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
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