After breakfast, enjoy the full day at leisure, or perhaps you will book one of the following optional tours. This free time is perfect for those enjoying a Family-friendly Portugal vacation, offering flexibility to explore at your own pace or join engaging experiences suited for all ages.
Overnight in Lisbon
Optional: Fatima, Nazare, and Obidos Day Trip from Lisbon (9H)
Embark on a captivating full-day tour from Lisbon to explore the historic towns of Óbidos, Nazaré, Fátima, and Batalha. Wander through the enchanting medieval streets of Óbidos with insights from your knowledgeable local guide. In the coastal village of Nazaré, enjoy a relaxing lunch (if option selected) and soak in the maritime charm. Discover the architectural splendor of the Santa Maria de Alcobaça Monastery and the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery. In Fátima, take some free time to visit the revered Sanctuary of Fátima, one of the world’s most significant pilgrimage sites. As you journey back to Lisbon, admire the scenic landscapes of Portugal’s countryside, rounding off a day rich in culture, history, and natural beauty.
Optional: Fatima Half-Day Tour from Lisbon
Explore the small town of Fatima and all religious sites it has to offer, with this half-day tour which includes transportation from Lisbon. This city houses the sanctuary where it is believed that the Virgin Mary appeared to three small shepherds in 1917. Explore the Sanctuary of Fatima, the cathedral, churches, and children's houses with your tour guide for a truly emotional experience. Begin with a short, guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the site, then enjoy free time to explore the sanctuary, including its chapels and impressive basilicas. The experience also includes a guided visit to the nearby village of Aljustrel, where you’ll see the preserved homes of the three children, offering a deeper insight into their lives and the events that shaped this sacred place.
Optional: Visit the Arrabida Natural Park and Sesimbra from Lisbon (3H)
Meet your guide at your local Lisbon hotel for your day trip to Arrábida National Park and Sesimbra. Hop aboard your air-conditioned minivan and cross the 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril), often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco. Then, leave behind Lisbon’s cityscape for the oscillating Cascais coastline. Drive an hour or so and arrive at the stunningly green Arrábida Natural Park. Traverse this park while learning from your guide the history of this protected region. Continue to the golden sands of Albufeira Lagoon (Lagoa de Albufeira) and watch windsurfers and marine birds swirl in its waters. Cruise onward to the beautiful cliffs of Cabo Espichel (Cape Espichel). Here, hop out to see Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Cabo Espichel, a 600-year-old religious site where pilgrims gathered to honor Our Lady of the Cape. Then, snap some clifftop panoramic shots of the stunning Atlantic coast. Next, drive to the charming seaside town of Sesimbra, where local fishermen haul in fresh catches from the choppy waters. On your own, stroll to the Moorish castle and discover its medieval roots. Afterward, stop for lunch (own expense) in Sesimbra or nearby at the bay of Portinho da Arrábida. Reconvene with your guide and sail off on your 3-hour dolphin cruise (if an upgrade is selected). Step aboard an extravagant catamaran and enjoy live commentary as you search the Atlantic for dolphins. Or, you can continue to use remaining your free time soaking up the sun at Praia dos Coelhos (Rabbits’ Beach) and Praia do Piloto (Pilot’s Beach), Arrábida’s hidden golden beaches. Your day trip from Lisbon offers you options from here, either visit the stately Palmela Castle and Setúbal Castle or tantalize your taste buds with a food and wine tasting at a local Azeitão village wine cellar. Taste two varieties of Portuguese wine paired with local small plate specialties. After an adventurous day join with your group for a ride back to your Lisbon hotel where your tour ends.
Optional: Full-Day Tour of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril
Meet your guide in central Lisbon for a memorable guided day trip to Sintra and Cascais. Hop aboard your air-conditioned minivan and travel to Sintra. First, stop at Pena Park and see the diversity of plants and trees line the beautiful trails. Then, voyage to a spectacular vantage point of the colorful Pena National Palace (Palacio da Pena). Continue to Pena National Palace, the most famous of Sintra’s monuments, located at the top of Sintra Mountain. Enjoy this 19th-century Romanticist castle that looks and feels like a fairy tale. Admire its eclectic Neo-Manueline, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance styles as you head inside. Observe the extravagant bedrooms that used to serve as a summer residence for the royal family. Depart the palace and stroll with your guide to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra. Spend some free time to have lunch or discover the town’s forested palaces like Sintra National Palace, a medieval royal palace occupied from the 15th to 19th centuries (own expense). Check out the local fare with tastes of aqueijada or travesseiro, two scrumptious and traditional pastries. Meet back at your coach and travel past Quinta da Regaleira and the Palace of Monserrate on the way to Roca Cape (Cabo da Roca). Then, whip out your camera for great photos at the rocky bluffs which are Europe’s westernmost point. Briefly, visit Guincho Beach where surfers shred the gnar and then cruise by Hell’s Mouth (Boca do Inferno). Finally, make your way to Cascais’ bay for a walk. In the former fishing town of Cascais, peruse the narrow streets of this trendy vacation getaway with your guide. Check out classic white, terracotta-roofed houses as you make your way to the beach. Then, bask in the sun as you tuck your toes into the golden sands and gaze over the expansive Atlantic Ocean. Along the journey back to central Lisbon, where your tour concludes, enjoy pristine views of the scenic town of Estoril.
Optional: Private Wine Tasting Tour to the Setubal Wine Region (6H)
Tantalize your taste buds on this private guided day trip to the Setúbal region wine trip from Lisbon. Enjoy a great introduction to the wines and cheeses of this beautiful region. Stop at multiple wineries for tastings to sample various varietals. Then, devour local cheeses and snacks as you admire the surrounding topography and explore the landscape at your leisure with your dedicated guide and vehicle.
