Portugal

Welcome to Portugal! 

Colorful palaces, pristine beaches, epic mountain views, and enchanting old towns, Portugal is a country full of surprises that will delight you at every turn. 

Portugal is known for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant culture. Your journey begins in one of Europe’s oldest cities, Lisbon. Stroll along the cobbled alleyways in the charming medieval town of Obidos. Then base yourself in Nazaré, one of Portugal’s premier coastal towns and home to the biggest wave ever ridden!  

During your time in Nazaré, you’ll have the chance to taste some of Portugal’s most delicious wines, snack on must-eat pastries, explore historic sites, and learn how to make your own tiles. 

Duration: 6 days & 5 nights 

Start: Please arrive at Humberto Delgado International Airport (LIS) by 2:00 p.m. 

Finish: The trip ends in Lisbon, Portugal. 

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration— please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

• 6 days & 5 nights shared accommodations in hotel rooms 
• 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, & 3 dinners 
• Walking tour in enchanting Lisbon 
• Orientation walk in Obidos 
• Cherry liquor tasting in Obidos 
• Orientation walk in Nazaré 
• Funicular ride in Nazaré 
• Guided hike in Nazaré 
• Visit to the Farol de Nazaré 
• Local bus to Alcobaca 
• Tile painting workshop 
• Wine tasting at a local vineyard with a picnic 
• Private airport pick-up upon arrival 
• Under30Experiences Trip Leader 
• Personal recommendations for optional activities 
• The chance to meet some kick-ass people 
• Access to the Under30Experiences community 
• Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates 

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Portugal.

Transportation for optional activities is not included.

• Day trip to Obidos 
• View of the big waves of Nazaré 
• Wine tasting with a picnic lunch 
• Tile making class 
• Beach time in Nazaré 
• Dining on Portuguese cuisine

This trip is ideal for travelers seeking an introduction to Portugal’s history and culture, with some beach time included. 

Our base will be in Nazaré, a charming coastal town popular with surfers but with plenty of activities for non-surfers. The itinerary includes walking tours of medieval towns, coastal hikes, and unique culinary experiences, such as dining on seafood and enjoying a picnic lunch at a winery. 

If you enjoy traveling like a local, you can go on an excursion to Alcobaca via a local bus. You’ll have a few hours to take in this smaller town and explore some of the historical sites, and also participate in a tile-making workshop. 

Nazaré is one of Portugal’s premier beach destinations. You will have plenty of time to relax on the golden sands, swim in the waters, and watch the surfers. 

However, this trip spends only a little time in Lisbon, so if you really want to experience the city, you’ll have to extend your stay. 

A lot of free time during this trip will allow you to explore the towns at your own pace. There will be optional activities for you to choose from. Our idea is to give you time to relax and curate your experience as actively and adventurously as you prefer. If you prefer minimal downtime, this trip may not be for you. 

- Age requirement: 21+ 

- Group size: 16 max, average 8-10 

- 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 are welcome to join a custom WhatsApp group and connect with your fellow travelers. Many of them meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to spend extra time in a country after their trip. 

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to create an open, supportive environment where people feel safe to be themselves truly. 

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni and part of our larger online Travel Community, with access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We constantly host meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes and outdoor movie nights. 

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with new friends.

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. 

While we intend to adhere to the itinerary, a certain amount of flexibility is built into it; sometimes changes may be necessary or even desirable. 

Travel times listed are approximate only and may vary due to local circumstances.

You will be traveling by private ground transportation and public bus throughout your trip. 

• Included private ground transportation from the airport  
• Included public bus to Alcobaca on Day 4 
• Included public bus and taxi around Lisbon 
• Transportation for optional activities is not included

You will be staying in shared hotel rooms throughout your trip. 

Laundry is available at the hotel for an additional fee. Your Trip Leader can give the details. 

Accommodations may vary, but will be of the same quality. 

Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender. 

Private room options are available upon checkout, 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. Your policy must include coverage for repatriation. 

Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues, such as trip interruption, lost luggage, and theft. Travel medical insurance covers expenses such as repatriation, medical care, ambulance services, and hospital stays.  

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, trip cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please double-check that your travel insurance covers all 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, so always review your plan based on your trip before choosing.

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 Under30Experiences. 

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. 

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads through our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads, and this is not a recommendation to buy their travel insurance.

Our cancellation policy is flexible.

If you cancel at least 60 days before your trip, you can switch to another trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use. 

If you cancel less than 60 days before your trip because of an emergency, please refer to your travel insurance company, as they may cover some of your expenses.  

We are unable to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of the trip, as we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

Experienced Trip Leaders accompany all Under30Experiences trips.

Their role is to make your experience awesome 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 service, a tip is an appropriate gesture to thank. While it may not be customary to you, it means a lot to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Moreover, it inspires excellent service and is a common practice in the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest a tip of around 5-10 USD per person per day 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 at restaurants and plastic bags when shopping. 
• 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 everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so each traveler may bring only one main piece of luggage. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. 

Below are our staff picks for the best travel items. All products 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. If you choose to buy through them, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Guidelines for US Passport Holders

Make sure you have an updated passport with you. It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the US Department of State if you have questions.

Also, ensure there is no damage to your passport. You may have to replace your passport if it contains water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other damage.

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.  

You can find more health information for travelers to Portugal at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Bring about 300 USD for 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 own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities. 

The official currency of Portugal is the Euro (EUR). 

Notify your credit card company that 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. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, preferebly in denominations lower than 100 USD.

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, 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 if one is available.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

Leave flashy jewelry at home.

US citizens should consider registering with the US State Department's "Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP),” which can contact your family in case of an emergency.

Keep the address of your hotel in the event that you get separated from your Trip Leader.

March through May

Temperatures rise to a pleasant level as the flowers bloom and Portugal comes to life. The average temperature stays in the mid to upper 60 degrees Fahrenheit (18-20 Celsius). By May, it often reaches the 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21-26 Celsius).

June through August

As the heat of summer reaches its peak, so do the crowds. Sunseekers from northern Europe flock to Portugal’s pristine beaches, which can get very busy during this season. The average temperature ranges from mid 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-29 degrees Celsius). 

September and October

These are the two best months to visit Portugal. The weather is still warm and pleasant, and the temperatures are much more suitable for sightseeing or hiking. Averages run from the low 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-26 degrees Celsius). Later in October, the air cools noticeably.

Religion 

Showing respect for Catholicism and the Christian tradition is very important. Portugal’s history is deeply connected to Christianity, and being disrespectful may cause great offense. 

Dress

Consider how you dress and present yourself. Portuguese usually dress modestly but with style. It is important to dress respectfully, particularly when entering formal spaces such as a church. Casual attire, such as beachwear 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 a Porto neighborhood, was founded in 1903. Sporting and Benfica are the main rivals in Lisbon, with other clubs throughout the country. Have you heard about Cristiano Ronaldo? 

Café Culture

Coffee is an important ritual in Portugal at any time, not just over breakfast, standing at the counter with a pastry, or after lunch. Pavement cafés are everywhere and give you 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 exist in most cities throughout Portugal. Even small towns usually set aside an area for local art exhibitions.  

Azulejos (from the Arabic al-zillīj, meaning "polished stone") is a distinctive 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, regulating indoor temperature while also insulating walls from the outside. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo in Lisbon is one of the many places where visitors can see more of this art. 

Music 

Fado, folk music, and dancing are Portugal’s most important forms of musical expression. This style of music appears on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Fado, which translates 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 which describes homesickness, longing, and nostalgia. 

Key Phrases: 

• Hello -- Oi/Olá 
• Good Morning – Bom Dia  
• Excuse me -- Com licença 
• How are you? -- Tudo bem? 
• Thank you -- Obrigada/o 
• I am hungry – Estou com fome 
• Where is the bathroom? – Onde fica a casa de banho? 
• How much does this cost? – Quanto custa? 
• I don’t speak Portuguese – Não falo português

Lisbon

• The National Tile Museum – from 10 euros
  The museum’s collections takes you through the history of tile-making from the 15th century to present day. 

• Jeronimos Monastery – from 10 euros
  A magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site in Lisbon's Belém district, built in the 16th century as a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery.  

• National Museum of Ancient Art – from 6 euros 
  With more than 40,000 items, this museum holds the largest number of works classified by the state as "national treasures." 

• Mercado Da Ribeira or the Time Out Market 
  Home to 26 restaurants, 8 bars, a dozen shops, a high-end events venue, and a cooking academy. This is the Original Time Out Market.

• Castelo de Sao Jorge – from 15 euros 
  A site of fortifications for centuries, pre-dating even Roman occupation, and changing hands with the dynamics of Portugal's turbulent history. It also offers one of Lisbon’s most beautiful viewpoints. 

• Belem Tower – from 6 euros
  A 16th-century fortification located in Lisbon that once served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. This tower symbolizes Portugal's maritime and colonial power in early modern Europe. 

Nazaré

• E-bike tour – from 25 euros
  ‍Explore Nazaré’s stunning landscapes with ease and comfort on a mountain or an urban-style e-bike. Tours range in distance and terrain, including visits to beaches and villages. 

• Dolphin Observation Tour – from 40 euros
  Join this up to 2-hour dolphin watching tour in the surrounding ocean waters of Nazaré. This is a great activity to connect with nature and learn about these fantastic creatures. Everyone is welcome on board to experience the unforgettable feeling of watching dolphins in the wild! 

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

Under30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech. Any violation is grounds for immediate removal from the trip.

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 safe and 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 certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, not using illegal drugs, not carrying weapons, and not soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, please ask your Trip Leader or take time to learn. 

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When you encounter 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, and their job is to look out for you and the group. 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 of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Lisbon: 

• My Story Hotel Tejo 
• Hote Gat Rossio ‍
• Mama Shelter Lisboa

Check out some of our most popular posts on travel hacking from our award-winning blog!

• My Portugal Trip Review + Travel Tips
• Score Your First Free Flight & Increase Your Credit Score
• Ultimate Guide to Getting Free Flights Through Credit Card Rewards
• Find Cheap Flights & Save Money
• Ultimate Guide to Choosing Flights
• Free Download: How to Find the Best Deals on Flights

Don’t miss out on special offers and community updates from Under30Experiences — get our newsletter here.