G Adventures
Family Journey Portugal: Lisbon to the Algarve
Family Journey Portugal: Lisbon to the Algarve
Set off on a sun-soaked adventure through Portugal-where storybook palaces, golden beaches, and seaside villages set the stage for family memories that last a lifetime. Kick things off with a scavenger hunt through Lisbon’s colourful streets, then step back in time to Sintra’s hilltop castles. Wander through ancient stone circles that stir the imagination, bike the rugged coastline with the sea breeze at your back, and even catch a wave or two in the surf. Sail into the legendary Benagil Cave by boat, then cap it all off with a hands-on cooking class the whole family will savour. With every new flavour and adventure, you’ll discover the magic of Portugal-one unforgettable family moment at a time.
Highlights
Ride bikes along the sparkling shores of the Cascais coastline, Marvel at the vivid colours and swirling patterns of Sintra’s magical Pena Palace, Step back in time at the ancient stone circle known as the Portuguese Stonehenge, Catch waves in a beginner surf lesson then cruise to the hidden wonder of Benagil Cave
Accomodation
Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it’s important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.
Please remember that hotel/lodge standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.
It is important to note that accommodations in Europe tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and rooms are generally old and may not have been renovated or maintained to the highest standard. Downtown hotels in Europe were not built to be hotels but houses of the rich, which have been changed into hotels. Therefore unusual or small room sizes are common as large rooms have been partitioned in the past, resulting in rather “thin” walls. Reception areas, rooms and bathrooms tend to be very small as they were often added into an existing room, and may have a hand nozzle rather than a conventional shower head.
On this trip you can expect to stay in hotels which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but have traditional character, and are in central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations. Staff can occasionally demonstrate less than perfect customer service, but a smile and a thank you can go a long way.
Group Leader
All National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by two of our Expedition Leaders. The aim of the Expedition Leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense; you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 20, Avg 14.
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
What’s Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Cork farm, Winery Visit, and Local Lunch, Redondo
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment – Meet
Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your Family Journeys Moment: Lisbon Scavenger Hunt, Lisbon.
Arrival transfer. Coastal bike tour. Cabo da Roca viewpoint and lighthouse visit, Cabo da Roca. Sintra visit and Pena Palace Guided tour Sintra. Orientation walk Evora with Chapel of Bones visit. Cromeleque dos Almendres Monoliths visit. Surf lesson or Ferragudo village and Pink Fort visit. Algarve boat tour with Benagil Caves. Local cooking class. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
| Day 1 |
Lisbon, the enchanting capital of Portugal, entices sightseers with its vibrant color, stunning Gothic architecture, and temperate weather. Easily traversed by foot or tram, the city’s distinct quarters and vivid cultural landmarks make Lisbon an excellent spot for exploration.
The Alfama district’s notable red roofs beckon you. Its cobblestoned roads lead to the Castelo de São Jorge, once a Roman and Moorish stronghold, as well as a number of charming cafés and clubs. Alfama’s Museo do Fado offers fascinating exhibitions on the Fado genre of Portuguese music, whose melodic sounds can be heard throughout the neighborhood. A trek northeast of the Alfama district will bring you to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, a museum displaying the intricate and colorful Portuguese tiles that line the city’s buildings. Be sure to venture south of Alfama to the central Baixa district, where the magnificent Rua Augusta Arch entices visitors to stroll the Praça de Comércio square. Head to the city’s waterfront Belém neighborhood for a spectacular view of the sparkling Tagus River and incredible beaches. Lisbon's two UNESCO World Heritage sites are also located in the Belém district: the mighty Belém Tower and the sumptuous Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Located on the water’s edge, Belém Tower is a small castle that once welcomed Portuguese explorers. The Monastery of St. Jerome was constructed to exalt Vasco de Gama’s exploration of India. There is so much to discover in captivating Lisbon! |
| Day 2 |
Lisbon, the enchanting capital of Portugal, entices sightseers with its vibrant color, stunning Gothic architecture, and temperate weather. Easily traversed by foot or tram, the city’s distinct quarters and vivid cultural landmarks make Lisbon an excellent spot for exploration.
The Alfama district’s notable red roofs beckon you. Its cobblestoned roads lead to the Castelo de São Jorge, once a Roman and Moorish stronghold, as well as a number of charming cafés and clubs. Alfama’s Museo do Fado offers fascinating exhibitions on the Fado genre of Portuguese music, whose melodic sounds can be heard throughout the neighborhood. A trek northeast of the Alfama district will bring you to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, a museum displaying the intricate and colorful Portuguese tiles that line the city’s buildings. Be sure to venture south of Alfama to the central Baixa district, where the magnificent Rua Augusta Arch entices visitors to stroll the Praça de Comércio square. Head to the city’s waterfront Belém neighborhood for a spectacular view of the sparkling Tagus River and incredible beaches. Lisbon's two UNESCO World Heritage sites are also located in the Belém district: the mighty Belém Tower and the sumptuous Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Located on the water’s edge, Belém Tower is a small castle that once welcomed Portuguese explorers. The Monastery of St. Jerome was constructed to exalt Vasco de Gama’s exploration of India. There is so much to discover in captivating Lisbon! |
| Day 3 |
Lisbon, the enchanting capital of Portugal, entices sightseers with its vibrant color, stunning Gothic architecture, and temperate weather. Easily traversed by foot or tram, the city’s distinct quarters and vivid cultural landmarks make Lisbon an excellent spot for exploration.
The Alfama district’s notable red roofs beckon you. Its cobblestoned roads lead to the Castelo de São Jorge, once a Roman and Moorish stronghold, as well as a number of charming cafés and clubs. Alfama’s Museo do Fado offers fascinating exhibitions on the Fado genre of Portuguese music, whose melodic sounds can be heard throughout the neighborhood. A trek northeast of the Alfama district will bring you to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, a museum displaying the intricate and colorful Portuguese tiles that line the city’s buildings. Be sure to venture south of Alfama to the central Baixa district, where the magnificent Rua Augusta Arch entices visitors to stroll the Praça de Comércio square. Head to the city’s waterfront Belém neighborhood for a spectacular view of the sparkling Tagus River and incredible beaches. Lisbon's two UNESCO World Heritage sites are also located in the Belém district: the mighty Belém Tower and the sumptuous Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Located on the water’s edge, Belém Tower is a small castle that once welcomed Portuguese explorers. The Monastery of St. Jerome was constructed to exalt Vasco de Gama’s exploration of India. There is so much to discover in captivating Lisbon! |
| Day 4 |
Lisbon, the enchanting capital of Portugal, entices sightseers with its vibrant color, stunning Gothic architecture, and temperate weather. Easily traversed by foot or tram, the city’s distinct quarters and vivid cultural landmarks make Lisbon an excellent spot for exploration.
The Alfama district’s notable red roofs beckon you. Its cobblestoned roads lead to the Castelo de São Jorge, once a Roman and Moorish stronghold, as well as a number of charming cafés and clubs. Alfama’s Museo do Fado offers fascinating exhibitions on the Fado genre of Portuguese music, whose melodic sounds can be heard throughout the neighborhood. A trek northeast of the Alfama district will bring you to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, a museum displaying the intricate and colorful Portuguese tiles that line the city’s buildings. Be sure to venture south of Alfama to the central Baixa district, where the magnificent Rua Augusta Arch entices visitors to stroll the Praça de Comércio square. Head to the city’s waterfront Belém neighborhood for a spectacular view of the sparkling Tagus River and incredible beaches. Lisbon's two UNESCO World Heritage sites are also located in the Belém district: the mighty Belém Tower and the sumptuous Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Located on the water’s edge, Belém Tower is a small castle that once welcomed Portuguese explorers. The Monastery of St. Jerome was constructed to exalt Vasco de Gama’s exploration of India. There is so much to discover in captivating Lisbon! |
| Day 5 |
Évora, in Portugal’s Alentejo region, feels like stepping into a story that spans more than two thousand years. Its Historic Centre was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason with its ancient walls, homes with wrought-iron balconies, and narrow streets quietly preserve traces of Roman, Moorish, and medieval life. Right in the heart of town, the Roman Temple stands with 14 granite columns that have weathered centuries, a striking reminder of Évora’s role as the Roman city of Ebora Liberalitas Julia. Nearby, Praça do Giraldo functions as the city’s lively meeting place, where cafés and shops surround a fountain that has witnessed generations pass by. Beyond architecture and monuments, Évora reveals lesser-known treasures that reward exploration. Wander to the Jardim das Casas Pintadas, a hidden courtyard painted in the Renaissance with creatures and scenes that seem to leap from myth. Not far off, the Aqueduto da Água de Prata, built in the 1500s, arches across the landscape, its stone passageway threading through the city and into the countryside. These quietly remarkable features show how layers of history mingle in everyday life here. Seasonal life in the city brings its own rhythm. From June’s Feira de São João with music, crafts, and open-air feasting, to quieter mornings in the Mercado Municipal watching locals select cheese and cured meats, Évora invites travelers to slow down and savor both history and daily life. Step outside the city walls and the landscape opens into rolling fields of olive and cork trees, a reminder that the world beyond its stones has shaped the city just as much as the centuries within. |
| Day 6 |
The Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region, is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Renowned for its breathtaking coastline, the Algarve boasts dramatic cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The coastline is dotted with picturesque towns like Lagos and Albufeira, which offer a blend of vibrant nightlife and tranquil beaches. The iconic Ponta da Piedade near Lagos is a must-see, with its striking rock formations and secluded caves that can be explored by boat. The Algarve’s charm extends beyond its beaches. The region is home to historic towns such as Tavira, where Moorish architecture meets traditional Portuguese ambiance. The Tavira Castle, with its ancient walls and panoramic views, offers a glimpse into the area’s past. Meanwhile, the Faro Old Town, enclosed within medieval walls, features cobbled streets, historic churches, and the atmospheric Carmo Church, known for its Chapel of Bones. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Algarve presents a variety of activities. The Costa Vicentina Natural Park offers a rugged, unspoiled coastline perfect for hiking and bird-watching, while the region’s numerous golf courses are set against picturesque backdrops. The Algarve is also famous for its traditional cuisine, particularly fresh seafood. Dining in local taverns, or tascas, allows visitors to savor regional specialties like grilled sardines and cataplana, a traditional seafood stew. A fun fact about the Algarve is that it enjoys one of the mildest climates in Europe, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal destination for year-round travel. Whether you’re exploring historic towns, soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, the Algarve offers a captivating blend of relaxation and adventure. |
| Day 7 |
The Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region, is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Renowned for its breathtaking coastline, the Algarve boasts dramatic cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The coastline is dotted with picturesque towns like Lagos and Albufeira, which offer a blend of vibrant nightlife and tranquil beaches. The iconic Ponta da Piedade near Lagos is a must-see, with its striking rock formations and secluded caves that can be explored by boat. The Algarve’s charm extends beyond its beaches. The region is home to historic towns such as Tavira, where Moorish architecture meets traditional Portuguese ambiance. The Tavira Castle, with its ancient walls and panoramic views, offers a glimpse into the area’s past. Meanwhile, the Faro Old Town, enclosed within medieval walls, features cobbled streets, historic churches, and the atmospheric Carmo Church, known for its Chapel of Bones. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Algarve presents a variety of activities. The Costa Vicentina Natural Park offers a rugged, unspoiled coastline perfect for hiking and bird-watching, while the region’s numerous golf courses are set against picturesque backdrops. The Algarve is also famous for its traditional cuisine, particularly fresh seafood. Dining in local taverns, or tascas, allows visitors to savor regional specialties like grilled sardines and cataplana, a traditional seafood stew. A fun fact about the Algarve is that it enjoys one of the mildest climates in Europe, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal destination for year-round travel. Whether you’re exploring historic towns, soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, the Algarve offers a captivating blend of relaxation and adventure. |
| Day 8 |
The Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region, is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Renowned for its breathtaking coastline, the Algarve boasts dramatic cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The coastline is dotted with picturesque towns like Lagos and Albufeira, which offer a blend of vibrant nightlife and tranquil beaches. The iconic Ponta da Piedade near Lagos is a must-see, with its striking rock formations and secluded caves that can be explored by boat. The Algarve’s charm extends beyond its beaches. The region is home to historic towns such as Tavira, where Moorish architecture meets traditional Portuguese ambiance. The Tavira Castle, with its ancient walls and panoramic views, offers a glimpse into the area’s past. Meanwhile, the Faro Old Town, enclosed within medieval walls, features cobbled streets, historic churches, and the atmospheric Carmo Church, known for its Chapel of Bones. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Algarve presents a variety of activities. The Costa Vicentina Natural Park offers a rugged, unspoiled coastline perfect for hiking and bird-watching, while the region’s numerous golf courses are set against picturesque backdrops. The Algarve is also famous for its traditional cuisine, particularly fresh seafood. Dining in local taverns, or tascas, allows visitors to savor regional specialties like grilled sardines and cataplana, a traditional seafood stew. A fun fact about the Algarve is that it enjoys one of the mildest climates in Europe, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal destination for year-round travel. Whether you’re exploring historic towns, soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, the Algarve offers a captivating blend of relaxation and adventure. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
11/22/26 - 11/29/26 |
Starting At $3,999 |
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|
12/27/26 - 01/03/27 |
Starting At $4,399 |
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|
03/21/27 - 03/28/27 |
Starting At $3,999 |
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|
06/27/27 - 08/01/27 |
Starting At $4,399 |
Get A Quote | |
|
11/21/27 - 11/28/27 |
Starting At $3,999 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/19/27 - 12/26/27 |
Starting At $4,399 |
Get A Quote |
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.