You’re invited to join me and other Wheelchair Travel readers on an accessible group trip to one of the world’s most popular destinations!
Portugal has long been recognized as a top tourist destination. For three consecutive years, the country has claimed the top prize for Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards. The capital city of Lisbon was also recognized — as 2019’s Leading City Break Destination.
Last year, I traveled to Portugal for the first time with a group of accessible travel bloggers and had a fantastic experience. The country’s beauty, history, culture, cuisine and affordability make it the perfect choice for the first-ever WheelchairTravel.org Group Trip!
I look forward to welcoming my readers of all abilities to Portugal, and I’m confident that our group will have an amazing time exploring the world together!
Trip Itinerary
I spent hours building the perfect accessible trip itinerary with my local partner, Tourism For All Portugal. They are the local experts in accessible tourism and have the knowledge, equipment and staff to ensure that our needs are met.
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
Our driver will meet you at the international airport in Lisbon, and you will be transported to the hotel for check-in.
I will be available at the hotel in the evening to meet and answer any questions you may have. Our full group will meet the following morning to begin our tour of Lisbon.
Day 2: The Age of Discoveries
We will start our day visiting the Belém Tower, a 16th-century fortification located on the waterfront. It was from here that the Portuguese explorers set sail on their voyages of discovery. The Monument to the Portuguese Discoveries offers a great photo-op.
Next, we will visit the 15th century Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses the tomb of legendary explorer Vasco da Gama.
We’ll have the opportunity to taste the famous pastry, “Pasteis de Belém,” baked and served at the “Antiga Confeitaria” of Belém, since 1837.
Lunch (included).
After lunch, we will visit the Coaches Museum, which holds the world’s largest collection of ride and ceremonial vehicles from the 19th century.
In the afternoon, we will pass through “Cristo Rei,” a sanctuary and religious monument resembling the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. We’ll have some time to relax with a stunning view over Lisbon, the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge in the “Pousada Juventude Almada.”
We will return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 3: Traditional Lisbon
Today we will visit the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, the former residence of the King and Queen of Portugal. The luxurious palace has been well-maintained and we will learn a great deal about the country’s history.
Lunch (included).
In the afternoon, we will visit the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, where we will learn about the traditional tilework of Portugal. We will each have the opportunity to create our own tiles.
To end the day, we will watch a live Fado show while dining in the historic city center of Lisbon.
Day 4: Free Day to Explore Lisbon
Our driver will provide transportation from the hotel to downtown Lisbon in the morning. The city is yours to explore for the day, or you can tag along with me.
Here are some downtown attractions within walking/rolling distance of our drop-off point that I recommend exploring (at your own cost):
- Praça do Comércio, the city’s grandest public square and the Rua Augusta Triumphal Arch.
- Santa Justa Lift, a historic elevator leading up to a beautiful overlook of the Lisbon skyline.
- Lisboa Story Centre, a 60-minute multimedia tour of the city’s history (highly recommended).
- The National Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Carmo Archaeological Museum, located in the former Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
- Shopping, drinking & dining.
Lunch is on your own, but we will meet for a group dinner (included) at 6 p.m., at Museu da Cerveja on Praça do Comércio. Transport back to the hotel will be provided thereafter.
Day 5: From Lisbon to Sintra
Visit Sintra, a village of magic and mystery, which is the perfect symbiosis between nature and built heritage.
We will visit the Nacional Palace inhabited for almost eight centuries by Portuguese monarchs.
There will be time to buy or taste some traditional specialties like “Travesseiros of Sintra” and “Queijadas of Sintra.”
Lunch (included).
Enjoy the mountain views as we ride to the Castelo dos Mouros, a hilltop medieval castle located in the central Portuguese civil parish of Santa Maria e São Miguel.
We will continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe with a breathtaking view, passing by the stunning beaches of Guincho.
Appreciate the beautiful coastal landscape of Estoril/Cascais.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 6: Travel from Lisbon to Batalha
We will pack up our things and travel from Lisbon to Batalha, a journey of about 2 hours in our accessible vehicle.
On our way, we will stop to visit the Queluz Palace and tour its gardens, which are in perfect harmony with the building structures. It is often referred to as the “Portuguese Versailles.”
Lunch (included).
We will continue our journey to Batalha, check-in to our second hotel, rest and enjoy dinner.
Day 7: Nazaré & Alcobaça
We will drive to Nazaré, a traditional Portuguese fishing village.
Lunch (included).
Following lunch, we will depart for Alcobaça. There, we will visit Mosteiro de Alcobaça, a historic 12th century building of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will then visit the Alcobaça Wine Museum, located inside a 19th century wine cellar.
We will have dinner at the hotel with a traditional folklore show.
Day 8: The Battle in 14th Century Batalha
Just a few blocks from our hotel, we will visit the Centro de Interpretação Batalha de Aljubarrota, a museum dedicated to the Portuguese Army’s victory over the Castilian Army on August 14, 1385 in the Battle of Aljubarrota.
Lunch (included).
After lunch, we will visit Mosteiro da Batalha, which translates to “Monastery of the Battle.” Construction on the Dominican convent began in 1386 and continued for nearly 150 years. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Weather permitting, we will drive to see the site of the battle. Alternatively, you can explore the city’s downtown independently or return to the hotel.
We will have dinner at the award-winning restaurant, Mosteiro do Leitão (my favorite in all of Portugal).
Day 9: Tomar and Fátima
After a short drive, we will arrive in the Medieval city of Tomar to explore its Historical Centre. We will visit the Convent of the Knights of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fortress, as well as the Templar Castle.
Lunch (included).
The next stop will be Fátima, a town that is home to the Sanctuary of Fátima, a Catholic pilgrimage site. The Capelinha das Aparições marks the spot where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared in 1917.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 10: Departure
Transfer from the hotel to the airport to meet your departing flight.
Trip Dates
To make sure this experience is special and enjoyable for everyone, I’ve decided to lead a smaller group of 10-12 people on this Portugal itinerary.
- GROUP A — Saturday, August 1st to Monday, August 10th
Trip Costs and Inclusions
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in the European Union, and I have worked hard with my partner, Portugal’s Tourism For All, to offer this itinerary at the lowest price possible.
- € 3,170 per person (~$3,516 USD) based on double occupancy
- € 3,670 per person (~$4,070 USD) for single occupancy
Here’s a rundown of what is covered by the fee:
- Accommodation in a wheelchair accessible 4-star hotel (5 nights in Lisbon, 4 nights in Batalha)
- Transportation in a wheelchair accessible vehicle
- Including transfers between Lisbon Airport and the hotel
- Tours according to our trip itinerary
- 3 days with a professional tour guide, plus guided tours of selected museums and attractions
- Admission to museums, monuments and attractions listed in the program
- 25 meals (9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners)
- All breakfasts are provided at the hotel, buffet style with a wide selection.
- Includes 1 dinner with a traditional Fado show and 1 dinner with a folklore show
- Driver expenses
- Local tourism taxes
The trip cost does not include the following:
- Airfare
- Other meals not mentioned in the program
- Tours not mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses
- Personal Travel insurance (We recommend Allianz Travel Insurance)
- Tips/gratuities
- Other services not mentioned
How to reserve your spot in our group
The 2020 Wheelchair Travel Group Trip to Portugal is sold out. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for any spots that may open as a result of cancellations, please send an e-mail to portugal2020@wheelchairtravel.org.