to Portugal so you can grab the best deal!
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*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.
Alumni reviews
We know how much you'll love the Portugal trip...
but don't take our word for it! Check out some of our alumni reviews.
LEARN MORE
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