the
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portugal
TRIP
FOR THE LOVE OF
WHITE SANDY BEACHES​
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BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE​
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​FRESH SEAFOOD​
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​BUZZING RESTAURANTS
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​WARM TURQUOISE WATER
WINDING COBBLED STREETS
PORT WINE​
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SUNSHINE & BLUE SKIES​
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STEEP HILLS​
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PORTUGAL
WHAT TO EXPECT
Portugal is having a moment—the hype is real. Maybe it’s been on your list for a while, but figuring out where to go and what to do can be the hardest part. That’s where we come in.
This is the kind of place best experienced with new friends, especially fellow solo travelers in their 20s and 30s. There’s always something happening, from the buzzing nightlife in the capital to the laid-back beach life in the south.
Our small group trip to Portugal goes beyond the must-sees, giving you a deeper look at the country’s many sides—Lisbon’s charm, stunning coastal escapes, rugged mountain landscapes, and the slower, quieter corners that make this place truly special.
2025 dates
May 25 - Jun 1, 2025​
Runs over Memorial Day
2 spots left
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Jun 8 - 15, 2025​
Special Dates: Festival de Santo António
2 spots left
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Jun 29 - Jul 6, 2025
Runs over 4th of July - likely to sell out
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Jul 20 - 27, 2025
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Aug 10 - 17, 2025​​​
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Aug 31 - Sep 7, 2025
Runs over Labor Day - likely to sell out
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8 days/7 nights
starting at $3,899 USD
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Limited private room upgrades starting from $999 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
Included
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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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In-country transportation for included activities and transfers between towns
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3 nights in Lisbon, 1 night in Evora and 3 nights in the Algarve
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Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
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Tile painting class
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Local market visit and cooking class
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Jeep tour through Portugal’s iconic cork forests
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Private Lisbon food tasting experience
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Day trip to Sintra, including entrance to Quinta da Regaleira
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Private walking tour of Évora, including entrance to one of the country’s most iconic monuments
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Private sailing day
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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, depending on consumption habits)
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Incidental expenses
day by day
Trip itineraries are subject to change. For more information, check out our FAQs HERE.
Day 1 - Lisbon
LANDED IN LISBON
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There’s no wrong time to visit Portugal, but we’ve handpicked the best months for you to experience its friendly locals, world-class wine, and sun-soaked beaches. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the energy of a country that has finally stepped into the spotlight after years of being one of Western Europe’s best-kept secrets.
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Your journey begins in Lisbon, a city that’s as charming as it is lively. With its growing popularity, direct flights here are more accessible than ever. Arriving in the early afternoon gives you time to settle in, and explore its winding streets before the evening festivities begin.
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Tonight, we kick things off with a welcome dinner, where you’ll dive into Lisbon’s incredible food scene and get to know the fellow travelers who will be sharing this adventure with you. Expect delicious flavors, great conversation, and the perfect introduction to the magic of Portugal.
arrive
Day 2 - Lisbon
LISBON LIVING
Wandering through the winding cobblestone streets of Portugal’s colorful capital, it’s easy to fall in love with Lisbon. The city’s signature tiles, known as azulejos, add a timeless charm to its buildings and alleyways.
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Today, you’ll get a hands-on experience creating your own version of these iconic tiles—a chance to tap into your creativity while immersing yourself in one of Portugal’s oldest art forms. It’s also a fun and interactive way to connect with your fellow travelers as you ease into your first full day of the trip.
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Tonight is all about the food, and we’re here to show you why Portuguese cuisine is one of Europe’s most underrated. Our evening consists of a walking food tour, where we’ll sample an array of local specialties—from fresh seafood to iconic pastries—all paired with delicious Portuguese wines. Between bites, we’ll uncover the stories behind Lisbon’s flavors, history, and culinary traditions—because the best way to experience a city is to taste it.
explore
Day 3 - Lisbon & Sintra
A FAIRYTALE ESCAPE
Today, we’re setting off on a day trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site just 30 minutes outside Lisbon. If there’s one place in Portugal that feels like it was plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale, it’s this enchanting town. But first—every adventure needs a sweet start. We’ll stop at a local bakery to try pastéis de nata, Portugal’s famous custard tarts, fresh out of the oven and perfectly creamy.
Then, we’ll wind our way through the scenic foothills to Sintra, where lush greenery and whimsical architecture lead us to Quinta da Regaleira—a mystical estate brimming with secret gardens, hidden wells, and winding pathways. Afterwards, we’ll grab lunch and continue wandering through this storybook town, where ivy-covered walls, swan-filled ponds, and enchanting forests create pure magic.
Back in Lisbon, the evening is yours to enjoy as you please. If you and the crew are up for it, we recommend ending the night at a traditional Fado show. With a glass of local wine in hand, you’ll soak in the hauntingly beautiful melodies that have echoed through Lisbon’s cafés and taverns since the early 19th century. It’s a favorite among locals and the perfect way to toast to our last night in Lisbon.
savor
Day 4 - Lisbon / Évora
EVENING IN ÉVORA
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the love you’ve found for Lisbon’s colorful, charismatic, and endlessly charming vibe, we get it—so take the morning to soak it all in before we head to our next destination, Évora.
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Though Évora is smaller and less-explored than Portugal's more famous cities, it’s the perfect stopover between Lisbon and the Algarve. We’ll spend one night here, and we have a feeling it might just jump to the top of your list of favorite undiscovered European gems.
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As the sun sets, we’ll head out on a walking tour to explore the slower side of this country. You’ll see people settling in for the evening—gathering with friends over drinks or enjoying the last of the day’s warmth on their own. Our trip leader has planned a night of fun festivities, with stops at local spots where you’ll feel like a true Évora resident. From sipping local wines to pretending like we understand the tasting notes, you and your new travel friends will clink glasses all over the city, discovering the surprisingly vibrant nightlife.
wander
Day 5 - Évora / Lagos
CORK & COAST
We’ll check out of Évora in the morning and hit the road for a scenic drive down to the Algarve, where white-sand beaches and fresh seafood await. But first, we’re making a special stop to explore Portugal’s rich cork industry. Fun fact: Portugal produces about 50% of the world’s cork, and the cork oak tree is a symbol of sustainability—it’s harvested without harming the tree itself.
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We’ll wander through the cork forests, learning about the harvesting process before sitting down for lunch. Each region of Portugal brings its own twist to classic dishes, and Alentejo is no exception. The Portuguese, famous for their seafaring history, brought back a wealth of spices and flavors from their travels, blending them into the heart of the country’s cuisine.
After lunch, we’ll continue south to Lagos, a coastal gem in the Algarve. Bring on the sunshine and blue skies—this is the perfect place to unwind. The rest of the day is yours to grab a beach towel, soak up the sun, and dive into the warm, turquoise waters with your new crew.
play
Day 6 - Lagos
LOCAL CUISINE
By now, you’ve seen just how much ground we’ve covered in this small yet diverse country. But before we dive back into the sun and sand, it’s time for a day of culinary exploration—so bring your appetite!
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We’ll kick things off with a visit to a local market, where you’ll sample freshly harvested ingredients and get a feel for the Algarve’s vibrant food culture. One of the best things about Portugal? How effortlessly fresh produce and seafood make their way onto every plate. And while the country is part of the Iberian Peninsula, its cuisine embodies Mediterranean flavors at their finest—think olive oil, fragrant herbs, and the day’s best catch.
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After the market, we’ll head to a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional farm-to-table dishes like cataplana—a rich seafood stew, slow-cooked in a copper pot and bursting with flavor. We’ll wrap up back in Lagos, where the rest of the afternoon is yours to soak in the coastal vibes.
enjoy
Day 7 - Lagos
I’M ON A BOAT!
It’s our last full day together, and what better way to soak it all in than by sailing Portugal’s stunning coastline, wine in hand, and the salty breeze in our hair? Whether you go for a crisp vinho verde (Portugal’s signature "green" wine) or a bold Port, we highly recommend trying both—it’s your last day after all.
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We’ll glide past dramatic cliffs, explore hidden grottos, and toast to an epic week as we sail along the Atlantic. This is the kind of day that reminds you why you travel—to feel free, to embrace adventure, and to share unforgettable moments with new friends that you would’ve otherwise never met.
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As the sun sets, we’ll gather for one last dinner, savoring the flavors of Portugal one more time. We feel like after the dinner, you and the crew won’t be ready to say goodbye just yet, and good thing for you: Lagos has plenty of live music and buzzing nightlife to keep the party going.
Day 8 - Lagos
LATER, LAGOS!
If last night’s farewell festivities are hitting a little extra this morning, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Before heading to the airport, rally the crew for one last bite of Portugal: a bifana, the country’s legendary pork sandwich.
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As you pack up, take a moment to swap numbers with your travelmates—because let’s be real, this isn’t the last adventure. If you’re heading home, it’s only a matter of time before the next trip is on the books. And if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to Europe, we have a few ideas…
Head to the Amalfi Coast and Puglia, where cappuccinos, impossibly blue waters, and jaw-dropping views await. Want a European summer that’s a little different from your friends' Instagrams?Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm should be on your radar—Scandinavians know how to do summer right. Or, if you’re looking to cross two more countries off your list, Barcelona and the South of France are calling, with tapas, bar-hopping, and Mediterranean charm just a short hop from Portugal.
FAST FACTS
About portugal
The secret is out—Portugal has become one of Europe’s hottest destinations. Between 2009 and 2019, international visitors skyrocketed from 6.4 million to 17.1 million, and for good reason. With its beautifully preserved architecture, world-class cuisine, and exceptional wines, Portugal continues to captivate travelers from around the globe.​
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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%.
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.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Fly into Lisbon (LIS)
You'll need to be in Lisbon by 2 p.m. on Day 1. We recommend flying in earlier to give you 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.
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.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Interested in learning more about our Portugal trip?
Have a question? We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.