Welcome to Portugal!
Colorful palaces, pristine beaches, epic mountain views, and charming old towns, Portugal is a country that will surprise and delight you at every turn.
Explore Portugal’s laid-back vibe and get fully immersed in its vibrant culture. Begin your journey in one of Europe’s oldest cities, Lisbon. Then make your way to the medieval city of Evora, located in the heart of Alentejo. Close out your trip on the beaches of Lagos and Olhao.
Along the way, you’ll be tasting some of Portugal’s most delicious wines, snacking on must-eat pastries, and even exploring hidden caves along the Algarve coast.
Duration: 8 days & 7 nights
Start: Please arrive at Humberto Delgado International Airport (LIS) by 2:00 p.m.
Finish: The trip ends in Olhao, Portugal.
Plan to depart any time on Day 8. Travelers are responsible for their transportation back to the airport or can choose to extend their stay.
Airfare booking details will be sent after registration--please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.
Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Portugal.
Transportation and optional activities are not included.
This trip is for travelers who want an introduction to Portugal’s history and culture but also just want to enjoy the beaches of the Algarve region.
This trip spends only a little bit of time in Lisbon, so if you really want to experience this city, you’ll have to extend your trip.
History lovers will enjoy the visit to Evora, one of Portugal’s most intact historical towns that dates back over 2,000 years. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to ancient Roman ruins, medieval castles, and cobblestone streets.
But of course, if you’re wanting beach time, then this trip is for you! After spending the first few days in Lisbon, you’ll close out your Portugal experience with 4 nights in the Algarve region. You’ll be able to swim, relax on the beach, indulge in Portuguese cuisine, and visit a small fishing village.
This trip does have a lot of free time built in, allowing you to explore the towns on your own. There will be optional activities for you to choose from. We wanted to ensure that you have time to relax and curate your experience to be as active and adventurous as you prefer. If you don’t like a lot of downtime, perhaps this trip is not for you.
-Age requirement: 21+
-Group size: 16 max, average 13
-Physical rating: Moderate. This trip is a good mix of activity and relaxation and includes moderate physical activities. Participants should expect to be active for 3-4 hours most days. An active lifestyle is helpful, though not required to enjoy the trip.
Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.
Before your trip, you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp group and connect with other members of your group. Many travelers meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.
During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment where people feel safe to truly be themselves.
After your trip, you'll be an official O30X Alumni and part of our larger online Travel Community, where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes to outdoor movie nights.
More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.
Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
While we intend to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it, and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Portugal has glorious, much-underrated cuisine. There are filling, well-priced main courses enjoyed with good beer and excellent wine, followed by some of Europe's tastiest desserts. Restaurants have a growing awareness of vegetarian and vegan options.
Sample Breakfast Menu:
Sample Dinner Menu:
Please note this will depend on the restaurants that the Trip Leader chooses, but you can expect the following:
Sample Vegetarian Menu:
You will travel by private ground transportation, public bus, and taxi throughout your trip.
Private ground transportation to and from the airport (included)
Public bus and taxis around Lisbon, Lagos, and Faro (not included)
Optional activities do not include transportation.
You will be staying in shared hotel rooms for your trip.
Laundry service is available at the hotel for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.
Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality.
Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.
Private room options are available upon request, subject to hotel availability for an extra charge.
Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate in our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.
Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays.
The policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage, and personal effects. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers all the activities you plan to participate in.
Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please read your plan’s coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.
Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Over30Experiences.
We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page at no extra cost.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Flexible.
Give us at least 60 days' notice, and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.
If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 60 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company, as they may cover you for some expenses.
We cannot transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.
All Over30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.
The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.
You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
Tipping Trip Leaders: Gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest around 3-5 USD per person daily for Trip Leaders.
Please be eco-friendly!
Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.
Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment.
Bring "reef-safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral.
We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so one main piece of luggage per person is limited. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage.
Below are our staff picks of the best items we travel with on the market! All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.
Remember: water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses and a hat!
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost, Over30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:
Make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State with any more questions.
Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn-out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.
The tap water in Portugal is safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Portugal beautiful.
Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.
No inoculations are required to enter Portugal from the United States, but the US Center for Disease Control suggests routine vaccines for all travelers.
Health Information for Travelers to Portugal can be found at the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
We suggest bringing 300 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.
This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.
The official currency of Portugal is the euro (EUR).
Remember to let your bank and credit card company know you will be traveling overseas.
For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.
Please be advised that US dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. Bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100 USD.
Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.
Keep your passport and any valuables locked in the safe at the hotel.
Don’t leave valuables unattended.
Leave flashy jewelry at home.
US Citizens, please consider registering with the US Department of State’s “SMART Traveler Program,” who can contact your family in an emergency.
Although Portugal is generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering around any town at night. We recommend staying in small groups when traveling at night.
Be sure to have a copy of your your hotel address in case you are separated from the group.
March through May:
Temperatures rise to a pleasant level as the flowers bloom and Portugal comes to life. The average temperature is in the mid to upper 60s Fahrenheit (18-20 Celsius); toward May, it will reach the 70s Fahrenheit (21-26 Celsius).
June through August:
As the heat of summer reaches its peak, so too do the crowds. Sunseekers from northern Europe head for Portugal’s pristine beaches. The Algarve gets very busy at this time. The average temperature ranges from mid-70s Fahrenheit to mid-80s Fahrenheit (21-29 Celsius).
September and October:
September and October are two of the best months to visit Portugal. The weather is still warm and pleasant, and the temperatures are much more manageable for sightseeing or hiking. The average temperature ranges from lower 70s Farenheit to lower 80s Fahrenheit (21-26 Celsius). The later it gets into October, the cooler the temperatures will drop.
Religion:
Show respect for Catholicism and the Christian tradition. Portugal’s history is deeply connected to Christianity, and being disrespectful may cause great offense.
Dress:
Consider how you dress and present yourself. Portuguese tend to dress modestly with a sense of elegance. It is important to dress respectfully, particularly when entering formal spaces such as a church. Casual attire such as beach ware or being barefoot is inappropriate in public and can make one seem unsophisticated.
Sport:
Soccer or futebol, is the most popular sport in Portugal. The oldest club, Boavista, named after thePorto neighborhood, was founded in 1903. Sporting and Benfica are the rivals in Lisbon, and there are other clubs throughout the country. Have you heard about Cristiano Ronaldo?
Cafe Culture:
Coffee is an important ritualin Portugal at any time, not just over breakfast, standing at the counter with a pastry, or after lunch. Pavement cafés everywhere, the perfect opportunity to become immersed in day-to-day life in Portugal.
Art:
The Portuguese have a deep-seated appreciation of art. Museums are popular and can be found in most cities throughout Portugal. Unless it is the tiniest village, there is always an area designated for local art exhibitions.
Azulejos, (from the Arabic al-zillīj meaning "polished stone") is a characteristic Portuguese art form seen throughout the country and in former Portuguese territories overseas. Azulejos decorate the exteriors and interiors of churches, civic buildings, palaces, railway and metro stations, schools, and even housing. They are both decorative and functional, helping to control the temperature of interiors and provide insulation for exteriors. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo in Lisbon is one of the many places to appreciate this art.
Music:
Fado, folk music, and dancing are Portugal’s most important forms of musical expression. This style of music is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Fado, translating to “destiny” or “fate,” is characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea. It is linked to the concept of saudade, a word connoting homesickness, longing, and nostalgia.
Key Phrases
Lisbon:
Evora:
Lagos:
Olhao:
While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any activities you undertake are not part of the Over30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.
Over30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech, and is grounds for immediate removal!
Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes but is not limited to, fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.
Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.
It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting specific communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding using illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask.
Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.
Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.
Trip leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!
Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.
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