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Portugal for Families Adventure
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                  PORTUGAL FOR FAMILIES
PORTUGAL FOR FAMILIES ITINERARY:

Ages 10 and Up

Days 1-2 Depart U.S. / Arrive Lisbon - Early Check-in, Rest and Sintra

Depart the U.S. for Lisbon on an overnight flight. Welcome to Portugal! A Thomson Family Adventures representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where an early check-in will allow you to rest up from the flight.

After lunch, the adventures begin. Our first stop: The green hills and old quarters of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the 19th century mystical Regaleira Palace with its turrets, gardens and grottos. Lord Byron once called Sintra "glorious Eden." Maybe you'll write your own poem about it. L, D (day 2)

Day 3 Lisbon - Alfama, St. George's Castle, Oceanarium and Fado

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon, or Lisboa as it's called here, is steeped in legend. Was it founded by Ulysses, as some believe? Find out on our tour beginning in the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter that survived the earthquake of 1755.

We step into the past as we wind through the ancient streets and buildings remaining from that distant time, and visit St. George's Castle high on a hill standing guard over the city. We will also see one of the many old churches that give Portugal much of its character, the Se, built by Dom Alfonso Henriques who captured Lisbon from the Moors in 1147. One of the longest bridges in the world is in Lisbon, and throughout the city there are elevators that carry people up to the top of the many hills.

In the afternoon we leave the past behind to explore state-of-the-art Lisbon Oceanarium, largest aquarium in Europe and second largest in the world (only one in Japan is bigger). Among its 16,000 animals and plants are sharks, rays and barracudas circling in the massive Global Ocean Tank.

What is Fado? It means fate, and it's the soulful national song style of Portugal. Tonight parents have the option (your expense) of participating in a traditional Fado Night and dinner, while children (and parents who stay behind) have their own special activity at the hotel. B, L, D

Day 4 Lousã - Medieval Town of Obidos
Today we travel to the village of Lousã in Eastern Portugal, where the mountains meet the plains. Along the way we visit Obidos, one of the country's magical medieval towns. Dom Dinis gave it to his wife, Queen Isabel, in 1282, which helped earn it the name, "Town of Queens." We'll wander along the narrow streets, past charming whitewashed houses where colorful flowers spill from window boxes. We'll walk the walls of the castle – walls that surround the entire town – and explore boutiques, too.

Next stop: Nazare, known as "the most picturesque fishing village" in all of Portugal—and that's saying something in a country of countless picturesque fishing villages, so don't forget your camera. We'll visit the tiny chapel by the sea and perhaps buy cashews from local women in the square. B, L, D

Day 5 Lousã Kayaking
This morning we head to the gently flowing Mondego River for a two-hour kayak tour. Paddling is fun, and so is jumping in the water for a refreshing swim. Maybe we'll meet local families enjoying the summer day along the riverbanks.

Later in the afternoon we can take a leisurely stroll through the village of Lousã where past and present happily coexist. We might stop for an espresso, beer or soda in one of the many cafes lining the Square to savor the rhythm and tastes of village life. B, L, D

Day 6 Lousã - Free Morning, Pen Pals, Hiking Lousã Mountain
A free morning is planned so you and the kids can enjoy the activities of Lousã on your own. Possibilities: Book an outdoor adventure with a local outfitter, relax at the hotel or visit Coimbra, Portugal's first capital. Coimbra is one of Europe's oldest university towns—King Dinis founded the university here in 1290. Six of Portugal's kings were born here and it's the site of the largest Roman settlement in the country.

This afternoon, we'll meet our pen pals and have our first chance to talk to them face to face. And we'll experience one of the highlights of our trip—a hike up Lousã Mountain. Starting at Lousã Castle, built in the 10th century, we'll pass the Sra. da Piedade Chapels. At the top, we'll explore the tiny villages of Talasnal and Casal Novo where the stone cottages have one floor for people and one floor for sheep! Nature is bountiful here; we might find raspberries, chestnuts, apples and grapes along the way, and awesome views are guaranteed. B, L

Day 7 Amarante and Porto - Manor House, Oporto
On our way to Amarante, we'll make two stops, experiencing two different aspects of Portuguese life. Manor House is a unique family estate with a beautiful main house, gardens and a small zoo. Children can enjoy the zoo while adults and teens take in the exquisite home and gardens.

Then there's Oporto, the country's second largest city and home of one of Portugal's most famous products, Port wine, as well as ancient monasteries and Stone Age art. While parents sample local wines, children head to the river for an adventure of their own.

Later we arrive in Amarante, a lovely town lying on both sides of the Rio Tamega, its two halves joined together by a much-photographed 18th century bridge. Our hotel sits at the entrance to the bridge so you'll have plenty of opportunity to take pictures. B, L, D

Day 8 Amarante - Village Walk & Waterpark or Golf
We'll discover the charms of Amarante's cobblestone streets, churches, shops and the traditional Saturday market on an early morning sojourn through town. B, D

This afternoon, you have a choice of activities. You might check out the Amarante Water Park. The water park is an attraction few tourists visit, so this is your chance to play like a local, mingling with Portuguese families as you zip down the waterslides and splash in the pools. If cycling is more your style, grab a bike from the hotel and take a ride around Amarante and the surrounding valley. If you want to play golf (your expense) this afternoon we can help you organize a round at a local course.

Tonight at our farewell dinner we'll celebrate all we've seen, done and learned in the past week. What can you say in Portuguese now? Perhaps:
Bom dia (Good morning)
Obrigado (Thank you)
Sim/Não (Yes/no)
Se faz favor (Please)
and most definitely, Quanto custa? (How much does it cost?).

Day 9 Return Home

This morning after breakfast we transfer you to your flights home and you say a final Adeus (Good-bye) to your new friends and to the magical country of Portugal. B

Back to THOMSON FAMILY ADVENTURES - Menu Page
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.

Join Thomson Family Adventures for a journey of discovery where you and your children will literally walk into history, but also experience the vibrancy of contemporary Portugal's art and culture and its warm people.

You'll have a chance to hike a mountain and kayak a river, and to meet local families face to face—a signature component of Thomson trips.

Our itinerary is guaranteed to capture the imaginations of parents and kids alike. It balances culture and history with active adventures, and gives families a broad range of experiences and fascinating insights into one of Europe's most compelling destinations.
 
             DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
Departure Dates

Adults

Teens
12-17
Children Under 12
2008      
Jun 14 - Jun 22 4,490 4,490 4,390
Jun 28 - Jul 06 4,490 4,490 4,390
Jul 19 - Jul 27 4,490 4,490 4,390
2009      
Apr 11 - Apr 19 $4,490 $4,490 $4,390
Apr 18 - Apr 26 4,490 4,490 4,390
Jun 13 - Jun 21 4,490 4,490 4,390
Jun 27 - Jul 05 4,490 4,490 4,390
Jul 18 - Jul 26 4,490 4,490 4,390

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

Flights: Call for international flights.

Triple Discount:  Additional discount of $300 applies for children under 12 sharing a triple with two adults. The discount is for the child only.
 

         YOUR FAMILY ADVENTURE INCLUDES
  • Accommodations based on double occupancy at comfortable and distinctive tourist-level hotels
  • Most Meals
  • Travel in Small Groups of 25 or less
  • Services of One of Our Expert Portuguese Guides
  • Land Transportation
  • Airport Transfers
  • All Excursions as listed in the itinerary
  • Groups of 8 or More Will Be Accompanied by One of Our Mentors who will provide hands-on activities, games and reading materials
  • Complete Pre-Departure Information to help you prepare for your trip, including terms and conditions, pre-departure instructions, a packing list, health requirements, visa regulations and all of your flight details
  • Pen Pals with whom your children will correspond and then meet in Portugal; a logbook including a journal, bird lists, mammal lists and sketchpads
  • Travel Insurance from Travel Insured International covering:
    Trip cancellation, interruption or delay
    Emergency medical treatment or evacuation
    Lost, stolen or damaged baggage or travel documents
    Luggage delay

All information is property of Thomson Family Adventures. Certain restrictions apply. All rates in U.S. dollars. Prices, savings offers, and other terms subject to change without notice. Images, logos, photographs etc. on this page is copyrighted by Thomson Family Adventures. All such copyright material is acknowledged. These pages are not endorsed or supported by Thomson Family Adventures in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by Thomson Family Adventures.  It is presumed to be accurate and is subject to change without notice.

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