8 Days • 7 Nights
Portugal Family Adventure: Lisbon, Sintra & the Algarve
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Lisbon's trams, castle, river and aquarium are a fun-filled highlight for the whole family. Lisbon is a wonderfully fun city for children, full of colour, movement and discovery. Together you ride the historic yellow trams as they clatter and screech up impossibly steep lanes, climb the ramparts and towers of the real Sao Jorge Castle, where peacocks strut and the views stretch over the whole city, and cruise the wide Tagus river past the monuments of Belem. You marvel at the sharks, rays, sunfish and playful otters of the Oceanario, one of the best aquariums in Europe, ride funiculars up the hills.
- Fairytale Sintra, with its storybook palace and secret tunnels, is a magical highlight for families. Just west of Lisbon, in cool green hills often wrapped in mist, Sintra feels like stepping into a fairytale, and children love it. Together you climb to the astonishing Pena Palace, a riot of red, yellow and violet towers, domes, drawbridges and battlements that looks like something from a storybook, with sweeping views to the sea, and explore the magical Quinta da Regaleira, descending its spiralling initiation well and winding through secret underground tunnels and grottoes, an adventure that thrills all ages. You wander the cobbled village lanes for ice cream and pastries.
- Boat trips, sea caves and dolphins on the Algarve are an exciting highlight for the whole family. The sunny Algarve coast offers thrilling adventures on the water that children adore. Together you take a boat trip along the dramatic golden cliffs to the astonishing Benagil sea cave, gliding into a vast cavern where sunlight pours through a hole in the roof onto a hidden beach, and cruise past towering rock stacks and hidden coves near Lagos. You may join a dolphin-watching trip, thrilling as pods of dolphins leap and play alongside the boat in the sparkling Atlantic, and swim and snorkel in sheltered turquoise coves.
- Golden beaches and warm Atlantic days are a joyful highlight for families on the Algarve. The Algarve is blessed with some of Europe's most beautiful family beaches, sweeps of soft golden sand sheltered beneath ochre cliffs and lapped by the warm, clear Atlantic. Together you spend happy, easy days building sandcastles, splashing and swimming in gentle, sheltered coves, exploring rock pools and caves at the base of the cliffs, and paddling and playing in the warm sea. There are gentle beaches perfect for younger children and long strands for older kids, plus beachfront cafes for lunch and ice cream. The sunshine, sand and warm sea are joyful.
- Easy travel, tasty food and warm hospitality make Portugal a wonderfully easy family destination. Portugal is compact, safe, sunny and welcoming, making family travel refreshingly easy. Distances are short and roads excellent, the people are famously warm and fond of children, and the food is fresh, simple and family-friendly, from grilled chicken piri-piri, fresh fish and rice to bread, cheese, fruit and, of course, endless pastel de nata. Hotels are comfortable and family-ready, tap water is safe, healthcare is excellent, and the relaxed, unhurried pace suits families beautifully. The ease, food and warmth are wonderful.
- Above all, this journey offers a joyful, easy and memorable family adventure through beautiful Portugal. Portugal is one of Europe's most rewarding family destinations, and this journey is designed to delight all ages. Over eight days you ride the trams, climb the castle and meet the sharks in Lisbon, explore the storybook palace and secret tunnels of Sintra, glide into the sea caves and watch dolphins on the Algarve, and enjoy golden beaches and warm Atlantic days, all at a relaxed pace and warmed by famously child-friendly hospitality. The combination of castles, trams, palaces, boat trips, dolphins and beaches makes this a joyful family holiday.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Your family adventure begins as your flight arrives at Lisbon Airport, where you are met and transferred to your family-friendly hotel in the luminous capital of seven hills. Lisbon spreads over its hills above the wide Tagus, bathed in golden light and full of colour, movement and fun. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first gentle stroll through the grand Baixa with its mosaic pavements, riding a funicular up a steep hill, or sharing a warm pastel de nata in a sunny square. This evening, a relaxed welcome dinner introduces the family to the tasty flavours of Portuguese food and to the fun-filled journey ahead through Lisbon, Sintra and the sunny Algarve. Rest well, ready for trams, castles and the aquarium in Lisbon tomorrow.
Today the family explores fun-filled Lisbon. You ride the historic Tram 28 as it clatters and screeches up steep, narrow lanes, and climb the ramparts and towers of the real Sao Jorge Castle, where peacocks strut and the views stretch over the whole city and river. You wander the tangled lanes of the Alfama, then take a break for warm pastel de nata. In the afternoon you visit the Oceanario, one of the best aquariums in Europe, where the children marvel at sharks, rays, sunfish, playful otters and shimmering shoals in its vast ocean tank. You might cruise the river or ride a tuk-tuk up the hills. The fun, colour and discovery are captivating for all ages. This evening, enjoy a relaxed family dinner. Rest well, ready for fairytale Sintra tomorrow.
Today the family escapes into the green hills of Sintra, a real-life fairytale. You climb to the astonishing Pena Palace, a riot of red, yellow and violet towers, domes, drawbridges and battlements that looks straight out of a storybook, with sweeping views to the sea, exploring its colourful courtyards and ramparts. You then discover the magical Quinta da Regaleira, descending the spiralling initiation well deep into the earth and winding through its secret underground tunnels and grottoes, an adventure the children will never forget, before emerging by a hidden waterfall. You wander the cobbled village lanes for ice cream and pastries. The magic, adventure and beauty are captivating. This evening you return to Lisbon for a relaxed family dinner. Rest well, ready to head south to the sunny Algarve tomorrow.
Today the family journeys south to the sunny Algarve coast, where golden cliffs meet the warm Atlantic. You travel south (by scenic drive or a short internal flight and transfer) to your comfortable, family-friendly beach hotel, your seaside home for four nights, and settle in. As the day softens the family relaxes, with a first swim in the pool or the gentle, warm sea, a walk along a golden beach beneath ochre cliffs, and time to unwind after the journey. The children can splash and play while the grown-ups relax with a cool drink and a view of the ocean. The warmth, sand and sea are wonderful after the cities. This evening, enjoy a relaxed family dinner of fresh grilled fish or piri-piri chicken by the water. Rest well, ready for boat trips, sea caves and beaches on the beautiful Algarve.
Today the family enjoys an exciting adventure on the water. You take a boat trip along the dramatic golden cliffs of the Algarve to the astonishing Benagil sea cave, gliding into a vast cavern where sunlight pours through a great hole in the roof onto a hidden beach, and cruise past towering rock stacks, arches and hidden coves near Lagos and Ponta da Piedade. The children love spotting shapes in the cliffs and swimming in sheltered turquoise coves, and there may be a chance to see dolphins playing in the sparkling Atlantic. Back on shore, you relax on a golden beach, building sandcastles and paddling in the warm sea. The excitement, beauty and fun are captivating. This evening, enjoy ice cream and a relaxed family dinner. Rest well, ready for more beach days ahead.
Today is a relaxed, fun-filled day on the beautiful Algarve. The family enjoys the golden beaches beneath the ochre cliffs, building sandcastles, swimming and splashing in the gentle, sheltered coves, exploring rock pools and paddling in the warm Atlantic. You might join an optional dolphin-watching trip, thrilling as pods of dolphins leap and play alongside the boat, or visit a fun water park or the pretty old town of Lagos for a wander and an ice cream. There is time to simply relax by the pool, with the children playing happily while the grown-ups unwind. The sunshine, sand and sea are joyful. This evening, enjoy a relaxed family dinner of fresh seafood or grilled chicken by the water. Rest well, ready for a final, easy beach day on the beautiful Algarve tomorrow.
Today is a final, easy day for the family to enjoy the sunny Algarve at your own pace. You might spend the day on a favourite golden beach, swimming, building sandcastles and exploring caves and rock pools at the base of the cliffs, or relax by the pool with drinks and snacks. You could visit a coastal village for lunch, sample the region's sweet almonds and figs, browse for ceramics and souvenirs, or take a gentle walk along the clifftops with beautiful sea views. As the day softens, the family gathers to watch the sun set over the ocean, reflecting on your fun-filled Portuguese adventure. The sunshine, sand and warmth are wonderful. This evening, enjoy a special farewell family dinner by the sea. Rest well, savouring your final night on the beautiful Algarve, ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final, relaxed morning on the beautiful Algarve, perhaps a last swim in the warm sea or a leisurely breakfast overlooking the ocean, the family is transferred to Faro Airport for your onward departure. You leave having shared a joyful adventure through Portugal, the trams, castle, river and wonderful aquarium of Lisbon, the storybook palace and secret tunnels of fairytale Sintra, and the sea caves, dolphins and golden beaches of the sunny Algarve, all warmed by famously child-friendly hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the clanking yellow trams, the many-coloured towers of Pena, the sunlight pouring into the Benagil cave, and happy days of sandcastles and warm sea. Portugal offers fun, sunshine, discovery and warmth in abundance for families, and you depart together already dreaming of a return to this beautiful and welcoming land.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation, a welcome dinner and an Algarve boat trip to the sea caves
- Daily breakfast
- Airport and land transfers in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees to palaces, monuments and sites as per itinerary
- , private touring with expert local guides, a Lisbon city tour with tram ride and aquarium, a Sintra day trip, an Algarve boat trip, family-friendly hotels, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Most lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional dolphin-watching trip and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Portugal is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area, so many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and EU citizens) enjoy visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days, while others need a Schengen visa; a passport valid for at least three months beyond departure is required. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality and assist where needed
- Currency: The currency is the Euro (EUR); cards are very widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops across Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, and contactless payment is the norm, but it is worth carrying some cash for small cafes, markets, tips, ferries and rural villages. ATMs (Multibanco) are plentiful in towns and cities
- Best time to visit: Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal, with warm, sunny days, wildflowers, the grape harvest and fewer crowds; July and August are hot, lively and perfect for the Algarve beaches but busier; winter is mild, green and atmospheric in Lisbon and Porto, and a wonderful time for city breaks and lower prices
- Language & etiquette: The language is Portuguese, and English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourism, so travel is easy and relaxed; a few words like 'obrigado' (thank you) are always appreciated. The Portuguese are warm, courteous and unhurried; meals are leisurely, dinner is eaten late, and a relaxed, gracious pace is part of the charm
- Getting around: Portugal is compact and easy to travel, with excellent motorways, fast trains between Lisbon and Porto, historic trams and funiculars in the cities, and ferries and short flights to Madeira and the Azores; we arrange private transfers, driver-guides, rail tickets or a hire car as suits your journey. Lisbon and Porto are hilly, so comfortable shoes are essential
- Health & safety: Portugal is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Europe, with low crime and excellent healthcare; normal precautions against pickpocketing on busy trams and in tourist areas are sensible. Tap water is safe to drink, no special vaccinations are needed, and EU visitors should carry an EHIC/GHIC card, while others should have travel insurance
- Culture & pace: Portugal rewards an unhurried pace; savour long lunches of fresh seafood, a glass of port or vinho verde, the melancholy beauty of fado music in Lisbon's Alfama, and the ritual of a pastel de nata with a coffee. Sundays and public holidays are quiet, some museums close on Mondays, and the famous Portuguese warmth makes every encounter a pleasure
- Power & practicalities: Power is 230V with European two-pin type F plugs, so bring an adapter; tipping is modest and appreciated (rounding up or five to ten per cent). Portugal is on the same time as the UK (GMT/BST), the sun is strong in summer so bring sun protection, and the Atlantic keeps the coast fresh and breezy even in high summer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portugal a good destination for children?
Portugal is one of the easiest and most rewarding family destinations in Europe. It is compact, safe and sunny, with short distances, excellent roads, warm and famously child-friendly people, comfortable family hotels, safe tap water and excellent healthcare. There is endless fun for children, from trams, castles and aquariums to boat trips, sea caves, dolphins and golden beaches, and the fresh, simple food suits young palates. The relaxed, unhurried pace and gentle Atlantic beaches make it especially easy and enjoyable for families of all ages.
Can the pace and activities be tailored to our children's ages?
Absolutely. We tailor every family journey to the ages, interests and energy of your children, adjusting the balance of sightseeing and beach time, choosing the right hotels (with pools, family rooms and kids' facilities), and adding or swapping activities such as the aquarium, dolphin-watching, water parks, kayaking or cycling. We keep the pace relaxed with plenty of downtime, and can arrange child seats, connecting rooms and early dinners. Just tell us your children's ages and what they love, and we will shape the perfect trip.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically a welcome dinner and special experiences such as a Douro wine estate lunch, a fado dinner or a farewell meal). Portuguese cuisine is one of Europe's great pleasures, from fresh grilled fish, bacalhau (salt cod), and cataplana seafood stews to pastel de nata custard tarts, port and vinho verde, and we usually leave other meals free so you can explore, recommending the best tascas and restaurants at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group and self-drive options can also be arranged. Portugal's knowledgeable guides bring the palaces of Sintra, the port lodges of Porto, the monasteries, the tiled churches and the fado houses vividly to life, greatly enriching every visit, while leaving you free time to wander, relax and discover the country at your own pace.
Do I need a visa for Portugal?
Portugal is part of the EU and Schengen Area, so many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days, while others need a Schengen visa. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and assist with the process where needed, so entry is smooth. A passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure is required.
Is Portugal safe to visit?
Portugal is consistently ranked among the safest and most welcoming countries in the world, with low crime, excellent healthcare and famously warm, courteous people, so travel here is exceptionally smooth and relaxed. We use trusted local guides and drivers and follow official guidance at all times. Normal precautions against pickpocketing on busy trams and in crowded tourist spots are sensible, but Portugal's gentle, gracious character is one of the great joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal, with warm, sunny days, wildflowers, the grape harvest and fewer crowds, perfect for the cities, the Douro and touring. July and August are hot and lively, ideal for the Algarve beaches but busier, while winter is mild, green and atmospheric in Lisbon and Porto and wonderful for city breaks. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the regions you wish to see.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, the Douro, the Algarve and the islands, add a river cruise or a stay in a historic pousada, include Madeira or the Azores, extend beach or wine time, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point, and we love shaping journeys around honeymoons, families, food and wine, and special celebrations across beautiful Portugal.
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