C enturies ago, Portugal was a pioneer of worldwide exploration, but not until recently has this hidden European gem become known as an ideal place for active vacations. Portugal is like a living history book, where medieval villages still exist and ancient castles and cathedrals rise on hills, so come join Thomson Family Adventures for a journey of discovery where you and your children will walk into history.

Our itinerary is guaranteed to capture the imaginations of parents and kids alike. It balances culture and history with active adventures like hiking Lousã Mountain and kayaking the Mondego River. It gives families a broad range of experiences and insights into one of Europe's most compelling destinations.

Don’t forget the Thomson’s signature trip component: meeting local families face to face. The Portuguese people are warm and welcoming, so get ready to spend some quality time exchanging stories and getting to know each other’s cultures.

2009 Dates

Triple Discount: $300 for child under 12 sharing with 2 adults

Dates

Don't see your travel dates? Please call and we'll offer a trip to meet your needs!

Day 1 – Depart U.S. / Arrive Lisbon

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where your Portugal family vacation begins.

Days 2 and 3 – Lisbon

As Europe’s westernmost capital, Lisbon has formed a seamless mixture of old world tradition and cosmopolitan modernity. Get ready to explore one of the most unique structures ever built: the Regaleira Palace. You will experience its mythical, magical and mysterious feel firsthand, as children and adults move through the halls, staircases, turrets and towers.

Regaleira Palace Sintra, where the Regaleira Palace is located, is known for its mystical hills, which are dotted with fairytale palaces and extravagant villas. Inside this castle, make sure the kids find the almost supernatural tunnel staircase that symbolizes the story of Dante’s Inferno. Explore the old quarter – Alfama As you walk around Alfama, it’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the 12th century. Whitewashed walls with bright red rooftops dominate the area, and winding narrow alleys are home to little shops and restaurants playing fado music through their open doorways. Lisbon Oceanarium This is Europe’s largest aquarium. The two-story Global Ocean tank holds four million liters of water, and is visible throughout the entire oceanarium. If you stand right up against it you’ll feel like a crab on the ocean floor!

Days 4 to 6 – Lousã

Lousã is a quaint town known for its handsome 18th century houses and the wonderful forested mountains that surround it. As your family hikes bountiful Lousã Mountain, keep an eye out for raspberries, chestnuts, apples and grapes -- and awesome views are guaranteed. This stop also serves as a pleasant break from the antiquities.

Walking tour of Obidos This medieval town of only 200 residents is as quaint as it gets. It’s so beautiful that it was actually presented to Queen Isabel de Aragon as a gift back in the 13th century. Fishing village of Nazaré Nazaré is divided into the old town of Sitio on a hilltop overlooking the water, and the fishing quarter along the waterfront. If you take the walk up to Sitio, be sure to bring your camera – the panoramic view is unbelievable. Plain on the outside; gorgeous on the inside: don’t miss the Chapel of Memory while up in Sitio. The interior of this chapel is covered floor-to-ceiling with traditional hand-painted tiles. Kayaking Embark on a kayaking tour of the meandering Mondego River. Its clear, warm waters are perfect for swimming, and children love to hop out of their boats for cooling dip. Free time Explore the town, take a dip in the pool or just relax. Friends Across Borders meeting (pen pals) Thomson families love this program! Children traveling with us can choose to exchange letters with a local child of similar age before leaving on their adventure. While on the family trip we organize a pen pal meeting with a scheduled activity like soccer or hacky sacking. It’s amazing how such interaction can be a real eye-opener for everyone involved. Hike Lousã Mountain A treat on this hike is the incredible shale village. These one room cottages are made entirely of shale and were once homes to sheep herders. One was even converted into a tiny restaurant, where we’ll be stopping for snack.

Days 7 and 8 – Amarante

Located on the banks of the Tâmega River, this picturesque town is centered around the 18th century São Gonçalo Bridge. It gives you a stunning view of the town and will lead you to the bustling town plaza. Everyone will have a blast playing like a local at the water park as you zip down waterslides and splash in the pools.

Manor House This is a unique combination of family estate, gardens and zoo, so it has something for everyone. While the kids enjoy the zoo with their mentor, the adults and teens can take in the exquisite home and surrounding gardens. Port wine tour in Oporto Tour the port wine cellars and taste some of the savory ports that have made this region famous. While the adults are at the wine tasting, kids can head to the river for an adventure of their own. Saturday market Treat yourself to some traditional delights at this open-air market. You’ll find everything from red clay pottery to a huge assortment of cheeses, so get ready to fill those shopping bags! Water park This is an attraction few tourists get to visit, and is a nice break from the site seeing.

Day 9 – Depart Porto / Arrive U.S.

Please Note:   Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.

Why Portugal?

Remarkable, rich history Portugal is a living history book, a place where Roman and Moorish influences are seen, where medieval villages still exist and ancient castles and cathedrals rise on hills. Its rich history is filled with kings and queens and the daring sea voyages of the world's greatest explorers. Uncharted territory, be among the few to visit! While the rest of Europe is so popular with many travelers, you’ll find that Portugal is still largely an untouristed gem that is yours to discover.  Avoid the crowds that flock to the beaches and sites of Spain and Italy, and enjoy a more leisurely pace in Portugal.  Located on the end of the Iberian Peninsula with warm sun and soft Atlantic breezes, Portugal enjoys a more pleasant summer climate than other European destinations. Lisbon and Obidos In Lisbon you’ll find a city that has formed a seamless mixture of old world tradition and cosmopolitan modernity. The city is a charming maze of ancient streets, with medieval castles and churches sprinkled throughout and a wonderfully warm and engaging culture.  Exploring the magical medieval town of Obidos is like stepping back through time.  Take a stroll along the quaint cobblestone streets, and enjoy the picturesque whitewashed houses with brightly colored flowers spilling from their window boxes.  This medieval town of only 200 residents is so beautiful that it was actually presented to Queen Isabel de Aragon as a gift back in the 13th century. Castles and moats Portugal has a rich and unique history of castle building that differs from much of Europe by blending the styles and techniques of the Romans and Moors.  It is easy to forget that Portugal once dominated the world and was a leader in global exploration, and its strategic location on the Iberian Peninsula meant that it needed strong fortifications, or castles, to protect its citizens and its wealth. Great food and wine Portugal has an enviable (and delicious!) legacy of great food and wine.  Surrounded by the sea on three sides, fish and seafood have long played an important role in Portuguese cuisine.  Porto, the country's second largest city, is known for one of Portugal's most famous products: Port wine. 
In Amarante, a lovely town lying on both sides of the Rio Tâmega, you’ll discover a wonderful old 18th century bridge, charming cobblestone streets, quaint shops and churches. Foodies will love the traditional open-air market, where they will find traditional delights including a huge assortment of cheeses.

Why Portugal with Thomson?

Explore Lisbon with St. George’ Castle and Regaliera Palace As you explore Europe’s westernmost capital, get ready to explore one of the most unique structures ever built: the Regaleira Palace. You will experience its mythical, magical and mysterious feel firsthand, as children and adults move through the halls, staircases, turrets and towers.  Inside this castle, make sure the kids find the almost supernatural tunnel staircase that symbolizes the story of Dante’s Inferno.  Sintra, where the Regaleira Palace is located, is known for its mystical hills, which are dotted with fairytale palaces and extravagant villas.
Explore the old quarter – Alfama. As you walk around Alfama, it’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the 12th century. Whitewashed walls with bright red rooftops dominate the area, and winding narrow alleys are home to little shops and restaurants playing fado music through their open doorways. Kayaking the  Mondego River Embark on a kayaking tour of the meandering Mondego River.  As the river winds its way through the lush countryside, keep your eyes peeled for wild raspberries growing on the banks – the perfect snack!  The river’s clear, warm waters are perfect for swimming, and your children will love to hop out of their boats for a refreshing dip. Hike Lousã Mountain On your trek, you’ll see Sra. da Piedade Chapels and at the top, explore the tiny villages of Talasnal and Casal Novo, where the stone cottages have one floor for people and one floor for sheep!  These one room cottages are made entirely of shale, and one cottage has been converted into a tiny restaurant, where you’ll stop to rest and enjoy a snack. Customized Adventures If a group departure date doesn’t suit your timeframe, we can usually arrange a time that will.  We can also organize completely customized adventures for you and your family.  Just let us know your preferred dates, and we’ll take care of the rest!