Portugal Adventure Vacation for Families with Teens

The city of Lisbon is illuminated in colorful hues as the sunlight dances off the age-old pastel buildings alongside the Tagus Estuary and emerald hillsides. History comes to life in this city with hallowed spiritual grounds and iconic museums that share a glimpse into Portugal’s heritage. You will begin to discern the distinguished qualities of Lisbon as you peer from the windows of your private transfer, who will meet you at Lisbon Portela Airport once you have landed.

You will uncover the cityscape’s charm during a private walking tour of its neighborhoods. You will weave your way through the steep streets of Alfama and Castelo toward viewpoints that offer panoramas of the city. After lunch, you will continue to the bohemian area of Lisbon, which is adored for its atmospheric presence that is bolstered by collections of candlelit cafés and second-hand bookstores. Before sunset, you will meet a revered chef who will reveal more about Portuguese cuisine and assist you in the creation of traditional delicacies with a hands-on culinary class.

Sintra proudly stands at the foothills of a mountain range that is speckled with heritage sites. The idyllic locale is stationed a short way from Lisbon and has roots in the Romantic period. Traveling down the evergreen hilltop on which Pena Palace is poised, you will stumble upon more magnificent medieval constructs that are laden with decorative Masonic symbolism and Gothic features. Your evening dinner will be enjoyed with the ambiance of spellbinding Fado music.

Today, you will transfer to Batalha, making brief stops at Óbidos and Nazaré along the way. Óbidos is a delightful town that remains unphased by modernity. Old white-washed homes line cobblestone pathways and are flanked by fragrant gardens of scintillating bougainvilleas. After a few moments of admiring the simplistic beauty of Óbidos, you will continue to the Nazaré Canyon, which is an awe-inspiring geological phenomenon that is responsible for the town’s massive globally-renowned waves. You will visit Batalha Monastery before arriving at your final destination, which is an architectural masterwork that is shrouded in rich history.

You will rest at Coimbra and Aveiro en route to Porto. The University of Coimbra is the oldest tertiary institution in Portugal. Immaculate gilt-covered books that date back centuries line the shelves of Joanine Library, and Pátio das Escolas courtyard is the establishment’s centerpiece. You can imagine students of bygone days discussing topical issues in the very spots that you will stand. Scenes of Aveiro are dominated by barcos moliceiros, which are colorful Portuguese boats that glide along an intricate web of gentle canals. The Venice-esque city will evoke a variety of emotions as you cruise along the glittering canals.

The city of Porto is an eclectic blend of old and new. São Bento Station will be the first stop on your private walking tour through Porto, which is a mirror into Portugal’s past as expressed through sensational azulejo tiles. This is a Portuguese architectural technique that uses glazed ceramic tiles. Afterward, you can step back onto the streets and seek refuge in the remarkable Lello bookstore, which enchants with staggering rows of books, high ceilings, and blooming colors throughout. 

Mountains of luxuriant greenery rise above the Douro Valley’s beautiful river that runs from Porto into the countryside. Today, you will follow the stream and venture to Lamego for a peaceful night in the wilderness. Before the valley’s vivacious sunset, you can slowly meander toward an elite winery on board a traditional rabelo boat. You will catch glimpses of endemic wildlife as it peers at you from beyond the thicket and feel the cool breeze against your cheeks. Afterward, you will indulge in Portugal’s finest wines.

Portugal’s hinterlands are unspoiled, bewitching, and characterized by bucolic pastures that brim with wildlife. Today, you will transfer through the wild to Trancoso, Sortelha, and finally Belmonte. Trancoso’s Jewish heritage is preserved in century-old texts and the meticulous carvings of former synagogue, Casa do Gato Negro, which is is hemmed in the craggy cliffs that tower above the andscape. Belmonte’s Jewish roots can be seen in its medieval castle and sought-after Jewish Museum of Belmonte.

Between Belmonte and Évora lies Marvão. The city is a novel architectural gem that is surrounded by stone walls. You will enter its walls and be blown away by the serene unconnectedness of the destination. It is far off the beaten path and the community of locals is in complete peace with one another. Humble white houses line cobblestone paths that zigzag through town. In the nooks and crannies, you will uncover hidden trinkets at spirited stalls and postcard-perfect moments.

This afternoon will bring you to Lagos after leaving the morning to explore more of Évora. Narrow streets of Moorish descent offer shady paths to tread in the day and lead to open-air courtyards where the sun washes over stone squares. It is in these squares that Évora bursts into life. You will hear the friendly chatter of locals as they speak Portuguese in addition to catching the wafts of fresh seafood. You can take a moment to bask in the beauty of this charming town before retracing history beneath the ancient ruins of the Roman Temple of Évora and São Francisco Church.

Precipitous wooden steps descend to sun-soaked coves, jagged cliffs gaze over the Atlantic Ocean, and astonishing churches line the headlands. You will be immersed in the beloved destination that is home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches and seaside experiences. Today, you can venture out to the Benagil Caves for an incredible experience. You will enter through a hole in the rockface to witness the water flow to a pearl-white beach. Pictures will struggle to capture the majesty of this impressive geological phenomenon.

One cannot visit Lagos without soaring across its sapphire seas. Today, you will meet your captain and charter the ocean by sailboat to Ponta da Piedade. Mighty archaic rock formations have created a stone labyrinth over time. Beneath their yellow-golden cliffs, the water is translucent and offers a clear view of the marine habitat below. You can hop into the water and swim in the sheltered bay while the sun kisses the sea, creating setting of pure majesty.

On your way back to Lisbon, you will explore Sesimbra’s adored Arrábida Natural Park. Roads meander the region and share unparalleled vistas of the incomparably beautiful landscape that is blanketed by prolific vegetation and white-chalk cliffs. The smell of the salty breeze will fill the air as you stand on viewpoints that tower over the staggering scenery.

You will leave Portugal later this evening and have one last opportunity to bask in the splendor of Lisbon. Whether you wish to sit comfortably at a local café or would prefer to peruse the venerated museums you have yet to explore, you can spend the day indulging in all that the city has to offer before meeting your private transfer.